This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
2 Peter 2:2
2 And [kai] many [polus] shall follow [exakoloutheo] their [autos] pernicious ways [apoleia]; by reason of [dia] whom [hos] the way [hodos] of truth [aletheia] shall be evil spoken of [blasphemeo]. KJV-Interlinear
2 And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; NASB
Believers in Christ can be the worst representatives for Christianity. Most believers do not pursue their spiritual life, and therefore, they lack wisdom, foresight, discernment and such in their souls.
This makes them no better than, and certainly more similar to, unbelievers. However unbelievers don’t spend much time criticizing one another, when they have Christians to criticize for their Christian hypocrisies.
This is the devils world, and Satan does not gain much by targeting non-Christians. His target is God and therefore Christians get caught up in his crosshairs too.
Prior to the Cross, Satan’s target was the line of Christ, in order to prevent the Cross from occurring. From Adam to Joseph and Mary, Satan tried to destroy humanity first, in the pre-flood era, and then the line of the Patriarchs subsequent to that period, and then the nation of Israel subsequent to that.
Once the Cross had occurred, then all believers in Christ became the target. To prevent the gospel from getting to people in general, and to prevent doctrine from allowing them to grow after salvation, has been Satan’s objective all along.
After the Rapture, his only course of action will be to destroy all Christians, so that there will be no one for Christ to return to in His second advent, to rescue. And failing that, Satan will attempt to destroy all of humanity in the Armageddon war.
Satan is good at what he does.
But humanity helps him along with their own sin natures.
In this world, there are those who deceive, and those who are deceived. The leaders and the followers. Both are equally guilty of their respective versions of sin.
The leaders are guilty for their lustful pursuits for power and such, and the followers are guilty for their believing that the promises of the leaders will get them something better in life, or better stated, so they can get something for nothing, something for no responsibility, something for no accountability.
In every case, all are sentencing themselves to doom.
Those believers who adopt this attitude, only make things worse for others who may be observing them. Believers who boast Christianity on the one hand, and then pursue lascivious or ascetic habits on the other hand, only make a bad name for Christianity.
People should view the Bible for its own merits, and not the people who boast of its practice. People lie. People are hypocrites. People are users or opportunists when they have the attention of others.
You cannot judge God, Christ, the Bible, doctrine, or the spiritual life, by the actions or lifestyles or tendencies of people. People are the worst of examples.
Your role model is Christ and doctrine, not people. There will be lots of folks who try to make people of history, or even people of contemporary times, as heroes.
If you are impressed by firemen, astronauts, rich or successful people, athletes, celebrities and so forth, then your observations are in error.
No living or dead person, is worthy of being a role model. People are dust, made into life and given all of their attributes from God, and from no other source.
God created life. God saved life. God originated the plan for the perpetuation of life and everything associated with it. People do nothing.
You cannot earn or deserve anything in life.
Everything comes to you courtesy of the grace of God, and from no other source. Certainly not from yourself.
When you have your eyes on people, than you will have a tendency of being critical, judgmental, and otherwise distracted by human standards.
When you get your eyes on God, then none of the people stuff, will matter.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Sunday, January 11, 2009
2 Peter 2:1
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
2 Peter 2:1
1 But [de] there were [ginomai] false prophets [pseudoprophetes] also [kai] among [en] the people [laos], even [kai] as [hos] there shall be [esomai] false teachers [pseudodidaskalos] among [en] you [humin], who [hostis] privily shall bring in [pareisago] damnable [apoleia] heresies [hairesis], even [kai] denying [arneomai] the Lord [despotes] that bought [agorazo] them [autos], and bring [epago] upon themselves [heautou] swift [tachinos] destruction [apoleia]. KJV-Interlinear
1 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. NASB
The phrase, false prophets, is a broad concept. It refers to anyone or anything that attempts to direct your attentions away from your spiritual life.
In life you will face testing's and troubles from four broad areas. First, from your own volition, thoughts and opinions. Second, from other peoples attitudes, beliefs and so forth. Third, from the many systems of bureaucracy out there in the world, established to frustrate or channel your life. Fourth, from the many natural difficulties that you can face, including storms, health issues, etc.
Interwoven in all of these categories, is an extremely sophisticated system of evil.
You have to understand and very early on, that life is an extremely serious matter. There is a battle brewing between God and Satan. God represents eternal life and truth. Satan wants to destroy everything for his own selfish interest.
And though we cannot see Satan or angels, God or anything beyond this physical world, there is far more than enough evidence and proof that they exist.
