2 Peter Chapter 3 - An Intimate Reminder to Stand.

Well here we are at the end of Peter, at the end of Summer! It's amazing how 2 little books took me all summer to finish, but OH how I have loved this study! As I type this I am sitting in one of my favorite places. A campground in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan! It is so peaceful here! Our whole family enjoys it, and it's a great place to end the summer, as well as this study.

I Peter 3:1-2

When you think of the Apostle Peter, what are the first words that come to mind to describe him? Impulsive? Rash? Uneducated? Weak? You name some. Through this study I have come to see how he has grown in so many ways. In this chapter I see how he gained such a love for the people in his care. I am struck by the way Peter begins this 2^nd letter. He uses the word “beloved” to describe his readers. Peter goes on to use the word “beloved” 3 more times when speaking directly to them(us). I have never thought of Peter as someone who easily shows affection, but here he is showing the great love he has for these people. Oh how the Lord can change us!

Peter again reminds his readers to remember the Prophets predictions and the commands of Jesus through the Apostles. Remember that he reminded us of that early in the passages: 1 Peter 1:10-12 and 2 Peter 1:18-21). Peter reiterates the need to KNOW scripture. This is a very important theme that is throughout the books of Peter! Know the word of God! We just finished the section on the false teachers, where we saw how important it is to know the word. We will learn more about that as we finish chapter 3. I believe what Peter is doing here in this Chapter is summarizing all his teaching, and reminding us of what is most important. 1 Thessalonians 5:20-22 says “Do not despise prophecies, but test everything, hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil” Test what you hear and hold fast the the truths of scripture!!

2 Peter 3:3-7

Just as in 2 Peter 2, Peter reminds these believers that scoffers(mockers) WILL come. They will completely ignore and overlook All that God has done. They try to place doubt in the minds of the believers by saying “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation”. I love how in verse 5 it says “they deliberately overlook, this fact” ~

• The heavens existed long ago

• the earth was formed out of water

• and through water (now here is the important part) BY THE WORD OF GOD.

Then it says “by means of these (THE WORD OF GOD) ~

• the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished.

Then a future prophecy ~ By the same WORD ~

• the Heavens and earth that exist now are stored up for fire.

God is faithful! He is true! As my kids learned last week at our local community fair, there are 3 things God cannot do:

• He cannot associate with sin (Habakkuk 1:13)

• He cannot lie (Hebrews 6:18)

• He cannot go back on his word (Timothy 2:13)

These scoffers, as well as the false teachers will do their best to discredit God. But those who know Him, and his completely perfect track record can rest assured that everything he says he will do, he will do. Because he has done everything he said he would do.

We read a great verse in Proverbs 28 that I thought fit here too. It is verse 10:

Whoever misleads the upright into an evil way will fall into his own pit.

These scoffers are following their own evil desires (vs. 3), and will pay the consequence of that.

Questions:

1. Are you aware how much you are loved in the Lord? Do you understand the rich treasure you have in His written word? Are you growing yourself in love for the Lord and for His people?

2. Are you prepared for the certain attacks that WILL come against God and the gospel? Do you see it happening already, and are you standing firm? Are you confident in God's ability to take care of the situation?

In my next post we will finish this study. I hope that it not only has blessed you, but that it has given you the desire to dig into God's word, and to grow in the knowledge of Him.

2 Peter Chapter 2 - Don't you just hate "Buts"! Part 2

Who are these false teachers we are learning about? Are they easy to pick out? For those who don't know the Word I would say no, they will not see them for who they are. But for those steeped in the Word there should be warning signs.

I want to start out in the middle of this passage (2 Peter 2:10-16) with this portion of scripture: "They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions, (and here it is) while they feast with you"(vs. 13b). These people ARE among us! It's not a matter of "if". Who are they? How can we tell? Peter gives us some descriptions to help:

• "They are bold and willful. They do not tremble when they blaspheme (malign, dishonor, revile) the glorious ones." These people really do not believe in the powers of light or darkness. They do not really believe in the power of God. It is as if they are thumbing their noses and saying "You're(angels, God) not going to do anything, because you lack power, so I will be OK". Now can't you just see the angels (vs. 11) just seeing this situation and not responding with a ZAP! But they don't. They leave that up to God! Boy I sure wish I would respond like the angels! That's some self (or God) control!!! Can I get an AMEN!!
• "They are like Irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed." YIKES! When I think of irrational animals I think of an animal with rabies. They are just plain out of their minds! Their is no reasoning in their thought process.
  
