You can read the whole epistle here.
Here is the brief introduction to the epistle as provided for in the beginning of our discussion questions:-
Jude is a single chapter consisting of 25 verses. The author is the brother of the Lord (see Fleming, p. 42). While 2 Peter teaches believers to beware of and how to deal with false teachers, the teaching of Jude shows that the situation of the early Church had deteriorated since Peter wrote his second epistle. False teachers and heretics have become so entrenched that the church had become an apostate church (see Fleming, p. 41).
We only managed to cover verses 3 and 4.
In verse 3, we discussed what is needed to be done to contend for our faith. Our faith basically is our Christian beliefs and this is found in the Bible. As such, to contend for our faith, we should preserve the integrity and purity of the Christian faith. To do so, we must:-
1. Know the faith! How can we protect it if we do not know it well?
2. Recognise wrong teaching - this is connected with the first point.
3. Warn others about errors - we do not just recognise the wrong teaching but we should help others do the same.
In verse 4, we looked at who the false teachers are. They are godless men (as opposed to godly - see previous studies) and their lives are marked by immorality - lies, cheating, betrayals, adultery, fornication, stealing etc. They are only out for their own gain so we must be careful of who we listen to.
We also discussed how to prepare ourselves so as not to be misled by these false teachings. The conclusion was obvious and unanimous - we must study God's word!!!!
In this area, we all agreed that the short time spent during ahf is clearly NOT sufficient. We have to make time daily, not just for devotion but to study God's word.
Are we doing that? If not, then we should start. A simple way is to purchase some Bible study materials and do it on a daily basis. Let's pray for each other that we will spend time daily to study God's word, to know it and be able to recognise wrong teachings and warn others of it.
2 Peter 3v1 - 18 (21st January 2011)
You can read the whole passage here.
We have finally come to the end of the letter. As a summary, the leaders' guide states as follows:-
Chapter 3 talks mainly of the return of Christ. This is something that a lot of people today do not accept/believe. They simply do not want to accept God's word, nor the fact that they will be answerable to a higher being. After all, if Jesus were to return, he is truly God and everyone will have to give an account of their lives to him.
Yet, Peter tells us that the "delay" in Christ's return is another way of God showing his mercy to the unsaved - wanting everyone to be saved (v9).
In the meantime, we are to live "holy and godly lives" (v11). To be holy is to be separated for God's use. Just like how the things used in the temple are "holy" - nothing really inherently special but that they are set apart to be used by God. In the same way, we are to be set apart from the world and live a godly life. Our lives must show that we are the people of God.
We are to "speed the coming of the day of God" - to share the gospel and tell people of the coming of Christ. We were reminded of practicing the 4 "I"s - to identify people, to intercede for them, to invest in their lives and to invite them to the saving knowledge of our saviour!
So while we should want our Lord to return soon, we should also make the most of the time we have here now. Our attitude should like the apostle Paul - "For to me to live is for Christ and to die is gain". As long as we live, we live our lives for Christ - and if we should die, we shall only gain as we will be with him forever.
We ended off thinking if our life and attitude show that we look forward to the return of Christ or not. If we were to meet Christ today, how would we feel?
We have finally come to the end of the letter. As a summary, the leaders' guide states as follows:-
In chapter 1, Peter taught that knowledge of Christ is the remedy against false teachers. In chapter 2, Peter assures his readers that God will deal with false teachers but in the meantime gives important information on how to identify false teachers. Chapter 3 teaches believers to be holy in the light of the climax of all things. When believers understand the purposes of God for the future they will best be able to live for God in the present (Fleming, p. 31).
Chapter 3 talks mainly of the return of Christ. This is something that a lot of people today do not accept/believe. They simply do not want to accept God's word, nor the fact that they will be answerable to a higher being. After all, if Jesus were to return, he is truly God and everyone will have to give an account of their lives to him.
Yet, Peter tells us that the "delay" in Christ's return is another way of God showing his mercy to the unsaved - wanting everyone to be saved (v9).
