2 Peter: Know the Truth

Monday, October 25

2 Peter—Know the Truth

Today’s reading: 2 Peter 3: 1-4

Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles. First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.”

Last week was a tough one to wade through. We studied much about the character of false teachers. We won’t forget the word picture on Amy’s day of the proverb “a dog returns to his vomit”. As ugly as that site is, I hope it serves as a reminder of where we DON”T want to be,

In today’s scripture Peter continues to remind us to keep our minds stayed on what we have been taught by the Word of God through the apostles and holy prophets that have come before. Don't lean to the left or right, just stay the course and keep your focus on Him. Peter continues on in scripture saying ,” in the last days scoffers will come”(2 Peter 3:3). It’s important to know that “last days” refers to the time between the first and second coming of Christ. We, like Peter, exist in the last days. When it’s difficult for me to relate my life to Biblical times, I need to remember God’s time frame and mine are so different. This message Peter sends is not only from long ago but is completely current in 2021.

Peter talks about scoffers and what they do. Warren Wiersbe’s commentary has several great remarks on such. He says a scoffer is someone who treats lightly that which ought to be taken seriously. These scoffers want to continue to live in their own will while wallowing in sin. They will say, “Where is the ‘coming’ he promised?” (2 Peter 3:4). These words read as if they are meant to challenge truth. I love the following comment from Wiersbe’s book, “ If your lifestyle contradicts the Word of God, you must either change your lifestyle or change the Word of God”. WOW, that sheds some light on what 2 Peter 3:4 is referring to. Are we believing what God says or are we scoffing, using excuses to say that the words we read in the Bible don't make human sense therefore they cannot be true? Are we trying to rewrite the Word of God to fit our needs and wants? Once again, it’s time for a self check to make sure we are not being the little gods in our lives changing the rules. Just keep to the script !

You've undoubtedly noticed there has been a continual woven thread in this book that never wavers: the Word of God is the Truth. He is the I AM, He will come back, and yes, there will be judgement. In a world that is ever changing, His Word is steadfast and something we can always trust. We are called to stay deeply rooted in Him, follow His will, and believe He will return just as He promised… because He PROMISED.

Ladies, the false teaching we’ve looked at the past couple of weeks has always been in this world and will continue - the cast of characters may change but the story remains the same. He never promised living here would come without challenges or would always make sense. However, He has not left us alone to fend for ourselves. We have the Word and the Holy Spirit to equip and walk with us while on earth. We put on the armor of the Lord so we can stay strong against the lies that will come.

By God’s grace and mercy, each day is anew and we have a choice in whom we will believe and follow.

What choice will you make today?

Heavenly and Gracious father,

Once again we come to the throne and thank You for Your steadfast Word. This book that Peter wrote has given us a glimpse of what life can look like when Your Word is corrupted. We pray against that in all of our soul sister’s lives. Protect us from the lies that will come and plant us in firm soil rooted in truth. Water the soil so we will be come strong with the knowledge of who You are and what you have promised to do. Do no let us waver. Help us to know the truth and choose it daily. Amen.

Audio of 2 Peter Chapter 3 https://youtu.be/VAlZB5GZ1mQ