February 7, 2024
Praying Friends,
The second letter Peter writes provides a synopsis of our present world. Since the early centuries, the spiritual climate has not gotten better. We live in dark days!
There are four words that will help us get a sense of how to live faithfully in dark days; four words that will enable you to have a strong faith regardless of the times. Let’s consider them together:
The first word is POWER! God is calling us into a shared experience with Himself where the strength comes alone from Him.
“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires” (2 Peter 1:3-4).
We are not able to live the Christian life in our own strength. While it is possible to fake it with your own ability for a time, it is not the life God intends for us. Divine power is available and is able to supply the fullness of God to every believer.
God has called us and given us promises so that by faith we may partake of all that He has for us to thrive.
The next word is DILIGENCE! This word stresses the importance of building a life of true character.
“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love” (2 Peter 1:5-7).
The word effort, “make every effort,” is the idea of being diligent, earnest, or zealous. The power to live definitely comes from God, but the qualities mentioned above require time, focus, and training.
Peter goes on to say, “So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away” (2 Peter 1:10). To “work hard,” in this verse is the same word as above — to be diligent. It doesn’t mean we frantically run around trying to get stuff done for God. It means diligently allowing God to work in you so as to confirm His call upon your life.
The third word is EXPECTATION! Patience is needed as you look for the return of the Savior.
“Since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live, looking forward to the day of God and hurrying it along” (2 Peter 3:11-12).
Chapter 2 reminds us of how corrupt the false prophets and teachers are. It describes their motives, their plans, and their final destruction. As days get darker both doctrinally and morally, we need to keep our focus crystal clear.
As we live holy godly lives, we keep our minds sharp with the realization that very soon all that we have been living for will come to its full realization. We have hope because we have the promises of God.
The final word is GROW! Increase in the grace and knowledge of Jesus.
“Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen” (2 Peter 3:18).
Peter wanted the believers to increase in what is truly important. All that he has previously written was for this purpose. Grow in grace! Are we seeing an increase in how God’s grace is manifested in our lives? Grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Are we increasing in our appreciation and love for our Savior?
Thank you for reading this article and thank you for praying for our prodigals and for revival among us.
Love in Christ,
Bryan and Rachel
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