In the meantime, we are to live "holy and godly lives" (v11). To be holy is to be separated for God's use. Just like how the things used in the temple are "holy" - nothing really inherently special but that they are set apart to be used by God. In the same way, we are to be set apart from the world and live a godly life. Our lives must show that we are the people of God.
We are to "speed the coming of the day of God" - to share the gospel and tell people of the coming of Christ. We were reminded of practicing the 4 "I"s - to identify people, to intercede for them, to invest in their lives and to invite them to the saving knowledge of our saviour!
So while we should want our Lord to return soon, we should also make the most of the time we have here now. Our attitude should like the apostle Paul - "For to me to live is for Christ and to die is gain". As long as we live, we live our lives for Christ - and if we should die, we shall only gain as we will be with him forever.
We ended off thinking if our life and attitude show that we look forward to the return of Christ or not. If we were to meet Christ today, how would we feel?
2 Peter 2v10 - 22 (15th January 2011)
You can read the whole passage here.
Peter goes on to describe the character, lifestyle and values of these false teachers (v10-19) - they are bold, arrogant, slanderous, disrespectful, animals(!), desiring to indulge in material things, lustful, adulterous, liars etc.
This leads to the irresistible conclusion that they are not Christians at all - not saved and changed by the Holy Spirit.
They are described as "springs without water, mists driven by a storm" (v17) - they promise a lot but give nothing.
Those who are not rooted in the word of God and truly believed will be led away and end up worse off than they were at the beginning (v20).
The lesson for us is to watch out for these false teachers and false teaching - not just for ourselves but for each other. We are to equip ourselves with God's word and support each other at all times.
Peter goes on to describe the character, lifestyle and values of these false teachers (v10-19) - they are bold, arrogant, slanderous, disrespectful, animals(!), desiring to indulge in material things, lustful, adulterous, liars etc.
This leads to the irresistible conclusion that they are not Christians at all - not saved and changed by the Holy Spirit.
They are described as "springs without water, mists driven by a storm" (v17) - they promise a lot but give nothing.
Those who are not rooted in the word of God and truly believed will be led away and end up worse off than they were at the beginning (v20).
The lesson for us is to watch out for these false teachers and false teaching - not just for ourselves but for each other. We are to equip ourselves with God's word and support each other at all times.
2 Peter 2v1 - 10 (15th October 2010)
You can read the passage here.
From the earliest days of the church, false teachers have been a constant “thorn in the side” of believers. Throughout church history, false teachers and their teachings have eroded the life of the church. Peter warns “there will be false teachers among you” (v. 1). They are motivated by greed (v3) and are after financial and material gain e.g. prosperity gospel.
The fate of false teachers is clear: destruction (v1 and 3). Their fate is also definite. In verse 4, Peter relates how God did not spare others like them in the past. If that was the case, God also will not spare the false teachers who seek to undermine and destroy the Church of God with their false teachings.
God’s judgment is also ‘precise’, in the example of Lot, the city of Sodom was destroyed but Lot was rescued(v 9). The righteous will be spared from God’s judgment. God’s judgment will be complete and decisive.
As we face false teachers, it is important that we remain untouched or unaffected by their wrong doctrines. Unfortunately we might be desensitized to many sins in the world and we develop ‘grey areas’ in our decision making. For e.g. adultery being condemned more overtly than materialism, no Malaysian Christian opposition against an openly gay singer performing in the country. In God’s eyes, there are no middle ground, no ‘semi-righteous’ people. God cannot be bluffed by our human rhetorics. In 2 Peter 2 it is only mentioned of two kinds of people; the ungodly and the righteous. Like Lot, we need to be tormented in our soul (v 8) when we see and hear of lawless deeds being committed. However we need to deal with others in gentleness and respect, not leading to legalism or crusades. Mercy, love and compassion are to be exhibited.
From the earliest days of the church, false teachers have been a constant “thorn in the side” of believers. Throughout church history, false teachers and their teachings have eroded the life of the church. Peter warns “there will be false teachers among you” (v. 1). They are motivated by greed (v3) and are after financial and material gain e.g. prosperity gospel.