You were not born into this world just to function for a little while in this life. Your primary objectives in life are not to advance yourself among humanity, or merely to survive here, but your primary objective in life is to get prepared for eternity.
Your destiny is the Lake of Fire if you choose to reject Christ, or heaven as an unprepared believer if you choose to ignore Bible doctrine, or heaven as a mature believer. The latter is the very best possible position that you can prepare for in this life.
The world will try to advance you in society, or make you think that advancement in society is the very best achievement available. Not so.
The world will try to disable your spiritual life, preventing you from the ultimate destiny available to you through doctrine.
And in this effort, by Satan's design, and by mans subscription to Satan’s design by proxy through indifference or rejection of truth, there exists more sophisticated and phenomenal deceptions than you can shake a stick at.
False prophets are not limited to smooth talking preachers, guru’s, or witch doctors, as it were. By far the greatest of evils lies in the stylish, peer pressured, self-righteousness of a world that elevates itself and overwhelms people with its standards and its loosely defined social morals, and do-gooder crusades.
Every point of Bible doctrine, has one or more counter doctrines in evil, established to confuse, confound, or simply render truth as ambiguous and arbitrary.
The repercussions of following evil from false sources? Your destiny destroyed.
In this life, you will live maybe a few decades and then you will die. Look at the past and identify all of the folks who have never died. You won’t find any.
Your destiny and the greater portion of your life lies beyond this one. Until you finally get it, until you get over your pet distractions, until you finally figure out that your opinion and attitude and whatever insults you, are of no importance, then you are placing, all by yourself, your entire future at risk.
Those who promote false views, destroy only themselves. Though they may seem to succeed in this life, they too will be removed from this world by God, and thus suffer their eternal losses.
Don’t join them by being a fool.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
2 Peter 2:1
1 But [de] there were [ginomai] false prophets [pseudoprophetes] also [kai] among [en] the people [laos], even [kai] as [hos] there shall be [esomai] false teachers [pseudodidaskalos] among [en] you [humin], who [hostis] privily shall bring in [pareisago] damnable [apoleia] heresies [hairesis], even [kai] denying [arneomai] the Lord [despotes] that bought [agorazo] them [autos], and bring [epago] upon themselves [heautou] swift [tachinos] destruction [apoleia]. KJV-Interlinear
1 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. NASB
The phrase, false prophets, is a broad concept. It refers to anyone or anything that attempts to direct your attentions away from your spiritual life.
In life you will face testing's and troubles from four broad areas. First, from your own volition, thoughts and opinions. Second, from other peoples attitudes, beliefs and so forth. Third, from the many systems of bureaucracy out there in the world, established to frustrate or channel your life. Fourth, from the many natural difficulties that you can face, including storms, health issues, etc.
Interwoven in all of these categories, is an extremely sophisticated system of evil.
You have to understand and very early on, that life is an extremely serious matter. There is a battle brewing between God and Satan. God represents eternal life and truth. Satan wants to destroy everything for his own selfish interest.
And though we cannot see Satan or angels, God or anything beyond this physical world, there is far more than enough evidence and proof that they exist.
You were not born into this world just to function for a little while in this life. Your primary objectives in life are not to advance yourself among humanity, or merely to survive here, but your primary objective in life is to get prepared for eternity.
Your destiny is the Lake of Fire if you choose to reject Christ, or heaven as an unprepared believer if you choose to ignore Bible doctrine, or heaven as a mature believer. The latter is the very best possible position that you can prepare for in this life.
The world will try to advance you in society, or make you think that advancement in society is the very best achievement available. Not so.
The world will try to disable your spiritual life, preventing you from the ultimate destiny available to you through doctrine.
And in this effort, by Satan's design, and by mans subscription to Satan’s design by proxy through indifference or rejection of truth, there exists more sophisticated and phenomenal deceptions than you can shake a stick at.
False prophets are not limited to smooth talking preachers, guru’s, or witch doctors, as it were. By far the greatest of evils lies in the stylish, peer pressured, self-righteousness of a world that elevates itself and overwhelms people with its standards and its loosely defined social morals, and do-gooder crusades.
Every point of Bible doctrine, has one or more counter doctrines in evil, established to confuse, confound, or simply render truth as ambiguous and arbitrary.
The repercussions of following evil from false sources? Your destiny destroyed.
In this life, you will live maybe a few decades and then you will die. Look at the past and identify all of the folks who have never died. You won’t find any.
