Why 2 Peter?

Dearly beloved congregation of our Lord Jesus Christ, we have seen Peter's determination to remind us about the truth that Jesus is definitely coming back. He has warned us against those who teach otherwise and live like there's no tomorrow — and he's going to keep warning us against those people, whom he has labeled false teachers. Here, though, he tips his hand even farther and reveals to us why he's writing to his original audience and thus, by extension, to us. What's the point? Why did he take the time to write this letter? Why are we taking the time to read it, and even more to the point, why are we taking the time to hear two dozen sermons on it? Why spend half a year with this three-chapter summary of the Christian faith? Because we need to be reminded about the truth and warned against those who deny it. That's the point. That's why Peter wrote and why we read. We need to be reminded of the truth. Really, our text this evening presents us with five reasons why the apostle wrote this letter. All of them are important; all of them are relevant for our lives this week.