For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: 2 Peter 2:4-7

The Apostle Peter is dropping some truth bombs here in today’s scriptures, if Peter preached this today, he would be canceled, probably thrown out of most denominations, but Peter is revealing the truth of God’s judgment by the Holy Spirit. And while its not comfortable or popular to talk about the wrath of God, its a reality we must warn people, without Christ you will perish!

Peter first gives us confirmation on the revelation of the Nephilim or the fallen Angels of Genesis 6, “that the sons of God saw the daughters of men, that they were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves of all whom they chose.” (Genesis 6:2) The Fallen Angels mated with human women on the Earth and created essentially a hybrid race of evil giants. “There were [b]giants on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men and they bore children to them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown.” (Genesis 6:4) Now I understand there are some people who have a hard time accepting this, but it’s in your Bible, as Peter says God punished these fallen angels and has them imprisoned until judgment day

Next the Apostle Peter brings up the judgment of Noah’s flood, I think having an understanding of the Nephilim makes the judgment of Noah’s flood more understandable. People will ask “How could God destroy the whole world except Noah’s family in the Ark”?  As the Bible says “Then [c]the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent[d] of the thoughts of his heart was only evil [e]continually.” (Genesis 6:5) The wickedness of the world was so great, not just because of humans but also because there was a living demonic presence on the Earth. 

Let’s be honest, God really had no choice but to start the human race over, the seed of the Nephilim corrupted the human bloodline. Again I know this is to much for most people to comprehend, but then you understand we are not just fighting against flesh and blood, we are battling against demonic forces (Ephesians 6) We also need to remember that God was always going to bring the Christ into the world to save us from our sins. In order for God to do this he needs to have a pure bloodline to bring forth the Christ. 

The Apostle Peter then brings up the judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah, the more things change, the more they stay the same! Wickedness continues on the Earth, even after God already cleansed it, as Peter states here “making them an example for those who shall live ungodly”

We see a history of God’s judgment upon the world, yet God continually has given us chances to repent and turn our hearts to Christ, heed these warnings, the judgement of God is coming and as Peter said “If God didn’t spare the angels, he won’t spare any of us”! Repent and and put your faith in Jesus Christ! Amen!

But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. 2 Peter 2:1-3

The Apostle Peter is warning us there will be many false prophets who will bring in many “damnable heresies”. If you spent any amount of time on Social media, you witness this first hand, many “Christians” spend a majority of their time arguing over doctrine rather than sharing the gospel with unbelievers. Now many people will say what is the big deal, what is the harm? But notice the warning from the Apostle Peter “bringing upon themselves swift destruction”

Doctrine matters! Yes what you believe about The Lord Jesus Christ matters, you shouldn’t take any of your beliefs lightly. Do you know what your Church’s Statement of Faith believes? There are many Christians today who deny the real Jesus Christ of the Bible, they deny his Deity, they deny the Triunity of God, they deny the authority of scripture. As Peter states “even denying The Lord that bought them”. If you don’t know the real Jesus Christ of the Bible, you have rejected Christ

Many false teachers and false religions will hide their true beliefs about Christ in their doctrine. There are many following these teachers that don’t realize they are preaching a false gospel, so what does your Church believe? Many will claim ignorance, I just didn’t know, is there really an excuse? Do you read your Bible daily? Do you pray without ceasing? Are you being taught by the Holy Spirit? Don’t blindly trust a religious leader unless you know what they believe

Jesus warned us multiple times “Beware of false prophets” (Matthew 7:15) “Many false prophets will appear and deceive many people” (Matthew 24:11) Satan will continually try to scatter the sheep by sending in wolves into the Church. If you are not grounded in scripture and led by the Holy Spirit, it’s easy to false for a false prophet, you must verify their doctrine is Biblical

The Apostle Paul also warned “Now the Spirit explicitly says in the latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons” (1 Timothy 4:1) Notice these false teachings in the Church today are doctrines of demons, they are taught to mislead the elect , to ultimately deny the Deity of Christ , which many “Christians” actually do without knowing

A quick way to figure out many false teachers is to follow the money trial, as Peter says here “and through covetousness or greed” False prophets are driven by the flesh not the Spirit, everything they do is to elevate themselves and not Christ , as Jesus said “They will be known by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16) Amen!

