Know the Truth--2 Peter

Wednesday, October 13 2 Peter—Know the Truth Today’s Reading: 2 Peter 1:12-15 So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things. I'm so thankful for Madelaine Miller Looney and Dayna Curtis Moseley and their words to us thus far in 2 Peter. We're off to a great start. Hang in there over these 3 weeks and let's dig into KNOWING THE TRUTH together!

Today we see some personal information offered by Peter. He knows that his time on earth will be coming to a close soon. This book was written in 67 AD, three years after he wrote 1 Peter, which, if you recall, had much to do about the persecution of Christ-followers. Only one year after writing this letter, in 68 AD, Peter was martyred for his faith. So in this letter, he was writing about the things that he wanted his brothers and sisters to know and remember. The reference to "remind/remember" is mentioned three times in these three verses. What does Peter want his readers (and us) to actively keep on the forefronts of their (our) minds? The answer is found in the context of the passage, so we must look back to our verses from Monday and Tuesday.

From the very beginning of this book, and in Monday's post, Peter is reminding us that: (God's) divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness... (1:3). Peter tells us we have been GIVEN what we need for the BEST life...HIS SPIRIT. The more we know of his truth and power, the more we grow in our faith.

And in yesterday's verses and post, we see how Peter is encouraging us to grow. He says, "Don't forget the basics of your faith!" And also, Be firmly established in the truth you now have. (1:12). So, in keeping with Peter's heart's desire, which is really God's heart's desire through Peter, I will remind you of these things by listing the qualities of our growing faith one more time. Peter says, Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness; brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1:8)

In reading these reminders, where are you challenged? Take a moment to ask the Lord what he wants you to glean from 2 Peter so far. Personally, I want to look at the list that Peter has written and choose to possess these qualities in increasing measure. This calls for awareness on my part, in both big and small daily decisions and relationships.

For example, when I looked at the word "goodness" in this list of qualities, another Scripture popped in my mind, and it was a little convicting if you want to know the truth. The verse the Lord spoke to my heart was this:

She does him good, and not harm all the days of her life. (Proverbs 31:12). Hmmm....what "good" thing, whether it's a loving act or kind words, can I give my husband today...and ALL the days of my life? I want this quality, and the others to be developed with increasing measure! The good news is that I have been given the full measure of his powerful Spirit to help me live these qualities out. His Spirit is watered by his word and then my growth becomes fruitful.

To close, the reason Peter wants his fellow believers to be strong in their knowledge of the Lord Jesus and the truth that he offers, is because he is very aware of false teachers that are present. Much of this letter is about this topic. He wants them rooted in truth so they will not be led astray. The same is true for us.

Let's commit to grow in our knowledge of our Savior and his words so we can live the best life and bear the most fruit. In doing so, false teachers will be easily recognizable to us.

Dear Lord, Thank you for your word. Help us commit to reading it and meditating on it so we will become stronger in our faith and more effective and productive for your kingdom. Give us a heart's desire to know the truth and then to live by it. Amen.

Audio of 2 Peter Chapter 1: https://youtu.be/bZAb_9aBvbs