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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jan 28, 2020 0:31:35 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, 2 Peter 2:4, 27 January 2020
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2020· Monday, 27 January 2020 For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment; 2 Peter 2:4 Peter has just been referring to false prophets and their ability to sway many away from the truth. In this, they have a pending judgment awaiting them. Peter then shows the surety of this judgment by making a set of comparisons to what has already occurred. In this, he will give three examples to demonstrate that such wicked behavior has not gone unpunished. Using history as a learning tool, one could expect there would be no deviation from this pattern for these false prophets. Here, he begins with, “For if God.” The words show that he will give examples, and then he will explain – based on the surety of those examples – that what he says about judgment upon the false prophets is assured. This will not be seen until verse 9. Taking these together, it shows this – “4For if God... 9then the Lord knows how to…” Understanding this, but before beginning Peter’s explanation, it is important to note that the words of the epistle by Jude follow very closely to those of Peter in this chapter. He speaks of the same types of things, but in the case of the three judgments Peter will now mention – which are chronological in nature – Jude will change the order. Peter will speak of the angels, then the Flood of Noah, and then Sodom and Gomorrah. Jude will speak of the wilderness generation of Israel who departed from Egypt, the angels, and then Sodom and Gomorrah. Without understanding what Jude is saying in his epistle, many wrongly come to the conclusion that Jude is speaking about tying the sin of the angels to the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah. From this misguided reading of Jude’s words comes a fanciful and incorrect interpretation of Genesis 6 where the Nephilim are mentioned – saying that angels slept with humans. This poor type of scriptural analysis sells well because it is sensational, but it is based on faulty conclusions which are neither supported by simple logic nor by the rest of Scripture. For now, Peter says that “if God did not spare the angels who sinned.” What is the sin? Peter does not explicitly state what it is. For sensationalists, their answer is that this is what is referred to in Genesis 6, that angels slept with human women and produced a hybrid mixture of fallen supermen. There is no logical or biblical reason to come to this faulty conclusion. Angels are spirit beings, and thus they have no matter. They cannot procreate with women. However, they can dwell in humans. The answer to what Jude says, that they “left their own abode,” is found in Matthew 8, Mark 5, and Luke 8 in regard to the demoniac in the country of the Gergesenes (also known as the Gaderenes). In Matthew 8, it is seen that having left their heavenly abode, they came to earth, not as ministering spirits for God (Hebrews 1:14), but as invaders under Satan. Instead of being servants for the benefit of men, they came as tyrants over men. Matthew 8:29 says – “And suddenly they cried out, saying, ‘What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?’” This explains Peter’s use of the present participle, “having sinned.” He had said in the previous verse that the destruction of the false teachers “does not slumber.” The same idea is seen here. There is an impending judgment upon the angels which is ongoing. As noted in the previous verse’s commentary – “The duration of time past is not what is being relayed, but that the coming judgment has been ordained all along. And the amount of future time is not what is being considered as much as what occurs during the time. There is nothing idle in the process. Their judgment is being worked out the whole time that their actions are also being worked out.” Peter now shows the state of those angels which have already been set for judgment, that God “cast them down to hell.” This is something which had not yet occurred with those who possessed the man referred to in Matthew. This is certain, because it says (concerning the same incident) in Luke 8:31 – “And they begged Him that He would not command them to go out into the abyss.” The word that Peter uses, which is here translated as “hell,” is tartaroó, or Tartaus. This is its only use in Scripture. It is the pagan Greek netherworld. It is a place of punishment set apart specifically for demons. It later came to represent also a place of punishment for wicked people. But at this time, it is specifically speaking of a place set apart for demons, thus explaining the terminology used in the synoptic gospels. Peter next says, “and delivered them into chains of darkness.” Here, there is a slight textual problem. Jude also uses the term “chains” in his epistle, but a different word is used there. The word Peter uses, a word only seen here in Scripture, is actually very close in spelling to a word translated as “pits.” For this reason, some translations say, “pits of darkness.” Either way, the angels which have been sent to this pit (which obviously all of them have not been, based on the reading of the synoptic gospels) are chained as Jude notes, and they are in a place of gloomy darkness, being kept there and “reserved for judgment.” The Greek is a present participle. They are “being reserved for judgment.” They are in the gloomy darkness, they are chained there, and they are awaiting their final judgment and assured doom. Life application: Along with this verse, Peter will spend the next 18 verses of this chapter talking about the punishment of the false prophets. If this doesn’t show a person the seriousness of properly handling God’s word, and also obediently following it, then one is not taking these passages in the light that God intends. As God didn’t spare those angels who sinned, Peter is intimating how much more should those who know God’s word be judged for sinning when they misuse it. Just look at the amount of false teaching in the world – pastors, preachers, and priests who stand in the pulpit and deny or diminish the truth in the Bible. There are evangelists who twist passages in order to profit financially, and there are Bible teachers who aren’t qualified to teach because of a lack of knowledge and dedicated time spent learning to reason out the intent of passages, etc. The list is long, and grows daily, concerning those who have turned from sound analysis to a manipulation of what is proper. As the angels were sent to Tartarus and put in gloomy dungeons as they wait for judgment, just imagine what is prepared for these people. God holds His word out to us as a guide for our life, for our salvation, and for our holiness. God forbid, then, that it would be used in any way which is unintended. The consequences for doing so are horrible in the extreme and eternal in their duration. Lord God, keep us from misusing and mishandling Your precious word. May we be found worthy as teachers, preachers, and pastors – or as congregants – who follow You and Your word alone. May we not be deceived by the wiles of those who would pervert Your truth. Keep us from false teachers and lead us on the sound path of righteousness. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jan 29, 2020 2:08:54 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, 2 Peter 2:5, 28 January 2020
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2020 Tuesday, 28 January 2020 …and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly; 2 Peter 2:5 Peter now turns to a second example of God’s punishment upon the wicked, speaking of it as a completely separate event than that of the previous verse. In this, he says, “and did not spare the ancient world.” This is speaking of the world at the time from Adam to the Flood of Noah. At that time, the world was in a completely different state than it is in today. That ancient world, as is learned in Genesis 6, had become completely wicked. There was no longer a remedy for the masses, and so the Lord took action – “Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. 7 So the Lord said, ‘I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them.’ 8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.” Genesis 6:5-8 As it says in Genesis, and as Peter confirms, “Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord,” and so God “saved Noah, one of eight people.” The word “saved” is not a good translation. The word is phulassó, and it signifies to be kept or spared. Someone is saved out of a disaster. Noah was spared from a disaster, having been kept safe by the Lord before it occurred. He was told to build an ark, and when the ark was built, the Lord shut the door. Thus, he was “preserved,” or “spared.” The eight were Noah and his wife, and his three sons and their wives. But the highlight is on Noah because he was “a preacher of righteousness.” The word used by Peter signifies a herald, which is exactly what a preacher should do. They are to call out as a town-crier words of righteousness. The amazing thing to consider is that Noah was such a herald, calling out for righteousness, and yet nobody was taken aboard the ship with him. None were found faithful enough to simply admit his defilement and asked to be kept from the judgment which Noah surely proclaimed was coming. But the use of the number eight is a beacon of hope all by itself. In the Bible, the number is consistently used to signify “new beginnings.” Through this single family, a new world would appear. However, in order for this to occur, there must be judgment upon those left behind. And so, Peter ends with the fact that though Noah was spared, God was also “bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly.” While Noah was spared, those who failed to heed were swept away. The entire earth, everything that had the breath of life, was brought to an end. It must be considered here that the verse speaks of “the ancient world” as a separate event than the previous verse which spoke of the “angels who sinned.” The two are separate events. To tie them both together into one account in order to justify that Genesis 6 is speaking of angels sleeping with human women is untenable. The implication is that those angels fell before the establishment of the ancient world where man would dwell. And this is exactly what is seen in Genesis 3. The serpent, elsewhere noted as “Satan” and the “devil,” was already a fallen being. This verse in 2 Peter does not support the angel/human hybrid theory. Rather, it fully speaks against it. Peter’s words of this verse are given to clearly show that God’s judgment can be expected. If He destroyed the entire world once, there is no reason at all to think that He will somehow tolerate our own unrighteous conduct, and rejection of the gospel which came at the high cost of Calvary’s cross. Life application: As has been demonstrated several times in the New Testament – including by Jesus’ own words – the Flood of Noah is taken as a literal truth by Peter which we can rely on. It is not a myth which was invented to project a moral lesson. In fact, the entire flood account is considered trustworthy, not only that it occurred, but that there was a real ark, a real man named Noah, and seven people with him. Nothing anywhere in Scripture or in the geologic record demonstrates that this was a myth. Rather, the evidence for a flood is found throughout the world –in the legends of every major people-group on earth, within the geologic record, within the mitochondrial DNA of humans, and even in the alphabet of the Chinese people – an alphabet which reaches back to antiquity, even to the time of Babel itself. We have every reason to be sure that God’s judgment occurred exactly as Peter proclaims, and that his previous and coming analysis on the judgment of those who falsely portray the gospel will also be judged. Peter says that despite the righteous preaching of Noah, the people of the world rejected his words. Because of this, there was no remedy, and God destroyed the world of unrighteousness. Likewise, man is again setting himself up for destruction. The world of today has a testimony far superior to that of Noah – the gift of God’s own Son. Despite this ultimate demonstration of love, the world is rejecting God’s offer and is ripe for His wrath. O God, may our hearts break for the lost souls of the world. May Your glorious gospel go forth and snatch precious souls from the sure destruction to come. Use us, O God, use us as instruments of Your righteousness and for the sake of Your gospel of peace. May the nations be glad when they hear the good news of Jesus. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jan 30, 2020 2:45:58 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, 2 Peter 2:6, 29 January 2020
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2020 Wednesday, 29 January 2020 …and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly; 2 Peter 2:6 Peter now moves from the consequences of the Flood of Noah to another great time of God’s wrath and judgment being poured out on the wicked, that of Sodom and Gomorrah. In this, he begins with “and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes.” This continues the thought first presented in verse 2:4. Peter says, “For if God did not spare…” He is showing that God is consistent in judgment, not sparing the angels who sinned, and then not sparing the ancient world which was filled with wickedness. Now he will speak of not sparing a city filled with perversion. The world was destroyed by flood, but the wickedness of man continued on. The sin of Sodom and Gomorrah is noted as that of sexual immorality. More specifically, however, the account looks to the perverse and unnatural sin of homosexuality. The people of the town were deviants who purposed to violently rape the guests who had come under the roof of Lot. It is assumed by some scholars that Ham, the son of Noah, committed a perverse homosexual act on his own father. The reason for this is that the word used there, and translated as “saw,” is also used in Leviticus 20:17 concerning seeing the nakedness of a close family member, but implying a sexual encounter with that person. Whether this is the case or not, it is something that carried on in the post-flood world, and which became so rampant in the area of Sodom that the Lord determined to destroy the city. When the city of Sodom came against Lot and his guests, the final decision for destruction was made. The Lord made a way for Lot and his family to escape the destruction, and then it came, reducing the city to ashes. In this, He “condemned them to destruction.” The word Peter uses is katastrophé. One can see the source of our modern word catastrophe. In the New Testament, it was used by Paul in 2 Timothy 2:14, and then it is used here. However, it is also used in the Greek translation of the Old Testament in the account of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19:29. In the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, God was “making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly.” It has become fashionable for homosexuals in the modern church to claim that God “is doing a new thing,” and that He has accepted their perverse lifestyle. However, they do not speak for God. He has spoken and His word is set. It is a reflection of His own eternal and unchanging nature. The destruction of Sodom will be played out, once again, on a world scale as the world is destroyed by fire. Peter will explain that in Chapter 3. Until then, he will continue with his words concerning the false teachers and the consequences which will come upon them because of their unholiness. The examples of the past have been given, and the warning that those examples set is there for all to see, even into the future. For such perverse people, they will eventually meet with their appointed time, and the reward for their actions will finally be meted out upon them. Though it may seem to tarry, the Lord’s judgment will come. Life application: Sodom and Gomorrah stand as one of the premier examples of judgment in the Bible, mentioned more often than the Flood of Noah. Maybe this is because the sins of Sodom are specifically addressed, whereas the Bible only mentions that the “wickedness of man was great upon the earth” at the time of Noah. Comparisons to Sodom are made almost 20 times elsewhere in the Old Testament and about 10 times in the New. To this day, a term for a specific type of perversion derives its name from Sodom – a perversion which is condemned as unnatural, unhealthy, and worthy of destruction. Because of this immorality and aberrant behavior, God destroyed the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah – leveling them to ashes. The prophet Jeremiah speaks in the same manner as Peter concerning the false prophets of his time – “Also I have seen a horrible thing in the prophets of Jerusalem: They commit adultery and walk in lies; They also strengthen the hands of evildoers, So that no one turns back from his wickedness. All of them are like Sodom to Me, And her inhabitants like Gomorrah.” Jeremiah 23:14 The leaders and prophets steered the people away from God and towards their own twisted paths. Eventually, the people of Israel were conquered and exiled. The same occurred again in Jesus’ time. In fact, Jesus said that Sodom and Gomorrah’s judgment wouldn’t be as severe as for those who rejected His offer of peace. Let us accept Jesus’ words, His ministry, and His work – accomplished on our behalf. Otherwise, a terrible fate awaits us too. Surely You, O God, cannot tolerate sin. Because of our sins, we cannot stand before You. So, Lord, cover us with Jesus’ righteousness and grant us His protection from the storm of judgment which will again surely cover the earth. Purify our hearts and help us to live – from this day forward – lives that are holy and pleasing to You. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jan 31, 2020 1:19:57 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, 2 Peter 2:7, 30 January 2020
