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2 Peter 3 - Scripture

When reading 2 Timothy chapter three, I noted the word scripture, when referenced by Paul, was actually the Old Testament. In fact that is the case pretty much everywhere in the writings of the apostles. But today I see that Peter has elevated Paul's letters to the vaunted title of scripture.

2 Peter 3:15-16 And remember, the Lord is waiting so that people have time to be saved. This is just as our beloved brother Paul wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him – speaking of these things in all of his letters. Some of his comments are hard to understand, and those who are ignorant and unstable have twisted his letters around to mean something quite different from what he meant, just as they do the other parts of Scripture – and the result is disaster for them.

Did you catch the reference? Peter says that Paul's letters are being twisted just like other parts of Scripture.

I'm guessing that this particular verse is probably where the early church correctly surmised that the apostles' writings should be considered scripture.

Lord thank you that we do have the writings of the apostles to show us the way to You. May we be joyfully and willingly obedient to the instructions for living that they impart to us. May we use them properly and not follow the way of those that Peter was warning about. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Blessings to you, Jan
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2 Peter 2 - Authority

Tucked into this chapter about false teachers and prophets is a warning that directly relates to the study we're doing in my men's group. It is about authority.

2 Peter 2:10 He is especially hard on those who follow their own evil, lustful desires and who despise authority. These people are proud and arrogant, daring even to scoff at the glorious ones without so much as trembling.

Part of the corrupt desire of the sinful nature is to despise authority.

The word despise is the Greek word Kataphroneo, which means to; despise, have disdain for, or think little of.

So you don't necessarily have to be in some sort of open rebellion, contempt is sufficient. Peter calls those that do this, evil and wicked - powerful words. I don't think I would want to be called that by an apostle of the Lord. How about you?

Heavenly Father, thank You for the teaching that we are going through now in my men's group. Thank You for the timely word from Your Word. May I learn what it means to properly live under authority. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Peace, Jan
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2 Peter 1 - Foundation

This chapter of scripture contains the fundamental passage upon which is based one of our church’s ministries. Actually it is a curriculum developed by an outside organization so I guess that many churches have this program. It is named Living Free. The basic premise is that we must grow or build into Christian maturity. I love the way that the Amplified version of the bible brings out these verses.

2 Peter 1:5-7 For this very reason, adding your diligence [to the divine promises], employ every effort in exercising your faith to develop virtue (excellence, resolution, Christian energy), and in [exercising] virtue [develop] knowledge (intelligence), and in [exercising] knowledge [develop] self-control, and in [exercising] self-control [develop] steadfastness (patience, endurance), and in [exercising] steadfastness [develop] godliness (piety), and in [exercising] godliness [develop] brotherly affection, and in [exercising] brotherly affection [develop] Christian love.

• Christian Love
• Brotherly Affection (brotherly kindness)
• Godliness
• Steadfastness (perseverance)
• Self-Control
• Knowledge
• Virtue (goodness)
• Faith

Do you see the progression, starting with Faith, moving ever upward toward maturity, with Christian Love at the top? We are meant to build our Christianity upon these building blocks. They are the foundational stones. Without them we cannot reach the Heavenly heights.

2 Peter 1:8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Our goal as Christians is the produce fruit - to be useful to our Master. These foundational qualities should be ever present and increasing. If they any are missing then there is a serious foundation problem and the building is in danger of becoming lopsided or even collapsing. We are told that it is not something that just comes naturally to us. Some of these foundational qualities might come easily, but not all of them. We are told we must work at developing them.

2 Peter 1:9-10 But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. Therefore, brothers and sisters, use more effort to make God’s calling and choosing of you secure. If you keep doing this, you will never fall away.

What I find personally interesting and frustrating is that I see that I’m deficient in one of the qualities in the middle – self-control. I must work more diligently to exercise and develop this particular quality. Otherwise my building will be unstable.

