NOVEMBER 16 READING…2 PETER 1
Peter’s first letter focused on persecution and trouble coming from outside the church…now in 2 Peter, he deals with problems from inside the church. He warns of false teachers who bringing their damning doctrines into the church. He begins this letter by reminding the believers that they have been given everything in Christ to live godly lives that bring glory to the Lord. He reminds us of the promises we have in the Lord, as we are now His very children…that which the Father has, also belongs to His children. The truth of who we are in Christ should move us in grow from…faith to virtue, virtue to knowledge, knowledge to self-control, self-control to perseverance, perseverance to godliness, godliness to kindness, kindness to love. These things are to be abundantly seen in our lives, and in our relationships with other believers. Anything less reveals shortsightedness, and even spiritual blindness. Christ has supplied us all we need in Himself…now we need to live in what He has given to us.
Peter tells the church that the basis of our doctrine is not from cleverly devised fables…but through the power of Jesus Christ. God revealed this when He spoke to those with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration…” This is My Son, hear Him”. Peter also reminds us that we have the prophetic Word of God, made sure by God bringing it to pass. We are called to heed the Word of God…the church gets into trouble when it does not obey the Word of God. For Scripture does not have as it’s source the human hand that penned it to us…it is inspired by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, it must be interpreted by the same Spirit that gave it. No human has either the right, or ability, to interpret it for themselves.
Please share your thoughts from today’s reading.
TOMORROW’S READING…2 PETER 2