By Gabe Hall (assisted by Jesse Higgins)
Why 2 Peter and Jude?
- Similar content and subject matter
- Both letters are catholic (universal) letters, because they are addressed to the church in general, rather than a specific person, city or region.
Authors & Authority
2 Peter was written by Simon Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, (1:1)and an “eyewitness” of Christ’s majesty. (1:16) This is his “second epistle.” (3:1)
Jude was written by Jude (Judas), a brother of James. (v. 1) This is most likely Jesus’ brother Judas (cf. Matthew 13:55) James was also one of Jesus’ brothers (Matthew 13:55) and referred to by Paul as “the Lord’s brother.” (Galatians 1:19)
Why Did They Write Their Letters?
To remind them of the truth and warn them of the dangers of “false teachers” (2 Peter 2:1) who have “crept in unnoticed.” (Jude 4)
The Dangers of False Teachings and False Gospels in our Time
“We are not ignorant of his (Satan’s) designs.” (2 Corinthians 2:11) Satan, who is the “deceiver of the whole world,” (Revelation 12:9) and “prowls around like a roaring lion” (1 Peter 5:8) but “masquerades as an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:14)
What are some false gospels?
- Gnosticism
- Works-based
- Universalism (the elephant in the room)
- “Churchianity”
- Social Justice gospel
- Prosperity gospel
- Sexual Liberation
False teachings that creep in:
- New Age philosophies (“karma”)
- People are basically good
- God is cool with a little sin (“He gets us”)
- Follow your heart (“God knows my heart”)
How do we Combat False Teaching?
“Contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” (Jude 3)
“It is written…” (Matthew 4:7)
“Study to show yourself approved…” (2 Timothy 2:15)
“Always be ready to give a defense…” (1 Peter 3:15)
“Make your call and election sure.” (2 Peter 1:10)
“Take heed to the doctrine.” (1 Timothy 4:16)
“Teach no other doctrine.” (1 Timothy 1:3)
No “other gospel.” (Galatians 1:8)
“Hold fast to the teachings…” (2 Thessalonians 2:15)
“Not everyone who says ‘Lord…” (Matthew 7:21)
Knowing Scripture & Understanding Enoch
Don’t Get it Twisted (2 Peter 3:16)
“Learn from us not to go beyond what is written.” (1 Corinthians 4:6)
“The words of the Lord are…” (Psalm 12:6) (also: 2 Peter 1:20, 21; 1 Timothy 3:16)
A partial reference is not a full endorsement. All truth is God’s truth, but not all truth is God’s word.
“I don’t want to look in a stranger’s eyes, when I come into this place. Let me grow familiar with the lines, the lines upon Your face.” – I Confess (Tenth Avenue North)
Nightlight (Song)
Light of the world Came down unto men But they loved the darkness that hid all their sin So come on dear children I’ve a tale to tell About a city of angels that’s heading for hell I was traveling, traveling Looking for a place to stay I was following, following The path that they told me to take It was not what I planned To find a nightlight glowing where a lighthouse use to stand I don’t want to stay here tonight This city on a hill that shines no light They say that they’re a candle, but they don’t burn bright They talk about life, but they’re dead inside I don’t think they mean what they say They love so little, but they talk so great I can see their smiles, but I know they’re fake They say they trust God, but they have no…faith I heard about their glory of before How they used to be a lighthouse Carrying wayward souls ashore Before the morning storm But somehow they lost their way Among the waves that pulled them back and forth And they’re wandering in the dark Where they were born I don’t want to stay here tonight This city on a hill that shines no light They say that they’re a candle, but they don’t burn bright They talk about life, but they’re dead inside I don’t think they mean what they say They love so little, but they talk so great I can see their smiles, but I know they’re fake They say they trust God, but they have no…faith …without fear That’s what I’m looking for But I don’t think I’ll find it here They say they’re an open door But the exit sign’s more clear Although they plant the seed It gets choked out by their cares Though claiming to grow wheat All they seem to get are tares They said, “live, laugh, love And try not to be mean Be blessed and don’t stress We’ll see you here in a week” But I don’t want to stay here tonight This city on a hill that shines no light They say that they’re a candle, but they don’t burn bright They talk about life, but they’re dead inside I don’t think they mean what they say They love so little, but they talk so great I can see their smiles, but I know they’re fake They say they trust God, but they have no faith I don’t want stay here tonight This little light of mine I’m gonna let it shine Let it shine Let it shine Let it shine