Heavenly Father, please help me to exercise self-control in all areas of my life. Give me the grace and wisdom to know when to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Lord, please be the Master Builder and ensure that all of these qualities are operative and growing in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Build wisely, Jan
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1 Peter 5 - Anxiety

This evening I received a call from a friend of mine about ten minutes prior to the start of our Wildmen meeting. I was stressing, and I let him know it. I was expecting maybe twenty five people, tops. Thirty five where there! Fifteen of which came half an hour earlier than I expected. I couldn't find the DVD's for tonight's presentation. I couldn't find the worship music. I did not feel adequately prepared to be leading a study tonight. The list went on.

Mark sensed something in my voice that I suspect he has not heard before in the context of ministry - anxiety. He was only a few minutes away and quickly came to do what he could, even though he really needed to stay where he was.

Oh me of little faith!

1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

The DVD's were in the cabinet right where they were supposed to be. Two of the men apparently had worship DVD's with them and did an awesome job leading us to God's throne. Chris was prepared with an introduction to the lesson, Tom did a terrific job leading a small group, and men in my group brought out points and discussed issues from the teaching that were truly Holy Spirit inspired.

In looking back at what was brought out, I can see that I was receiving arrow wounds from the enemy via the chinks in my armor. I was tired, frustrated, and in some physical pain. The enemy capitalized on that to change my focus from God's sufficiency to my inadequacy. I needed to step back and allow God back into His proper place as the one in charge.

It was a hard learned lesson; one I suspect I'll need to repeat a few more times. But God loves me too much to let me miss this teaching.

1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

It was a great night.

Father, how often I perceive something with my physical eyes and miss what You are doing in the spiritual realm. Help me to do better. Help me to truly rest in the shadow of The Almighty. In Jesus' name, Amen.

He really does care. Jan
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1 Peter 4 - Most Important

There are things that are good, better and best. There are things that are unimportant, important, and most important. Which of these should garner our attention? Peter writes in this chapter of something that he feels is more important than anything else he's written.

1 Peter 4:8 Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.

It is such a simple principle, but also one that is extremely difficult. If someone has wronged me and I choose to love them by not holding a grudge, my love is literally acting as a barrier between the sin committed and the relationship with that person. That sin is covered. The greatest example of this is obviously Jesus himself. His death on the cross, his shed blood, is the covering for our sins. They are now figuratively in a pile somewhere covered by a heavy blanket that they cannot escape, nor can anyone see through.

But the love that is spoken of here is not a mere intellectual love of brotherhood or even family. No, it is the word agape. The writers of the King James bible used the word charity. In our modern language this word has come to mean giving to the poor or less fortunate. However, I think the word charity expresses a side to this love that we seldom think of. It is love in action. It is not a static one time thing. It is expressed by what we do, not just what we say. Therefore if we would be following Peter's directive to love, there must be evidence. If we truly love, we will not go back to the sin-pile and pull up the sheet every now and then to remind the other person of how much we've forgiven them. No, just like God did with our sins, they are to be covered and forgotten.

Heavenly Father, thank You for forgiving me of my sins because of what Jesus did. May I follow in His example and reflect His love in action to others. May I too do that which is most important forgiving love. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Choose best, Jan
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1 Peter 3 - Spirits in Prison

This chapter contains a section of scripture that confuses me a bit. I think I know what it is saying, but it doesn't somehow line up with what I've been taught to believe - once dead then the judgment.

1 Peter 3:19-20 So he went and preached to the spirits in prison – those who disobeyed God long ago when God waited patiently while Noah was building his boat. Only eight people were saved from drowning in that terrible flood.

What it seems to be saying is that those people that died in the flood during Noah's time were given an opportunity to accept Christ, even though they were dead in hell (prison).

There are several other similar passages. One of them is in the next chapter.

1 Peter 3:6 That is why the Good News was preached even to those who have died – so that although their bodies were punished with death, they could still live in the spirit as God does.

