Bible Pathways Daily Bible Reading Devotional

Act now to share the love of Christ in the Middle East
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Bible Pathways - Dec. 19, 2006


 

12192006

2 Peter 1

In Today's Reading:

God's manifold graces; false teachers; certainty of Christ's return

This second letter begins with one significant thought: God . . . hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue (II Peter 1:2-3). Peter's key thought is that a life of godliness is made possible by appropriating the exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust (1:4). It is of utmost importance that we recognize we are the Body of Christ, and members in particular (I Corinthians 12:27). And beside this, giving all diligence (earnestness), add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance (self-control); and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged (cleansed) from his old sins (II Peter 1:5-9).

Since the first concern of God is for His children's moral and spiritual health, whatever in their lives is contrary to this necessarily brings about His loving discipline and correction. His holiness and His wrath against sin are inseparable. For our light affliction (trouble), which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory (II Corinthians 4:17).

God has given us the freedom to choose to let "affliction" work for us or against us. Beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness (II Peter 3:17-18).

Cross Reference:

For II Peter 2:22: See Proverbs 26:11.

Word Studies:

2.7 filthy conversation = immoral conduct; 3:16 wrest = distort.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in memory of A.P. & Eva Plyler · Staff: Barbara Jean Jackson Government Official: Rep. Rob Portman (OH) Country: Zimbabwe (11 million) in south-central Africa Major languages: English and Shona Limited religious freedom 43% Protestant; 38% animism, mediums, and spirit-possession cults; 16% Roman Catholic Prayer Suggestion: Pray and thank God for all His blessings (Psalm 68:19).

Memory Verse for the Week: John 10:30



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