• Which leads into our next description: "They blaspheme about matters they do not understand". They have ceased to reason. In their thinking they have it all figured out. They know what the Word of God says, they do not need to study it. Also, if the Spirit is not in them (which it's not) they would not be able to understand the scriptures anyway. They are Ignorant, and worse yet they are irrational. There is no understanding AT ALL!
• They are not ashamed of their behavior (goes again to the bold and willful). They revel in the daytime. It's there, right in your face. Try to prove me wrong, they may say. This reminds me of what Peter says in verse 2 ~ "The way of truth is blasphemed" because of their ignorance. Can't you just see the scenario? Unbelievers or young Christians (unsteady souls from vs. 14), who do not know the Word, listening to people like this, and falling prey to their wrong thinking.
• Their eyes are full of adultery, insatiable (incapable of being satisfied, unable to stop) for sin.
  
• Hearts trained (they are practiced) in greed. Remember in 2 Peter 1 where Peter is telling us to practice, well here is one reason. These false teachers are well trained. They have put their all into self serving practices. Which brings us to a delightful fellow. Balaam! Read Numbers 22, if you are unfamiliar with the story. Basically, Balaam was about his own business. He was going to give a false prophecy (placing a curse on) concerning Israel for profit. But God took care of him in a most embarrassing way.
• They are waterless springs, and mist driven by a storm. There is no life in them, and they will soon disappear. But the destruction the leave behind is deadly and eternal. Because of their determination (loud boasts of folly) they entice (bait, allure, deceive)by sinful (sensual) passions those who are barely escaping. They are trying to take many with them. But please remember here, if you are a new creation in Christ Jesus, you are secure. Satan has lost the battle when it comes to you! Rest in that!!
  
• They promise freedom, but are themselves slaves. Now here is another telling statement "For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved". There is no freedom in what these people preach, just a different enslavement. It says in John 8:34 " Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin." But Christ has called us to true freedom. In 1 Peter 2:16 is says "Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants (slaves) of God." (Also the book of Galatians speaks much to our freedom in Christ). Be enslaved to Christ, may he overcome you!!
  
• Now again we get to who are they, or should I say, who they are not? This is a very difficult passage of scripture from verses 20-22. Scholars differ over what the meaning is, and I am NO scholar, so I will give you my take and leave it up to God from there. These false teachers have never been, nor will ever be part of the "true" church of Jesus Christ. They are counterfeit. They are fakes. They have all the looks of being real, but are not. They are in and among the "true" church. It reminds me of the parable of the Weeds in Matthew 13: 24-30, 36-43. They will one day be sifted and sorted out and thrown away! There is no hope for them. They will always return back to what they know, as a dog to it's own vomit (which is so yuck when you see it isn't it!?) (Prov. 26:11) or a sow to the mud after being cleaned. It's just their instinct to return to it.

I. Are you prepared to face and defend THE faith against false teachers? These are people who are in and among us, can you see them for what they are?

II. True freedom only comes through Christ. Are you weakened in an area where a false teacher might be attacking? Stay true to God's word for reinforcing strength!


Boy I'm tired!!! This was a hard one. Praying you are blessed!!!

2 Peter Chapter 2 - Don't you just hate "Buts"! Part 1

At the end of Chapter one we read that we do not follow cleverly devised myths, but had eyewitness accounts and the prophets to guide us. We learned also that no scripture comes from man but were from God as they (men) were carried along by the Holy Spirit. Wonderful news ~ God's word is trustworthy!! Then there is this pesky little word ~ “BUT”!

vs. 1-3: People always have to come along and try to ruin things. In Chapter 2 we read again about False Teachers who “secretly” ~ (craftily) bring destructive heresies into the church. Even to the point of denying Christ. Sound Familiar? God knows who these people are, after all he is God and knows all. He says that they are bringing swift destruction on themselves. It's not an if they will be destroyed, it's when. The sad thing is though they will bring many with them. Those that are weak will follow their “sensuality ~ (Unbridled lust, excess, outrageousness, shamelessness, insolence)”. They will “exploit” ~ (To use a person or thing for gain) the truth because of greed. Because of them the way of truth will be “blasphemed” ~ (Maligned, dishonored, reviled).

Does this all sound remotely familiar to you? Have you had concerns over certain things you have heard either from a TV evangelist or pastor from the pulpit, or even from someone you trust to know the word well? I know I have. I also know that we cannot judge the heart of man, that is up to God, (Mark 7:14-23, speaks of Jesus knowing the heart and understanding.), but there are most definitely signs that tell us what direction a persons heart is taking him/her. This is another reason it is of the utmost importance for Christ followers to know the word of God! We will get into that a little more later, but how are you supposed to be able to detect a False Teacher, if you do not know the text book he/she is maligning?

vs. 4-10: Peter goes on to explain why we can trust that what God says will happen, will happen. He gives the people a little history lesson. He uses those 2 little words “For it”:

• God did not spare angels when they sinned (which is an interesting thought, isn't it?), but cast them into hell, committed them to chains until judgment.