This verse seems pretty clear doesn't it? And then there are the following verses.

Ephesians 4:8-10 This is why it says: "When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men." (What does "he ascended" mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)

It seems to me that my first statement is correct, that Jesus did indeed preach the good news to those that died in their sins.

The fact that Jesus did something like this in the realm of hell appears to be testified of in this passage that talks about the moments following His death.

Matthew 27:52-53 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.

I don't know the implications of this. But I do know that in addition to being Holy, God is just and merciful. I suspect that if someone has not had an opportunity to know about Christ while alive, there is still a chance for them - albeit a slim one.

C.S. Lewis wrote about this in his book The Great Divorce. It is a story of an individual that died in his sins, and then chose to accept Christ. I'm not sure if I agree with his allegorical tale, but it is a good tought provoking read.

Heavenly Father, thank You that I do know Your Son Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Thank You for the gift of eternal life. May I find courage to speak to those that I see bound for an eternity without You. May I preach to those that I can influence - those that are alive. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Be instant in season. Jan
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1 Peter 2 - Obey Authority

Peter makes no pretenses about the fact that we are to obey the authorities that God has placed over us. And this isn't just the specific God ordained authorities such as pastors or parents. It is all authorities.

1 Peter 2:13-14 Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.

He goes on to add that we are to show them respect.

1 Peter 2:17 Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.

Now keep in mind that Peter is writing this at a time when Christianity was being persecuted, where the authorities were not exactly God-fearing men. Shortly, wide scale persecution of Christianity would ensue. Peter is aware of this, and yet he still commands obedience and respect for the leaders.

This is a hard concept. Fortunately my men's' group is beginning a study named Under Cover that should help. I pray that I get a fuller understanding of what it means to submit to authorities while holding onto my integrity and God's laws.

Thank You Lord for timely studies and gifted men to present the material. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Blessings to you, Jan
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1 Peter 1 - Foreigners

I've always had an affinity for that particular word - foreigner. Probably because I understand its implications so well.

My family emigrated to this country when I was only five and a half years old. Within a space of a few months everything had changed for me. No longer was I in my homeland, familiar with the language, people around me, and their customs; I was now a foreigner. I think the fact that we were different came into crystal clear focus our first Christmas here in the United States.

I remember that we were in my Uncle and Aunt's home. I think we were staying with them until we could get a place of our own. They had a son that was my age who was an only child. And he did not like to share his toys. I hadn't really experienced selfishness before, since my older brother was forced to share everything with me until it became second nature to him. But my cousin Tom was different, he was doted upon and spoiled. Not being able to speak his language only added to my and my brother's frustration.

Then it came time to open the Christmas presents. I had never seen so many gifts under a tree! Now keep in mind that my family had just come to this country a few months earlier with two suitcases, two children, $100 and $1000 of airline debts to repay. So, my brother and I watched Tom open gift after gift of amazing toys. One in particular was absolutely fascinating to me. It was a highly detailed  GI Joe space capsule; the hatch even opened and closed on it!

When the gift opening frenzy was over, my brother and I had two or three toys between us, while Tom must have had a dozen. We were definitely on the outside looking in, we were foreigners.

Which brings me to today's verse.

1 Peter 1:17b ...So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time as foreigners here on earth.

We are not supposed to be too comfortable here on earth. We are no longer native sons, we are Heaven's ambassadors. We are supposed to look different, act different, respond different, and reflect that place which we represent. However, just like my brother and me, we do need to learn the language and customs so that we do not needlessly offend or get offended. All-the-while being mindful of our directive from God.

Romans 12:2 Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is.

Among ambassadorial circles there is a term for rogue ambassadors that shirk their duty or collaborate to the point of uselessness to the land the sent them. It is called "going native." May we represent our King with honor, truly showing what citizenship in His realm means.

Lord, please give me the grace to represent You and Your kingdom in a way that makes people desire citizenship. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Don't go native, stay foreign. Jan
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