The fate of false teachers is clear: destruction (v1 and 3). Their fate is also definite. In verse 4, Peter relates how God did not spare others like them in the past. If that was the case, God also will not spare the false teachers who seek to undermine and destroy the Church of God with their false teachings.
God’s judgment is also ‘precise’, in the example of Lot, the city of Sodom was destroyed but Lot was rescued(v 9). The righteous will be spared from God’s judgment. God’s judgment will be complete and decisive.
As we face false teachers, it is important that we remain untouched or unaffected by their wrong doctrines. Unfortunately we might be desensitized to many sins in the world and we develop ‘grey areas’ in our decision making. For e.g. adultery being condemned more overtly than materialism, no Malaysian Christian opposition against an openly gay singer performing in the country. In God’s eyes, there are no middle ground, no ‘semi-righteous’ people. God cannot be bluffed by our human rhetorics. In 2 Peter 2 it is only mentioned of two kinds of people; the ungodly and the righteous. Like Lot, we need to be tormented in our soul (v 8) when we see and hear of lawless deeds being committed. However we need to deal with others in gentleness and respect, not leading to legalism or crusades. Mercy, love and compassion are to be exhibited.
Prepared by Kok Choong
2 Peter 1v8 - 21 (8th October 2010)
You can read the passage here.
All living organism must grow to survive. In a same way we must grow spiritually, otherwise we will die. But what does it mean to grow spiritually?
Growing spiritually is to be more like Christ. 2 Pet 1:5-7 lists some of the Christ like qualities to be sought. To be more like Christ we must know our Lord in a deeper way. Failing to do so brings disastrous consequences.
We become ineffective and unproductive (v 8) We become unfruitful and useless to our Lord. We will miss out in knowing Christ in a deeper way.
We become near-sighted and spiritually blind.(v 9) We will be unable to see the things that really matter and take our salvation for granted.
In verse 10, we will fall. Any structure with a weak foundation will not stand.
The Apostle Peter warns us against false teachings which discredits the witnesses of the apostles. Today we have cults like the Jehovah Witnesses, we have false teachings in the form of the prosperity gospel, we have liberal theologians that denies the bible as the word of God.What assures us the biblical witness is true?
The bible was written by men inspired by the Holy Spirit.(2 Tim 3:16) The Holy Spirit helps us to understand and interpret the bible.(1 John 2:26-27)
The apostles were eye witnesses of the majesty of Christ. They gave their lives for Christ. They would not if it was all a lie.
Fulfillment of old testament prophesies confirms it to be true.
The bible is still relevant today despite it being written more than 2000 years ago. It stood the test of time.
So we are to honour God's Word by reading it, believing it and obeying it.
All living organism must grow to survive. In a same way we must grow spiritually, otherwise we will die. But what does it mean to grow spiritually?
Growing spiritually is to be more like Christ. 2 Pet 1:5-7 lists some of the Christ like qualities to be sought. To be more like Christ we must know our Lord in a deeper way. Failing to do so brings disastrous consequences.
We become ineffective and unproductive (v 8) We become unfruitful and useless to our Lord. We will miss out in knowing Christ in a deeper way.
We become near-sighted and spiritually blind.(v 9) We will be unable to see the things that really matter and take our salvation for granted.
In verse 10, we will fall. Any structure with a weak foundation will not stand.
The Apostle Peter warns us against false teachings which discredits the witnesses of the apostles. Today we have cults like the Jehovah Witnesses, we have false teachings in the form of the prosperity gospel, we have liberal theologians that denies the bible as the word of God.What assures us the biblical witness is true?
The bible was written by men inspired by the Holy Spirit.(2 Tim 3:16) The Holy Spirit helps us to understand and interpret the bible.(1 John 2:26-27)
The apostles were eye witnesses of the majesty of Christ. They gave their lives for Christ. They would not if it was all a lie.
Fulfillment of old testament prophesies confirms it to be true.
The bible is still relevant today despite it being written more than 2000 years ago. It stood the test of time.
So we are to honour God's Word by reading it, believing it and obeying it.
