Power, Patience, Repentance
Scripture reading for November 18: 2 Peter 3
“They will say, “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.” For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the Word of God, and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. But by the same Word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. But do not over look this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years and a thousand years as one do. The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” 2 Peter 3:4-9
Peter was well aware of the current worldview of many in the church and the world of his day. When Jesus Christ’s return in power was declared by the preachers and apostles, scoffers mocked them by stating that these kinds of warning had been around for thousands of years. Things really never changed, they said, so why make any changes. They said these things while deliberately rejecting God’s Word detailing the judgment of the world through water in Noah’s day. God created the world out of water and used water to judge the rebellion of man and start over.
But God’s Word also declares that the current heavens and earth will one day be destroyed by fire when Jesus returns in power to judge the ungodly. Peter plead with them to consider that with God a thousand years are as a day, and a day as a thousand years. God was not locked in our time frame and was certainly not slow or unable to bring about what His Word declared. Instead, God was showing His great kindness and patience with mankind. He wanted none to perish in fiery judgment, but that all would find repentance leading to eternal life in the new heavens and earth that would result after the fire.
Have you ever scoffed at preachers warning of Christ’s return? Do people in our world still use the argument that things will go on as usual despite God’s Word? Do you have a friend or loved one that needs to repent? Would you pray for them today and ask God to reveal Himself to them?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your amazing patience with the scoffers and mockers. Help me to declare Your patience and kindness in Jesus Christ and the coming judgment of the ungodly at His return. Forgive those who mock and reveal truth to them through Your Word and past fulfilment. Amen.
False Teachers are Dangerous!
Scripture reading for November 17: 2 Peter 2
“They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved. For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.”” 2 Peter 2:19-22
Peter was concerned for the spiritual welfare of the church. False teachers and teaching had spread that advocated a new ‘freedom’ to live in sensuality while still claiming to love Jesus. These teachers were themselves now ‘slaves of corruption’ after once having a salvation experience and being delivered and washed from sins. True freedom comes from repentance and washing clean from sin and it’s shame.
Peter stated that it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and then turn away from following Him. Peter did not believe in the ‘once saved, always saved’ false teaching that these teachers promoted. He plainly stated that what overcomes a person and enslaves him brings bondage that can lead to great loss. He used two examples of the current culture to illustrate the danger. The first was a dog returning to his own vomit. That is really a disgusting picture! The second was a female hog that was washed but then returns to the mud wallow to roll around in the filth again! Peter’s illustrated letter was God breathed to get our attention!
Have you ever been enticed or taken in by a false teacher or an enticing teaching? Why would it be worse to have known the way of righteousness and then turn back? Does it shock you that God would use such graphic and worldly illustrations to describe those turning back to the world?
Prayer: Father God, thank You that Your love for us sent Your Son to identify with all our weaknesses and yet live free from sin. Thank You for Your mercy that brings understanding and correction through illustrations we can understand and see with our mind’s eye. Correct me vividly! Amen.
Scripture’s Divine Origin
Scripture reading for November 14: 2 Peter 1
“For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to Him by the Majestic Glory, “This is My beloved Son, with Whom I am well pleased,” we ourselves heard this very voice born from heaven, for we were with Him on the holy mountain. And we have the prophetic Word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the Morning Star rises in your hearts, knowing that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will or man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” 2 Peter 1:16-21
As Peter wrote his second and final letter to the church before his execution by Rome, he reminded the believers to hold Scripture in high regard. He wrote as an “eyewitness” of Christ’s Majesty. Peter was speaking of the transfiguration where Moses and Elijah met with Jesus on the mountain and Jesus was transfigured in the sight of Peter, James and John who were there at Jesus request. (Matthew 17:1-8) He and the others heard the voice of God the Father declaring His beloved Son. This glorious experience was wonderful, but Peter wanted the believers to recognize that Scripture that was written down and passed down from the fathers and prophets was just as true and to be trusted.
