Day 352

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Beware!

2 Peter Introduction

In his first letter Peter taught his readers to endure external enemies with hope; 2 Peter teaches the same audience to oppose internal enemies with knowledge of the truth. Apostasy within the church can be much more devastating than persecution against the church. Peter warns against the moral perversions and denial of Christ's return that false teachers propagate, then exhorts his readers to resist errors by growing in grace and knowledge. Knowledge is the prominent theme of this letter as the best antidote for heresies.

Scripture

December 17—2 Peter 1-3: Holiness Amid Heresy

Observation

Peter writes his second letter to warn believers about the danger of false teachers who are peddling damaging doctrine. The Christian walk demands diligence in pursuing moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and selfless love. By contrast, the false teachers Peter warns against are sensual, arrogant, greedy and covetous. They scoff at the thought of judgment, and live as if the present will always be the pattern for the future. Such men may prosper for a time, Peter reminds his readers, but their ultimate end is sure.

Application

Imagine for a moment that you are living your final twenty-four hours on earth. The last words of encouragement you will ever speak will be spoken . . . today. The last letter you will ever write will be written . . . today. The last friendly visit you will ever make to a lonely person needing a spiritual lift will be made . . . today. The last opportunity to provide direction and correction for your children will happen . . . today. Would that change the way you approach the next few hours?

The book of 2 Peter was the apostle's "swan song," the last piece of inspired correspondence he would send to his spiritual children. In it, Peter speaks of facing death joyfully . . . of defending the faith vigorously . . . of standing against the enemy faithfully. Though Peter would be gone, his inspired words would live on, providing hope and help for all who would read them.

What will you leave behind as your legacy to other Christians when your days are through? Now is the time to be speaking, and writing, and visiting, and doing things before it's too late and you discover that your "swan song" has already sung!

Prayer

Thank you, Lord God, that in you we may have peace through our faith and our prayers. For prayer runs parallel with your will. It reaches up to heaven and brings heaven down to earth—a double blessing! What a great thing it is that our prayer rewards us who pray and blesses those who are prayed for. It bring peace in places of conflict. And the inner and outer calm that come to us who prays is awesome and it infuses righteousness within us. Although, honesty, integrity and strength of character are the natural and essential fruit of prayer, we know that trouble will come our way, but we also know that we need not fear because you have already overcome the world according to your Word and through our faith. We give you the praise, the honor and the glory for loving us so much that you sent us a Savior who is making atonement for our sins and a Helper while we wait for our Heavenly home. In Jesus' name we pray! Amen! 






© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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