• If he did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah (a herald (Messenger, preacher) of righteousness) and 7 others.

• If by turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes he condemned them to extinction, making them an example of what will happen to the ungodly.

• If he rescued “righteous” Lot who lived among the ungodly and was greatly distressed by their “sensual” conduct.

“then” don't you think He knows how to rescue the “godly” ~ (you) from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment, especially those who indulge in the lust (remember the definition) of defiling passion and despise authority? God has got it all under control! There is nothing that goes on in this world that he has not allowed! Do we understand it, NO. Do we wish it were different and that he would "smite" (cool word) them right on the spot, YES. Would he have to smite us too! Most Probably! But God will handle those who lead people astray, he will!

Yes there are those among us (we will hear more of this in the next post), that are not truly part of the church. We need to be wise as serpents (Matthew 10:16) when it comes to identifying them. We need to know the word of God. We cannot rely completely on the preaching we hear on Sunday. It has to go further, as Paul says in Acts 17:11 “Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.”

1. Are you in God's word faithfully so that you are able to fight against False Teachers?

2. Do you know of someone who may be falling for destructive heresies?

3. What does God call us to do when we see or hear a false doctrine being taught?

4. What are you going to do?

2 Peter Chapter 1 - Who, What, Why, How Part 3

So Peter has told us Who we are, and has told us What qualities are necessary and Why. Today he will give us the How. We are looking at verses 12-21.

Peter starts out verse 12 with "Therefore". You know where there's a "therefore" it's there for a reason! HA! It's basically saying the same thing as in verse 5 "for this reason". Because what Peter just said was so important he was going to REMIND the faithful of these qualities (refer back to previous post for qualities). He goes on to say that "we" know them and are ESTABLISHED(made stable, fixed, strengthened) in this truth. There again he is encouraging us to not listen to the voice of Satan, but listen to the voice of truth! That being ~ You are in Christ; You are on equal standing with other believers; You have the power through Christ to partake in the divine nature of God; You are a force to be reckoned with!

In verse 13 he alludes to his impending death. What I see in this section is his URGENCY! Time is short! Therefore Peter thought it was right to STIR (wake up, awaken) his readers. Wake up! You need to know that you know this, and you need to put it into practice! There is no time to waste! You don't know what tomorrow brings! He would make a way for them to recall these things, even after he is gone.

Look what we have today! This wonderful book that reminds us of our calling! Is that not just AWESOME! Praise God!

This book that we have, what is it? Ah. Peter goes on to tell us about this book. What it contains.

Peter wants his readers to know that these aren't clever stories that have been concocted by man, but that they (the Apostles) who had been with Jesus are giving us an eyewitness of the glories of Christ! They saw Him, touched Him, lived with Him and were taught by Him. They were on the mountain (of Transfiguration) when he received his glory from the Father!

But, if that wasn't enough, well then you have the prophetic word (enter Old Testament). Peter uses the words "more sure"(stable, fast, firm) here in verse 19. Peter's readers knew the OT. They would know what the prophets had said about Christ, that would give confirmation to the Apostles personal testimony. It all fits together! The old and the new! So Peter tells them, you will do well to "pay attention" to the prophetic teachings because they are like a lamp shining in a dark place, until Christ returns. Scripture is not only a tool (as some would say), but is our vital connection to Christ. Without it we have no way of knowing the true heart of God, and His Son Jesus Christ!

So many today attack the authenticity, inerrancy, and infallibility of scripture, to their own demise, and the demise of those who listen to them. There are those that put the Sovereignty of God in question because they would say things like "if the writers only knew about "this or that" they would not have written that". God knew, God knows, God's word speaks! Here in the very last 2 verses of this chapter Peter speaks to this issue.

1 Peter 1:20-21

But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

So what do you believe today? Do you doubt scripture? If you doubt, then you need to start back at the beginning.

1. Who are you? Are you one of the faithful? That's a pretty important question.
   
2. What qualities are you growing in your life? Do you understand the importance of these qualities to your spiritual health?
   
3. Do you believe the Bible to be the word of God, written through the hands of men, by the power of the Holy Spirit? If not, why not? If so, are you diving into it daily, asking the Holy Spirit to help you to understand what God is telling you (reminding you).
   

