Archive for the ‘General epistles-BibleTrekToday’ Category

Scripture reading for November 28th: 2nd Peter 1-22

Peter warned his flock about the false teachers who would come into their midst.  These teachers secretly introduced destructive heresies, some that even denied the sovereign Lord who bought them.  These teachers were greedy for money and used ear-tickling methods to divide off the weaker sheep and destroy them.  These same issues are in the church today!

Peter made a case from church history emphasizing God’s dealing with false teaching and rebellion.  The first example he used was that of Noah and his family.  Noah preached righteousness by faith and built an ark to protect his family.  God used a world-wide flood to judge the world of that day that had been corrupted by the false teaching of some wicked beings who were indwelt by fallen angels.  These angels were also locked up in hell awaiting the judgment.  (2nd Peter 2:4-5)

Next Peter cited the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.  God rescued the righteous Lot and his family, but judged the wicked that had rebelled against Him.  Peter plainly stated that God would judge the false teachers who promoted immorality and heresy and would rescue those who stood firm in His word!  (2nd Peter 2:7-9)

Peter went on to expose these false teachers for who they were.  They were bold and arrogant who blasphemed God and His truth.  They were like ‘brute beasts’ who operated out of their instincts and fleshly desires.  They were immoral and open about it.  They were adulterous and greedy for money and sin.  They seduced the weak and unstable among the believers.  They enticed people who were just escaping from living in sin and took them back into bondage!  Peter stated that they were “slaves of depravity”.  (2nd Peter 2:13-19)

I think today about ministers and churches who openly embrace the sin of homosexuality as something ordained by God.  I think of others who willingly promote “pro-choice’ politics and the murder of the innocent and do that while naming the name of Christ!  Often this is done to attract those who so believe and gain monetary support from them.  They tell them that God loves them and that they can go on living “as slaves of their depravity’.  God’s word plainly states that those who live like this will not inherit the Kingdom of Heaven!  (1st Corinthians 6:9-11)  God wants to save them, but without repentance He can not!

Scripture reading for November 27th: 2nd Peter 1:1-21

Peter’s final letter in the Bible was written to encourage believers in the church to grow in their understanding of Christ.  The church of that time was being attacked by false teachers who brought in destructive heresies and practiced immorality.  By knowing Christ and His Word, the church would be able to stand firm against this attack from within.  These instructions are needed today in our time and culture as well!

“Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours:  Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.  His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.” (2nd Peter 1:1-3)

Peter’s introduction reveals his humble servant’s heart.  Although Peter was one of the leaders of the apostles, he thought of himself as a servant first of all.  He understood that righteousness was the result of faith in Jesus Christ and a gift from God to all who believe.  He knew that faith came by hearing the word of God and that knowledge of God came from the word of God.

“For this very reason, make every effort to add to you faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.  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.” (2nd Peter 1:5-8)

Growing in faith requires discipline and study of God’s word with application.  There are many qualities here that come from true knowledge of Jesus Christ.  These traits develop as we purposely seek to add them to our life and invite Christ to live in us and use us.  Peter explained to the church that he had first-hand knowledge of Christ and was an eye-witness of His Glory at the transfiguration.  The church now has the word of Scripture passed down by the prophets and apostles.  We must pay attention to it to gain our knowledge of Christ!  It is a light shining in a dark place! (2nd Peter 1:19-21)

Scripture reading for November 26th: 1st Peter 4:12-5:14

Peter addressed the elders in the body of Christ.  Elders were the senior leaders of the church and usually held offices of pastor, bishop or overseer.  They were primarily there to serve and lead by example.  Jesus taught His disciples that the path to greatness in His kingdom was to become a servant of all!  (Mark 10:42-45)

“To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed:  Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under our care, serving as overseers–not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.  And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.” (1st Peter 5:1-4)

Peter was an eye-witness of Jesus Christ’s life, suffering, and death.  Peter appealed to those in leadership as an equal brother and one who would share in the reward of faithful service in Christ’s Body, the Church.  He was a fisherman but learned the shepherd metaphor from the Lord Himself.  Jesus had taught His disciples that He was the Good Shepherd that laid His life down for the Sheep.  (John 10:11, 14)  On another occasion, Jesus had likened the crowd as ’sheep without a shepherd.’  (Mark 6:34)  Finally, Jesus had challenged Peter three times to feed or care for ‘My sheep’ in response to Peter’s declarations of love for Him.  (John 21:15-17)

As Jesus willingly served the flock of God’s people, so are those in the positions of elders to willing serve God’s people in the church.  Elders aren’t to be motivated by money, but by love of the Savior and His sheep!  Eagerness to serve should be a mark of a true leader.  The world’s leaders lord it over those they lead, but in the church a humble servant’s heart should mark the men and women of God. This example of servant-leadership will do much to shape the hearts of the flock to be more like their Chief Shepherd!

Jesus is coming back!  His reward is with Him for those who faithfully serve His flock!  A crown of glory awaits those who are willing servants and examples of Christ’s love!