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020 Thursday, 30 January 2020 …and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked… 2 Peter 2:7 Peter went from the example of the flood to that of Sodom and Gomorrah, where he noted that it was turned into ashes and the people were condemned to destruction. This was recorded as “an example to those who afterward would live ungodly.” However, the Lord stands watch over all people, and in the case of Sodom, it says He “delivered righteous Lot.” Lot is set in contrast to those who were condemned to destruction. Instead, he was delivered. Further, it is his conduct which brought that about. He is called here, “righteous.” It is a word Peter will use three times in verses 2:7 and 2:8 when speaking of Lot. Some scholars note this and then qualify the statement by saying that this only applied to his time in Sodom, but later when he lived in the cave with his daughters it was not so. The Bible does not make this leap, and the account of Lot’s time in the cave is recorded for a specific purpose which has less to do with Lot than it has to do with the character and hopes of his two daughters. Despite this, while in Sodom, Peter says that Lot was “oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked.” The word translated as “oppressed” gives the sense of being overwhelmed by labor or suffering. Lot must have trudged through the streets of Sodom and felt the burden of fallen humanity, seeing their conduct and mourning over it. The question in his mind was probably not unlike the question of many moral Christians today, concerning both the state of the world and the state of the church, “How could we have fallen into such a state of depravity?” This is then highlighted by the use of the word translated as “conduct.” It signifies something that is not in the proper or acceptable order, meaning it is out of place. Thus, it is conduct which is morally lawless and at variance with the nature of God. Paul speaks of such a state in Romans 1:18-32. As noted, any moral Christian need look no further than the church itself. There are pedophiles who fill the halls of Roman Catholicism. There are perverts in the pulpits of many major denominations. There are sexually abusive people whose shameless acts are uncovered and then applauded in church after church. If this is the state of the church, how can the world ever be brought to see their own sin and mourn over it? Life application: It may seem strange to read the term “righteous Lot” when comparing him with other noted figures in the Bible. Even figures who were fault-filled still seem to exceed Lot in righteousness. However, making comparisons to others is a fundamental flaw of people looking for personal justification rather than that which comes from God. In other words, if you ask a person, “Why should God accept you into heaven?” the answer quite often is, “Well, I’m a good person…I’m not like Adolph Hitler.” The fact of the matter, though, is that neither Adolph Hitler nor any other person is the subject of the question. To answer in this way is a diversion brought in to move the question away from the main point. A more direct and appropriate question would be, “Why do you think you deserve eternal life.” The question demands a direct answer, and the answer must be precise – “I have accepted Jesus Christ. He is my Lord and Savior.” Any answer which fails to include the merit of Jesus Christ alone then fails the test of righteousness. One cannot say, “I have led a good life,” “I paid tithes to my church,” “I did this,” or “I did that.” Such answers exclude the righteousness demanded by God – that of appropriately placed faith. The Bible says, “Abraham believed God and He credited it to him for righteousness.” Taking God at his word is the path to imputed righteousness. The often-veiled truths of the Old Testament are fulfilled, and sealed, in the New Testament. This full revelation of God tells us of the work of Jesus. Lot’s righteousness, like Abraham’s, didn’t come from works or a perfect life. If we try to find that in the telling of his life, we would be left scratching our head about God’s selection. Lot’s greatness isn’t what is important; God’s is. Lot, despite any perceived faults, received God’s imputed righteousness by faith, just as we must. Lord God, you have made it both very difficult and yet supremely easy to be justified before You. It is so very hard to put away our personal attempts at righteousness and few truly do it. However, once we have left ourselves out of the equation, we have access to the greatest Gift of all – our Lord’s righteousness. And this, through a simple act of faith. Thank You for Jesus! Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 1, 2020 1:33:01 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, 2 Peter 2:8, 31 January 2020
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2020 Friday, 31 January 2020 (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds)— 2 Peter 2:8 The Greek here reads, “for the righteous, dwelling among them.” It is showing a complete contrast between Lot and those he dwelt amongst. Despite dwelling among these people who were filled with perversion, he maintained his righteousness. Though chided by some, this is perfectly in line with numerous other verses which imply that there is nothing wrong with this. For example, Paul says – “I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people. 10 Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world.” 1 Corinthians 5:9, 10 Jesus was said to eat with tax collectors and sinners. Noah remained a preacher of righteousness in a world full of sin. One cannot be a preacher without someone to preach to. Lot was a human who lived among humans, and he maintained his righteousness as he conducted his daily affairs. The word used to describe his “dwelling” is found only here in Scripture, and it is rare even in secular writings. It signifies to settle down in a place. It was his home and there is no reason one would expect him to simply pull up and depart. He dwelt among them and yet maintained his character as he did. Despite this, Peter notes that the conduct of those around him “tormented his righteous soul from day to day.” This is now the third time in just two verses that Peter calls him righteous, stressing that he was without fault despite his surroundings. When Peter says “tormented,” he uses a word which signifies torture. It was as if his soul was severely harassed and beaten as he saw the conduct of those around him. What appears to be the case is that he loved where he was, and wanted those with him to see the good, and then have them give God the glory for what they had. One could think of someone living in a frontier town surrounded by beautiful mountains and large pastures. And yet, the people of the town brawled, drank the night away, and caroused through the streets doing the shameful things humans do. The one who maintained his righteousness would not want to move. Instead, he would want those who were misdirected to see the good, become productive people of the town, and build a better future. Like such a person, Lot was tortured in his soul either by, or for, those around him “by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds.” The word translated as “seeing” is found only here in the Bible. It signifies “to glance.” Lot didn’t look and keep looking, as if perversely drawn to their wickedness. He simply saw it in a glance, and it tortured him. What they did was lawless, and it demonstrated the high level of their perversion. It is instinctively known – both in human minds and in nature – that there is a proper “law” or order to sexual conduct. But what they did violated those very laws of nature. The perversion took over, and they did what was unnatural. Life application: Failings of character don’t exclude someone from being known as righteous. If they did, King David and the other noted heroes of the Bible could never be considered as such. We as well, with all of our idiosyncrasies and our propensities to foul up at the drop of a dime, could never possess the righteousness demanded by God. As Jesus said in Matthew 5:48, “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” What God demands is a righteousness we simply cannot attain on our own. This is the glorious purpose of God’s “imputed righteousness.” Jesus came and fulfilled the Law on our behalf. He then went to the cross and now offers us an exchange – our sins, judged at the cross, for His righteousness. It is – without a doubt – the greatest offer in the world. All we need is to accept it, by faith, and God is faithful and just to forgive. Thank You, O God, for the cross of Jesus! Heavenly Father, we know our unworthy state. Without Jesus we could not stand in Your presence. But, Heavenly Father, we thank You for His perfection, given to us by grace. We thank You for the cross, and we thank You for Your perfect plan which has reconciled us to You. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 2, 2020 0:06:49 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, 2 Peter 2:9, 1 February 2020
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2020 Saturday, 1 February 2020 … then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment, 2 Peter 2:9 The words here tie all the way back to verse 4, For if God…then the Lord knows. Everything between the two has been an explanation of the first part. This verse now shows the contrast. God does know how to deal with all things – both sinner and saint included. A logical progression of Peter’s thoughts is – * If God didn’t spare the angels which sinned, but rather cast them to hell and delivered them into chains as they await judgment, and * If He didn’t spare the entire ancient world (the pre-flood world) with the exception of Noah and his family, but instead took away the breath of their lives, and * If He didn’t spare the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah because of their wickedness, but instead turned them into ashes (ashes to ashes, dust to dust we say…), condemning them to destruction for their ungodliness, but * He spared Lot, a righteous man whose soul was tormented by the ungodliness and oppressive wickedness around him as he dwelt among them, then * The Lord also knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and * The Lord knows how to reserve the unjust under punishment for that great day of judgment. With this understood, Peter’s words which begin the verse are, “then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations.” It is interesting that he began with “God,” and then says, “the Lord.” The last time the term “the Lord” was mentioned, it was clearly speaking of Christ Jesus who is said to have “bought them,” meaning that He died for their sins. This same Lord, who is God, is fully capable of doing what needs to be done for those who seek after Him, meaning “the godly.” The word signifies one who is devout. Peter was speaking of the ungodly, those who are not devout, and the consequences for their unholy attitude and choices. However, there are those who are devout and who truly desire to pursue God. God knows this and is able to deliver them from the same temptations that those who are not godly pursue with reckless abandon. It is a note of grace in the midst of many verses which speak openly about God’s wrath against unholiness in the world in which we live. For those who are ungodly, of them Peter says that God knows how “to reserve the unjust under punishment.” It is a present participle, meaning that they are already under the sentence and punishment. When their lives ended (such as those in the Flood of Noah and those at Sodom and Gomorrah), their punishment was just beginning, and it is ongoing at this time, even as they await “the day of judgment.” The idea of being punished before the day of judgment may seem unfair on the surface, but these people have already been judged. Their wickedness was evident, and they died in their sins. The day of judgment is not something that is necessary for God to determine guilt or innocence, but it is rather something for all to understand God’s holiness. Until they stand before the Source of all goodness, righteousness, and holiness, they only have themselves and their twisted sense of morality by which to evaluate their actions. But someday, all will come before God and will see what the standard of holiness is. At that time, all of the punishment they received, or will ever receive, will be realized as being wholly deserved. Life application: A good way of looking at Peter’s words is to know that we are living in a fallen world and surrounded by moral decay and perversion – even the influence of demons. Despite this, the Lord can keep us from falling into the same pattern as those around us, just as He did for Noah and for Lot. More than that, when we mourn over the perversion of our society, we have the assurance that our faithfulness is not in vain. God will judge the unrighteous and vindicate our steadfast and heartily maintained attitude of righteousness in Christ. You, O Lord, are a Rescuer of Your people and a Defender of the weak. You look away from the proud, but give grace to the humble. May You be with us as we walk the difficult path of righteousness in this troubled and fallen world. We look to You for guidance, and so be our Guide all the days of our lives. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 2, 2020 21:41:21 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, 2 Peter 2:10, 2 February 2020
