Get ready to start a journey…a journey through the pages of the Bible and the pages of your life.
The true believer has eternal security. No one can snatch us out of God’s hand (John 10:27-30). Nothing can separate us from his love (Romans 8:38-39). Our imperishable inheritance is kept in heaven for us “who through faith are shielded by God’s power” (1 Peter 1:3-5 NIV). But the assurance of our salvation does not allow us to live a sloppy spiritual life.
Think about it! Disease that wracks the body—healed! Broken hearts from broken relationships—over! Wayward children—home! Stricken with grief—comforted! Addictions—overcome! Years of separation—united! Disappointment—elation!
Scoffers are great at scoffing. Dripping with sarcasm, they asked the believers, “When is this so-called ‘coming’ that Jesus promised?” Facing persecution, the believers were wondering the same thing. No doubt many were thinking, “Lord, if you are going to come back, this would really be a good time!” So, Peter gives an explanation and encouragement.
The discussion of the last days has been and will continue to be a topic of much debate inside and outside the church. Inside the church, discussions will center on the timing of Christ’s return and whether Christians will be delivered (raptured) from the tribulation. Outside the church, “scoffers” will use the end times as fodder for jokes and mockingly ask, in essence, “If Jesus is really going to return, what’s taking so long?” This question, “What’s taking so long?” has no doubt occupied the minds of quite a few Christians. But our job is not to know the time. Our job is to live expectantly.
Can you imagine what would be going through your mind if you knew those persecuting the church would soon arrive in your city? No doubt your heart and mind would be filled with anxiety. You would be fearful for yourself, but even more so for your spouse and children. So, Peter wrote two letters to help those facing difficult times to focus their minds on wholesome (pure, unsullied, and sincere) thoughts.
Have you ever heard the adage about the dog and the pig? The saying about the dog is from the proverbs. The one about the pig is from an unknown source. But Peter puts them together to make a graphic point.
The world promises freedom but delivers slavery. Here’s what Peter tells believers as his life is coming to an end.
False teachers are a dime a dozen. They stand tall with stage presence. Their presentation is engaging. Their message is wrapped in an attractive package. But at the end of the day, the attractive package is empty, like “waterless springs.” The stage presence is backed by pride, and the message engages hearers by appealing to the “sensual passions of the flesh.”
False teachers always have an angle that slants in their favor. And the teachers Peter warned his readers about were coming into town for personal profit.
Since the beginning of time, they have been around. They come from every race. They have lived in every century. They have penetrated every culture. They have whispered their message behind closed doors and shouted it from the street corners. They have spread their poison one-on-one and before groups of thousands. They have used tablets, scrolls, books, radio, television, and the Internet to mislead anyone who will listen. False teachers have been and always will be among us.
OK, time for some theology. Put today’s passage under the heading “Inspiration of Scripture.” Peter’s words here serve as a proof text verifying God as the author of the Bible by using the pen and personalities of men. Check out this passage.
The written Word of God, made more certain by fulfilled prophecy, is like “a lamp shining in a dark place.” The psalmist said it this way, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).