Introduction

Perhaps begin your sermon by mentioning that 2 Peter contains the final communication from the apostle Peter to God’s church. He knows that his death is going to come soon. What does he want the church to know before he should leave this world?

Reading through the whole letter, there is one word in particular that is often repeated: recall/reminder. We find it in 2 Peter 1:12, 2 Peter 1:13, 2 Peter 1:15, and 2 Peter 3:1. He wants to remind God’s church of the truth that he has already shared with them—not new information but a reminder of what has already been heard.

This reminder is necessary because some people are twisting and distorting God’s truth with the result that believers can be carried away by error (2 Peter 3:16–18). For us today, as we read this letter, we must appreciate that we will be reminded of God’s truth so that we can stand firm.

A faith of equal standing

• Explain why believers might be tempted to think that the apostles had a higher or better faith than them.

• Explain what it means for us to have a faith of equal standing with the apostles.

• Apply: consider some examples where we tend to think that some Christians are better than others, as if they have a higher faith.

Equipped by God for godly living and encouraged by great promises

• Explain how God has given us everything we need for godly living (divine power and knowledge).

• Apply: consider the excuses we make for our sins, how we sometimes expect God to give us more, as if we are not in a position now to pursue godliness.

• Explain the promises that God has given to us to encourage us as we seek to pursue a godly life—transformation now by the Spirit, transformation when Christ returns, and life in glory.

• Apply: consider how we might give up on pursuing godliness if we lose sight of these two promises.

• Apply: encourage God’s people to know that his forgiveness is there and will not be taken from us when we sin and struggle, just like it was not taken from Peter.

• Apply: warn those who have no desire to pursue godliness to repent, turn from their sins, and trust in Christ for forgiveness. This is the start of the godly life.

Conclusion

Through faith in Jesus Christ we have been made right with God and have peace with him. We do not need to fear judgment or wrath for Christ is our Saviour. Christ has also given us his Spirit and now that we belong to him we are to pursue godly living. He will help us to do so, working powerfully in us to change our desires. He has promised that one day we will receive resurrection bodies and be freed from a world of sin and pain for life, in God’s glorious new creation. These promises encourage us to keep fighting against sin, trusting in Christ to forgive us when we fail, knowing that we have a hope that does not fade or spoil.