June 17, 2007
Sun Oak Baptist Church

Introduction

        The importance of good hermeneutics; crystallize in our minds the critical importance of wholeheartedly embracing the objective truth and authority of God’s Word. See 1:20-21.

        2 things when it comes to having the bird’s eye view of this letter.

I. The historical context of 2nd Peter.

        A. When was 2nd Peter written and what was life like at that point in         history? See 1st Peter 1:1.

                1. 1st Peter around AD 63-64 and 2nd Peter around AD 64-                66.

                2. Emperor Nero ruled over the Roman Empire from AD 54–                68.

        B. Who wrote 2nd Peter and to whom it was written? See 1st Peter         1:1 and 2nd Peter 1:1.

                1. Written by the apostle Peter. Lesson: despite warts and                 rough edges, God eventually used him in some incredible ways.

                2. Written to the same group of believers to whom 1st Peter                 was written. See 3:1.

II. Let’s compare the 2 letters.

        A. Doctrine related to how one is saved is prevalent in 1st Peter, but         missing in 2nd Peter. See 1st Peter 1:1ff.

                1. The purpose of 1st Peter is to encourage Christians that were                 suffering for their faith – fundamental doctrines critical in that                 context.

                2. The purpose of 2nd Peter is to address holiness, the danger                 of false doctrine, and to encourage Christians regarding their                 hope for the future.

        B. 1st Peter deals with dangers to Christians that come from outside         of the church, 2nd Peter deals with dangers to Christians that come         from inside the church.

                1. 1st Peter: stand firm in the grace of God.

                2. 2nd Peter: be certain. Importance of personal holiness; be                 aware of false teachers; know Christ is coming again – hope.                 See 1:5-11, 2:1-3; and 3:13.

        C. Note the different key word that Peter uses to tie each of these         letters together.

                1. 1st Peter: suffering.

                2. 2nd Peter: knowledge, knowing, know, known, and                 understand.

         Key point: Peter makes a distinction in this letter between having the “true knowledge” which results in salvation and Christian growth versus having “false knowledge” of God. Knowing “about God” and knowing God are two (2) different things. There is such a thing as having a “true” knowledge of God and of having a “false” knowledge of God. See examples in chapter 1, 2 & 3.

Conclusion