Your destiny and the greater portion of your life lies beyond this one. Until you finally get it, until you get over your pet distractions, until you finally figure out that your opinion and attitude and whatever insults you, are of no importance, then you are placing, all by yourself, your entire future at risk.
Those who promote false views, destroy only themselves. Though they may seem to succeed in this life, they too will be removed from this world by God, and thus suffer their eternal losses.
Don’t join them by being a fool.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
2 Peter 1:21
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
2 Peter 1:21
21 For [gar] the prophecy [propheteia] came [phero] not [ou] in old time [pote] by the will [thelema] of man [anthropos]: but [alla] holy [hagios] men [anthropos] of God [theos] spake [laleo] as they were moved [phero] by [hupo] the Holy [hagios] Ghost [pneuma]. KJV-Interlinear
21 for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. NASB
Prophecy is typically thought to be divine revelation or foretelling, of some future event. But this word is a more general definition for all information which comes from God. Not only does prophecy originate from God, but all doctrine, comes from God.
In every other religion, whether Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, or other more recent cults or systems of philosophies, in all of them, their doctrines originated from mans imagination and invention, and therefore contain no truths within them.
Anything that is not founded in truth, is a lie, and therefore false, deceitful, misleading, and evil.
‘All scripture is God breathed,’ and therefore has no taint within it from mans interference, writings, bogus interpretations and so forth.
So how do we sort it all out?
Well, in Gods mechanism for learning doctrine, ie. confession leading to residence in fellowship, and therefore placement of your soul under the control of the Holy Spirit, then all information is sorted out by the Holy Spirit, and made discernable and clear to you.
This is not an emotional event. You cannot feel or sense in any way, the presence, or indwelling of the Holy Spirit within you. Likewise, since you are indwelled by all three members of the Godhead, you cannot sense, feel, detect, or have any overt or mental sensation of their presence, and yet they are present within you, and have been ever since you believed in Christ.
When you have the time, you might review the study on Bible Blessings in the Special Studies section. It is a lengthy list.
All scripture, all prophecy, all information of divine nature, came from God, revealed to men, and then subsequently written down by man for mans inculcation and growth.
The Holy Spirit sorts out all truth and all falsities. With repeated study, you will, sooner or later, begin to understand what is the truth and what is the lie, what is the clear path to spiritual success and what is fad or marketing schemes.
People throughout history have used the name of God, to advance their causes. Wars have been fought, schemes have been unleashed, policies have been established, laws have been set, in order to obtain some political, religious, or tyrannical end. This does not mean that God has authorized any of them.
Only doctrine in your soul, obtained from a consistent and daily study, will help you to sort out the truth from the lies and games that people play when they use religion to advance themselves.
Without doctrine, without the Holy Spirit sorting things out for you, you would never know what was right verses what was wrong in life.
Witch burnings would seem perfectly fine. Terrorist suicides would seem reasonable. Stealing could be rationalized if it were only from the rich. In fact, anything that you can imagine as a standard for social conduct, could be adopted and made to be right.
But truth separates out the lies and makes life clear and discernable. And more than that, truth reveals the repercussions of every thought or act.
So, if you think you can get through life, by making up your own rules, by modifying Gods mandates, principles, rules for life, then you are totally wrong.
Though truth covers a broad spectrum of life, it is nonetheless rigid and unbending in its content and purpose.
Only the non-truths of this world seek to modify truth and introduce and legitimize components of sin into its midst.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
2 Peter 1:21
21 For [gar] the prophecy [propheteia] came [phero] not [ou] in old time [pote] by the will [thelema] of man [anthropos]: but [alla] holy [hagios] men [anthropos] of God [theos] spake [laleo] as they were moved [phero] by [hupo] the Holy [hagios] Ghost [pneuma]. KJV-Interlinear
21 for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. NASB
Prophecy is typically thought to be divine revelation or foretelling, of some future event. But this word is a more general definition for all information which comes from God. Not only does prophecy originate from God, but all doctrine, comes from God.
In every other religion, whether Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, or other more recent cults or systems of philosophies, in all of them, their doctrines originated from mans imagination and invention, and therefore contain no truths within them.
Anything that is not founded in truth, is a lie, and therefore false, deceitful, misleading, and evil.
‘All scripture is God breathed,’ and therefore has no taint within it from mans interference, writings, bogus interpretations and so forth.
So how do we sort it all out?
Well, in Gods mechanism for learning doctrine, ie. confession leading to residence in fellowship, and therefore placement of your soul under the control of the Holy Spirit, then all information is sorted out by the Holy Spirit, and made discernable and clear to you.