We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. 2 Peter 1:19-21

The Bible is the written and inspired Word of God, as the Apostle Peter says “For the prophecy (Bible) came not in old time by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” This to me seems to be the dividing line in the Church today, those who accept the Bible as the Word of God, our authority. And those who reject the Bible as the Word of God. The Churches that typically reject the authority of scripture, are typically the one who fall away into worldliness and sin, which is what we are seeing today in the Church

Another point I want to make is how blessed we are in todays generation, to have the written Word of God with us. Many Christians throughout generations didn’t have a Bible, many Christians didn’t have the Word of God available to them in their native language, they had to rely upon someone else to read or interpret scripture for them. We in todays Church, not only have access to a Bible in our own language, but we have countless commentaries from Christians throughout centuries, we have access to the original language to get deeper context. I believe we have more resources today than any other generation in Church history

Yet despite these advantages, many still don’t read their Bibles or cherish Gods word at all. There is no excuse in todays world, you can download a free app with the Bible in multiple translations in several minutes, yet the majority have no interest in reading the Word of God. And others in the Church will totally reject the authority of the scripture given by God the Holy Spirit. There are Christians on social media pushing for the majority of the Bible is not relevant to the Church. Meanwhile if you go back in Church history, a man like William Tysdale willingly burned alive at the stake to translate the entire Bible in English. The Bible is the dividing line between the true and fake Church

As the Apostle Peter tells us under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit “So we have the prophetic word (Bible) confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light to shine in the dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your heart” The Word of God is alive and supernatural (Hebrews 4:12) it is the light that shines our path in this dark world (Psalm 119:105) To neglect the Bible is to neglect your sanctification

Jesus said “Man can’t live on bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4) If you are not feeding on the Word of God, you are starving your soul. As the Apostle Paul said “All scripture is God breathed, and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, instruction, and righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16), Amen!

For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. 2 Peter 1:16-18

One of the reasons the Epistles of the Apostles is so valuable is to remember they were eyewitnesses to the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. As the Apostle Peter states here “We have not followed cunningly devised fables, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty” It’s important to remember the Apostles were not only filled with the Holy Spirit, but they lived with Christ for over 3 years! They were there to witness some of the most miraculous events in world history including the resurrection of Jesus Christ

This is one of the things that separates Christianity from all other religions, Christianity is historical, there are documented events throughout the life of Christ and the beginning of the Church. Christianity wasn’t just made up one day by some crazy cult leader, Christianity is factual and evidential, based on the greatest historical event that happened in human history, the resurrection of Jesus Christ. All the testimonies and eyewitnesses from the history of the Church, is strong evidential reason why you can believe Christianity is true

I think its interesting here the Apostle Peter is describing the events of the Transfiguration of Christ, as he recants when God the Father confirmed Christ as his son “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” Imagine standing there on the mountain, witnessing Moses and Elijah brought back, witnesses The Lord Jesus Christ revealed in his glorious state, hearing the words of our Heavenly Father thunder from the sky. And this was just one event Peter witnessed, as the Apostle Peter was there throughout Jesus ministry here on Earth until Christ ascended back to God the Father

As we talked about in the previous scriptures, the Apostle Peter not only testified that he was an eyewitness to all these events, he was also willing to die a horrific death for his faith. Some might say “Well religious fanatics die for their religion all the time” True, however the world killed Peter for his faith in Christ, Peter never harmed anyone for his faith. Peter was willing to be crucified on a Roman cross, than deny his Lord and the testimony that he provided. Peter never gained anything from this world for his faith and testimony, in fact he lost everything in this world for his faith in Christ, however Peter understood that Christ is everything

So as you read these scriptures this morning, ponder how the Apostles were eyewitnesses to our Lord Jesus Christ, and how they all were willing to die and suffer for their faith, Amen!

Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me. Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance. 2 Peter 1: 12-15

When your number is called to be with The Lord, what legacy are you going to leave behind? Most importantly what work for Gods Kingdom will be present after your gone? Many people don’t want to think or talk about death, however it’s the grim reality for us all, our time here on Earth is temporary and short. As the psalmist said “Teach us to number our days, so we may have a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12) We need to prioritize our time remaining here on Earth, to fulfill Gods calling for our lives

This was the letter Peter was giving to the Church, he was coming to the end of his life. But notice Peter knew this because The Lord Jesus revealed the way Peter would eventually die for The Lord . The Bible tell us this “Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.” (John 21:18-19) Jesus prophesied to Peter he was going to die for his service to Christ and also revealed what kind of death he would suffer, being crucified on a cross

As Peter says here “Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle (body), even as our Lord Jesus Christ has showed me” Think about that, Peter knew at the beginning of his ministry the price he was going to pay, yet he fulfilled his calling anyway. Peter knew there was no “Best Life Now” waiting for him, Peter knew death was awaiting him, however because of this , Peter served The Lord is urgency and importance, we should also!

