Bible Pathway - Dec. 19, 2011
Read 2 Peter 1
Highlights:
Don't forget the promise of a glorious life in Jesus in contrast to life in a sinful world (II Pet. 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).
This second letter begins with one significant thought: God . . . hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue (II Pet. 1:2-3). When we read His Word with a desire to please the Lord (Christ, who is the Living Word), our inner life is strengthened. God has made full provision for every Christian to live a victorious Christian life. His Holy Spirit enables us to endure temptation, suffering, failure, sin, and deal with success or pride, as we read His Word.
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. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation (conduct) (3:10-11)? The word conversation means more than just one's speech. It includes one's manner of life and character. A holy conversation means our daily life is transformed by the Holy Spirit to reflect His life through us. A holy conversation is the result of a believer who knows the Word of God and continually responds to His will. Our union with Christ took place at the moment we trusted Him as Savior and it leads us away from all that is not in harmony with His Word.
The key thought of II Peter is that a life of godliness is possible by appropriating the exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence (earnestness), add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance (self-control); and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged (cleansed) from his old sins. . . . give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall (II Pet. 1:4-10).
Thought for Today:
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith (I John 5:4).
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 Linda Kennon • Government Officials: Rep. Adrian Smith (NE) and Sen. Rob Portman (OH) • Country: Kirabati (86,000) 3 islands in southwestern Pacific • Major languages: English and Gilbutese • Religious freedom • 52% Roman Catholic; 44% Protestant; 2% Baha'i • Prayer Suggestion: Can you say you are ready for the Lord's coming (Mal. 3:2)?
Memory Verse for the Week: 1 Corinthians 13:3