This is not an emotional event. You cannot feel or sense in any way, the presence, or indwelling of the Holy Spirit within you. Likewise, since you are indwelled by all three members of the Godhead, you cannot sense, feel, detect, or have any overt or mental sensation of their presence, and yet they are present within you, and have been ever since you believed in Christ.
When you have the time, you might review the study on Bible Blessings in the Special Studies section. It is a lengthy list.
All scripture, all prophecy, all information of divine nature, came from God, revealed to men, and then subsequently written down by man for mans inculcation and growth.
The Holy Spirit sorts out all truth and all falsities. With repeated study, you will, sooner or later, begin to understand what is the truth and what is the lie, what is the clear path to spiritual success and what is fad or marketing schemes.
People throughout history have used the name of God, to advance their causes. Wars have been fought, schemes have been unleashed, policies have been established, laws have been set, in order to obtain some political, religious, or tyrannical end. This does not mean that God has authorized any of them.
Only doctrine in your soul, obtained from a consistent and daily study, will help you to sort out the truth from the lies and games that people play when they use religion to advance themselves.
Without doctrine, without the Holy Spirit sorting things out for you, you would never know what was right verses what was wrong in life.
Witch burnings would seem perfectly fine. Terrorist suicides would seem reasonable. Stealing could be rationalized if it were only from the rich. In fact, anything that you can imagine as a standard for social conduct, could be adopted and made to be right.
But truth separates out the lies and makes life clear and discernable. And more than that, truth reveals the repercussions of every thought or act.
So, if you think you can get through life, by making up your own rules, by modifying Gods mandates, principles, rules for life, then you are totally wrong.
Though truth covers a broad spectrum of life, it is nonetheless rigid and unbending in its content and purpose.
Only the non-truths of this world seek to modify truth and introduce and legitimize components of sin into its midst.
Friday, January 9, 2009
2 Peter 1:20
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
2 Peter 1:20
20 Knowing [ginosko] this [touto] first [proton], that [hoti] no [ou] [pas] prophecy [propheteia] of the scripture [graphe] is [ginomai] of any private [idios] interpretation [epilusis]. KJV-Interlinear
20 But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, NASB
All scripture comes from God, and from no other source. No man, no angel, no creature of any type or kind, has ever been the source of any scripture.
The scriptures are truth, and they come only form the source of truth, which is God. They have been written by man, spoken by man, taught by man, but their origin has never been man.
2 Tim. 3:16-17
16 All Scripture is God breathed and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness;
17 that the man of God may be mature, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
2 Tim. 2:15
15 Study to show thyself approved [mature] unto God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Humanity (the world), will try to confuse the issues of truth, by means of invention of religions, philosophies, alternate views, debates and so forth of all sorts, but these are easily dismissed by the person who has some semblance of truth in him or her.
Truth always hold up under scrutiny. False doctrines always fail when placed under the microscope (so to speak).
All scripture comes with the clarity of its meaning, when God provides that meaning. When God does not provide that meaning, then humanity cannot discover its meaning.
For example, in Revelation, John was told to seal up certain revelations because they would not and could not be understood, until the actual date of the end times. Things such as the identity of the anti-christ will never be known until after the Tribulation actually begins.
Even the last generation of believers of our own Church Age, will not discover who it might be. If you think about it, the anti-christ will most likely be a person who is perhaps 30 to 50 years of age. We only speculate about that, but it is a reasonable speculation, as most world leaders are older folks. He is described as dashing and dynamic, so it is reasonable to presume that he will be a younger man, rather than older.
Anyway, when the Rapture occurs and all believers are suddenly whisked out of this world, the anti-christ will have lived during the Church Age for many years. Remember that the Tribulation is only going to last seven years. No time for a person to be born and grow up, and rule the world. But believers in those last years of our dispensation, no one will know his identity. That information is sealed by God, to be revealed only in the Tribulation. No one will ever be able to break that seal.
This is only one example. Another example is that you might consider that many doctrines are not understandable by spiritually young believers, until they mature and then begin to understand many principles of doctrine. This is similar to children who ask questions of adults, that apply to adults. They have to grow up in order to begin to understand.
But in all cases, truth is not subject to mans convenient interpretations. Truth is not subject to mans compromised beliefs. Truth is not there as a cafeteria menu for people to pick and choose what they will or will not believe.
You cannot rationalize that if something doesn’t cause harm to anyone, then it must be ok. The rationalization in itself is a lie of foolish and voluntary blindness to truth.
