Day 308 – 2 Peter – Introduction

“By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvellous glory and excellence.” 2 Peter 1:3 NLT

Warnings come in many forms: lights, signs, sights, sounds, smells, feelings, and written words. With varied focus, their purpose is the same – to advise alertness and give notice of imminent danger. Responses to these warnings also vary from disregard and neglect to evasive or corrective action. How a person reacts to a warning is usually determined by the situation and the source. One reacts differently to an impending storm than to an oncoming vehicle, and the counsel of a trusted friend is heeded more than advice from a stranger or the fearful imaginings of a child.

The second letter of Peter serves as a warning – from an authority none other than the courageous, experienced, and faithful apostle Peter. It is also his last communication from this great warrior of Christ. Soon after writing this letter (approximately AD 62), he was martyred for his faith.

Previously, he had written to comfort and encourage believers, but three years later, he wrote to warn them of an internal attack: complacency and heresy. He spoke of holding fast to the non-negotiable facts of the Gospel, of growing and maturing in the faith, and of rejecting all who tried to distort the truth. Following this advice would ensure Christ-honouring individuals and Christ-centred churches.

Listen carefully to Peter’s message and heed his warning. Determine to grow in your knowledge of Christ and to reject all those who preach anything inconsistent with God’s Word.

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for this letter of Peter and that we can use it as fertilizer to grow into spiritual maturity. Thank You for the warnings, which are still of value today, and for teaching us to turn away from those who are false and inconsistent. Amen.