Prepared by Jit Boon
2 Peter 1 v 1 - 7 (1st October 2010)
[You can read the passage here]
We finally started our study on 2 Peter. Here are the main points:-
(a) The goal of our calling is godliness – to be like God. The means to attaining godliness is not by our own strength but through the power of Christ. (2 Pet 1:3)
(b) When we claim the promises of God, our lives can and will be changed – we can have the ‘divine nature’! We shared about some Bible promises that have indeed changed our lives. Here are some promises which we can claim:
(c) We then looked at certain virtues that enable us relate to God, to our circumstances and to others.
We finally started our study on 2 Peter. Here are the main points:-
(a) The goal of our calling is godliness – to be like God. The means to attaining godliness is not by our own strength but through the power of Christ. (2 Pet 1:3)
(b) When we claim the promises of God, our lives can and will be changed – we can have the ‘divine nature’! We shared about some Bible promises that have indeed changed our lives. Here are some promises which we can claim:
- promise of life in the Spirit (Rom. 8:11);
- promise of spiritual transformation (Rom. 12:2);
- promise of spiritual strength (1 Cor. 1:7, 8);
- promise of spiritual deliverance (1 Cor. 10:13);
- promise of comfort (2 Cor. 1:3, 4);
- promise3 of provision (2 Cor. 9:8-11);
- promise of rewards (Gal. 6:9).
(c) We then looked at certain virtues that enable us relate to God, to our circumstances and to others.
- Qualities that relate to God: virtue (following in God’s footsteps and becoming more like God) and knowledge (having our minds changed by God so as to be able to think like God).
- Qualities that relate to our circumstances: self-control (dealing with passions, temptation, etc), perseverance (dealing with hardships) and godliness (showing our best face in the midst of challenges, ie. God’s face).
- Qualities that relate to others: brotherly kindness (concern for fellow believers) and love (showing God’s love to all).
- desire to have these qualities;
- pray, really pray, regularly for it;
- try to exercise them, eg. show kindness instead of anger, self-control instead of letting loose, try patience instead of retaliation, etc.
- when we fail, we try and try again until we get it.
Reference: AHF Leaders' Guide
The ending marks the beginning
We have concluded out studies on 1 Peter. Can I just briefly summarise the main thoughts:-
In his first epistle, Peter was addressing the churches on the subject of suffering. The enemy was without and he gave detailed instructions on how to maintain the faith against the external enemy.
In his second epistle, the enemy is within – false teachers. This time he gives instructions on how the Christian can maintain his or her faith against the internal enemy.
Here is a brief outline of 2 Peter to help us study it better:-
Chapter 1 - Peter taught that knowledge of Christ is the remedy against false teachers.
Chapter 2 - Peter assures his readers that God will deal with false teachers but in the meantime gives important information on how to identify false teachers.
Chapter 3 - Peter teaches believers to be holy in the light of the climax of all things. When believers understand the purposes of God for the future they will best be able to live for God in the present.
- The Christians recipients of the letter are aliens, living in a hostile world.
- But they are reminded of their position in Christ, called to be holy. To the world, they are aliens, to God, they are the chosen ones!
- Peter goes on to give practical tips on how to relate to the government, to the non-Christian masters and spouse, and generally to everyone.
- Peter dealt with the issue of suffering - Christians should not be surprised but instead, expect it and follow the example of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- He ends off with the response of church - leaders, young men, all. The emphasis is on the importance to maintain the unity of the Church.
In his first epistle, Peter was addressing the churches on the subject of suffering. The enemy was without and he gave detailed instructions on how to maintain the faith against the external enemy.
In his second epistle, the enemy is within – false teachers. This time he gives instructions on how the Christian can maintain his or her faith against the internal enemy.
Here is a brief outline of 2 Peter to help us study it better:-
Chapter 1 - Peter taught that knowledge of Christ is the remedy against false teachers.
Chapter 2 - Peter assures his readers that God will deal with false teachers but in the meantime gives important information on how to identify false teachers.
Chapter 3 - Peter teaches believers to be holy in the light of the climax of all things. When believers understand the purposes of God for the future they will best be able to live for God in the present.
Source: Leaders' notes
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)