Bible Pathways - Dec. 19, 2008
December 19
Highlights In Today's Reading:
Peter emphasizes the Lord's divine power and virtues given to us (1:3-14). Recalls his presence at Jesus' Transfiguration (1:15-18). Do you recognize false teachers? Read about their danger, destruction and description (Ch. 2). People may mock, but Jesus is coming again (Ch. 3). Read 3:9!
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 (1:2-3). When we read His Word with a desire to please the Lord (Christ, who is the Living Word), our inner life is strengthened . God has made full provision for every Christian to live a victorious Christian life. His Holy Spirit enables us to endure temptation, suffering, failure, sin, and even success or pride as we read His Word.
The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation (conduct)? (3:10-11).The word conversation means more than just one's speech. It includes one's manner of life and character. A holy conversation means our daily life is transformed by the Holy Spirit to reflect His life through us. A holy conversation is the result of a life familiar with God's Word and one who continually responds to His will. Our union with Christ takes place at the moment of conversion and its results exclude all that is not in harmony with His Word.
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. 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. . . . give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fail (1:4-10).
Thought for Today:
If we are to be able to live a godly life, we must allow the Holy Spirit to guide us. The Spirit of Truth . . . will guide you into all the Truth (John 16:13).
Cross Reference:
For II Pet. 2:15: See Num. 22:5,7. II Pet. 2:22: See Prov. 26:11.
Word Studies:
2.7 vexed =b> distressed; filthy conversation =b> immoral conduct of unprincipled men; 3:16 wrest =b> distort.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Radio Sri Lanka International Shortwave Broadcasts in memory of Josephine Valgus • Staff: Dan Murton • Government Official: Rep. Adrian Smith (NE) • Country: Solomon Islands (455,000) in the southwestern Pacific • Major languages: 120 indigenous languages • Religious freedom • 66% Protestant; 17% Roman Catholic; 4% spirit worship, ancestor worship, and sorcery • Prayer Suggestion: Trust the Lord and ask Him to direct your steps (Ps. 143:8).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:33
