Sermons
Sermons from Bay Vista Baptist ChurchHe IS Coming Back!
After debunking the false teachers, Peter turns his attention to those who scoff at Christians over the doctrine of Jesus’ bodily return to earth. While we still believe He is returning “soon,” we must view that from His perspective, and take confidence from the fact that He has promised to return.
Powerless Poseurs
Up to this point, Peter has painted a very negative picture of the false teachers preying on the early church. In today’s Scripture, he reminds them that, while they need to be vigilant against false teaching, these teachers are ultimately powerless, and that their end will be harsh.
Intentional Ungodliness
Peter explains that these false teachers are not just misguided; they are arrogant predators who reject the very truth that could save them. We must, rather, embrace teachers who mirror humility, discipleship, and a willingness to live for the Lord.
Our Protector
After discussing those who would destroy the Church from within, Peter presents a long if/then statement. In it, he assures his readers that the ungodly are judged, even if it doesn’t seem like judgment is coming; and that God consistently rescues His people in their time of need.
False Prophets and Teachers
If the theme of 2 Peter is “the Church under fire from within,” this is the place where Peter describes the threat. These wolves among the sheep are something for which we should be alert, while understanding their motivation and acknowledging the judgment waiting for those who would try to destroy the Body of Christ from within.
The Prophetic Word
Before Peter starts in on the false teachers, he gives the believers encouragement, to strengthen their faith. Our faith in Christ s is a faith that is based on the witness of God the Father, recorded in the written Word, and continues through the work of the Holy Spirit.
A Confirmed Calling
Peter encourages the church to continue to assure themselves of their position in Christ. By testing and confirming our faith, know that we can rely on it when we need it.
A Growing Faith
Since God has given us everything we need for life and godliness, and also given us His exceeding great and precious promises - we need to use them! Peter uses an immediate command in this passage to remind them that their faith, and a host of other qualities, should be continually increasing, so they do not become ineffective for the kingdom of God.
The Promises of God
Peter continues emphasizing the knowledge of God as the key for power and success in the Christian life. We cannot tap into this power, which we already have, if we do not know about it!
An Equal Faith
As Peter begins his second letter to the first-century church under fire, he focuses on the equal faith that all believers have, and the powerful knowledge of the Lord that this faith enables. These words are still true today, and should cause us to celebrate our equality of faith and the possibility of a deeper knowledge of God.