Posts Tagged ‘life and godliness’
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 December 18th: 2nd Peter 1-3
Does the sin and degradation of this world ever get to you? Do you become so tired of the constant bombardment of sex, lies, materialism, war, pollution, and lusts that you long for an escape? Peter offers some advice to those who have the righteousness of Christ by faith. We are to live in grace and peace in abundance through our knowledge of God and Christ Jesus, our Lord! (2nd Peter 1:1-2)
“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. Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” (2nd Peter 1:3-4)
What do we know about Jesus Christ and God our Father that helps us to escape this corruption? We know Jesus was good! He went about doing good and healed all those oppressed by the devil, because God the Father was with Him. (Acts 10:38) We know that Jesus promises to be with us always! (Matthew 28:20) We know that God the Father spoke from heaven and confirmed Jesus as His Son. (Matthew 17:2-5) We also know that Jesus is coming back the same way He left–in a cloud of glory! (Acts 1:9-11) Peter was there and an eyewitness to Christ’s glory when He was transfigured and when He ascended! (2nd Peter 1:18)
We have Peter’s eyewitness account, but God’s word is even more certain according to Peter. (2nd Peter 1:19-21) God’s word contains the precious promises that we cling to. It came not from man, but holy men spoke from God under the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit! God’s word is Spirit and Life–impregnated with the life of God and able to cause us to be born again. (1st Peter 2:23) The life it brings endures forever! The Spirit is a guarantee of what is to come! The earth and heavens will pass away with a roar and intense heat, but God’s word will never pass away! (Matthew 24:35) (2nd Peter 3:10)
Faith and rest in God’s ability to bring His promises to pass enables us to escape the world’s corruption caused by our lusts. We are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth where righteousness will be complete! Peter concludes his second letter with encouragement. We do our part and God will keep His word! “So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with Him. Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation…” But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” (2nd Peter 3:14-15, 18)