2 Peter 3:14-18

2 Peter 3:14-18

Therefore, beloved ones, while anticipating these things endeavor to be found by Him to be morally spotless and irreproachable in peace and while regarding the saving patience of our Lord, just as our beloved brother Paul wrote to you all according to the wisdom that was being given to him.  As in all letters while saying in them regarding these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the ignorant and the unstable misinterpret as with the rest of scripture to their own destruction.  You all, therefore, beloved ones, while knowing beforehand, keep watch in order that after being carried away by the error of lawless ones and you should fall out of your place of safety.  But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  To Him be the glory even now and into a day of eternity.  Amen.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Peter now brings this second letter to a close.  Let’s pay attention to the last three things that he says.  First, Peter reminds his audience to strive for moral purity and an irreproachable peace.  We need to live a life that imitates the life of Christ as much as humanly possible.  It is our greatest witness.  Furthermore, we are to think – Peter says “regard” – about the saving patience of Jesus Christ.  Our salvation should be at the forefront of our mind.  Why do we live a moral life?  Because God extended salvation to us in the form of Christ.  Why can we have peace?  Because God extended salvation to us in the form of Christ.  Why do we want to be a witness? Because God extended salvation to us in the form of Jesus Christ.  God’s saving act should be at the forefront of who we are.

What has your focus on a daily basis?  When are you most likely to have God at the front of your decisions?  When are you most likely to have yourself at the front of your decision making?

Second Thought:

The second thing that Peter says as he ends this letter is that we need to be careful to not misinterpret the Word of God.  Peter acknowledges that there are some difficult things to understand.  So what is the key to not making this mistake?  We must always approach scripture with an eye for what God wants to teach us.  When we open scripture looking to prove ourselves correct, we open the door for error.  We approach scripture to learn from God, humbly acknowledging that we may need to change and grow in God.  We derive answers from scripture, not proof of our own theories.

Why is it dangerous to use the Bible as a tool to prove yourself right?  How do you keep your focus on the study of God’s Word as a means to personal growth instead?

Third Thought:

Finally, the last thing that Peter says is that God gets all the glory.  He is the producer of salvation.  He is the one who sent us Jesus Christ to die for our sins.  He is the creator.  He is the one who provides for our every need.  Indeed, He is the one who should receive all of the glory.  What a great thought with which to end this letter.

How good are you at giving God all the glory?

Passage for Tomorrow: Luke 1:1-4