Scripture does not come from man’s ideas or thoughts. Peter told how he and holy men and women of old, like Moses, were moved on by the Holy Spirit to write down God’s revealed truth. Scripture does not have its origin in man’s will or imagination. Scripture is God’s eternal Word spoken through men and women who were willing to yield to God. Scripture is full of the Spirit and Life of God the Father. Scripture is eternally true. Heaven and earth will pass away, but God’s Word will never pass away. (Matthew 24:35) It is critical for our world view to hold the highest regard for God’s eternal Word and Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh. (John 1:14)
Have you taken time to consider the origin of the holy Scriptures? Do you believe in the eternal truth of God’s Word? If all we have in the Bible are just the opinions of men, how does this change our world view?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your Word and the solid foundation of truth that I have come to know and depend on. Thank You for moving on men and women throughout our history and inspiring them to write down Your thoughts for us to know You. I will preach and teach Your Word with confidence! Amen.
Humble Yourselves
Scripture reading for November 13: 1 Peter 5
“Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you. Be sober-minded, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.” 1 Peter 5:5-9
Peter was a brash and boastful person before he met Jesus Christ. He was humbled as he denied knowing Jesus three times as Jesus had predicted. Jesus restored him by asking if he loved Him three times. But Jesus taught us to humble ourselves rather than having to be humbled! Peter now concludes this letter to the church with encouragement to the elders to humbly shepherd God’s flock willingly with gentleness and modeling Christ’s example. (1 Peter 5:1-4)
Peter encouraged all younger believers to ‘clothe yourselves with humility.’ The reason is that God’s grace is only given and able to be received by humble hearts. God, Himself, opposes the proud. Pride is the mark of the devil who is constantly after believers to devour them. When we humble ourselves under God’s mighty hand, an act of humility is to cast all our anxieties on Him out of faith that He will care for us. We humbly watch and pray for ourselves and our fellow-believers. Pride and rebellion against authority are common attacks of our enemy Satan. He is a rebel himself and pride and self-exaltation got him kicked out of heaven. Peter promised the humble that God would exalt them in the proper time! Jesus lifts up those who willingly humble themselves!
Have you ever been humbled by God because of pride or rebellion? Do you find it difficult to humble yourself by praying or submitting to the elders who watch over you? Is there an attack of the devil in your life today that you need to resist? Will you humble yourself and ask for prayer?
Prayer: Father, in Jesus’ Name, I humble myself today under Jesus Christ the Great Shepherd. Thank You for His humble and gentle heart given to me by the Holy Spirit. Continue to teach me how to humble myself to respect my elders and each person and willingly serve them as Jesus called me. Amen.
Pray and Serve One Another
Scripture reading for November 12: 1 Peter 4
“The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies--in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To Him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:7-11
Peter’s world view was that the end of all things was at hand. That’s still the attitude that believing followers of Christ must live into. When we believe that we soon will see Jesus Christ coming in power and glory and that we will stand before Him and give an account of our stewardship, our lives begin to reflect that truth. What is in our hearts will come out of us in attitudes and actions.
Peter told the suffering believers to be self-controlled and sober-minded so that they could pray effectively. Loving prayer must undergird all of our thinking and actions. Praying is an act of faith and of love for God. Through prayer, we can show love for others in the church family as well as for those mistreating us. We can forgive others and cover their sins, not broadcast them causing strife.
Peter taught that each believer had at least one spiritual gift. These gifts were not to be a source of boasting and division, but used to serve one another in love. God gave each gift and through the Holy Spirit we are responsible for their stewardship. Each gift should be used humbly and with reverence and sincerity to build up Christ’s Church and to bring glory to Him. All glory belongs to Jesus now and forever.
As you examine your life and thinking, do you filter your thinking through the lens of the end being at hand? How does your prayer life reflect your faith and love for God and others? What spiritual gift has God bestowed on you and are you using it now to bring glory to Jesus?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the privilege of prayer in these last days. Help me daily to look at each day as possibly my last to use the gifts You have graciously given to serve others and bring glory to You. May I love You and show that love to my brothers and sisters as well as a world needing Jesus. Amen.
