This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. 2 Peter 3:1-4

Every now and then the Church needs a reminder, needs some encouragement about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is what the Apostle Peter is saying here “This second epistle, beloved, I now write to you in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance” Even though we know Christ died for our sins, we know Christ rose on the third day, we know Christ is coming back again for His Church, it’s good for us to be reminded and encouraged frequently 

Christianity has had many scoffers and enemies since the very beginning, but yet the gospel message still remains the same, the Tomb is still empty, death is still defeated, and all the enemies of Christ end up in Hades. But yet generation after generation, the world will try to disprove Christianity. It is finished, victory has already been sealed, this should be a constant reminder for the Church

As Peter continues “Be mindful of the words spoken before by the prophets and the apostles” Since the beginning God has foretold about the coming of Christ and the gospel message through the prophets and apostles, the life, death, and resurrection of Christ was not a coincidence or random events, this were plan and foretold by God before the foundations of the world. 

But as the Apostle Peter says “in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying where is the promise of his coming?’ As Jesus said “they will deceive even the elect” (Matthew 24:24) many will fall away from the faith, why? Perhaps they never truly had faith at all?  Perhaps they were interested in Christianity but not interested in Christ? Perhaps their hearts became hardened by the deception of this world? 

So as the Apostle Peter is doing he, keep reminding the Church that Christ has already won the war at the cross and the tomb! Remind the Church that Christ has already fulfilled over 300 foretold prophecies. Remind the Church that Christ is coming back as a thief in the night, at a day or hour when nobody will expect him, so be ready and alert like the 5 Wise Virgins whose lamps were filled with the Holy Spirit (Matthew 25) Stay awake and alert, because when Christ does return for his Church, the door will be shut! Amen! 

For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. 2 Peter 2:20-22

I love how the Apostle Peter quotes Proverbs 26:11 here about those who have been freed from their sin yet continue to come back to their sin, they are like a dog going back to its vomit over and over. While we can easy get trapped in a cycle of sin, we need to understand that we have been set free by Christ and sanctified by the Holy Spirit to overcome our fleshly lusts

As the late preacher Leonard Ravenhill had a great sermon on this, he said and I’m paraphrasing “What are you saved from”? Ravenhill  goes on to say we need more than to just be forgiven, we need cleansing, what are you saved from? Hell? Are you saved from bitterness, are you saved from lust? Are you saved from cheating? Are you saved from lying? Are you saved from bad manners? Come on what are you saved from? Ravenhill asks some good questions here, if we claim we are saved in Christ, what are we saved from? If we are saved, then why are people still like dogs going back to their own vomit? Where is the fruit of the Holy Spirit?

When you start to look at what the salvation of Christ really means, it becomes very powerful, it’s a supernatural change from taking someone who is spiritually dead and bringing them back to life. The indwelling power of the Holy Spirit living inside of you, recently I had someone arguing with me that Islam was the true religion. Do muslims have the Spirit of God living inside of them? No, Do Hindus or Buddhists have the Holy Spirit living inside of them, No? Christianity is the only religion that God is living inside of you! That God actually died for your sins, can you even comprehend this?

The Apostle Peter says “It would have been better for them to not have known the way of righteousness’ ‘ Those who have heard the gospel and have rejected it, it would have been better if they were atheists, because they have blasphemed the Holy Spirit. They reject the living Son of God, they reject the living Word of God, they reject the Holy Spirit of God, and don’t believe they are guilty of anything, they are guilty of everything, the wrath of their sins will be on their heads, are you ready to stand before The Lord and give an account of your life?

The second part of the Proverb Peter was quoting is often translated “As a washed pig returning to the mud” Again what did Jesus save you from? If you are saved from your sin, then why do you continue in your sin? Jesus Christ will set you free! Amen!

Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet. These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.  2 Peter 2:15-17

The Apostle Peter continues his rebuke against false teachers and their false doctrines. It continually surprises me how many “Christians” are so supportive of false teachers, even when they know they are false. The comments sections are filled with “Well they don’t mean any harm” or “They really are not that bad” Anyone who is knowingly preaching a false gospel is committing blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. You might say “Well they don’t know any better” well then they shouldn’t be preaching!