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2020 Sunday, 2 February 2020 … and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-willed. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries,2 Peter 2:10 Peter had just noted the unjust whom the Lord has reserved “under punishment for the day of judgment.” He now highlights those people saying, “and especially those who walk according to the flesh.” The term “walk” signifies the conduct of life. It is their usual manner of living and acting. Therefore, to “walk according to the flesh” is to walk in a manner which is contrary to a moral and godly life. Peter then further describes such an immoral and ungodly walk by saying, “in the lust of uncleanness.” The word translated as “uncleanness” is a noun. Thus, it is walking in the lust which causes the uncleanness. Peter then says that these same people “despise authority.” This is a catchall phrase. Those Peter refer to despise not just one level of authority, but all authority. They despise the governmental authority which they reside under. They despise the authority of their master, or employer. They despise those appointed by law to protect and defend the populace. They despise the authority within the church. They despise all authority, heavenly or earthly. And this state is reflected in the next words Peter uses. He says, “They are presumptuous, self-willed.” It is obvious that anyone who thinks he is above all authorities will be presumptuous. He will be daring in his conduct, bold in his words against those who he should show humility towards, and he will be impudent when asked to conduct himself in a respectable manner. Further, being self-willed goes hand in hand with that. He will be arrogant, impatient with others, unyielding even when shown to be wrong, and dogmatic about things which he may not even fully understand. Finally, the verse ends with, “They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries.” This follows naturally with what has already been said. When such people despise authority, and when they are presumptuous and self-willed, they will show contempt for those appointed over them, or those whose responsibility it is to ensure they act in accord with the rules and laws of the land. However, the word Peter uses literally means “glories.” In other words, though it may be speaking of natural authorities, and though they may be included in the thought, it is probably more intended to describe heavenly beings – angels, Jesus Christ, and God. There is a contempt for any authority which exists in the spiritual realm. Hence, such people will use the name of Christ or the name of God in a reviling manner without batting an eye. Life application: In this verse, we have the evening news in a nutshell. It appears that little has changed in the 2000 years since Peter wrote this. Instead, they have gotten worse. Not because of the already wicked heart, but because of the availability of access and communication with those who act in the same manner. Whereas trouble in earlier times was localized and contained, today people in the US can stir up trouble in Egypt. Someone at his computer in France can email whatever perverted thing he has dreamt up to people in 100 countries. Disobedience and the despising of authority are practiced and expanded upon in blogs and at news centers around the globe. TV shows have gone from wholesome family values to complete perversion of both word and thought in less than two generations. Good is called evil and evil is called good. Israel is condemned for its restraint in combat while those who perpetually attack her are called the victims – and the lie increases with every biased broadcast of the presumptuous and self-willed commentator. The lawless left challenges the authority of duly elected officials. Those who are in the minority, and who are elected to do their jobs, simply pack up and leave their post when they disagree with the majority – never considering their duty to the people who elected them. Those who legally bear arms are called criminals, while those who illegally misuse them are said to have been brought up in sad circumstances and should be given light treatment. Societies promote abortion as if the life conceived has no value, but they forgive murderers who rape and mutilate their victims before killing them. All of this twisted and unhealthy thinking can be traced back to despising of the ultimate authority – The Lord God. The nations rally now, but He will be vindicated. The time of Christ’s reign is approaching where all uncleanness will be removed. Lord, Your word speaks of hard issues which we often fail to take to heart. We forget that You aren’t only a loving and gentle Creator, but that You also are holy, righteous, and just. Better for us to put our hope in You and Your cross now than to attempt to stand on our own state, that of lacking any true righteousness, on the great Day You have prepared. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 4, 2020 1:10:32 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, 2 Peter 2:11, 3 February 2020
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2020· Monday, 3 February 2020 …whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring a reviling accusation against them before the Lord. 2 Peter 2:11 Peter just spoke of “dignitaries,” noting that those who walk according to the flesh and who despise authority “are not afraid to speak evil” of them. As noted, the word translated as “dignitaries,” literally means “glories.” Without being dogmatic over the intent of Peter’s wording, he may have been referring to natural authorities, or he may have used the word to describe heavenly beings – angels, Christ, or God. There is a contempt for any authority, most likely that which exists in the spiritual realm. Hence, such people will use the name of Christ or the name of God in a reviling manner without batting an eye. The book of Jude closely follows this chapter of 2 Peter, and there he uses the same word, speaking in just that manner – “Likewise also these dreamers defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil of dignitaries. 9 Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you!’” Jude 1:8, 9 Thus, it is a clue that this is also probably what is on Peter’s mind here. With that thought in mind, Peter now says, “whereas angels.” This is in contrast to those people. Angels are a completely different category than men. As he says, they are “greater in power and might.” There are two possibilities concerning these words. Peter is either referring to the angels being greater in power and might than the false teachers, or he is contrasting the angels to the archangels, who would then next be mentioned. The first option initially seems more likely based on the contrast being made, but the second option would then set the proper tone for the conduct of the angels before those “dignitaries” to which they were subordinate. In this, it would show an even greater distinction between the false teachers and the object of their evil speaking. Either way, man is mortal, he ages, he lives within the sphere of the material world, his power and strength are limited, and so on. And yet, despite this lowly state, such arrogant people are willing to speak against these “dignitaries,” or “glories.” As Peter next notes, even angels “do not bring a reviling accusation against them,” meaning these “dignitaries.” And this type of accusation is noted by Peter as being “before the Lord.” That is expanded on in the quote from Jude mentioned above – “The Lord rebuke you!” Jude places his words in the context of Michael and Satan. However, a comparable thought is found in Zechariah 3 – “Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to oppose him. 2 And the Lord said to Satan, ‘The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?’” Zechariah 3:1, 2 In the end, the thought Peter is presenting is that of a complete contrast between these earthly, fallen men who speak evil against authorities, while even those who possess much greater power and rank would not do so. Thus, it shows the high level of arrogance and folly exhibited by these people. Life application: In revealing the utter contempt of these people for the holiness of God, their actions demonstrate that their judgment is more than deserved. They use their tongues to destroy the line of authority God has ordained. They do this despite being mere mortals who have no true power or authority over anything, including the moment of their demise. In this, their words condemn rather than justify them. The Bible lays out certain precepts. For example, elders and deacons are to be the husband of but one wife. Joseph Smith, the founder of the Mormons, chose to disobey this. Likewise, the Bible condemns any sex not within the bounds of marriage between a man and a woman. Despite this, leaders in denominations and churches actively engage in illicit sexual behavior – daring God and reviling the boundaries of authority that He has given. Such examples are what Peter notes as worthy of destruction. Be careful who you follow and why. Know your Bible and know your God! Lord God, it is You who are to be obeyed. Below You, there is a line of authority which You have established for Your sovereign purposes. May we endeavor to obey the rulers and authorities appointed over us, and may our tongues be careful to not revile them – even when we disagree with the direction they choose. Rather, remind us to pray for them. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 5, 2020 1:41:43 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, 2 Peter 2:12, 4 February 2020
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2020 Tuesday, 4 February 2020 But these, like natural brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed, speak evil of the things they do not understand, and will utterly perish in their own corruption, 2 Peter 2:12 There are two views on how to translate the word “natural” here. The first is to connect it to the words “brute beasts.” The second would be to tie it to the words “caught and destroyed.” The second option seems more likely, so the second view will only be cited here. Charles Ellicott translates it as “born naturally for capture and destruction.” Either way, Peter continues to speak of those he has been describing. They are people who walk according to the flesh, who despise authority, and so on. He now says that they are “like natural brute beasts.” Here, he uses the word alogos. It is the word logos, meaning “reason,” which is prefixed by the negative particle a. Therefore, it signifies “unreasoning.” Just as an animal is unable to reason things out, these people have become so degraded in their minds that they live by animal instincts. They are unwilling to simply stop and think things through in a logical, rational way. Peter notes that such animals are “made to be caught and destroyed.” He is not actually calling for these people to be culled from the pack, but that is the expected lot of the animals which they are like. In other words, though not calling for them to be caught and destroyed, this is what would otherwise be expected of them because they have reduced themselves to the same state as such animals that do need to be destroyed. They have not only reduced themselves to a state of no value at all, but they are actually harmful to society. Logically then, unless they come to their senses, the Lord will handle them as they deserve in due time. Peter continues by saying that because they are like such irrational animals, they “speak evil of the things they do not understand.” What God has ordained in the universe, from the movement of the atoms to the movement of the cosmos, is perfectly ordered. Each aspect of the created order works in a harmonious way. This then extends to the thought that God is infinitely wise and what He has done should be considered as such. And yet, a good example of the type of people Peter speaks of are those who attribute these magnificent workings of God to time and chance. They blaspheme God by saying that order was brought from chaos through an evolutionary process. This is but one of countless examples of how people take what is good and true about God, and what He has done, and they twist it or ignore it, they speak evil of it, and yet they have no true understanding of it. Of them, Peter says that they “will utterly perish in their own corruption.” The Greek of these words has a play on words which is not seen in the English. By taking the noun and verb forms of a word, Peter says something like “in the destruction of them, they will also be destroyed.” The probable meaning of his words is that just as they have reduced themselves to the state of irrational animals, so they will be destroyed as irrational animals are destroyed. Their own moral corruption will be as a sentence against them, and because of it, they will get what they deserve. Life application: In Revelation 2 and 3, we are given a direct look into the thoughts of how carefully Jesus considers the state of His church. We stray from His precepts at our own peril, and those who add to or detract from His word do so at their own condemnation. The words there carefully reveal the truths that Peter writes about in this epistle. An example of what Peter is referring to is reflected in the attitude of the Episcopal church. All the way back in 2011, they stated, “On Good Friday, the day we mark the crucifixion of Christ, God in the flesh, might we suggest that when Earth is degraded, when species go extinct, that another part of God’s body experiences yet another sort of crucifixion…” The note goes on to state that it is notable that many religious leaders are celebrating both Good Friday and Earth Day as “holy.” Equating their perverse climate agenda with the crucifixion of Jesus is not only contemptible, but the theology made in the comparison is severely deficient. The earth is not a “part of God’s body.” Rather it is a part of His creation. Man has been given dominion over the earth, but the earth – its climate, its future, and its existence – is under the complete control of God. Man’s role in earthly matters will be judged based on his relationship with Jesus, not on global warming. As the years have passed since that Good Friday statement was issued, the levels of depravity within the Episcopal church have increased almost exponentially. Those who teach such corrupt theology, rather than the truth of Christ, will have to face God someday, and they will be treated just as irrational animals, which they are, should be. Lord God, surely sound doctrine is of great value. When it is lacking, there can only be a departure from the truth of Your word. This, in turn, will lead to separation from You and eventually to destruction. Open our minds to properly reason out our theology so that what we hear and believe will be acceptable in Your glorious eyes. This we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 6, 2020 0:16:00 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, 2 Peter 2:13, 5 February 2020
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2020 Wednesday, 5 February 2020 …and will receive the wages of unrighteousness, as those who count it pleasure to carouse in the daytime. They are spots and blemishes, carousing in their own deceptions while they feast with you,2 Peter 2:13 Peter continues to speak of the false teachers that he has been referring to throughout the chapter. He states that they “will receive the wages of unrighteousness.” In this life, these false teachers may be profiting handsomely. They may never have trials or troubles, and the money may flow into their coffers like waters rushing in to fill a pond, but these are temporary riches. Eventually, the true wages they deserve shall be paid to them. The word “wages,” however, is not the same as that which was used by Paul when he speaks of the “wages of sin” in Romans 6:23. It speaks of a reward or recompense which is given as a compensation for an action or decision. It is the same word that will be used in 2:15 when referring to Balaam who was hired to curse Israel. There is an action which is worth a certain hire, and that is what is then received by the one who was hired. In this case, Peter speaks of the reward for their unrighteous actions. He then further defines the thought by saying of them that they are “as those who count it pleasure to carouse in the daytime.” The idea is that of being completely unashamed of their actions. Those who carouse, normally do so at night. The dark hides their shame and it conceals their identity. During the day, they put on a different face so that they might be thought of as honorable people. But those Peter speaks of are so bold in their unrighteousness that they openly flaunt what they do. They have no care that their teaching is false. The money pours in, the suckers enrich their coffers, and they feel justified that they are worthy of their ill-gotten gain. Because of the attitude, Peter further describes them by saying that “they are spots and blemishes.” The first word comes from the Greek: spilos. One can see the root of our modern word for “spill.” It was only used elsewhere by Paul in Ephesians 5:27 where he noted that Christ will present His church to Himself without “spot or wrinkle.” When one has a beautiful garment that gets a spot on it, nobody notices the garment any longer. Rather, the only thing that is seen is that horrible spot. That is what these false teachers are like. They ruin what is otherwise pure and beautiful. The word translated as “blemish” is only found here, mómos. It is that which causes disgrace. One can see that the “spots” speak of the individuals in the church, whereas the “blemishes” speak of how they affect the church. Of these people, Peter then says that they are “carousing in their own deceptions.” A different word, translated as “carousing,” is used here than was used in the previous clause. It speaks of self-indulgence and luxurious living. They are so set on living out their dream world of luxury that their deceptions are all they can think of. It is as if they are the center of the universe and everything around them was set in place just for them to live out their own luxurious existence. Peter says this occurs, “while they feast with you.” In other words, even while joining together with believers, their conduct remains unchanged. They have taken on such an openly self-centered existence that they cannot perceive any need for change when they are around true believers who live holy lives and are truly pious in their actions, including the very meals they partake of. Life application: God, who is rich in mercy, offers a gift – eternal life through the Lord Jesus. On the other hand, Peter takes this concept and says (still speaking of false teachers) that they will receive their wages. These are the people who actively disobey the gospel of Jesus and yet they are the same people who sit at feasts with believers. Think on those in Christian circles who fit this description – people who claim to know Jesus, but who deny His authority by the life they lead. They openly flaunt their disobedient lifestyle while wearing garbs of the pious. There is never a reason to trust someone just because they have on a minister’s attire or have a degree from a theological seminary. Rather, an instructor in Christianity is to be evaluated on how he handles the word of God and how he treats the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Lord God, You have stated that judgment begins at Your house. How terrifying it will be for those who have improperly handled Your word, and who have diminished the glorious work of Jesus Christ. They sit in Your church now, but they have never truly been a part of it. Keep us from such teachers that we may be found approved on the Day of Your visitation. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 7, 2020 0:21:07 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, 2 Peter 2:14, 6 February 2020