Gentleness and Respect
Scripture reading for November 11: 1 Peter 3
“Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.” 1 Peter 3: 13-17
In our culture, gentleness and respect for others who mistreat us is almost unheard of. There is the desire for revenge and bad words and name-calling is often the response. This may escalate to acts of revenge, violence, or even murder. Early Christ followers were living in a similar pagan culture and Peter had advice for how believers should prepare themselves to respond.
First, Peter told those suffering, that if it was for righteousness, they would be blessed by God. His presence and peace would guard their hearts and minds. They were not to fear those causing the suffering, but understand that God was at work in their lives and would use those suffering unjustly to reflect the peace of Jesus and joy of salvation to them. If they asked the reason for their peace, they should be ready to share the Gospel with them in gentleness and reverence. It is God’s kindness that will lead them to repentance. (Romans 2:4)
A second reason is to have a good conscience towards God. When we patiently suffer and entrust ourselves to God, we bring shame and conviction on those who are reviling us and our good behavior. We also have God’s blessing of His peace and presence which God uses to spark repentance in those slandering us. If we were to respond like the world, our conscience would bring us under conviction and those slandering us would not see anything different than the culture they live in.
In examining your own actions and attitudes towards those who slander you, do you reflect this world view presented by Peter? What kind of blessings from God can come to those suffering injustice patiently? Has anyone ever asked you to share your hope and joy?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Jesus Christ’s example of suffering injustice with prayer and patience. Help me to patiently endure unjust suffering and respond by living in Your peace and joy. Increase my ability to wait for the opportunity to share the reason for my hope with gentleness and respect. Amen.
Living as Servants of God
Scripture reading for November 10: 1 Peter 2
“Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by Him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. Servants be subject to you masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. For this is a gracious thing, when mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.” 1 Peter 2:13-19
Peter was writing to a suffering church that was enduring persecution to help them function in a wicked culture. Following the resurrection, he was shown by Jesus how he would suffer and how he would die. (John 21:18-19) Peter emphasized that we should not suffer as a result of our own rebellion to the government or disrespect for human authorities. Here he emphasized voluntary submission, even to a wicked Gentile emperor. Governors who served under the emperor were also to be honored and respected in that they served to punish the evil-doers and encourage the upright. (Romans 13:1-5) All authority is established by God and answers to Him.
Believers have been set free from sin and it’s penalty, but should not use their new-found freedom as a license to continue in sin. They are servants of God and should reflect their Master to those in the world. Each person should be treated with honor as made in God’s image. Love should mark our every action and attitude, reflecting God the Father, who is Love! We should always honor God in all we do as well as the emperor and governors appointed by Him. If we serve as a slave, employee, or volunteer, we should serve with a respectful attitude to all, whether they treat us respectfully or with contempt and injustice. Because we have received God’s amazing grace, we are to be gracious even as we may suffer unjustly.
How do you receive the instruction offered here by Peter on respect and submission to authority, good or unjust? What does it mean to submit to authorities and why are we to do this even to the harsh ones? Why are believers to be gracious in suffering unjustly?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for all authority that You place in this world and in my life. Help me to cheerfully submit to authority and honor them properly by respect and obedience. By the Holy Spirit, let Your grace flow in my life towards those who are evil and unjust. May your mercy lead them to repent. Amen.
Faith’s Outcome!
Scripture reading for November 7: 1 Peter 1
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith–more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire–may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen Him, you love Him. Though you do not now see Him, you believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:3-9
Peter was chosen by Jesus Christ to become a disciple and follower. He was a brash fisherman who followed Jesus at His invitation. After three years of following, Peter denied Jesus three times during Jesus’ trial before His crucifixion. He wept bitterly and went back to fishing. But Jesus came to him after His resurrection and restored him asking the question, “Do you love Me?” (John 21:15-19) Peter was restored and given the mission to feed Jesus’ sheep as an apostle and pastor. This first letter of Peter talks much about faith and suffering and the expected return of the living Lord Jesus for His people.