The Apostle Peter uses the example of the prophet Balaam from the Old Testament, he tried to curse Israel (doesn’t that sound familiar today?) and God told him you can’t curse Israel because they are his chosen people. Balaam decided he was going to do his own thing anyway, and God rebuked him with a donkey! That should cut him down to size! These false teachers think they can deceive anyone and get away with it, but God is watching them and they are storing up the wrath of God against them

If you listen to the message of false prophets, they are typically driven by carnal things, they want money, they want power, they want , they want, but as the Apostle Peter states “They are wells without water” why? Because they don’t have the Living Water that gives you eternal life. All these things the false teacher promises or provides is temporary and a dead end. The true gospel of Christ, while offensive to the world, will give you eternal life and the peace of God which surpasses all human understanding

For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. 2 Peter 2:18-19

I love how Peter says this “While they promise them liberty (Freedom), they themselves are the servants of corruption or slaves of depravity” These false teachers promise the world but even themselves are slaves to sin and death, they have nothing to offer! This is why these teachers are so dangerous, many who put themselves under their teachings are slaves to depravity also, they are all in bondage to Satan

Jesus Christ is the only one who can set you free! That’s why nothing else in this world matters except Christ, as the late Charles Spurgeon once said “No Christ in your sermon sir?, then go home and never preach again until you have something worth preaching”! Amen!

But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: 2 Peter 2:12-14

When you turn on the TV or watch on YouTube, these prosperity preachers you wonder how can these people be so far off from what the Bible says? Do they not understand the true gospel? Or are they the most depraved of all people? The Apostle Peter describes the state of false teachers “They are like brute beasts or unreasoning animals, made to be taken and destroyed” Ouch , Peter is not holding back on his view of false teachers

I’ve heard many “Christians” actually defend false teachers, giving them the benefit of the doubt, that maybe they mean well. Look what the Apostle Peter has to say about them “They speak evil of things they don’t understand, and shall utterly perish or be destroyed in their own corruption” We should not take light to false teachers, because they are wolves looking to devour the sheep. Many of them know exactly what they are teaching is false, but they don’t care because of their total depravity

We need to understand the standard for teachers is very high, as the Apostle James said “Not many of you should be teachers, because those who teach shall receive a stricter judgment” (James 3:1) If someone is unsure about what they are teaching or preaching, then they should keep their mouths shut, because you will be held to a higher standard by God, this includes myself, as I would never teach something I don’t sincerely believe is in the Bible

“They shall receive the reward of unrighteousness” Sharing a false gospel may be profitable in todays fallen world, but it will have eternal consequences on their souls, never preach a false gospel. As the Apostle Paul said “ Anyone who preaches a different gospel, let them be accursed” (Galatians 1:8) If you are sharing a false gospel you are bring judgment upon yourself, as Jesus said “What does it profit to gain the whole world and lose your soul” (Mark 8:36) Many false teachers live in mansions, fly in private jets, have millions in the bank, however they have sold their soul to eternal Hell. 

Peter goes on to describe these people “Having eyes full of adultery, they can’t cease from sin, enticing unstable souls, they are experts in greed, and cursed children” One thing I find is most people who fall for these “teachers” are those not part of a local Church community, as Peter says they feast on unstable souls, the lost sheep who don’t have a Shepherd

These false teachers are not harmless, they are depraved wolves looking to devour the sheep (Matthew 7) As Jesus said “You only have One Teacher and that is Christ (Matthew 23:10) Follow the Good Shepherd and be saved! Amen!

(For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. 2 Peter 2:8-11

One of the common themes we see throughout the history of humanity is the total depravity of humanity. As we see it in Noah’s Flood, we see it in Sodom and Gomorrah, we see it even in today’s world. A culture of people who have no regard for God, they are totally carnal minded, being led by the flesh on a daily basis. As the Apostle Peter says here “For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds”

It’s difficult living in the world today, with the total depravity of humanity, trying to go anywhere, especially with a family is disheartening. Sin is glorified and flaunted by the majority of the world. When you have the Holy Spirit living inside of you, the scales from your eyes have been removed, and you see the depravity of this world. However take heart by the words of the Apostle Peter here “The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished”

Even though it may feel like it, you are not alone, God is with you and knows the spiritual battle that you are facing, The Lord knows how to deliver you from temptation. This is also an important reason why you should belong to a Church community, to walk alone in this world, you are an easy target. 

The Apostle Peter then goes on to describe the depraved state of the world, does this sound familiar today? “They walk according to the flesh, in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority, they are presumptuous, reckless, self-willed” Peter makes a very interesting statement here “they scoff or not afraid to heap abuse on angels/celestial beings” The depraved person has no fear of God, in fact they love to blaspheme God at any chance they get. They love to curse The Lord Jesus at every chance they get!

Remember previously Peter mentioned Sodom and Gomorrah, where the depraved people tried to rape the angels of God. Do you think the people of this world would do the same today? Turn on your news and it’s an obvious answer, and as Peter states here “bringing judgment on them from The Lord ” Everyday the depraved bring more and more wrath upon themselves from God with their wickedness.

If you understand what I’m saying here, if you can discern the times that your living, the good news is justice will be served one day. The Lord Jesus Christ will return, bring justice and judgment upon the Earth, repent and put your faith in Christ, before it’s too late! Amen!

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!