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2020 Thursday, 6 February 2020 ...having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin, enticing unstable souls. They have a heart trained in covetous practices, and are accursed children. 2 Peter 2:14 Peter continues on with his lengthy list as he describes the traits of false teachers. He now says they are “having eyes full of adultery.” The eyes can be used in various ways. Two in particular should be defined. First, they can be used to allow in the objects of lust such as Job spoke of – “I have made a covenant with my eyes; Why then should I look upon a young woman?” They can also be used as objects of lust – “Do not lust after her beauty in your heart, Nor let her allure you with her eyelids.” Proverbs 6:25 The heart is where the root of adultery lies, but the eyes are where the adultery is watered. From there, it blossoms and takes over the mind. Therefore, to avert the eyes from that which is enticing will then deprive the condition from what it needs to grow. What is probably most on Peter’s mind is the second example from Proverbs. The reason for this is that he uses a noun. It literally says, “of an adulteress.” Because of this, they “cannot cease from sin.” Their eyes reflect their nature, it is a nature which is in the Greek literally means “unceasing from sin.” Like the whore who flashes her eyes and captures the wandering sheep, taking him to slaughter, so the false teachers do to their unsuspecting victims. Peter says they are “enticing unstable souls.” The thought is comparable to what Paul said to Timothy – “For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts.” 2 Timothy 3:6 Whether a gullible woman or an unstable soul, the false teachers and wicked people of the world know how to control others with their unholy schemes and intents. People who are lacking discernment are ripe pickings for those who know how to mislead others. By saying the right things, things which sound correct, but which are twisted and unscriptural, false teachers lead many astray. And it is so easy for them, because “they have a heart trained in covetous practices.” It speaks of the state of the individual false teacher, but which represents them all. The heart has been conditionally allowed to covet, being left completely unrestrained. Because of this, it has become their very nature to seek after that which the heart covets. The word Peter uses is gumnazó. It is the root of our modern word “gymnastics.” It signifies training with full effort, using all of the physical and emotional force one can muster. With such an attitude, the actions follow suit, seducing others to appease the fleshly lusts which arise in them. In this, Peter says they are “accursed children.” Here Peter uses two nouns, literally saying, “children of a curse.” It reflects the state in which they exist. Just as Paul says those under the law are “under a curse,” so these false teachers exist in such a sphere. They have not come to the grace of God in Christ, and thus they remain in the realm of a curse. Life application: It is shameful to hear about televangelists who preach “prosperity” for those who send money to their ministries, telling them that a “financial breakthrough” will come from their obedient and sacrificial giving. Unfortunately, those who fall for this are often those who are in rough times already. If things were going well, they wouldn’t be worried about a financial breakthrough. Eventually, these supposed ministers are exposed through lavish living – large houses, expensive cars, fashion clothing, etc. There is no sense of decency or morality in their lives. They have profited by enticing unstable souls. Regardless of how they appear to those following them, the Lord reads their thoughts and the motives of their hearts. Destruction and hell will be their reward unless they correct the unholy path they are following. Take the time to look into the lifestyle of those you intend to follow before, not after, you start giving. What is being taught here isn’t unique to Christianity. Rather, even the secular world – both in ancient times and today – understands the attitude addressed here. As Homer said in the Iliad, “Hateful to me as the gates of Hades is that man who hides one thing in his heart and speaks another.” If we simply look at actions, rather than flowery speeches, we can discern the truth. Inspect the politicians you choose, not on what they say, but on what they do. Be discerning in the leaders you look to for your government, your business, and especially your spiritual life. Lord, keep us from those who are bent on evil gain at our expense. Guide us to sound leaders who properly handle the word of truth. May those who lead our government, our financial institutions, and our churches be held accountable when they covetously strive to prosper at the expense of those who trust in them. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 8, 2020 1:52:01 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, 2 Peter 2:15, 7 February 2020
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2020 Friday, 7 February 2020 They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; 2 Peter 2:15 It is such a fascinating verse to study. Peter, still speaking of the false teachers, now brings in a real-life example from Israel’s past, Balaam the son of Beor. The main story of him is found in Numbers 22-24, though he is mentioned at various times in both the Old and New Testaments. This is the first of three times in the New. Peter says of the false teachers, that “They have forsaken the right way.” The Greek more literally reads, “Having left the straight way.” They have left, and they continue on that departure. The word “straight” signifies that which is correct or proper. Peter is possibly referring to his words of verse 2:2 where he notes that “many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.” There is the proper way of following Christ as outlined in God’s word, and there is that which departs from this path. In their departure from this proper path, they have “gone astray.” The Greek word signifies roaming into error. Peter spoke of this concerning those he addresses in his first letter, saying, “For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” One can stray intentionally, or one can simply wander off the right path and into error, but either way, that person is no longer walking in accord with what God intends. Of the false teachers, Peter next says that they are “following the way of Balaam.” What is remarkable is that Peter speaks of “the way of Balaam.” The introductory story of Balaam is found in Numbers 22, in the span of just a few verses. The Hebrew word, also translated as “way,” is found 8 times. Balaam was on a way which was perverse before the Lord. Peter uses this thought, which comes from his own history as is recorded in Scripture, and he applies it to false teachers in the time of the New Covenant. Of this, Charles Ellicott notes – “Are gone astray. — The main verb of this long sentence. Here parallels with Jude begin again. In the historical incident of Balaam, as in that of Sodom and Gomorrha, our Epistle is more detailed than Jude (see on 2Peter 2:7). The past tenses in this verse are quite in harmony with the view that this chapter is a genuine prediction. (Comp. Genesis 49:9; Genesis 49:15; Genesis 49:23-24.) The future foretold with such confidence as to be spoken of as already past is a common form for prophecy to assume.” Ellicott says that Peter is using a literary technique which takes past tense verbs and applies them in the sense of future prophecy. There are, and there will continue to be, false teachers who depart from the word. He is referring to them – throughout the age – as assuredly following this contrary path which Balaam had set out on. Next, he calls Balaam, “the son of Beor.” This is an incorrect translation. The text from which the NKJV is translated says, Βοσόρ, or Bosor. The translators, thinking they need to help Peter’s words, have changed “Bosor” to read “Beor.” The reason they did this is because Balaam’s father is “Beor.” This is seen, for example, in Numbers 22:5 – “Then he sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor at Pethor, which is near the River in the land of the sons of his people, to call him, saying: ‘Look, a people has come from Egypt. See, they cover the face of the earth, and are settling next to me!’” Maybe thinking that Peter was sleepy when writing out his epistle, they change his word “Bosor” to “Beor.” But Peter made no error. Here is an example of what Peter is doing – “And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on it; if not, it will return to you.” Luke 10:6 Jesus wasn’t saying that the person’s father was named “Peace.” Rather he was saying that the person emulated the noble trait of PEACE. Peter is doing the same thing here. One Hebrew word which is commonly translated as “flesh” is basar. Peter is using that Hebrew word and calling Balaam “son of the flesh,” meaning he was a carnal man – exactly how he is describing these false teachers. As he said in verse 2:10, they are “those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority.” In this, Peter is then making a play on words. He knew very well that Balaam’s father was Beor, but – as we do all the time – he purposefully mispronounced the name to make a theological point. The Hebrew letter ayin, when pronounced in an especially guttural way, would make the name sound like Bosor, and would then correspond to basar. In other words, he makes a pun by calling him “Balaam, Son of the Flesh,” which speaks of his pursuing the carnal lusts of the flesh in his madness to get rich. As he says to finish out this verse, it was this Son of the Flesh “who loved the wages of unrighteousness.” Peter uses the same term that he just used in verse 2:13, “the wages of unrighteousness,” to again tie the false teachers he has been speaking about with that which is improper. The account of Balaam shows that he was highly influenced by the call of profit, and he set about to enrich himself as outlined in the story. The path he followed was a reckless one, but despite that, the Lord used him in order to bless Israel. The story of Balaam is an ongoing story of those who perversely follow after riches, power, sexual domination, or whatever other perverse things they put before their love for God and His word. Life application: In Revelation 2:14, Jesus speaks of Balaam in this way – “But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality.” Compare what Peter says here to the false teachers Jesus warned us of. Jesus says they do three things to hinder their followers – 1) putting a stumbling block before the congregation 2) eating things sacrificed to idols 3) committing sexual immorality When evaluating a supposed religious leader, look for such things in his character. Notable figures of the past that held to such practices are Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism, David Koresh of the Branch Davidians, etc. Even a host of televangelists have engaged in unrepentant sexual immorality. Jesus gives strong warnings that such leaders will take their congregants down paths which lead to condemnation. Pay attention to who you follow. If he is not leading you to Christ, or if he is doing it in a way contrary to Scripture, then flee from him and his wayward teaching. Heavenly Father, may we never put our trust in man who is fallible. Give us the wisdom to follow Jesus alone and to attend a congregation which is solely devoted to fearing You and adhering to Your word. Keep us from the false teachers who would lead us astray for the sake of money or some other immoral precept. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 9, 2020 0:39:49 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, 2 Peter 2:16, 8 February 2020