We have all we need that pertain to life and godliness, and it is contained in this wonderful book called "The Holy Bible".

DIVE IN TODAY!!!

2 Peter Chapter 1 - Who, What, Why, How Part 2

So after telling the faithful who they are, Peter proceeds to let them and us know:

What we need, and why we need it?

In verse 5 he begins by saying: For this reason (what reason), because of WHO you are, you should make every effort (apply all diligence) to supplement (add to, supply) your faith ~ virtue; virtue ~ knowledge; knowledge ~ self-control; self-control ~ steadfastness; steadfastness ~ godliness; godliness ~ brotherly affection; brotherly affection ~ love.

Sounds a little like Peter is telling us to work, right? No, that is not the case. What he is saying is as we grow in Christ (I myself think of "sanctification" ~ The act of making a thing pure and holy or "Consecration" ~the devoting or setting apart of anything to the worship or service of God. ) these are qualities that we need to practice:

1. to make ready, to prepare
2. to produce, bear, shoot forth
3. to acquire

in order to not be ineffective and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (Verses 8 & 10). You need to claim these qualities, recognize the importance of them in your spiritual life, and be increasing in them. It's a big product of time spent with God, through the study of His word, through prayer, through worship. It's a nature progression that, if one truly is one with Christ, happens without effort or work. The process is driven by a thankfulness to God for our salvation; by our recognition of our state without this great salvation, our desire to KNOW him more, and our desire to be partakers in His divine nature. That being said "It's not WORK at all".

Peter also goes on to say that those who lack these qualities is SO nearsighted and blind that they forget they were cleansed of their former sins, Verse 9. If you are not in the Word, and growing in these qualities you are in danger of forgetting what God has done for you, and the power that you possess (in Him) to live a life of godliness. It is easy then to fall into temptation. But Peter says, those that practice these qualities will not fall (stumble, err, make a mistake, sin). He actually says NEVER! WOW, that's amazing! With these qualities you will make your calling and election sure. What Peter means here is that you will not doubt your standing in Christ. If you are not in the Word, and not growing in these qualities, you may doubt your salvation, and therefore be ineffective and unfruitful.

Practicing these qualities = Confidence, fruitfulness and effectiveness

Not practicing these qualities = blindness, confusion, doubt, unfruitfulness, ineffectiveness, and stumbling in the dark as a blind person.

Questions:

1. Are you practicing the qualities mentioned in this section? It is never to late to start. The only time it is too late is when we stand before our Lord and Savior.
   
2. Are you getting into the Word daily and seeking the Holy Spirits help in understanding what it says, and applying it to your life?
3. Do you doubt your salvation? If so, please talk to someone about it, and get into the word so your knowledge of God grows.
   

2 Peter Chapter 1 - Who, What, Why, How Part 1

I'm taking a little different approach to 2 Peter. I have to admit I have procrastinated on it because it feels like a completely daunting task for me! I have said several times that I am not a writer. My thoughts are often scattered (hence the name of my blog), and my grammar, well it's pretty bad!!! So here I sit wanting desperately to translate to you (mostly Mari, my one faithful commenter!!) the truths that God is showing me in my study, and fearful of not being able to articulate the beauty of God's word. But I feel compelled to continue, so like Steven Curtis Chapman says in his song "I'm diving in"! I pray that the Holy Spirit will illuminate your mind to His truth's and I will get out of the way!

Also this will be done over a few blog posts, so they don't get to long.

WHO we are? (Verses 1-4)

Peter is all about encouragement of the saints! Really, that showed up so much in 1 Peter. Even though there will be struggle, take heart, remember whose you are, rejoice, etc....

Here in 2 Peter, right off the bat he reminds the faithful of who they are! They did not have to think them less then he, or the other Apostles (who had seen Jesus). They were on equal standing with them. There is no saint in the Kingdom of God that is greater then any other. Why? Because (by) the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ we have obtained (to receive by divine allotment) it!

So many of us (myself included) look at others and say "WOW I wish I had their faith!" Well Peter is here to tell you, YOU DO!

I often said as the Director of Children's Ministries, that God does not make Junior Disciples. In verses 3 & 4 Peter says that God's divine power has granted to us ALL THINGS that pertain to life and godliness, through KNOWLEDGE of him. There is so much more to this run on sentence of his I just need to show it:

2 Peter 1:3-4

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted (bestowed) to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers (sharers, partners, associates, companions) of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.