You cannot define truth for yourself. You cannot shape truth to fit your own beliefs. You cannot invent, imagine, or force your own beliefs into becoming truth.
A wrong thing done in a wrong way, is wrong.
A wrong thing done in a right way, is wrong.
A right thing done in a wrong way, is wrong.
Only a right thing done in a right way, is right.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
2 Peter 1:20
20 Knowing [ginosko] this [touto] first [proton], that [hoti] no [ou] [pas] prophecy [propheteia] of the scripture [graphe] is [ginomai] of any private [idios] interpretation [epilusis]. KJV-Interlinear
20 But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, NASB
All scripture comes from God, and from no other source. No man, no angel, no creature of any type or kind, has ever been the source of any scripture.
The scriptures are truth, and they come only form the source of truth, which is God. They have been written by man, spoken by man, taught by man, but their origin has never been man.
2 Tim. 3:16-17
16 All Scripture is God breathed and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness;
17 that the man of God may be mature, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
2 Tim. 2:15
15 Study to show thyself approved [mature] unto God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Humanity (the world), will try to confuse the issues of truth, by means of invention of religions, philosophies, alternate views, debates and so forth of all sorts, but these are easily dismissed by the person who has some semblance of truth in him or her.
Truth always hold up under scrutiny. False doctrines always fail when placed under the microscope (so to speak).
All scripture comes with the clarity of its meaning, when God provides that meaning. When God does not provide that meaning, then humanity cannot discover its meaning.
For example, in Revelation, John was told to seal up certain revelations because they would not and could not be understood, until the actual date of the end times. Things such as the identity of the anti-christ will never be known until after the Tribulation actually begins.
Even the last generation of believers of our own Church Age, will not discover who it might be. If you think about it, the anti-christ will most likely be a person who is perhaps 30 to 50 years of age. We only speculate about that, but it is a reasonable speculation, as most world leaders are older folks. He is described as dashing and dynamic, so it is reasonable to presume that he will be a younger man, rather than older.
Anyway, when the Rapture occurs and all believers are suddenly whisked out of this world, the anti-christ will have lived during the Church Age for many years. Remember that the Tribulation is only going to last seven years. No time for a person to be born and grow up, and rule the world. But believers in those last years of our dispensation, no one will know his identity. That information is sealed by God, to be revealed only in the Tribulation. No one will ever be able to break that seal.
This is only one example. Another example is that you might consider that many doctrines are not understandable by spiritually young believers, until they mature and then begin to understand many principles of doctrine. This is similar to children who ask questions of adults, that apply to adults. They have to grow up in order to begin to understand.
But in all cases, truth is not subject to mans convenient interpretations. Truth is not subject to mans compromised beliefs. Truth is not there as a cafeteria menu for people to pick and choose what they will or will not believe.
You cannot rationalize that if something doesn’t cause harm to anyone, then it must be ok. The rationalization in itself is a lie of foolish and voluntary blindness to truth.
You cannot define truth for yourself. You cannot shape truth to fit your own beliefs. You cannot invent, imagine, or force your own beliefs into becoming truth.
A wrong thing done in a wrong way, is wrong.
A wrong thing done in a right way, is wrong.
A right thing done in a wrong way, is wrong.
Only a right thing done in a right way, is right.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
2 Peter 1:19
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
2 Peter 1:19
19 We have [echo] also [kai] a more sure [bebaios] word [logos] of prophecy [prophetikos]; whereunto [hos] ye do [poieo] well [kalos] that ye take heed [prosecho], as [hos] unto a light [luchnos] that shineth [phaino] in [en] a dark [auchmeros] place [topos], until [heos] [hou] the day [hemera] dawn [diaugazo], and [kai] the day star [phosphoros] arise [anatello] in [en] your [humon] hearts [kardia]: KJV-Interlinear
19 And so we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. NASB
The reality is far better than the promise of something to come. That is what is meant by, ‘prophetic word made more sure.’
Peter was familiar with the prophecies of the promised Messiah, but when Jesus actually came into this world, that was far better than just reading the scriptures and wondering about it all.
In our dispensation, the Church Age or often times called the Age of the Royal Family, or sometimes called the Age of the Bride of Christ, we have no prophecies except one, which is the Rapture, which is the terminating event of our dispensation.
All prophecies, the greater portion of them, have never yet been fulfilled. They belong to the Age of Israel, or more specifically, to the end (the last seven years still future) of that dispensation. And then there are the prophecies of the Millennium, still to come.
So in a manner of speaking, we have promises of future events, but we only have those promises.
