“Whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever.” Amen. 1 Peter 4: 11
How is seeking sensationalism like focusing on your favorite junk food and arguing why it is good? How do you feel physically when you forsake healthy food that is good for you to grow and thrive? How is this like forsaking good Bible teaching and succumbing to false teachers and bad fads?
Does Love cover you? Do you use it to cover others? We are to be fueled and empowered by love in all situations. Christian love is…
The context of this passage gives us comfort in our trials and setbacks because Christ Himself suffered. He, who is God incarnate, who totally did not deserve to suffer, suffered on our behalf. He endured great physical, mental, and spiritual pain on our behalf, and exemplified the attitude and conduct we are to have when we go through the tough stuff of life. Thus, when people say we will not suffer or that the world’s problems will not affect us, or we will not have tribulations well they are wrong, accordingly to Scripture.
The call of biblical eschatology is not to have a theorem; rather, for us is to be prepared and equip ourselves for what lies ahead in life. Because we trust in Jesus first and foremost. We are not trusting in whatever hot idea is on hand today.
We must have our expectations based on real biblical reality and in faith, so when something comes our way, whether it is a blessing or a problem, or a theory we can take it, examine it, handle it with excellence, learn, and grow from it. Then, in turn, we can be a blessing to others because of it. However, we cannot do that if we are not following Christ and taking heed to His Word and example, His grace, and His love so we want to respond. Otherwise, our ideas and desires will fill that gap and will get the best of us. The sins of others and the sins of our heart, a ell as misplaced loyalties to speculations will break us down and take us over unless we focus on Christ, His ways, and His path (1 Peter 4: 1-11).
“Very words of God” refers to Scripture, the words that God has spoken to us. This means to be careful how you speak and minister and what we say as being Truth as we sometimes speak for God as He uses us! We are called to be good stewards with His Word, as we are called to live, serve, and do all that we do in life for the honor and glory of our Lord and Savior (Acts 7:38; Rom. 3:2; 1 Cor. 1:26-31; Jude 24-25)!
As we minister Christ’s Word to others, be truthful in what it says, remembering context and real word meanings and not bend it to speculations and bad trends. Because, the context of this passage also means being charitable or generous to others with what Christ has given you, and to serve Him without being held back by fear, time, or lack of talent. See the connection to Truth and service and gifts in the passage?
As Christians, we are to typify Truth, faith and reason together so we can exhibit the maturity needed to not just understand end times, but what really matters, make wise decisions and have a purpose in life.
The context of 2 Peter to End Times means directly caring for those in need, such as the sick, infirmed, and poor. However, some Christians will have a specific call and empowerment to do this. People in the world may be more concerned for their own needs and agendas than they are for God’s clear doctrine and purpose, but as Christians, we are called to go beyond ourselves to serve others well (Titus 2).
Kindness is the proof of authenticity (Rom. 2:1-4; 12:4-21; 16:1; 1 Cor. 12:7-11; Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:12-14; 1 John 3:16-23)!
What can you do to be on guard against the sins and enticements of others bad theology and example? If you are not, how do you suppose the sins of your heart would break you down and take you over? What can you do about it? Remember, a bad heart and or bad thinking as well as not looking to Christ and His Word equals bad theology, equals a bad church, equals a bad life that does not glorify Christ!