Scripture reading for November 25th: 1st Peter 3:8-4:11

Some people are falsely taught that Christianity is an escape to a life here of happiness and everlasting peace.    Suffering is a part of life on earth and believers sometimes suffer because of Jesus.  Jesus, Himself, suffered as a completely innocent man among people who were supposedly ‘God’s people’.  Peter wrote to his Jewish friends who had become Christians to inform them about suffering and proper attitudes during these trials.

“Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.  Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you might inherit a blessing.” (1st Peter 3:8-9)  Our attitude and conduct should be different from those people still in the world system.  We must stay humble and consider others before ourselves.  We, like Jesus, are called to be a blessing.  We sow blessings because we have received the ultimate blessing of forgiveness and eternal life.

“Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?  But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.  “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.”  But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect,” (1st Peter 3:13-15)  Christians should be positive people, always eager to do what is good and right in God’s sight.  Most of the time, this will also bring favor with men.  Our attitude should be motivated by Christ Jesus as Lord and our desire to please and obey His example.   We live by faith and are not to be overcome with fear.  If people see this positive hope in our attitudes, they will be curious and ask us why we are so upbeat.  We should then be ready to share the Gospel.

“Therefore, since Christ suffered in His body, arm yourselves with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin.  As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.” (1st Peter 4:1-2)  Are you armed with the proper attitude to face life today?

Scripture reading for November 24th: 1st Peter 2:13-3:7

“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps.  “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.”  When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats.  Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.  He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness, by His wounds you have been healed.“  (1st Peter 2:21-24)

As believers in Jesus Christ, we are called by God to follow Christ’s example of faithful suffering.  Christ did not sin against, complain about, lie about, or threaten those who insulted Him.  Christ simply put His trust in God the Father to repay them at the final judgment. Likewise, we are to patiently endure sufferings and pray for those that would abuse or persecute us.

A second aspect of Christ’s example is found in the purpose of His suffering.  Christ suffered for the welfare of others.  He bore our sins in His body on that cross in order that we might through His sacrifice die to sins.   He suffered wounds to bring about our healing and deliverance from both sin and sickness.  We who know Christ and have placed our faith in Him, can receive forgiveness and healing.

Christ’s example was one of submission to authority on all levels.  We are instructed to model that same submission ourselves as we live our lives in the world.  We are to submit to the king and all governmental authorities.  (1st Peter 2:13-15)  When we do this we honor God.  Slaves were to submit to their masters as unto Christ with all respect.  It did not matter if they were treated well or not.  (1st Peter 2:18-20)

Wives were to submit to their husbands as Christ submitted to His Father.  Jesus example also was applicable in the home authority structure established by God.  Wives were to live such godly lives that they could win over their husbands without word.  (1st Peter 3:1-2)  Husbands were to live with their wives in the same way Christ modeled loving care.  (1st Peter 3:7)  In these ways, Christ’s example would practically help the believers to live and lead others to know Christ!  How are you doing in following Christ’s example?

Scripture reading for November 23rd: 1st Peter 1:13-2:12

Peter’s name meant ‘rock’ or ’stone’.  Peter was told by Jesus after he confessed Him as the Christ, Son of the Living God, that on “this rock I will build My Church.”  (Matthew 16:18)  Jesus as the Son of the Living God was the “Living Stone” that was the cornerstone of the new temple of the new covenant.  In today’s reading from Peter’s epistle, we have further insight on this new temple.

“Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.  As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.  But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”" (1st Peter 1:13-15)  Peter reminded these believers that they had been born again into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  (1st Peter 1:3)  This new birth was a gift of grace from God but would bring about changes in thinking and actions.   God called His children to obedience and conformity to His will and purposes.  Foremost is the requirement of holiness.  Holiness is the perfect character of God worked out in our thinking and lives.

“Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.  For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.” (1st Peter 1:22-23)  This new birth comes through the Living God’s living Word.  The word for ’seed’ is the Greek word for ’sperm’!  His word in us bring His life and character into us!

“As you come to Him, the Living Stone–rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to Him–you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1st Peter 2:4-5)  The ‘Living Stone, ‘ Jesus Christ is also the ‘Living Word’.  When we are born again, we become ‘living stones’ that God is using to build His new temple.  Like Peter, the ’stone’, we confess that Jesus is the Christ, Son of the Living God!  On that confession, God builds His church!

Scripture reading for November 22nd: 1st Peter 1:1-12

Peter was one of the Twelve disciples.  Peter was notoriously impulsive and sometimes very fickle in his walk with Jesus.  Jesus chose him, not for his perfection, but because of God’s sovereign purpose.  Peter faithfully served the Lord by ministering mainly to Jews in the early church.  We have two letters written by him to encourage those suffering persecution as believers in Christ.  These speak to us today!

“To God’s elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by His blood:  Grace and peace be yours in abundance.” (1st Peter 1:1-2)

Peter began his letter by addressing those who would receive it.  He first stated that they were God’s elect!  God the Father chose them by His foreknowledge to be a part of His family.  God knows the hearts of all men and chooses them.  This does not mean that we do not have free will.  God knows how we will choose and knows us completely from before creation!  (Ephesians 1:4-5)

He told the believers that they were scattered by God.  The term ’scattered’ was a farming term used of the farmer that purposely placed the seed in soil where it would grow and produce a crop.  Each believer is placed by God like seed.  God’s purpose for us is that we will produce fruit–a crop of righteousness–for His glory!