Peter worshipped the Lord Jesus for His great mercy and work of salvation through His death, burial and resurrection from the dead. Through this Gospel message, we can all be born again into a living Hope. Believers become part of God’s forever family and have obtained an eternal inheritance that can not be ruined. Believers have their inheritance guaranteed by the Holy Spirit and guarded by their faith until the fulness of salvation appears with Jesus Christ at the resurrection. Even though we don’t see Jesus now, we believe and rejoice in a joy inexpressible in anticipation of eternal glory. Jesus is coming and our joy and love will be complete in resurrection glory.
Have you been born again into this living Hope through faith in Jesus Christ? How does faith guard you from losing this living Hope? Is your faith based on what you see or feel? What outcome do you expect from your faith?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Jesus Christ, the Author and Perfector of my faith. Thank You for His death as a sacrifice for my sin, His burial in a grave, and His glorious resurrection on the third day. I await my promised inheritance and joyfully share the Gospel of Grace with those You send me to. Amen.
Prayer is Working!
Scripture reading for November 6: James 5
“Is any among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the Name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.” James 5:13-18
James concluded his letter to the suffering church with encouragement to pray. Tradition says that James, Jesus’ half-brother, was a man of prayer. His knick-name was ‘camel-knees’ because of callouses on his knees from much time in prayer. His advice to the suffering: Pray! James encouragement to those who were cheerful: Sing praise! His encouragement to the sick: Call the elders to pray! We honor Him when we ask in faith for needs and healing. (Psalm 50:15) We honor Him when we sing praises in worship and adoration for His work. (Psalm 103:1-3)
But prayer and praises must come from a heart anchored in faith in God and His Word. All prayer for healing is based on God’s demonstrated will through Jesus Christ and His Word. “The Lord will raise him up” is our hope and trust. We who pray must also be righteous, but our righteousness is not based on us doing everything right, but in Jesus Christ Who Alone was perfect. His righteousness becomes ours by faith and gives us ability to pray in faith with great power. Because of this, we are told to confess our sins one to another that we might be healed and walk in the power of fervent prayer. Elijah was cited as an example of fervent prayer and the Lord giving results. Let’s release our faith through fervent prayer and praise! He will bring resurrection life!
Do you find it hard to spend time in regular prayer? Is there one thing you need that you have not prayed about or asked the elders to pray with you for? Will you pray a prayer of faith today or ask for help? Can you offer praise and thanksgiving for God’s answer now?
Prayer: Father God, forgive me for often worrying or whining instead of praying to You in faith. I have also been reluctant to ask other believers to pray. Forgive my pride and self-sufficiency. Give me grace to ask You for the help I need and to ask other mature believers to pray over me. Amen.
More Grace Needed!
Scripture reading for November 5: James 4
“What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that He has made to dwell in us”? But He gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”” James 4:1-6
Human nature without Jesus Christ is full of quarreling and strife. Each person centers on themselves and their own passions and desires. Selfishness is worked out through fighting, sometimes leading to murder either with a weapon or the tongue. Coveting is a lustful desire to have what belongs to someone else. This may include property, positions, or affections which leads to theft, gossip, adultery or fornication. James also pointed his finger at the religious who prayed for their fleshly desires to be fulfilled. They asked God but asked with selfish motives, and God did not answer.
These worldly people were adulterous in their relationship with God. They often claimed to love God but were really adulterous as they followed their own desires and passions. James said that God was jealous for their affections, yearning over them and desiring their loyalty. Through the gift of His Son, God had provided grace needed to break free from the world and their own passions. What was needed in the believers was to appropriate the grace provided by humble confession of sin and repentance. The foundational truth James based this instruction on was “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” More grace was already provided to enable them to break free from their passions and be fully committed to God.
Are you currently struggling with fleshly passions and desires that seem to dominate your thinking and life? Have you been asking God for fulfillment of your desires or grace to yield to His desires? Have you struggled with pride or feeling that God doesn’t care about you?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for jealously yearning over my spirit and giving me more grace. I humbly ask you to continue to provide grace to live fully for You and Your will. Use me to bring the Gospel of grace to those who quarrel and fight. May my life reflect Your grace to live in peace. Amen.