Peter's last letter is an exhortation to grow in the grace & knowledge of Christ as we live in the last days. After encouraging us with the certainty of the Christian life based on the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophetic Scriptures, Peter is now warning us about false teachers within the church. This morning, we turn to his list of examples that show the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from judgment and to reserve the ungodly for judgment. "IF...": EXAMPLES OF THE LORD'S PAST ACTS (VV. 4–8) The Angels (v. 4) The Ancient World (v. 5) Noah & his Family (v. 5) Sodom & Gomorrah (v. 6) Lot (vv. 7–8) "...THEN": APPLICATIONS OF THE LORD'S PRESENT & FUTURE ACTS (VV. 9–10A) The Lord Knows How to Rescue the Godly from Trials (v. 9) The Lord Knows How to Reserve the Ungodly for Judgment (vv. 9–10)

Peter's last letter is an exhortation to grow in the grace - knowledge of God as we live in the last days. After encouraging us with the certainty of the Christian life based on the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophetic Scriptures, he know transitions to warn us about false teachers within the church. --THEIR EXISTENCE -V. 1--Note the Connection with 1-16-21-False Prophets Among the People of God in Ancient Days-False Teachers Among the People of God in the Last Days--THEIR EXPOS- -VV. 1-3--They are Devious-They Deny the Lord-They are Destructive-Their Destiny-Their Defrauding

Peter's last letter is an exhortation to grow in the grace & knowledge of God as we live in the last days. After encouraging us with the certainty of the Christian life based on the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophetic Scriptures, he know transitions to warn us about false teachers within the church. THEIR EXISTENCE (V. 1) Note the Connection with 1:16–21 False Prophets Among the People of God in Ancient Days False Teachers Among the People of God in the Last Days THEIR EXPOSÉ (VV. 1–3) They are Devious They Deny the Lord They are Destructive Their Destiny Their Defrauding

Because we live on this side of the resurrection we have a privileged position in redemptive history. We are able to look back on God's mighty works, particularly the crucifixion and resurrection of his Son Jesus Christ. As we look at the course of redemptive history, we see that these things were planned, promised, and purposed long ago, which gives us confidence that God always accomplishes his purposes. --THE PREDICTION-THE PATTERN-THE PROCLAMATION

Peter's last letter is an exhortation to grow in the grace - knowledge of God as we live in the last days. After his opening greeting to remind us of our standing with God, then his-explanation of the foundation and practice of the Christian life, chapter 1 concludes on the topic of the certainty of the Christian life. --THE CERTAINTY OF PETER'S EYE WITNESS -VV. 16-17A--THE CERTAINTY OF PETER'S EAR WITNESS -VV. 17B-18--THE SUPRA-CERTAINTY OF THE PROPHET'S FULFILLED WITNESS -VV. 19-21-

The promises of the Lord are not simply a wishful thinking, they are real blessings to real people. Here we are given a glimpse of the people who returned showing us once again the faithfulness of the Lord in bringing a remnant. SPECIFIC RETURN: EACH TO HIS TOWN (VV. 1–2A) SPECIFIC PEOPLE: SEVERAL OBSERVATIONS (VV. 2B–63) Who are these men? Their groupings SPECIFIC PROMISE ACCOMPLISHED: SUMMARY STATEMENTS (VV. 64–70)

Because we live on this side of the resurrection we have a privileged position in redemptive history. We are able to look back on God's mighty works, particularly the crucifixion and resurrection of his Son Jesus Christ. As we look at the course of redemptive history, we see that these things were planned, promised, and purposed long ago, which gives us confidence that God always accomplishes his purposes. THE PREDICTION THE PATTERN THE PROCLAMATION

Jesus cleanses ten lepers but only one, a Samaritan, demonstrates saving faith by drawing near to Jesus with worship and praise. The Samaritan man's faith reveals that salvation is for all peoples and is marked by trust in Jesus himself, not merely his benefits.--TEN CLEANSED BY JESUS -VV. 11-14--ONE DRAWS NEAR TO JESUS -VV. 15-16--ONE SAVED THROUGH FAITH IN JESUS -VV. 17-19-

God works through Cyrus to fulfill His promise of returning the exiles. Here we see Proverbs 21-1 at work, namely that the heart of the king is in the hands of the Lord and He turns it wherever He wants. --CYRUS' PROCLAMATION -VV. 1-4--THE PEOPLES REACTION -VV. 5-6--CYRUS' REACTION -VV. 7-11-

Peter's last letter is an exhortation to grow in the grace & knowledge of God as we live in the last days. After his opening greeting to remind us of our standing with God, then his explanation of the foundation and practice of the Christian life, chapter 1 concludes on the topic of the certainty of the Christian life. THE CERTAINTY OF PETER'S EYE WITNESS (VV. 16–17A) THE CERTAINTY OF PETER'S EAR WITNESS (VV. 17B–18) THE SUPRA-CERTAINTY OF THE PROPHET'S FULFILLED WITNESS (VV. 19–21)