So you see we have all we need, our knowledge of Him needs to grow. Satan would like us to believe that we are weak and not useful in the Kingdom of God because there is always someone with more knowledge them we have, BUT throughout this chapter Peter will encourage us to understand that we have what we need IN HIM (Christ)! What we need to do is claim it, and practice it (which we will learn later).

I think my first question always has to be:

1. Are you one of those who through faith has obtained an equal standing? Have you professed faith in Jesus Christ, and excepted his wonderful gift of salvation? If you haven't, please seek out someone today to further explain the wonderful plan of salvation laid forth in Jesus Christ! If you have:
2. Are you seeing your faith as inferior to others? What does the passage say about who you are and what you've been given?
   
3. Are you claiming the divine power granted you to live a life that shows your equal standing with other believers?

Walk in that faith! You have what you need to life a godly life! We will learn more of the what, why, and how as we go forward.

Get into the Word today!!!

1 Peter Chapter 5 - Homiletics Practice

Well I am to the final Chapter of 1 Peter, and I have loved every minute of this study so far! At the end of this post I will give a brief summary of what I believe is the key issue Peter is addressing in 1 Peter. I hope that these posts have blessed you and caused you to examine 1st of all the Holy Scriptures, and 2nd of all to examine yourself in light of them. I know I have, and have come up wanting.

Divisions ~

I. Verses 5: 1-4 ~ Peter instructs the elders on their role as shepherds.

• This portion of scripture is so important to the life and ministry of "the Church". It speaks to the leadership. I am convicted by this passage of scripture and the passages that describe the qualifications of those who are eligible for leadership in 1 Timothy 3, and Titus 1. Why you may ask? Because I have never really taken my job as a member of the congregation seriously in nominating or voting on members of Consistory. Now I myself have a lot of questions for those who feel called to this office.
  
• Also I think it needs to be noted here that the office of "elder" also includes the pastor. In other scripture he (the pastor) is called "shepherd" (Eph 4:11).
  
• It is of the UTMOST importance to have men in leadership that fully embody the descriptions in these passages! To many churches reputations and effectiveness for the Kingdom are destroyed because of lack of integrity or knowledge on the part of leadership. As "the flock" we should be in much prayer and discernment when electing officers and when choosing who will "pastor" the flock!
  

II. Verses 5-7 ~ Peter instructs the youth and all the church in humility.

• It is right for the youth to show proper respect to those older and in authority over them. That and so much more are said in these short verses. Once leadership is established, it is up to "the flock" to "be subject" to that leadership. NOW I do have to ask, what if leadership is stepping out of God's will? Well here are "my" thoughts: God has given us clear instructions in how to resolve conflict. Matthew 18 comes to mind as one. Also in Timothy where it talks about the Bible being useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training (2 Tim 3:16). What we need to remember though is that we do so in a manner that is pleasing to God and God honoring.
  
• There is one word that is so key in all of this! HUMILITY!! Here Peter addresses "all of you", meaning the elders and the youth. The whole church! "Clothe yourselves, ALL OF YOU, with humility toward one another for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the HUMBLE."
  

III. Verses 8-14 ~ Peter gives instruction on how to prepare for the attacks of our adversary.

• Again we are given instructions of how we should be living in order to resist the certain attacks that WILL come:

*Be Sober-minded:

1. to be calm and collected in spirit
2. to be temperate, dispassionate, circumspect

I like the word calm here, don't you? We are not to get our panties all in a bunch, but basically "Be still and know that I am God", right?

*Watchful:

1. to watch
2. metaph. give strict attention to, be cautious, active
   1. to take heed lest through remission and indolence some destructive calamity suddenly overtake one

*Resist him FIRM in the faith, KNOWING that the same kinds of sufferings are being experienced by fellow Christians.

And now here's the really cool part! After you've suffered "a little while" the " the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, WILL HIMSELF:

• RESTORE
• CONFIRM
• STRENGTHEN
  
• and ESTABLISH

YOU!

Doesn't that just give you goose bumps!!! It should!!! For All Dominion belongs to Him forever and ever!! He is able!

Subject Sentence ~

Humility is required to lead, and to resist satan's attacks.

Aim ~

To cause the audience to examine themselves and their God given roles in the church. To understand that power to resist & restoration begin with humility.

Applications ~

I. Where has God called you to lead by example? Church, work, home? Are you leading with integrity?

II. Where is God calling you to submit to authority? Has your heart been humble in confrontation?

III. Has satan been attacking you lately? Where? If so were you able to resist? If not, why not?

One last question: Do you realize that God WILL himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you?!

Final summation of 1 Peter:

SURRENDER AND SUFFERING are our calling! God's POWER is our tool!

God's glory is our goal!