Peter’s
second letter was written because Peter was concerned that his readers were
being confused by false teachers. He reminds
them that the best way to resist false teaching is to grow in their knowledge
and Christian faith; a faith that he describes as “precious”.
In this
campaign season, as in most political times, we hear incredible promises from
both sides. These politicians often
promise much more than they are able to deliver. But Peter is no politician or salesman, and
what he promises in this text is completely reliable.
Peter is
writing to people who have already accepted the Gospel, just like us. So what
he instructs in these verses is not how
to receive salvation, but how they should live because they have received the salvation promised by God through
his Son. Peter promises that if we
practice goodness; improve our knowledge of scripture; practice self-control,
perseverance, godliness, kindness and love; and do these things on a daily
basis, with each character quality building on the quality before it, that we
cannot keep from remaining steady in our faith journey. Also, if we make a habit of practicing these
virtues, our lives would be so enriched that evil or false doctrine will have
no room in our souls, and we “will receive a rich welcome into the eternal
kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” I believe that this lifestyle can allow us to
experience God’s promised kingdom here on Earth as well.
PRAYER:
Gracious and loving God, we know that Your promises are never empty or
unfulfilled. We know that we are saved only through the grace given us through
the sacrifice of Jesus, and that we can do nothing to earn our salvation. We pray that we might live our lives according
to these verses, so that others may know You through our lives. In Jesus name, Amen.
Brent
Russell
No comments:
Post a Comment