On Guard and Confident
This morning I attended Stephanie and Nathan’s home church. Revolution Church in Canton is baptizing people every other month who have made declarations of faith. It is exciting to see what is happening in this church that reaching young and old alike. This afternoon I attended Mason’s baseball practice that included a scrimmage. Mason did a good job and played short stop and catcher. He is also being groomed as a picture.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption, since people are enslaved to whatever defeats them.” 2 Peter 2:19 HCSB
There is a current TV commercial that addresses the issue of Medicare fraud. Featured are several seniors who are showing their disgust and expressing that they are committed to being on guard against the schemes of those who would steal their identity or falsely use their benefits.
As Peter is writing this last letter, he warns against false teachers that are going to contradict and confuse, if possible, those who have received God’s truth. I like fashion to the senior citizens in the commercial, Peter wants the Church to be aware, not shock, but prepared for that they may confront.
He speaks of the time from the Exodus to the present day, “But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you.” (2 Peter 2:1 HCSB) Peter says, they will bring destructive hearsays, but in so doing they bring judgment on themselves.
Peter goes on and says, “They will exploit you in their greed with deceptive words….and their destruction does not sleep.“ (2 Peter 2:3 HCSB) While their end will be that of God’s judgment, their danger is real and present and must be taken seriously.
The confidence of those who are on guard is reflected in Peter words, “..the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment…” (2 Peter 2:9 HCSB)
Even as he speaks of the character and end of the “deceivers” he realizes that those who are vulnerable are, “…unstable people [who] have hearts trained in greed.” (2 Peter 2:14 HCSB) So, to protect ourselves we need to have the stability in life that comes from complete trust in the Lord and confidence of the Lord’s provision for all of our needs. We need to remember like the “deceivers” we are “enslaved to whatever defeats them [us].” Being aware of our greatest temptation and area of weakness is important for successful Christian living.
Peter’s admonitions continue to the end of the letter as he gives the final way to remain stable and to keep from “falling” into error. “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ….” (2 Peter 3:18 HCSB)
As we continue our focus on the Lord, abiding in His truth, growing in knowledge of Him and being protected by His grace, we will be overcomers and not be swayed by that which sounds good, but is a deception of the truth.
Prayer for today… Lord, thank You we can have confidence in Your protection and deliverance from those who would threaten our commitment to Your truth and that stability of faith You have for us. May we continue to grow in grace and knowledge of You.