In this message, I address the challenges faced by early Christians, as described in the second epistle of Peter, and draw parallels to the struggles of modern believers. Peter, an old man writing his last letter, seeks to comfort and encourage Christians who are troubled by false teachings and doubts about their faith. He emphasizes the importance of remembering the foundational truths of Christianity, rather than seeking new messages or gospels. The core issue for these early Christians, and indeed for many today, is a forgetfulness of the preciousness of their faith.
Peter highlights that faith is not just a belief but a precious gift obtained through the righteousness of God and our Savior Jesus Christ. This faith is described as precious because of its divine origin, its rarity, and the esteemed company of believers it places us among. It is a faith that was costly, purchased by the precious blood of Christ, and it grants us access to the divine nature and the eternal promises of God.
The rarity of true faith makes it all the more valuable, as it is not common in the world. Despite the small number of true believers, this faith connects us to a glorious lineage of apostles, prophets, and martyrs. It is a faith that should fill us with confidence and pride, not in ourselves, but in the company we keep and the God we serve.
Ultimately, this faith is a key that unlocks the treasures of God's promises, providing us with assurance, strength, and hope. It enables us to face life and death with confidence, knowing that an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord awaits us. As believers, we are called to remember the preciousness of our faith and to live boldly, assured of our place in the divine narrative.
Key Takeaways
- 1. The Preciousness of Faith: Our faith is a precious gift from God, obtained through His righteousness and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It is not something we earn but a divine gift that should be cherished and remembered. This faith is beyond price, and its value is rooted in its divine origin and the cost at which it was given. [10:13]
- 2. The Rarity of True Faith: True faith is rare and therefore precious. In a world where many follow the broad path of destruction, few find the narrow way that leads to life. This rarity should not discourage us but rather remind us of the unique and valuable position we hold as believers. [24:34]
- 3. The Esteemed Company of Believers: Our faith places us in the company of apostles, prophets, and martyrs. This esteemed lineage should fill us with confidence and pride, not in ourselves, but in the God we serve and the community of faith we belong to. [28:07]
- 4. Faith as a Key to Divine Treasures: Faith is the key that unlocks the treasures of God's promises. It grants us access to forgiveness, reconciliation, and the divine nature. Through faith, we partake in the eternal riches of God's wisdom and knowledge. [33:10]
- 5. The Assurance of an Abundant Entrance: Faith assures us of an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord. It enables us to face life and death with confidence, knowing that we are secure in God's promises and that a glorious future awaits us. [36:14]
** [36:14]
Youtube Chapters
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to Peter's Epistle
- [00:54] - Addressing Troubled Believers
- [01:27] - The Importance of Diligence
- [02:04] - The Danger of False Teachings
- [03:18] - Warning Against Heresy
- [05:08] - Doubts About the Second Coming
- [06:00] - The Relevance of Peter's Message Today
- [07:02] - The Need to Remember the Truth
- [09:22] - The Preciousness of Faith
- [12:17] - The Gift of Faith
- [17:24] - The Divine Origin of Faith
- [24:34] - The Rarity of True Faith
- [28:07] - The Esteemed Company of Believers
- [33:10] - Faith as a Key to Divine Treasures
- [36:14] - Assurance of an Abundant Entrance