To enable this, God’s gift of grace to us is the gift of His righteousness brought to us by the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ.  The Holy Spirit indwells us upon our obedience of placing faith in Christ’s sacrifice.  The Holy Spirit works within us to sanctify us, that is to make us holy and complete.

“You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.  Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God;  once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” (1st Peter 1:9-10)  What a privilege we share with the recipients of this apostolic letter from Peter!  Thank the Lord for His calling and saving grace!

Scripture reading for November 21st: James 5:1-20

Most Christians know about the promise of Jesus coming again.  This coming has been foretold for about two thousand years and it still hasn’t taken place.  Even in James day and time, he wrote to remind them of their need for patience and active faith in the face of suffering and persecution.

“Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming.  See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains.  You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.  Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged.  The Judge is standing at the door!” (James 5:7-9)

Being a farmer in my early years taught me a lot about patience.  I could plant the seed, but I couldn’t hurry the harvest.  I could keep the weeds out of the crop, but God had to bring the rains in their proper time.  I had to wait with faith that God would provide.  He always took care of us, even though it was sometimes at the last minute!

When we wait, it is easy to become impatient and get into strife and grumbling.  The Israelites did this as they waited in the desert to go into the promised land.  Their grumbling brought God’s judgment.  (1st Corinthians 10:1-10)  James warns us not to grumble.  The One who will judge us is right at the door–ready to come at any instant!  Knowing this and believing this should help keep us on the right course to meet the Lord.

James cites the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord as another example of patience.  “As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered.  You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about.  The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.” (James 5:11)  Job lost everything he had as well as his health but he held onto his faith.  He was eventually restored double by the Lord!  (Job 42:10)  Perseverance and faith have a great reward in the end.  So it shall be for each person who trusts God and stays faithful through the trials and tests of life.  The righteous Judge will restore and reward the faithful and the unbeliever will suffer great loss!

Scripture reading for November 20th: James 4:1-17

James was a Jew and ministered as the pastor of the church in Jerusalem.  Pastoring a flock of Jewish believers had it’s challenges and he dealt with some quarrels among the brothers and sisters.  In his epistle, James gave instructions in practical humility that would help his flock avoid the strife and work together.  Let’s be quick to listen and then apply his instructions in order to help the church we are a part of!

“What causes fights and quarrels among you?  Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?  You want something but don’t get it.  You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want.  You quarrel and fight.  You do not have, because you do not ask God.  When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” (James 4:1-3)  James speaks plainly to brothers and sisters that he loves.  Selfishness is at the heart of most strife in the church!  It starts in our flesh with desires and then is worked out in anger, slander (murder with the tongue), jealousy, and even spiritual manipulation!  Some of his flock were praying to God, but God could not grant an answer because they had selfish motives.  They simply weren’t asking God in accordance with His will!

“But He gives us more grace.  That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”  Submit yourselves, then, to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  Come near to God and he will come near to you.  Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double minded.  Grieve, mourn and wail.  Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom.  Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” (James 4:6-10)

We all need more grace to overcome our selfish desires and flesh.  Grace comes to the humble.  A mark of true humility is submission to God and obedience to His word.  When we submit, we draw near to Him to listen and learn.  Another mark of humility is a sincere desire to be clean of sin.  Sincere brokenness is marked by a change of heart and by cleansing our hands from evil works.  If we humble ourselves, God will lift us up!

Scripture reading for November 19th: James 2:13-3:18

James was writing to counter a teaching about faith that emphasized believing but not repentance.    Today, many have been told that all they need to do is believe in Jesus and say a sinner’s prayer and they are saved.  Many have done this but never have any further fruit of faith demonstrated in their lives.   They never go to church, pray, read their Bibles, or help the poor and needy.   James, the Apostle and half-brother of Jesus, doesn’t come against salvation through faith alone.  He simply states that true faith produces corresponding actions and fruit that demonstrates our true converted state.

“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds?  Can such a faith save him?  Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes or daily food.  If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?  In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (James 2:14-17)  James uses a practical example of a common need in the body of Christ.  Who would say that a simple declaration of of wishing a needy brother or sister well would demonstrate a true heart of Christ’s compassion?  If we have means to help, we would help this person practically.  Likewise, if we have faith in God’s grace to us, we will have deeds reflecting our faith.

James goes on to cite Abraham as another example of faith in God that was demonstrated by corresponding action.  Abraham was told by God to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, on a mountain God would show him.  Abraham had been told that through this son, all nations of the earth would be blessed.  (Genesis 12:3)  Abraham believed God and obeyed him and God credited his faith demonstrated in this way as righteousness.  (James 2:23)

James final example was the prostitute Rahab, who hid the spies and obtained God’s approval and righteousness.  God is always looking for those who believe Him and obey His word and revelation to them.  True faith always produces actions.  “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” (James 2:26)