Bible Pathway - December 19
Read 2 Peter 1
Highlights:
God's manifold graces; false teachers; the certainty of Christ's coming.
Whereby are given unto us 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 though lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge (2 Pet. 1:4-5).
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 (1:3). 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 overcome temptation, suffering, failure, sin and even success or pride as we follow His will. The Holy Spirit will lead, guide and direct the life of the believer if we will simply heed His Word. He will enable us to get through anything that the world and our enemy the devil can throw at us. He will open the Word of God to us in a way that we can become followers of the Word and not just readers. But be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves (James 1:22). This will enable the Word of God to become part of us. It will build our character and draw us closer to God.
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)? (2 Pet. 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 transformed by the Holy Spirit to reflect His life though us. Our union with Christ takes place at the moment of conversion.
We are similar to Peter in many ways. He had a rough start. He was often found losing his temper. He even denied knowing Christ. However, when he truly surrendered to God, his life was transformed. On the Day of Pentecost, Peter stood as a confident preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He went on to win thousands of souls for the kingdom of God. Never let yourself doubt what God can accomplish using just one obedient servant. Hold fast to all that God promises in His Word. He will do something great with your life too.
Peter's key thought is that a life of godliness is made possible by taking to ourselves and applying God's great and precious promises in our life. Give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall (2 Pet. 1:10).
Thought for the Day: Our conscience is the “window of the soul.” It must be kept clean by the “Water or the Word.”
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 Suggestion: Can you say you are ready for the Lord's coming (Mal. 3:2)?
Memory Verse for the Week: Luke 1:50
