Aug. 02, 2026

                                                    “WATCH OUT”

                               “THE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF FAITH”

                                                  2 PETER 1:12-18

Three Basic Qualities That Should Mark The Christian Life:

1.  A Deep Conviction of Truth- 2 Peter 1:12-13

2 Peter 1:12-13 “For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. 13Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you.”

Doctrine is of tremendous importance- first in reaching people with the Gospel, than in bringing spiritual growth.

Why was Peter reminding them of “these things?”

There was three motives for Peters writings:

1. To Obey Christs commands- vs.12 "I will not be negligent..”

Jesus told Peter, “strengthen your brethren.”

Luke 22:32 “But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”

2.  It Was The Right Thing To Do-vs.13 "Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent…”

3.  He Wants Us To Remember To Do It- vs.15- The word “endeavor" is the same word translated diligence in verse 5,10. It means to hasten to do something, to be zealous in doing it.

Philippians 4:9 “The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.”

What was it that Peter wanted to accomplish? The answer is found in the word that is repeated in verses 12,13 and 15 “remembrance.” 

vs. I3 “to stir you up" means to awaken, to arouse.

2.   A Confident Hope- 2 Peter 1:13-15

2 Peter 1:13-15 “Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you, 14knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me. 15Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease.”

John 21:18 “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.” 

3.   A Firm Basis For Faith- 2 Peter 1:16-18

2 Peter 1:16-18 “For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” 18And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.”

Peter referred to the Transfiguration because on the mountain he, with James and John, was given a glimpse of the coming glory of Jesus Christ at His return. (Matthew 7:1-8, Mark. 9:2-8, Luke 9:28-36). 

Luke 9:29 “As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening.”

You can be sure these three apostles never forgot that unique demonstration of Christ’s deity!

The Christian faith is not built on hearsay or legend- vs.16

"fables" means myths, manufactured stories that have no basis in fact.

The apostles repeatedly affirmed the authenticity of what they wrote referring to the fact that they had carefully observed Him before and after His resurrection. vs.16 “but were eye witnesses of his majesty.”

Acts 5:32 “And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

Acts 10:39 “And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree.”

1 Peter 5:1 “The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed:”

The truth of the gospel is confirmed historically, scientifically, and experientially. You can stake your life on it and your eternal destiny.

Experiences fade but the Word of God remains.

Isaiah 40:8