Bible Pathway - Dec. 19, 2009
Highlights In Today's Reading:
Don't forget the promise of a glorious life in Jesus in contrast to life in a sinful world (1:3-12). The Holy Spirit gave the prophecy that Jesus is coming (1:16-21). Don't believe everyone; false prophets and teachers are everywhere (2:1-22).
Just as Daniel determined he would not defile himself by eating of the king's meat (Dan. 1:8), and just as Paul said: This one thing I do (Phil. 3:13), every Christian should be determined to yield his life daily to the will of God. God unites our will with His will by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit.
But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. . . . what manner of persons ought ye to be . . . Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless (II Pet. 3:8-14).
The word conversation means much more than one's creed, confession, or conversation with others. It deals with the everyday and commonplace associations of life. A holy conversation (3:11) is the result of a life in harmony with the Word of God. Only as we yield our lives to obedience to His Word, will our thoughts, conversations, and conduct reflect the Lord Jesus Christ, the Living Word.
The Scripture teaches us to see that, in order to fellowship with Christ, we must avoid everything that is not in harmony with His Word. We cannot love righteousness while continuing in sin.
So holy conversation is a life led by the same Holy Spirit that ruled the everyday life of Christ.
Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and for ever. Amen (II Pet. 3:18).
Thought for Today:
Teach me to do Thy will; for Thou art my God: Thy Spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness (Ps. 143:10).
Cross Reference:
For II Pet. 2:15: See Num. 22:5,7. II Pet. 2:22: See Prov. 26:11.
Word Studies:
2.7 vexed =distressed; filthy conversation =immoral conduct; 3:16 wrest =distort.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Bill Hash • Government Official: Rep. Adrian Smith (NE) • Country: Paraguay (5 million) in southern South America • Major languages: Spanish and Guarani • Religious freedom • 96% Roman Catholic; 2% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to make you willing to go wherever He wants to send you (Is. 6:8).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 18:35