Notice Peter words here “Moreover I will endeavor that you may be able after my decease (death) to have these things always in remembrance” Peter knew his time was short, and he wanted to make sure the Church remembered and learned everything he was taught by Christ himself. We as Christians should have this same urgency and goal, to teach the Church what we have learned from The Lord and leave a legacy of service and obedience. There is no time to be a lazy Christian, time is running short, and every day that passes by is a day closer for us returning home to The Lord

Church tradition teaches when it came time for Peter’s crucifixion, he requested to be crucified upside down because he didn’t feel worthy to die the same death as Christ. Even to Peters last breath, he loved and served The Lord, we should also have that same servant mentality in everything we do! Amen!

Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:10-11

I could imagine if the Apostle Peter spoke these words today, he would have alot of “hyper-grace” folks calling him a legalist or a heretic, but the Apostle Peter is speaking under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, so Christians should listen to the Apostles teachings and understand how to apply this to our Christian walk. 

The Apostle Peter starts out by addressing the audience “brethren or brothers and sisters” meaning this teaching is for the Church, so if you are a Christian you should pay attention to what Peter is conveying here. Peter goes on to say “Give diligence or every effort, to make sure your calling and election is sure or confirmed” The sad reality is there are many people who are calling themselves Christians that have never been saved. Peter is challenging us to evaluate whether we have been truly regenerated by the Holy Spirit or not

This teaching may shock some people , some it may even anger, but its better to be angry with the Apostle or preacher, than to one day stand before The Lord and him state “Depart from me I never knew you” (Matthew 7:23) The scariest words in the Bible, as Jesus goes on to teach, there are many people who are doing works in the name of Jesus, they claim to be followers of Jesus, but Christ has no idea who they even are, how is this possible? 

Because as Jesus said “Unless you are Born Again, you will not enter the Kingdom of God” (John 3:3) Unless you are Born Again, unless you are baptized and regenerated by the Holy Spirit, you can’t be a child of God. You can’t remain dead in your sins and be alive in Christ (Ephesians 2) its one of the other, doing religious works for Christ won’t save you, there is nothing we can do to save ourselves, its only by faith alone, grace alone, and Christ alone that you can be saved

When you are Born Again, as Peter states “entrance shall be ministered to you abundantly into an everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” The Lord is the only way to salvation, to eternal life, to Gods Kingdom. Are you producing fruits that are evidence of your conversion? (Matthew 7, Galatians 5) As Jesus said “A good tree will bear good fruit, and a bad tree will produce bad fruit” (Matthew 7) So what does your Christian walk look like? 

My question or challenge for you today, is do you remember the day of your salvation? Do you remember when Christ saved you? If you don’t remember when Christ saved you, are you sure you are really saved? If you feel drawn by the Father, if you feel convicted by the Holy Spirit, then call upon The Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved!

And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. 2 Peter 1:5-9

So now that you have become saved, now that you have been convicted of your sin, you repented and put your faith in Jesus Christ, you now have become Born Again and baptized with the Holy Spirit, so now what? What do you do after you become a new creation in Christ? Well it’s a process of sanctification, the Holy Spirit living inside of you, and working in you, growing and transforming you

The Apostle Peter here describes the Christian walk, “Giving all diligence or reason, add to your faith virtue or patience , knowledge, godliness,kindness, and love” Notice Peter says you “add to your faith” in the Christian walk. You don’t just remain stagnant or the same as a Christian, you’re continually growing in Christ with the Holy Spirit living inside of you. As Peter says “make every effort”, the question is are you making any effort to grow in The Lord? Are you actually growing in Christ or are you at the same spot when you first became saved?

You might say, I don’t want to do any of these things, I want to be a lazy Christian and wait for the rapture to come. Notice what Peter says “If these things be in you and abound, they make you that you shall not be barren or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” If you want to be fruitful for Christ, if you want God to use you to do amazing things, then you can’t be a lazy Christian and seek Christ with all your heart, mind, and soul. If you make no effort seeking The Lord by studying the scriptures, praying without ceasing, fellowshipping and serving the Church, then God has no use for you, because you are a wicked lazy servant 

It comes down to the root of the greatest commandment, “Love the Lord God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind” (Matthew 22:37) Do you actually do this? Do you really love Jesus with everything you are? If you do, then why doesn’t your life reflect this? If your life does reflect this, then you will see the sanctification of the Holy Spirit, the fruit being produced through you because of Christ

As Jesus said “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you as well” (Matthew 6:33) If you want to know what God’s will is for your life, Seek Christ, Seek The Kingdom, be led and sanctified by the Holy Spirit, Amen!