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2020 … but he was rebuked for his iniquity: a dumb donkey speaking with a man’s voice restrained the madness of the prophet. 2 Peter 2:16 Peter now finishes the thought of Balaam which he began in the previous verse. But his words are a continuation of the whole thought so far presented concerning false teachers. In the case of Balaam “who loved the wages of unrighteousness,” Peter now says that “he was rebuked for his iniquity.” The Greek reads, “he had a rebuke for his transgression.” The word signifies a violation of a law. The Lord gave Balaam a directive, but Balaam went through with his actions intending to violate that directive. Thus, it was a violation of what the Lord had spoken, and the Lord rebuked him as such. In this, the rebuke came through “a dumb donkey.” Here the idea of a donkey would only be known if one had read the story. The Greek simply says, “a beast of burden.” The Lord took a mute beast and used it to overthrow the supposed wisdom of this soothsayer. In doing so, it was considered a significant rebuke. This is especially so because it was “speaking with a man’s voice.” There are times that animals make sounds that we may perceive as a known word or set of words. One can teach a dog to say, “aww wuv you.” From there, we think the dog is saying, “I love you,” but it is with the voice of a dog. Even donkeys may bray in a way which shows some hint of supposed intelligence, but the voice, or sound, is always that of a donkey. But this animal spoke with the voice of a man. In this, it “restrained the madness of the prophet.” The Greek noun, translated as “madness,” is only found here in the New Testament. It comes from two words signifying “beside” and “the mind.” It has a kindred verb, also found only once when used by Paul in 2 Corinthians 11:23. There Paul says – “Are they servants of Christ? (I speak as one beside himself)” ... (WEB) The prophet had lost his senses as he pushed on towards the hope of profit. It consumed him and he had left proper thinking behind. The Lord had spoken to him, and yet he didn’t consider that if the Lord had spoken to him in his own country, that the Lord was not just an isolated “God of the Hebrews,” but the God who knows all and is everywhere. In such a state, disaster loomed. But a brute beast spoke to him in order to bring him back to a state of reason. Life application: The story of Balaam is not that long and is full of intrigue and special insights into the spiritual realm. If you have never read it, take a few minutes today to look it over. It is found in Numbers 22-24 and is actually a very fun read. From it, countless generations of songs and stories have come about, but it also contains deep truths concerning the sovereign workings of God in the affairs of man. It also reveals God’s eternal love for the people of Israel and how He deals with them and through them. In addition, how God views the nations which come against Israel is also dealt with. It is important to understand that God’s covenants with Israel are binding and are in effect to this day. When analyzing the different aspects of God’s relationship with Israel, we make a fundamental error when we view the church as having replaced Israel. Balaam, a diviner, was asked to curse the people of Israel by one of the surrounding nations. At first, he refused, but was eventually given authorization to proceed under certain conditions. On his way, the Angel of the Lord took His stand in the way as an adversary against him. Three times his donkey attempted to avoid the Angel of the Lord who was unseen to Balaam. Each time he beat his donkey for being an obstinate mode of transportation. Eventually, the Angel of the Lord opened the mouth of the donkey to speak to him. The donkey questioned why he had beaten him. In turn, Balaam stated, “Because you have abused me. I wish there were a sword in my hand, for now I would kill you!” (Numbers 22:29). In time, the Angel of the Lord appeared to Balaam’s eyes as well and stated, “The donkey saw Me and turned aside from Me these three times. If she had not turned aside from Me, surely I would also have killed you by now, and let her live” (Numbers 22:33). Even conservative scholars will attempt to weasel out of belief that the donkey actually spoke. Rather they claim it brayed in a manner which made Balaam understand something was going on. However, the Bible is clear that the Lord opened the donkey’s mouth in order to speak. God created man; God created donkeys; and God made a way that the two were able to communicate. In real speech, the donkey’s intentions and purposes for its actions were made known to Balaam. Lord, if You can open the mouth of a donkey in order to speak, then surely You can open our mouths to speak to others about Jesus. Give us that ability, and also give us the strong desire to do so. May we never shy away from those around us who need to hear the good news. With You as the inspiration for our words, we know that we can effectively communicate what they need to hear. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 10, 2020 0:12:16 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, 2 Peter 2:17, 9 February 2020
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2020 These are wells without water, clouds carried by a tempest, for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever. 2 Peter 2:17 The words of Peter now describe the state of the false teacher in words that would be especially understood by someone living in a dry land, or in a land suffering from extended drought. First, he says that “These are wells without water.” The word can signify a well or a spring. It signifies something that flows as a source of water, blood, or even enjoyment. A well flows underground, but it is expected that there will be water there when one comes to it. A spring flows out of the ground, and it is expected that when one goes to it, there will be the needed water. However, the false teachers are a source which has no water, signifying no life. Their teaching cannot provide what it claims it has any more than a dry well or a spring can help a weary soul who comes to it to be nourished. He then says that these false teachers are “clouds carried by a tempest.” The word translated as clouds is not the same in some manuscripts. Some say “clouds” while others say “mists.” Either way, Peter is speaking of a vaporous mass which supposedly will give water, but which fails to provide it. As it approaches, it appears that relief from a state of heat and dry will be replaced with covering and precipitation, and yet... it just blows past without providing anything of value. This is the state of false teachers who appear to provide something needed, but then who fail to deliver. The hope of spiritual relief passes by, and there is nothing of value which remains. Where salvation is expected, the condemned soul continues in its condemnation. Peter says of these false teachers that for them “is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.” The Greek word translated as “blackness” gives a sense of gloom. It is a murkiness which hangs as a pall for those who are caught in it. Further, the Greek includes an article before “darkness” which should not be ignored by translators. It more properly reads, “the gloom of the darkness forever.” In this then, it speaks of a darkness which was an understood condition of the regions of hell. There is no light, and the gloom of the place will leave the soul yearning for any hint of relief, but it will never come. Jesus spoke of this darkness three separate times in Matthew, such as in Matthew 8:12 – “But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” The darkness, then, is a place of separation. As God is the source of light, and the light is called good – even at the very beginning of the Bible – one can see that it is a place where no good exists. The source of all that is good, of light, and of that which provides joy and abundance will be lacking. Such is the place where these false teachers have a forever-home reserved. And, sadly, those who follow after them will be there as well. Life application: Peter’s words would be clearly understandable to the people who had traveled to Jerusalem for the annual religious feasts of the Jewish society. The land of Israel has many desert areas; dry and formidable. Like much of the earth, the land is wholly dependent on the rains provided by the Lord for its very survival, but particularly in these more arid areas. Should one be thirsty, the only source of water would be the local well – dug perhaps thousands of years earlier. Towns were built around these sources of water and they could not exist without them. When the wells dried up, there was nothing to sustain the people. The point of this analogy is that a false teacher is just as useless and just as deadly to the spirit as an empty well is to the body. Likewise, a cloud carried along by a slow-moving wind has some sense of order, and its purpose can be easily determined – shade, a bit of rain, enjoyment to the eye, etc. But a cloud carried by a tempest is completely lost amid the chaos around it. It is ever-changing and unreliable as a source of any enjoyment or benefit to those who are near it. In the same manner, false teachers are lost in the chaos of confused theology. As God is a God of order, doctrine concerning Him can be determined and clearly understood. But the instruction of false prophets is ever-changing and never stable. As a contradiction in theology arises, diversionary tactics are used to hide the error. Teachers who are represented by Peter’s analogies have something in store for them from God… “the blackness of darkness forever.” The chaos and lack of nourishment they provided in life will be returned to them for eternity. O God, thank You for the well of instruction You have provided in the pages of the Bible. Likewise, thank You for those who properly handle and clarify Your word to us. You haven’t left us without a sure word. Instead, we have one which we can turn to time and again for the filling of our souls. For this we praise You; for this we thank You. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 11, 2020 0:59:23 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, 2 Peter 2:18, 10 February 2020
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2020 Monday, 10 February 2020 For when they speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error. 2 Peter 2:18 Peter just used a couple of metaphors to describe what false teachers are like. Now, he explains why he chose those metaphors by explaining what their words are like. He begins with, “For when they speak.” Peter is tying their speaking in with what he just said about them. They are wells without water, and they are clouds carried by a tempest. It is their words which makes them so. Understanding this, he says of their speech, their words are “great swelling words of emptiness.” The oratory skills of these people may be exceptional. Their presentation may be flawless. And their delivery may be without a stutter or a slur. However, the words they speak are empty. The word Peter uses is found only elsewhere in Romans 8:20 and Ephesians 4:17. It signifies “vanity” or “futility.” It is an aimless set of words strung together which lacks any sound purpose because they are transitory. Peter then says that “they allure through the lusts of the flesh.” Rather than “through,” the Greek reads “in.” It is the sphere in which they exist, and they draw others into their realm. They are bent on presenting a message which suits their own personal lusts – be it sexual, for power, for control of others, or maybe even for attaining a perverse political agenda – whatever. Their words are directed to bring those they address into their own warped sphere of influence. Peter then says that this is done “through lewdness.” The Greek here is much more direct. There is no preposition before “lewdness.” It is a stand-alone noun. It describes the state of the matter as it exists. Their conduct is outrageous and is a stain on public decency. And yet it is the makeup of who they are. Peter then ties the next words in with the state of those who stalk them by saying, “the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error.” In these words, there is a variation between manuscripts based on very similar words. Note the difference between the two based on this variation – “those who are barely escaping from those who live in error.” (ESV) “the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error.” (NKJV) Verse 2:14 speaks of those these people are enticing. Therefore, the likely reading is that of the ESV and others. There are some who hear their message and barely escape, and there are those who continue on in the error of the false teachers. The difference between these two seems to come down to whether they were ever truly saved or not. Those who were saved may be enticed and deluded by the false teachers, but their escape is assured, but there are those who never came to saving faith, and they continue on in error. Life application: In presenting a false message, false teachers set up a conflict in those who have heard the gospel, encouraging them back into the exact same lifestyle that they were previously held captive in. This can be done in any way which promotes the value systems of the world. Some speak of the gospel in terms of financial profit; some of sexual freedom; some of the blessings of promotion and power – “Yes! You too can have this desire of your heart because God wills your happiness; God wants prosperity for His children; God has forgiven you in Christ, and so you are free from condemnation, even while living in sexual sin.” There becomes no difference in the carnal desires played out in members of the church from those in the world around it. Accountability is reduced to catchphrases, and the cross is left alone on the Place of the Skull (Golgotha) as a mere symbol to be admired from a distance – devoid of its true meaning and significance. May we never treat the work of Jesus Christ on that instrument of torture and death with anything less than our complete and undying devotion. Lord God, our terrible plight and condition is revealed in the words of the Bible. We are, from time to time, pulled away from holy living by the temptations of power, wealth, and impurity. Renew our minds, purge our unhealthy desires, and turn our souls to wholehearted devotion to You. May we look to You and Your glorious work, and in looking, may we never forget what You accomplished for us. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 13, 2020 1:11:56 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, 2 Peter 2:19, 11 February 2020
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2020 Tuesday, 11 February 2020 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage. 2 Peter 2:19 Peter, still speaking of the false teachers, builds upon what he just said in the previous verse concerning those who are allured by them and those who narrowly escape from them. He now shows how this is possible by saying, “While they promise them liberty.” One example here is that those who are in Christ are free from the law, but they are not free from what is morally sound. However, false teachers might appeal to the flesh stating that because Christ died for sin, and God is glorified through forgiving sin, then there is much more glory for God when we do evil so that good may come. This is what Paul speaks of in Romans 3:5-8. Using this (or a comparable type of thinking), false teachers will promise liberty. They may say, “You are free to do anything that you wish in regard to sex. We have complete liberty, so live it up!” In such perverse teaching, they show that “they themselves are slaves of corruption.” They are wholly under the power and influence of corruption. Such ideas are perverse, and they are completely at odds with what God would have for those who have been redeemed by Christ. With this understanding, Peter completes the thought with a point of logic. He says, “for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage.” If the false teacher is a slave of corruption, and a person follows in the teaching of such a false teacher, then he is not brought into liberty at all. He may think he has liberty because he freely does every perverse thing his heart desires, but he is now – in fact – also a slave of corruption. The very thing which was promised to bring freedom is what brings bondage and slavery. The thought Peter presents here is beautifully expanded on by Paul in Romans 6 – ----------------------------------------- What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not! 16 Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? 17 But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. 18 And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. 19 I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness. 20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22 But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:15-23 ----------------------------------------- Life application: There is a truth in Peter’s words today which has echoed throughout the history of humanity. The 2nd Psalm begins with these three verses – “Why do the nations rage, And the people plot a vain thing? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, 3 ‘Let us break Their bonds in pieces And cast away Their cords from us.’” Psalm 2:1-3 One who fights against the Lord and His purposes is already a slave of corruption. However, such a person will rally the people against the Lord saying, “Let us break their bonds…” and thus promise liberty to those he is trying to influence. And yet, the very people who are being promised liberty find themselves brought into the same bondage they were told they would avoid. Nazi Germany is a perfect example. In the world of today, we see the same anger and railing in nations as they fight in the streets – promising revolution and a new direction, when in fact the end is already determined. Likewise, false teachers of the gospel act in just the same way. They promise “freedom from poverty,” “freedom from ailments,” “freedom from fear,” etc. All of this is promised by sending them money. Take time to objectively watch various Christian TV shows for a few hours. For every decent hour of broadcasting, there will be two which teach nothing doctrinally. Instead, there will only be promised blessings of heaven – all at the low cost of sending them an offering. The very bondage one expects to be freed from will be what actually brings that person into bondage. Be attentive to Jesus and His word – the only true source of freedom. Lord, may we be overcome only by You, because in You there is true freedom. May the chains we wear from a life of sin be exchanged for the glorious promise of being Your slaves – who are the freest of all. May we never be enticed by promises of power, riches, or glory in this world, but rather may we long for a place in the heavenly home that You have prepared for those who love You. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 13, 2020 1:14:32 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, 2 Peter 2:20, 12 February 2020
