Daily Bread for Dec 22, 2 Pet 1-3

Today’s readings are 2 Pet 1-3.

2 Peter is to Peter's writings what 2 Timothy is to Paul's writings. It is the last letter written by Peter knowing his execution is at hand. Peter's passion for sound teaching is exhibited as is a glance back at the transfiguration, comparing it to the light of the gospel. Peter now sees the transfiguration a bit differently. He makes the point that there is a better understanding of the gospel after the resurrection than there was before it.

2 Pet 1 tells us the antidote to false teaching (there's that theme again) is to develop proper Christian values based on a high view of Scripture.

In 2 Pet 2, Peter questions the moral character of the false teachers infiltrating the church. They are betrayed by their selfish pride and ambition, calling attention to themselves and their followers rather than magnifying the name of Christ. This will become the measure of all false teachers. Who do they point to? Who do they serve? Is their ministry one of self-promotion or one of service, humility and a passion for equipping the church to walk in its calling?

2 Pet 3 affirms Paul's writings as Scripture and encourages the church to continue to grow in grace. Using his eyewitness account of the transfiguration, Christ's promised return and God's sovereign control over all the events of history, Peter appeals to the church to continue to pursue godly living with the guarantee of glorification upon His return.

Peter's last words to us are, "...grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." This is a fitting sign-off. Peter wants his readers to continue in their reading and study of the Bible, the only way to grow in the knowledge of the Savior, thus growing in the expression of His grace as well.