Bible Journaling: 2 Peter

In this book of 2 Peter, we will uncover new ways to creatively engage with the Bible. Hebrews 4 says that “the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart”. Have you forgotten the authority and Spirit-filled power that the Bible carries?

For a broader view of this book of the Bible, we encourage you to watch this video:

Bible journaling tip: 

In Christian circles, we sometimes forget how we speak is different. There is a whole dictionary of words that we use that only takes one conversation with an unbeliever to become apparent. Take a notebook and make it your Christian dictionary, in it, you can look up and define concepts from the Bible, like: salvation, spiritual gifts, or sabbath. You can also add words that are commonly used in your church, like: hope, honor, or humility.

LOOK UP(information): encounter God through the Scripture 

Author:

This letter is the second one that was written by Peter. Draw a picture of Peter and add everything that we know about him to the image: what were his physical features? What was his age, his race? Can you somehow add elements of his fisherman family and his new name given by Jesus?

Audience:

The audience of this book is the same as the audience of the first letter by Peter. Can you find any other similarities in the two letters? What is the biggest difference between the two?

History:

There is archeological evidence from other sources that Peter was executed by the Roman leader Nero. This letter was written shortly before his death, and he mentions in the letter that he is going to die soon. This has been called his ‘farewell speech’.

Genre:

This letter’s purpose is stated as a memorial of Peter’s teaching for future generations. Can you imagine Peter writing this letter? Do you think he would imagine that so many people will read his words? Do you think God revealed to him how famous his letter would be and how amazing its contribution would be to God’s kingdom? What does this tell you about God’s view of fame?

LOOK IN(revelation): contemplate / reflect on our own lives

Key verse:

2 Peter 3:7 NIV

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Inspiration:

“God’s timing is always perfect” is a sentence that we have heard a lot. But we forget to speak the truth about God’s character when we just say this with no more explanation. This verse gives us the full picture. In His kindness and patience, God will keep his promises and receive the glory for each situation at the right time. Can you say this about every area in your life where you are waiting for God to move?

LOOK OUT(transformation): respond with creative worship action  

Drawing prompt:

For this book’s creative prompt we are doing something a little different. We are going to use air-dry clay that you can get from your local art store. Shape the clay into a rock and use a pen to carve into it both names: Simon & Peter. (Jesus gave his disciple Simon the new name name “Cephas,” meaning “stone” which is translated as “Petros” in Greek, and “Peter” in English.) 

You can also carve other words into the rock: any other key elements that stood out for you from this book, or any obedience point you feel God pressing on your heart as you read this book. Let the clay dry in the sun and if you want to, you can even paint the carved clay rock any color you want. 

Let this be a reminder of how we are like clay in the Father’s hands. 

Bible Journey with HolyJot:

Here are some questions / prompts provided by the HolyJot community. 

• What did Peter see cropping out in the early church? (II Peter 2:3)
• How did Peter describe Noah in verse five? (II Peter 2:5)
• What kind of example did God make of them in verse six? (II Peter 2:6)

Follow this link to dive into this book with an online Bible Study group.

Writing prompt:

In chapter 1 verse 5 Peter lists seven traits that followers of Jesus should strive towards. For today’s writing prompt, we are going to write a prayer asking God to develop each of these traits in us. Look at what Peter wrote about each trait for inspiration and then write a prayer for each using the following prompts:

• God help me to become more…
• Remind me to do…
• By Your Spirit, let me…
• Thank you for… 

You can put these seven prayers up around your home, or add a different one to each day of the week in your diary. “For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (v.8)

Prayer:

God, I want to thank you for the book of 2 Peter. Help me to have a deeper hunger for your Word and for learning more about your ways. Let my response to this text be worship unto you!