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2020 Wednesday, 12 February 2020 For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. 2 Peter 2:20 It is debated if Peter now speaks of the state of the false teachers or of those who were enticed by them. Scholars present logical cases for both. He just said that, “for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage.” Therefore, it could simply be referring to the state of any who are so overcome – be it false teachers or those who are ensnared by them. Now, beginning with, “For if,” he presents his case for the state of such a person. “If he has been brought into bondage, then...” Understanding this, he continues with, “after they have escaped the pollutions of the world.” Here Peter uses a word found only this once in Scripture, miasma, or pollutions. It is the root of our modern term of the same spelling. At this point, there is no reason to assume that the person actually believed the gospel and received Christ. Drunks can escape the pollutions of a drunken lifestyle through the 12 Step program. Drug addicts can escape their addictions through various treatment centers. These people apply the principles of the program to their lives and they are cleaned up. However, this does not mean that they have been converted into a new being. Similarly, a person can apply the biblical principles to his life and still not have come to Christ for salvation. This is more evident by the words, “through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” The translation is misleading. The Greek has no article, and the preposition “in” is used. It reads, “in knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” The escape from the pollution of the word is in knowledge of Christ Jesus. How many people go to churches for a lifetime, having knowledge of Christ and yet are not converted by Christ! For example, those who attend Roman Catholic churches have an abundance of knowledge concerning Christ – His deity, His atonement, and etc. And yet, their hearts (Romans 10:9, 10) have never believed the gospel. They have never made the profession concerning Christ. What they need is the “14-inch conversion.” The head knowledge needs to be transferred to the heart. Even if this is referring to saved believers, it does not have to mean that they have lost their salvation. Peter is speaking of the state of the person in this physical life. He did this in verses 1:5-9. There he first spoke of exactly the same premise in verse 1:4 – “...that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” He then gave a logical order of things to do in order to not be swept back into the old ways of life. He finished that with – “For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.” (1:9) Whether saved or unsaved, a person can fall back into his old ways and be so ensnared in them that he is bound by this world of corruption. As Peter says, “they are again entangled in them and overcome.” The word translated as “entangled” is the Greek word emplekó. It is used concerning the braiding of hair. The evil is simply woven into every facet of the person’s life and it becomes increasingly difficult for such to discern good from evil. They become caught up in the very pollutions that they had escaped from. A drug user returns to his drugs, an alcoholic returns to the bottle, and so forth. Now, having forsaken the very method of changing his life, the person finds himself back where he was, and in even worse shape than before. In such a dramatic shift back to their old ways, Peter says that “the latter end is worse for them than the beginning.” This takes the reader back to the words of the Lord from Matthew 12:43-45 (and repeated in Luke 11:24-26) – “When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. 44 Then he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. 45 Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it also be with this wicked generation.” Matthew 12:45 The lesson Christ made for His audience is that of works, not grace. The person Jesus refers to has cleaned up his own house. He has swept it and put it in order. This would be comparable to the person who went through the 12-Step program. However, with a clean and tidy house, he still left room for the demon (and more demons) to return. He failed to fill it with Christ. This is what Peter is referring to. He is not necessarily speaking of someone who has been filled with the Spirit of God through faith in Christ. Peter is using that same principle for those who hear the word – saved or unsaved makes less difference than the principle which he is using – and who have not applied it to their lives. For the saved, they will not lose their salvation, but they will have an incredibly rough time in this life. For the unsaved, they will live an existence which is devoid of any hope at all. Life application: When a person cleans up and gets things right, his house is ready for a good purpose. If it is not filled with what is good, then it becomes more susceptible to evil than it was at the beginning. Remember this – bad doctrine doesn’t keep a person from being saved, but it may keep the next person from being saved because there is no foundation to help discern what is true and from what is false. Secondly, bad doctrine leads to “drinking the Kool-Aid” syndrome. The words of a false teacher are so seductive that people will simply follow them to their own destruction. The Rev. Jim Jones, David Koresh, and others all led their congregants down the path to earthly destruction. One should never assume that he is above such brainwashing. Unless you personally study Scripture, you cannot determine what is right from what isn’t from a biblical perspective. Watch your lives carefully, lest you be led astray – to your own peril. Lord, you allow us to follow our own path – even after the salvation of our souls. We can pursue You and a right knowledge of Your word, or we can trust our pastors and priests to properly explain it to us… at our own peril. Give us minds that are willing to seek out Your truth, but also give us teachers who properly handle, and can rightfully explain, proper doctrine. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 14, 2020 2:09:32 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, 2 Peter 2:21, 13 February 2020
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020 Thursday, 13 February 2020 For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. 2 Peter 2:21 Peter is referring to those who “have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” of the previous verse. Here, he says of them, “For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness.” This is connected to the words of verse 2 where Peter calls the path of right pursuit of Christ “the way of truth.” Here, that path it is called “the way of righteousness.” It is certain that if one believes that salvation can be lost, this will be interpreted as meaning the individual was a true believer at one point. Likewise, if a person believes that salvation cannot be lost, it will be argued in the opposite way. From there, logical arguments are made to defend the position. Cambridge ties Peter’s words in with actual belief – “The ‘way of righteousness’ is like the ‘way of truth’ in 2 Peter 2:2, a comprehensive description of the religion of Christ as a whole, regarded here in its bearing on life, as there in its relation to belief.” However, there is no reason to tie this knowledge in with belief. One can know that Jesus died on a cross, and that Christians believe it was for the sins of man, and yet he can fail to believe that himself. Head knowledge does not necessarily equate to heart knowledge. With this understanding, Peter then says, “than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them.” Such a person, with full head knowledge, can say, “I just cannot accept this premise.” From there, he fails to believe, and he turns from the knowledge he possesses. This is true with people trained in seminaries. Countless masses have been provided all the theology they need to believe the message of Christ, and yet they fail to do so. Many of them become the finest scholars in biblical languages and even write detailed commentaries on the Bible. And yet, they do not believe the Bible is inspired by God. Nor do they accept that Jesus died for their sins. In this group are those who even comment on whether salvation can be lost or not, as if they believed in one doctrine or another. Tying the two ideas – the way of righteousness and the state of belief – is a common sentiment of those who accept that Peter’s words are speaking of true believers, and that salvation can thus be lost. But following the progression of the life of Judas – a person who knew both the way of truth and the way of righteousness – one can see the flawed thinking presented in such a stand. First, Judas had all the knowledge he needed to accept Christ’s ministry (the way of truth and that of righteousness), and yet he did not believe – “‘The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. 64 But there are some of you who do not believe’ For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him.” John 6:63, 64 Secondly, Jesus then says the same type of thing that Peter says in this verse – “The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.” Matthew 26:24 Peter says it would have been better for them to not have known the way of righteousness, and Jesus says it would be good for that man if he had not been born. The ideas are comparable in intent. Thirdly, Peter acknowledges that Judas had a part in the ministry, even though he did not believe (as noted by Jesus in John 6) – “...for he was numbered with us and obtained a part in this ministry.” Acts 1:17 Finally, using a living parable, Jesus shows that in his unbelief, Judas was also not cleansed (implying “saved” in the typology presented) – “Jesus said to him, ‘He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.’ 11 For He knew who would betray Him; therefore He said, ‘You are not all clean.’” John 13:10, 11 Therefore, there is no reason to assume that “knowledge” in this verse equates to “belief.” Taking this in light of the other verses and concepts which speak of eternal salvation, it is clear that those who use this verse as a justification for loss of salvation have improperly used both their logic and Scripture in the process of doing so. Life application: Peter, speaking of the false prophets, may have been thinking of those who received the Law at Mount Sinai, but who later turned from it at the cost of their lives. They had been delivered from Egypt, taken through the Red Sea, brought safely to Mount Sinai, and received the Ten Commandments as the Lord spoke to them from the awesome display – thundering, lightning, thick clouds, and the trumpet blast. However, after all of this, they turned their hearts away from the Lord and back to Egypt. They rebelled against Moses and began an open insurrection. In the end, those who rebelled were destroyed and the people were held accountable – their bodies perished in the wilderness. Likewise, the people who have heard and simply not believed may see the gospel as a tool of opportunity to manipulate others. Just because someone preaches the gospel, this is no indication that he really believes it. The world is full of people who have learned to use Christianity to increase their wealth and position. This is why it is so very important to always fix our eyes on Jesus. When we trust the message of a mere man and follow him, we are setting ourselves up for disappointment. Churches crumble and close around men who appeared godly but who are bent on serving their own appetites. Families have been destroyed by pastors who have manipulated women in the congregation. Life investments have been handed over to ungodly preachers who have taken the money and left the donors disillusioned and penniless. All of this temporary gaining of wealth, position, sex, or power will lead only to their destruction. What they feel they have gained will be taken from them, and they will perish in their wickedness. It would have been better for them to have never known the truth or the way of righteousness. Lord Jesus, You have shown us the way which is right and have given us the truth of Your word. Give us wisdom to follow You and not be led astray by manipulative and self-seeking people. Keep us from such people and provide us with godly leaders who have only Your gospel as their chief aim and purpose. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 16, 2020 0:49:48 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, 2 Peter 2:22, 14 February 2020
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2020 Friday, 14 February 2020 But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: “A dog returns to his own vomit,” and, “a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.” 2 Peter 2:22 The chapter now finishes with Peter going back to the Old Testament to cite a taste of wisdom from the book of Proverbs to establish the truth of what he has been saying. He is still speaking of those who had known the way of righteousness and turned from it. As he says, “But it has happened to them according to the true proverb.” In other words, just as the wisdom of the proverb proclaims, so man follows the pattern set down in it. From there, Peter cites Proverbs 26:11, saying – “As a dog returns to his own vomit, So a fool repeats his folly.” Peter next speaks of “a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.” This second example may be from an ancient story about a pig that went to a public bath with people of high status. Later when coming out of the bath, he saw a stinky drain and went and rolled in it. The moral of both of these is that just as a perverse person hears the message of the gospel, maybe even taking it to heart and half-heartedly participating in it, there is no acceptance of it. When he sees what he at first left behind, even though it is disgusting and far less acceptable, he returns to it. The words of Peter here in no way speak of a person who was saved and regenerated by the Holy Spirit. Rather, they speak of a person who follows his unchanged degenerate nature. Albert Barnes gives a long, but insightful, commentary on this – “This passage is often quoted to prove ‘the possibility of falling from grace, and from a very high degree of it too.’ But it is one of the last passages in the Bible that should be adduced to prove that doctrine. The true point of this passage is to show that the persons referred to never ‘were changed;’ that whatever external reformation might have occurred, their nature remained the same; and that when they apostatized from their outward profession, they merely acted out their nature, and showed that in fact there had been ‘no’ real change. This passage will prove - what there are abundant facts to confirm - that persons may reform externally, and then return again to their former corrupt habits; it can never be made to prove that one true Christian will fall away and perish. It will also prove that we should rely on no mere external reformation, no outward cleansing, as certain evidence of piety. Thousands who have been externally reformed have ultimately shown that they had no religion, and there is nothing in mere outward reformation that can suit us for heaven. God looks upon the heart; and it is only the religion that has its seat there, that can secure our final salvation.” It is interesting that Peter takes the two unclean animals, and he places them side by side in a single verse, just as he heard Jesus do many years before – “Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.” Matthew 7:6 Peter carefully contemplated the words of Jesus and used what he had learned to instruct us in sound theology using examples similar to those Jesus had chosen. Life application: Dogs often eat excitedly and too quickly. Their system can’t handle the load, and so they vomit up what they’ve eaten. However, this doesn’t deter them from going back and reengaging their meal. Pigs can be bathed, showered with perfume, painted with lipstick, and given a soft pillow to lie on, but a pig is still a pig. If it looks to the left and sees a hole of mud, it will immediately head for it. There is no sense in either of these beasts as to what is clean or unclean – they are merely unreasoning animals. Peter says the same is true of false teachers. Other animals participate in equally disgusting habits, but by using these two animals in particular, he is showing an additional level of uncleanliness in them. Dogs and pigs are both considered unclean animals under the Law of Moses. By using them as examples, he is implying that false prophets are unclean in their very nature and have no redeeming qualities at all. When evaluating spiritual leaders, don’t look at the soft coat or the fancy perfumed persona. Rather, look at the whole person and evaluate them based on their adherence to God’s word. Lord, please keep us from the false appearances of wayward teachers. May we not be deceived by those who are outwardly showy, but who are inwardly unreasoning and unclean animals bent on the consumption of filth. Also, please direct us to leaders who speak the truth in righteousness and who exalt You with their lives, both in public and in private. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 16, 2020 0:52:09 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, 2 Peter 3:1, 15 February 2020
