2 Peter 1:1-2

COMMENTS

So, what do you think about studying 2 Peter next?  I believe that’s where the Lord is taking us.  It’s been a number of years since I studied this rich book, and I could benefit from another look.

NOTES

As I started reading the first chapter of 2 Peter, I was prepared to quickly read the greeting and then move on to the “meat”.  However, I found myself fascinated with Peter’s opening words:

“Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ,

“To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours:

“Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.”

What an incredible salutation to a letter!  There’s plenty of “meat” right there—no need to read any further today.  How often have I missed a beautiful beginning because I assumed it was only a First Century “hi”?

Begin with Peter’s very first phrase:  “a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ”.  That’s how he identifies himself.  How do I identify myself?  Wife of my husband?  Mother of my children?  Grandmother of my grandchildren?  Friend of my friends?  Consultant to my clients?  All of that is important; but what’s MOST important should be that which defines who I am at my core:  a servant of Jesus Christ.  I wonder if my attitudes and actions would be different if I more often identified myself primarily in that role and relationship….  Hmmmm.  Worth considering.

The second thing that grabbed my attention was the way he identified those to whom the letter was sent:  “those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours”.  In his salutation to them he spoke a gospel reminder to them of their identity.  They were followers of Jesus because of His righteousness and the faith He had given them.  Their identify was as important to Peter as his own was.  And note that he defines that faith as “precious”.  How often do I stop and realize just how precious my faith is?  Do I take it for granted?  Too often, the answer is “yes”.

Finally, Peter expresses his desires for them in a lovingly instructional manner:  “Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.”  Don’t I wish “grace and peace” to those I care about?  Don’t I wish that “in abundance”?  How are they to obtain it?  By knowing God and Jesus Christ.  The only way any of us will have the grace and peace we desire is by continually seeking to know our God more intimately.  And that kind of knowledge implies a faith that is put into action.

A powerful message in only a few easily-overlooked words….