Saturday, September 25
Read II Peter 3
Think About It:
As I read this chapter, I don’t think there’s ever been a time where these words are more fitting than right now. This chapter belongs to us right now, to this generation. It literally was written for you and me.
Not only does the Word of God predict the coming day of the Lord, but it also predicts the appearance of the very scoffers who deny that Word! Their presence is proof that the Word they deny is the true Word of God! We should not be surprised at the presence of these apostate mockers.
What is their argument? The uniformity of the world. “Nothing cataclysmic has happened in the past,” they argue. “So, there is no reason to believe it will happen in the future.” They take the “scientific approach” by examining evidence, applying reason, and drawing a conclusion. The fact that they willfully ignore a good deal of evidence does not seem to disturb them.
God has the power to “break in” at any time and accomplished His will. He can send rain from heaven or fire from heaven. “But our God is in the heavens: He hath done whatsoever He hath pleased” (Psalm 115:3).
It is the Holy Spirit of God who empowers and enables us to keep things in balance. Before Peter was filled with the Spirit, he was repeatedly going to extremes. He would bear witness to Christ one minute and then try to argue with the Lord the next (Matthew 16:13-23)! He refused to allow Jesus to wash his feet, and then wanted to be washed all over (John 13:6-10)! He promised to defend the Lord and even die with Him, yet he did not have the courage to own the Lord before a little servant girl! But when he was filled with the Spirit, Peter began to live a balanced life that avoided the impulses of extremes.
What is the result of spiritual truth? Glory to God! “To Him the Glory both now and forever.” It glorifies Jesus Christ when we keep ourselves separated from sin and error. It glorifies Him when we grow and increase in knowledge, for then we become more like Him. In his life and even in his death, Peter glorified God.
Family Time:
- Why is the Lord patient with us? (verse 9)
- Knowing that one day everything will be destroyed, how does Peter warn believers to live? (verse 14)