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2020 Saturday, 15 February 2020 Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), 2 Peter 3:1 Here the Greek reads, “This, already, beloved, a second letter to you I write.” The word “now” is an indicator of the short amount of time between the writing of the first and second epistle. His words are going out to basically the same group of people, and there is a sense of urgency in his words which is certainly based on what he said in verses 1:12-15. He could be executed at any time, and he felt it necessary to remind his audience of what was most important while he could. The words, “this second epistle,” are an interior confirmation that he wrote 1 Peter. And then, adding in words that a forger would certainly fail to include, he says, “in both of which I stir up your pure minds.” The word “both” is inserted, but it is implied. A forger wouldn’t bother stating this, thinking that the words “this second epistle” were sufficient. But Peter did include them, showing that the intent of both letters was the same. Next, he uses the term “stir up.” The Greek word is diegeiró. It has the intent of arousing the reader to be fully awake and attentive in his understanding. However, the word “minds” is incorrect. The Greek is a singular noun. Their individual minds may have been impure, as certainly all are, but their collective mind was pure, meaning uncontaminated. The word he uses is only elsewhere found in Philippians 1:10. It comes from two words which indicate “the shining of the sun,” and “to judge.” Thus, it signifies that which is properly judged because it is seen in the full light. There is a divine clarity which results in true and proper discernment. Peter wishes to stir up this pure mind as a reminder. The intent of the words is that the reminder is in the mind of the audience. They knew the information already, but to draw that forth to the forefront of their thoughts, the reminder is given. It is the same idea as is expressed in 2 Peter 1:13. A “refreshing” of the memory is the anticipated result. This is similar to a pastor asking his congregation to continually read their Bibles. The information may be there, but it dulls over time. Eventually, it gets crowded out by all of the other things which creep in and take center stage of the mind. But highlighting that which is important, and then asking those in the church to solidify that through staying in the word, is the refreshing of the mind which brings about right thinking and right understanding of the word. Life application: The book of 2 Peter was the last one recognized by the church as canon, meaning that which is meant for inclusion in the Bible. Other books were disputed as well, but eventually the 66 books we know as the Holy Bible were all accepted as received from God as His word to mankind. This particular book was claimed to have been written by Peter in the first verse of Chapter 1. Then again in Chapter 1, in verses 13-18, he makes claims concerning his time spent with the Lord. Then, in this verse, he claims this to be his second letter. None of this proves it wasn’t written by an imposter, but the style of writing and the admonitions it proclaims fit into the overall theme of the Bible. It contains the power of God’s written word, and it is written in a manner which edifies the individual and the church overall. Certainly, it is an inspired text. Peter wanted to stir up the collective mind of his audience. Likewise, we should read the entire Bible with this frame of mind. Rather than reading it in a way which helps us to sleep through our earthly lives, we should read it and take it to heart in a manner which arouses us to be active, watchful, and careful in our life and doctrine. The previous chapter – dedicated almost exclusively to false teachers – is a clear indication of the importance of sound doctrine, right living, and proper focus. Let us be ever attentive to the words of Scripture and let us keep our minds pure by continuously referring to it in our daily lives. And further, let us return praise and honor to the Lord for so tenderly caring for us that He sent Jesus for our sins, the Holy Spirit for our comfort, and His word to build us up until we meet Him face to face. Hallelujah Heavenly Father! Thank You for the pages of the Bible which inform us, correct us, instruct us, and lead us to a fuller and more intimate relationship with You. Stir up our minds to be pure, and to help us to be cleared of defilement as we pursue You through its pages. To Your honor and glory we pray. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 16, 2020 19:08:42 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, 2 Peter 3:2, 16 February 2020
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2020 Sunday, 16 February 2020 ... that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior, 2 Peter 3:2 This thought is a continuation from verse 1. Peter wished to stir up the pure mind of his audience so, as he says, “that you may be mindful.” This set of words is translated from a single word in the Greek which simply means “remember” or “call to mind.” It is something that is done actively and purposefully. With this understanding, Peter then says what they are to remember, which is “the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets.” This means in its most basic sense: “Scripture,” which to them would be – at that time – the Old Testament in particular. The words of the holy prophets are recorded in Scripture, and they had been carefully and meticulously safeguarded by the people of Israel for generations. Peter spoke of this earlier in the epistle, in Chapter 1 – “And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; 20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, 21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” The words of these men came through divine inspiration, and they spoke of things which were future, and which would especially direct them to the Person of Jesus Christ, and to the events which surrounded His earthly life. Naturally, these words would also speak of things which would come about after Christ’s ascension and which would comprise the church age, the completion of the time of law (meaning the tribulation), and the millennium. Peter’s words now focus specifically on the church age and that which will occur there, as well as into the tribulation which will immediately precede Christ’s return. Thus, he then adds in, “and the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior.” The words in Greek are cumbersome and have to be aligned in a way that the scholar feels Peter is conveying. A literal translation is “and the, the apostles of you, commandment the Lord and Savior.” Charles Ellicott seems to draw out the best sense of this by saying, “the commandment of your Apostles (or rather) of the Lord and Saviour.” In other words, it is both a commandment of the apostles and of the Lord Jesus. Just as the holy men of God were carried along by the Holy Spirit, so the word of the Lord Jesus is brought forth through the words of the apostles. This will be confirmed as Peter continues on when he refers to Paul’s instructions in verse 3:15. What was conveyed by the Lord, and what is conveyed by the Lord through the apostles, is given for believers’ edification and instruction. Peter is bringing these things to the collective mind of his audience so that they could have that mind stirred up into constant remembrance. In this, they would be actively mindful of that which is necessary for their walk in this life. Life application: The sentiment in this verse is similar to that given by Paul in 2 Timothy 3:16 – “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” Both the Old and New Testaments are God’s revealed word to man. It was received by the prophets and the apostles, and its words are given to us to be mindful of what God is telling us; the Bible means just what it says, and the words are our commandments. When Peter says, “the apostles,” he is indicating that this is a privileged office that came only to the early church. There is no rite of “apostolic succession,” nor are there apostles appointed or designated for the church today. When the canon of the Bible was sealed, the apostolic office ended. This is important to understand because it is the Bible, and not the ongoing dictates of church leaders (or supposed leaders), that governs our affairs. We have everything we need for holy living and right anticipation of salvation, glorification, and rewards and losses, right in the pages of Scripture. Please remember this and take time, each and every day, to read and meditate on the words of the Bible. God has spoken, His word is sealed, and we have no worry that something has been left out for the knowledge of pleasing Him. Lord, we shall stand on Your word, knowing that we can trust in what it says to lead us to You, and also to lead us before You all of our days. The Bible tells us of Jesus, and Jesus is the One who allows us to know You personally and intimately. Thank You for the choice food which is the Holy Bible. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 18, 2020 1:44:07 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, 2 Peter 3:3, 17 February 2020
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2020· Monday, 17 February 2020 ...knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 2 Peter 3:3 Peter said in verse 3:1 that he wanted to stir up the mind of his readers so that they would be aware of what was spoken. This was important so that they wouldn’t wind up on a wrong path, as he now explains by saying, “knowing this first.” This is a phrase also spoken in 2 Peter 1:20. It highlights the importance of what he will next say, calling them to pay heed. From there, he says, “that scoffers will come in the last days.” The term “last days” isn’t some point where the Christian’s of the world will suddenly realize things have gone from bad to worse. Nor are they a time by which we can say, “See the world has become just like the Bible predicted.” The context of what the apostles mean for the last days is from the ascension of Christ until the time when He comes for His people – it is of indeterminate length. It reveals people who fit the biblical description of “scoffer” throughout its duration. One will not on a certain day in church history pick up the morning paper and come to the conclusion that things have gotten so bad that we must be in the last days. But this is what many people do. In particular, 2 Peter 3 and 2 Timothy 3 are used to justify such a stand. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 reads – “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” It seems as if this is a set point in time that suddenly calls out, “These are the last days.” But the same term is used elsewhere by the apostles, showing clearly that it is a term which speaks of the entire duration of the church age, such as in 1 Peter 1:20 and Hebrews 1:2. The phrase is also used in a passage parallel to Peter’s words now in Jude 1:18. With this understood, that the things he will describe in the coming verses speaks of an extended period of time, he now finishes this verse with, “walking according to their own lusts.” The word “walking” signifies the conduct of one’s life. One can walk in peace with others, one can walk in harmony with God’s word, etc. The people Peter is warning against are walking in a way which pursues the carnal nature of man. They may be pursuing greed, sexual sin, sports cars, power and control over others, or some other fleshly pursuit. Life application: If you consider the verses Peter is writing out now, and then compare them against the backdrop of history, you will see that it reflects the heart attitude of people throughout all ages. Likewise, men have been walking according to their own lusts since the time of Adam. Know then and understand that we have been living in the “last days” since Jesus left. It is our business to be about His business. The world around us needs the knowledge of Jesus, not unsubstantiated predictions about why the world has finally arrived at “the last days.” There are other ways of discerning the timing of prophetic events from the Bible which are revealed in proper context. Heavenly Father, give us wisdom and prudence as we walk before You, knowing that just as Christ Jesus ascended to heaven, so He will return again to earth. May we be found productively going about His business when He returns rather than sitting idly by waiting for a day which is unknown to us. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 19, 2020 4:42:47 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, 2 Peter 3:4, 18 February 2020
