REMEMBER - KNOW - BEWARE
2nd PETER
Thoughts come from a wide variety of sources. Some from messages I have heard from individuals, some from assemblies Bible studies, some from home life and some from books I have read. The Holy Spirit is the Teacher who makes them real to me.
- "Be Alert," by Warren W. Wiersbe. Victor Books - SP Publications Inc.
- "What the Bible Teaches, II Peter," by G.P. Waugh. John Ritchie Ltd.
- "The Life Application Bible." Tyndale House and Zondervan
- "The new Defender's Bible," World Publishing
A caring person who is concerned with the life and well-being of others, does not seek to help only once and then forget those for whom he cares. That person will go back again and again to see how those who struggle under external trials are coping. Discernment and experience will also make the caring person to not just try to help the suffering ones dealing with their problems, but will also seek to help them with the inward struggles that such trials cause. Peter had written a letter to the Lord's people who were once "not a people, but are now the people of God," as to how to live when suffering and trials from without have to be endured. In this second letter a more insidious challenge faces the people of God. The false teaching of Gnosticism had invaded the assemblies of God's people.
Opposition by its very nature never stops being opposed to those who do not submit to its dictates. The opposition of the world, often comes from open, outward challenges against those who will not adapt to a worldly lifestyle and doing the same things others do. The opposition of our flesh will pressure us to avoid any embarrassment by tempting us to conform as much as possible to that which the majority of people consider normal living. The opposition of the devil, uses to advantage the other two enemies and then adds a more spiritual and religious dimension to them. Satan gets those who profess to be the people of God, and instructs them as to how best to stop the growth of the real children of God.
It was to counteract the inroads of false doctrine, heresy and the activity of cults that Peter wrote this letter of warning. He knew he was soon going to die. He also knew that false teachers would be a greater danger and more deadly to those who had received "precious faith" than outward opposition. It is possible for us to become complacent to the extent we allow heresy to color our thinking by listening to it or even reading about it "in order to have a better defense against it."
One who has been "over the road" for many years like Peter, can recognized "cunningly devised fables," while those who read books about the Bible and/or follow on-line teaching about the Bible, will not see the possible danger behind the opinions of men. The apostles John and Paul, as well as Peter, stressed the importance of the word of God in their final words. Especially in view of these "last days," we need those of spiritual discernment and practical wisdom to guide us through the spiritual minefield in which we live today. Peter knew it was important in his day - how much more in ours.
In order to be loyal to our Lord and doctrinal purity in days of apostasy and corruption, we need to heed warnings that are given by those who have gone before us. Peter makes reference in this epistle to his old age and soon-coming death. He also wrote of being on the Mount of Transfiguration, a description of Christ- likeness, the last days and the Lord's coming. This letter was to advise the Lord's people to exercise caution because of dangers that were around them. Both Jews and Gentiles are included so none would be deceived by the false teachers, and their own faith would be evident by their consistent behavior. To keep growing in the Lord we need to know God more, follow our Lord daily, be faithful in our obedience to Him and remember what we have been taught.
There are many false prophets and teachers today who are subtle and deceitful using biblical terms and phrases out of context and claiming they have new truth that has been revealed to them. The teaching they give is often dramatic and startling, so it appeals to the fleshly desires of unconverted people. By clamoring for attention and seeking allegiance to themselves, they undermine the knowledge of Christ and the word of God. In rejecting those who preach the word in the way it is written, those people set themselves up in a place of authority instead of understanding and practicing biblical Christianity.
Peter addresses the value of the knowledge of Christ to the believers in the first chapter. Then he examines and exposes the false teachers in chapter two, and in chapter three exhorts true believers of be mindful of the teaching they have received from the word of God; to not be ignorant of the last days and future events; to be diligent in their Christian testimony; and to beware of the pressure of falsehood lest we listen to it, are swayed by it and get set aside from living by faith.