2 Peter 1:12-21

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

The Christian Faith is Based on a Solid Foundation: The Word of God

Peter mentions two events from his own experience with the Lord that support the fact that the apostle Peter is indeed the author of this epistle. Name these two events.
What is the tradition of Peter’s death?
Why did Peter mention the first event?
Why did Peter mention the second event?
What is particularly significant about the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead?

The first event is when the Lord revealed to Peter that he would be a martyr (2 Peter 1:14). The second that Peter mentions from his experience with the Lord was the mount of transfiguration (2 Peter 1:17-18).
According to tradition, Peter was martyred by being crucified upside down.
Because he wanted to make sure that his readers were firmly established in the truth before his soon-coming departure. Peter was an eye-witness and would not be with them much longer, but they would have his epistles to remind them.
He wanted his readers to know that the Christian faith was not a figment of his imagination. He, along with James and John, saw with their own eyes the majesty of Christ (2 Peter 1:16) and they heard with their own ears the voice of God from heaven (2 Peter 1:17-18). See also Matthew 17:1-5.
No other founder of a religion was raised from the dead, save Jesus Christ our Lord.

The Christian faith has a very unique basis and foundation when compared to all other world religions. The Christian faith is based not just on the teachings of Jesus, but it is based on events that took place in history and are documented in history, and there were eye-witnesses. Consider the uniqueness of Christianity when compared to all other world religions. Aren’t you thankful to be serving a risen Savior?
The Bible is not the word of man about God. It is the word of God to man. The Bible is claiming that both the writers and the writings of scripture were inspired. Consider 2 Peter 1:19, “the prophetic word confirmed.” This means that the prophetic scriptures are confirmed when the prophecies are fulfilled. Doesn’t this give you heart to believe that what God says He will do? The confirmed word of God in our hearts is like a light shining in a dark place, giving us light in this dark world. Isn’t that both a comfort and an encouragement to live and to hope in the prospect of Christ’s coming?

Peter refers to his body as a tent (2 Peter 1:13-14). His body, and ours, are tents, temporary dwelling places. As believers, we look forward to our permanent resurrection bodies. In the meantime, remember that your body is a tent, a temporary dwelling place.

“…as long as I am in this tent, it is right to stir you up by reminding you, knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me. Moreover, I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease.” 2 Peter 1:13-15
“We did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty, for He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased..” 2 Peter 1:16-17
“We have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts…prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” 2 Peter 1:19, 21