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2020 Tuesday, 18 February 2020 … and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” 2 Peter 3:4 Peter is referring to the “scoffers” of the previous verse. These are people who walk “according to their own lusts.” Of them, he notes that they are the type who are saying, “Where is the promise of His coming.” This question implies a non-believer in the truest sense. The words speak of the return of Jesus Christ as is promised. However, instead of saying, “the Lord,” He is referred to in a general sense, as if a denial of His Lordship. Secondly, it is a denial of His promised return. It doesn’t matter if it is 2 months or 2000 years. The Lord has promised He would return and, therefore, they are making a mockery of His return. Depending on the context of the question, it could even include a denial of the resurrection of Christ. This is because all of Christian theology is centered on the truth of a literal, bodily resurrection. Only in the resurrection are the creeds and rites of the faith of any merit. To say that “Jesus is Lord” is to say that Jesus resurrected, because nobody would follow a dead Lord. Further, in taking the Lord’s Supper, the very purpose of the rite is described by Paul in his words, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26). Proclaiming the Lord’s death is an acknowledgment that He died for sin, but the proclamation is tied up in His resurrection which proves that He overcame death. One cannot “come” unless He is alive to do so. Therefore, to mock the return of Christ is to implicitly mock everything that encompasses the Person and work of Christ. As God cannot lie, and as Jesus has promised to return, then if He isn’t coming again, then He must not be God. In this then will come a denial of the very thing that man attempts to get away from – judgment. If the resurrection of Jesus isn’t true, then the return of Jesus isn’t true. If these things are untrue, then Jesus isn’t God. And if Jesus isn’t God, then Jesus is not going to judge the world as the Bible proclaims. If this is so, then the words of the Bible concerning judgment are not true. And if those things are not true, then man is free to act in any unholy and perverse manner he wishes. One thing leads to the next, and in the end, it is all brought forth as a perverse way of man being able to do what he wants without the fear of being held accountable for his actions looming over him. Peter then continues citing the words of such mockers by saying, “For since the fathers fell asleep.” The meaning of the words, “the fathers,” is debated. Some say it refers to the patriarchs of Israel, some say those who were of faith even from the earliest humans who anticipated a Messiah, others say it refers to early Christians, and so on. As Peter is speaking, and because his words deal with the Christian faith, this is then certainly dealing with the return of Christ (His coming, which implies He has left and promised to return). Because of this, “the fathers” are speaking of something long in the future from Peter’s time, and it is a note that Christ’s return – even if delayed by an extremely long period – will come about. But as that time continues to get longer, the scoffers will use the extended gap as a tool to claim that the words concerning Jesus are untrue. Thus, “the fathers” are those at the beginning of the faith, meaning the apostles and early believers. The words, “fell asleep” are then used in a mocking sense. The very word “cemetery” comes from the Greek koiman which means “put to sleep.” Thus, the word koimeterion means “sleeping place.” To sleep implies that one will wake up. It is the hope of those who trust in Christ. As He arose, so will believers. But in their scoffing, they are mocking this. “The fathers ‘fell asleep,’ and they ain’t waking up again!” This is why Peter then continues citing them with, “all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” This is a general statement which probably covers many thoughts in one. * People die and stay dead. * The sun rises, and it sets. Time goes from day to day without change. The words of the prophets speak of cataclysms and end-times judgments, and yet the world continues on. * Jesus supposedly rose and said He will return, but Jesus keeps on not returning. * Judgment is supposedly to fall on the wicked, but people who do wicked things are the only ones who really prosper and get ahead in life. * Etc. All of this has gone on since “the beginning of creation,” and yet nothing of the message of God in Messiah comes about as was spoken of by men who died and returned to the dust of the earth thousands of years ago. But the very words spoken by these lugheads shows a fault in their thinking. If there is a “creation,” there must logically be a “Creator.” Peter will speak about this next as he continues. Life application: Peter’s words speak of one of the most common sentiments among those who would undermine the teaching of a literal return of Christ… “Where is the promise of His coming?” This isn’t reserved only for atheists or adherents to other religions, but it is, rather, a common method of dismissing the truth of the Bible among supposed “Christian” theologians as well. The book of Revelation says several times, “Behold, I am coming quickly…” The argument is that this was written 2000 years ago and yet Jesus still hasn’t come. The “fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning…” However, the term “quickly” (also translated “soon” in some Bibles) is not speaking of whenJesus is coming, but rather the speed at which He comes. In other words, “rapidly.” When Jesus returns, it will be in a moment; in a flash. The heavens will open, and the victorious Lord will return in full view of the peoples of the world. Likewise, before this awesome day there will be a secret return, specifically for those who have trusted in His promises. This moment is known as the rapture and will be sudden and final. As it says in the book of 1 Thessalonians – “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus, we shall always be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 It is no less reasonable to believe in the rapture of the church than it is to believe that God truly united with human flesh in the Person of Jesus, that He died on a cross, and that He was resurrected to eternal life. If such things are true, then the doctrine of the rapture is no less difficult to believe and accept. The promise of Jesus’ return will be fulfilled literally. This is as sure as the ground under your feet. Don’t become disheartened by those who would attempt to undermine the truth of this event! Glorious Lord Jesus! Nothing will ever sway our faith and hope in the promise of Your return. We look for, and wait upon, that Day with great anticipation. Our hope is in that glorious moment when we will be taken to Your presence... there to rejoice in Your glory forever. May it be soon! Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 20, 2020 1:43:00 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, 2 Peter 3:5, 19 February 2020
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2020 Wednesday, 19 February 2020 For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, 2 Peter 3:5 Peter, still referring to the “scoffers” of verse 3, and who dismiss the coming of the Lord as noted in verse 4, now says of them, “For this they willfully forget.” The idea here is that these people know something to be true, because it has been revealed to them, and yet they purposefully push that truth out of their minds. Instead, they forge ahead with what they know to be false rather than acknowledge the evidence which lies before them (such as evolution does concerning creation). With this understood, Peter next continues with the thought from verse 3:4. There, he cited the scoffers. They said, “all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” The act of creation is the subject. To expand on that, he cites the Genesis creation account with the words, “that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water.” The translation here lacks the intent of the Greek. Four articles, not in the original, have been added. Rather, it says – “that heavens existed long ago, and earth, formed out of water and through water – by the word of God.” The water is the focus of the words. The earth obtained its consistency, or material substance, from the water. And it was by means of the water that it came about. With this understanding, the words can be more properly evaluated. Peter says that these things occurred “by the word of God.” In the Genesis account, it says, “Then God said.” There is the spoken word, and it is followed by an action in the creation itself. This is also repeated in Psalm 33 – “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, And all the host of them by the breath of His mouth. 7 He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap; He lays up the deep in storehouses. 8 Let all the earth fear the Lord; Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. 9 For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast.” Psalm 33:6-9 The Psalmist read the word of God, accepted it at face value, and repeated what God (the Lord) had done. However, these scoffers willingly and purposefully forget what the word says, denying the evidences around them as they speak of the creation. They deny the truth, and because of this, God’s judgment is ready to destroy them. This will be seen as Peter continues. Life application: Those who scoff at the second coming of Christ fail to reason out the truthfulness and power of God. It is so much easier to bury one’s head in the sand than to acknowledge that there really is a God, that He really did create, and that all creation therefore is within His purview. If this is so, then the same God who did these things will fulfill His promises, including the return of Christ. Peter’s return to the first chapter of Genesis is to remind us that God created the heavens and the earth. There was a time when these things didn’t exist in any form; there was nothing. God spoke these things into existence and then actively worked to form them into the universe and world we know. One only needs to look at a tree to think the process through. “There is a tree; the tree didn’t create itself; the tree is connected to the ground; the ground is part of the earth; the earth didn’t create itself; the earth is in the universe; the universe didn’t create itself; all of this order came from somewhere; the universe didn’t always exist, but now it does; there must be a God; this God must be intelligent because the tree (along with all the universe) has order and beauty; I can perceive the tree and contemplate it; I must have reason and intellect; my reason and intellect must have come from somewhere; order cannot come from chaos; therefore God must be actively involved in the entire process – from the tree to me.” As we continue to think on these lines, we can make reasonable deductions about God. These deductions will inevitably lead to understanding His nature. He must, by the very nature of who He is, be truthful. If He has said Jesus will come again, then this must be true. Naturally, a multitude of deductions which lead us to this point have been skipped, but the end result is that we are without excuse when we fail to acknowledge both the sovereignty and also the truthfulness of God. Think it through and have faith that God will fulfill every promise, just as His word states. O God, surely You are in control. The splendor of a mere bumblebee tells us that You are wise and loving. How much more should we be able to trust You when we look to the rest of creation and see Your majesty displayed in it. May we never doubt that You are competent to fulfill every promise You have made…including the promised return of Jesus our Lord. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Feb 21, 2020 2:53:57 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, 2 Peter 3:6, 20 February 2020
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2020 Thursday, 20 February 2020 ...by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. 2 Peter 3:6 Here, the Greek presents a difficulty. The words “by which” are di hon, or literally “through which things.” The pronoun is plural. This then must cause the reader to ask, “Which things?” Peter has mentioned creation, the word of God, the heavens, the earth, and the waters. Therefore, it could be any or all combined. It was the word of God which spoke these things into existence, and it is – as Peter will say in the next verse – “the same word” which preserves the heavens and the earth. But Peter has just spoken twice of the waters as well, showing that the earth stood out of them. It is also the waters which are the focus of the flood narrative (see Genesis 7:24). Further, the focus here is on destruction by water, whereas the next destructive cataclysm will be by fire – as Peter will next note. However, it is the earth that was broken up and let forth the waters, and the windows of the heavens which were opened (see Genesis 7:11). A case could be made for any of these. In the end, nothing happens apart from God. It is His word which spoke all things into existence, and it is His word which holds all things together. He is the principle cause of all things, and through His word comes the instrumental cause of all lesser things – such as the heavens and the earth, or the waters, bringing about destruction. With this in mind, he says, “the world.” This is speaking of the state of the world before the flood. It speaks of its inhabitants – man, animal, and plant life. It speaks of the state of the world as well – long life, a canopy above, and etc. The word is kosmos, and it speaks of the order or arrangement of the system which existed at that time. That world existed, and then it “perished.” The Greek word signifies violently and completely perishing. There was a world that existed, and then it was wiped out. Because of this, what the scoffers say is obviously untrue. In verse 4, they had said, “...all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” But that very thought is proven false. There was creation and from it was an ordered system which existed. But then there was a complete end to that ordered system. And so, their logic in denying the coming of Christ is based on a faulty premise. Peter then says that “the then world” (as the Greek reads) was utterly destroyed, “being flooded with water.” Here, Peter uses a word found only this one time in Scripture, katakluzó. It is a verb which forms the root of our modern “cataclysm.” There was an overwhelming inundation which wiped out the entire planet. From these words, a few points can be determined. First, Peter speaks of the flood as an absolutely true narrative. To deny a literal reading of the Genesis account of the flood is to then deny the inspiration of Scripture, the words of Peter (which cite the word of God – the heavens, the earth, the water, and the destruction – both in occurrence and scope), and to then deny the accuracy of all of Scripture – because Peter will, in this very chapter, refer to Paul’s letters. Paul is referred to by Luke in Acts, and Luke is referred to by Paul in Colossians. Mark is spoken of by Paul and Peter. Luke’s account refers to the other apostles, including Matthew and John. And all of them cite and refer to the Old Testament Scriptures, and all of them speak of Jesus. And Jesus likewise speaks of a real Noah, a real flood, and the actual consequences of that flood. On and on, each point brings in another point, unifying the entire body of Scripture as one inspired work of God. Thus, to deny the account of the Flood of Noah leads to an implicit denial of all of Scripture. The word, then, becomes a pick and choose body of words and sentences without any true cohesion, and certainly lacking any divine inspiration. Secondly, regardless as to the flood narrative – for those who deny the truth of Scripture – there is still the truth that the world has obviously been destroyed before. Whether by a flood, or by an asteroid, the evidence of a previous world that once existed, and which no longer exists, is testified to by all. And so, the failed logic of those who say that everything continues on as it has since creation is completely false. In the end, only the Bible adequately and accurately explains what happened, when it happened, why it came about, what the results of it were, and what it means for the future of man. Life application: Peter’s point in what is written is that, just as obvious as it is that the world was created, men have no excuse when they deny the truth of God’s written word, even when it says Jesus will return. God spoke the world into existence with a word, and God’s promises in the Bible are just as sound as the very act of creation. The ancient pre-flood world was destroyed because of its wickedness. Certainly, a lack of faith in the Creator embodies this wickedness. Were they to have had faith in His sovereignty, they would have acknowledged Him and honored Him. Instead, they turned to ever-increasing moral depravity until there was no remedy. Thus, God destroyed the world with water. The very waters from which the earth stood out became the tool of destruction of the earth. Just as the ancient world was destroyed for its unbelief, so false prophets and scoffers who deny the authority, miraculous working, and promised return of Jesus will likewise be destroyed. God isn’t a cosmic pushover who can be flagrantly denied and held in contempt. Rather, He is the sovereign Creator who holds in His grasp the fate of all men. If you hear conflicting accounts about the surety of the flood narrative, the lordship of Jesus, the truth of the Gospel, or the promised return of Christ, you would fare well to trust God’s word rather than the naysayers. God. He who assures us of these things cannot lie. So, stand firm in His word and have faith! Creator God, you gave us breath so that we could and should praise You. Your name is great and matchless, and so may our lives be as a continual offering of praise to You. Also, may our lives shout out to You, and may our mouths sing forth to You – in the greatness of Your marvelous majesty. You are God, and we offer ourselves to You in humble and awestruck adoration. Amen.
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