Peter wrote this letter possibly during his imprisonment in Rome around AD 64-67. That would have been under Nero’s reign. Peter knows his time on earth is coming to an end. Look at verses 14 and 15. The theme of 2 Peter is that even in great opposition, the power of God causes true believers to live righteously for Christ. Peter is combating false teachers who have creep into the church. Also, this is the 2^nd letter by Peter to the churches of Asia Minor or the area of modern day Turkey. What will this short three chapter series do for us? What is the application? 1. I believe we can be recharged and thankful for the source of godly living, the power of Christ. 2. I believe we should be aware of and identify false teachers, and 3. I believe we can await the Lord’s return with joy and service.

We are not saved by knowledge, we are saved by Christ’s divine power! His power will give us the might and cause to live for Him. Romans 1:16 shows God’s power, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”

What does God’s power do? 1. Gives us knowledge of Him, 2. Causes us to live godly for His glory.

“Nothing is impossible for the people of God who trust in the power of God to accomplish the will of God.” – David Platt

What promises can we partake in? 1. Eternal life, 2. The escape of a life of corruption because of sinful desire.

We know about fruit! That is the offspring of the Holy Spirit within us! Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” This is a pure desire for the heart to be transformed to honor God! It’s not a legalistic coder or set of rules, but a thirst to make much of Jesus with a godly life.

What is the encouragement here? The encouragement means that you’re saved! You have been tested and found to be in Christ. It wasn’t anything you did, it was the power of God for salvation to occur. That’s how and why we can look at the worst of sinners, murders, etc. and realize that God can save them.  

v.10 “confirm your calling and election” Peter is telling the saints to test your faith, your call to salvation. How do you test it? Make sure that it’s not simply an intellectual acknowledgement, but a lifestyle of dependence upon Christ.  The use of election isn’t used a lot unless you’re in some theological circles. The term means that we are chosen by God unto salvation. In fact the NASB says, “make certain about His calling and choosing you.” Paul uses this term in 1 Thessalonians 1:4 “For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you,” and again in Romans 9:11 “though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls.”

What does this mean? If you practice a Christ-Centered life, in which you bear the attributes of Christ, you are saved! You are chosen! Listen to verse 11.