Conquering Through Conflict

As the Apostle Peter drew near to his own execution, he wrote a final, urgent letter to Christians struggling with both external pressures and internal threats. In this 10-part study of 2 Peter, Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores how God’s grace transforms us from being “head-strong” to being “restored and mightily used.” This series provides a sobering exposé of false teachers and moral compromise while offering the unshakeable hope that we can remain useful and fruitful even in the most troubled times.

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1. A Letter That Rattles Our Cage (2 Peter 1:1–4)

• Overview: Introduces Peter’s “last will and testament.” He reminds us that through God’s divine power, we have already been granted everything necessary for life and godliness.
• Key Fact: The Christian life is not a search for something missing, but a discovery of the “precious and magnificent promises” we already possess.
• Scripture: 2 Peter 1:3 – “His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness.”

2. To Be Useful and Fruitful, Here’s How (2 Peter 1:5–11)

• Overview: Peter outlines a “ladder” of spiritual growth—adding virtue, knowledge, and self-control to our faith. Chuck explains that diligence is the key to avoiding spiritual shortsightedness.
• Key Fact: Spiritual growth is an intentional process; without it, we become “useless and unfruitful” in our knowledge of Christ.
• Scripture: 2 Peter 1:5 – “Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence.”

3. Be Sure of Your Source (2 Peter 1:12–21)

• Overview: Defends the reliability of Scripture. Peter contrasts “cleverly devised tales” with his own eyewitness account of Christ’s glory on the Mount of Transfiguration.
• Key Fact: No prophecy of Scripture originated in human will; it is the inspired Word of God, a “lamp shining in a dark place.”
• Scripture: 2 Peter 1:21 – “But men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.”

4. An Exposé of Counterfeit Communicators (2 Peter 2:1–3)

• Overview: A blunt warning about false teachers who secretly introduce destructive heresies. Chuck identifies greed and exploitation as the primary marks of these counterfeit leaders.
• Key Fact: Deception is often subtle and “manufactured,” making it essential for believers to know the truth deeply.
• Scripture: 2 Peter 2:1 – “But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you.”

5. The God of Wrath and Rescue (2 Peter 2:4–9)

• Overview: Uses the historical examples of Noah and Lot to prove that God is consistent. He knows exactly how to judge the unrighteous and how to rescue the godly.
• Key Fact: Judgment is certain for those who persist in rebellion, but God’s rescue is equally certain for those who walk in righteousness.
• Scripture: 2 Peter 2:9 – “The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation.”

6. Disobedience Gone to Seed (2 Peter 2:10–16)

• Overview: A graphic description of those who despise authority and indulge in the “pollutions of the world.” Chuck warns against the arrogance of self-willed living.
• Key Fact: False teachers are like “springs without water”—they promise much but provide zero spiritual nourishment.
• Scripture: 2 Peter 2:10 – “Daring, self-willed, they do not tremble when they revile angelic majesties.”

7. Which Is Worse? What Is Best? (2 Peter 2:17–22)

• Overview: Addresses the tragedy of those who know the way of righteousness but return to their old sinful habits. Chuck warns that a “half-hearted” faith can lead to a state worse than the beginning.
• Key Fact: True transformation involves a change in nature, not just a temporary change in behavior.
• Scripture: 2 Peter 2:21 – “For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness.”

8. Skeptics and Sinners, Beware! (2 Peter 3:1–9)

• Overview: Tackles the “delay” of Christ’s return. Peter explains that God’s perspective on time is different from ours and that His patience is intended to lead people to repentance.
• Key Fact: Mockers rely on the idea that things never change, but Peter reminds them of the historical reality of the Flood.
• Scripture: 2 Peter 3:8 – “With the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day.”

9. The Day of the Lord (2 Peter 3:10–13)

• Overview: A vivid prophecy of the end of the current world system. The elements will melt, and God will establish a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells.
• Key Fact: The certainty of a future “meltdown” should radically alter our present conduct and godliness.
• Scripture: 2 Peter 3:10 – “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief.”

10. How to Live in Troubled Times (2 Peter 3:14–18)

• Overview: The series conclusion. Peter’s final marching orders are to be “on your guard” and to “grow in grace and knowledge.”
• Key Fact: Growth is the best defense against deception. We are called to be people of the Word, standing firm until the end.
• Scripture: 2 Peter 3:18 – “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”