Or, to use another analogy, the promise of payment for work is fine, but getting the money in your pocket is better. Or, perhaps the actual and better experience of an intimate relationship verses the idea of one. Or, perhaps comparing the hope of winning the millions, with a ticket in hand, verses actually winning.
And here Peter tells us two things. First, the reality of the Messiah is real, and is far better than any scripture written, ever. He saw Jesus in the flesh for many, many months, but when he was honored to accompany Him to the top of the Mount, when he saw Moses and Elijah, when he heard the actual voice of God the Father, when he saw the transfiguration of the radiant light emanating from Christ, that was an experience that you cannot read about and get the same emotional experience.
And second, he was witness of the actual reality of all of those prophecies about God, the Messiah, His glory and so forth. Before they were just words on paper, and now they are very real.
Therefore, we as believers in Christ have the promises in hand, but one day we will have the reality, and when that day comes, and it will, you are herein warned – be ready.
What does that mean?
Grow up in your spiritual life to maturity. Function in your spiritual life in order to have production from your life, or have your life have meaning and purpose by complying with Gods mandates, and in so doing, make yourself ready for the maximum blessings, that await all mature believers, in heaven.
Rather than going to heaven as an immature believer, having been indifferent or argumentative toward the teaching of the Word, and missing out on the big prizes that God has for mature believers only.
Christ is a very real person. He is both God and man, the one and only unique person of the universe. He is truth, and all truth is often symbolized as light, because it is easily seen, as opposed to darkness which makes seeing things extremely difficult, if not impossible.
Doctrine, or the content of the Word, is your gateway, window, doorway to light (truth).
And when you have learned enough doctrine, when you have begun to assimilate enough to begin to build up categorical and conceptual thinking as a mature believer, rather than as an infant or young (spiritually speaking) believer who always look to single verses to explain spiritual ideas, then that light is establishing itself within your soul.
That is the morning star (Christ or doctrine or maturity) beginning to develop within your soul. And with that status, you will be prepared, or at least better prepared when the realities of Gods promises (words only for now), become realities in your life one day.
We have said this before, and will say it again. Before you were born, you had no say as to the circumstances of your life. But, now that you are born again, you have every opportunity to define and secure for yourself, the greatest life imaginable for all of eternity.
Eternity is coming, regardless of what you think about it, so either get ready and win, or remain stubbornly arrogant, and discover yourself someday as the fool of fools. You will decide your own fate, and in that, you will have no excuse for the outcome of your life.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
2 Peter 1:19
19 We have [echo] also [kai] a more sure [bebaios] word [logos] of prophecy [prophetikos]; whereunto [hos] ye do [poieo] well [kalos] that ye take heed [prosecho], as [hos] unto a light [luchnos] that shineth [phaino] in [en] a dark [auchmeros] place [topos], until [heos] [hou] the day [hemera] dawn [diaugazo], and [kai] the day star [phosphoros] arise [anatello] in [en] your [humon] hearts [kardia]: KJV-Interlinear
19 And so we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. NASB
The reality is far better than the promise of something to come. That is what is meant by, ‘prophetic word made more sure.’
Peter was familiar with the prophecies of the promised Messiah, but when Jesus actually came into this world, that was far better than just reading the scriptures and wondering about it all.
In our dispensation, the Church Age or often times called the Age of the Royal Family, or sometimes called the Age of the Bride of Christ, we have no prophecies except one, which is the Rapture, which is the terminating event of our dispensation.
All prophecies, the greater portion of them, have never yet been fulfilled. They belong to the Age of Israel, or more specifically, to the end (the last seven years still future) of that dispensation. And then there are the prophecies of the Millennium, still to come.
So in a manner of speaking, we have promises of future events, but we only have those promises.
Or, to use another analogy, the promise of payment for work is fine, but getting the money in your pocket is better. Or, perhaps the actual and better experience of an intimate relationship verses the idea of one. Or, perhaps comparing the hope of winning the millions, with a ticket in hand, verses actually winning.
And here Peter tells us two things. First, the reality of the Messiah is real, and is far better than any scripture written, ever. He saw Jesus in the flesh for many, many months, but when he was honored to accompany Him to the top of the Mount, when he saw Moses and Elijah, when he heard the actual voice of God the Father, when he saw the transfiguration of the radiant light emanating from Christ, that was an experience that you cannot read about and get the same emotional experience.
And second, he was witness of the actual reality of all of those prophecies about God, the Messiah, His glory and so forth. Before they were just words on paper, and now they are very real.
Therefore, we as believers in Christ have the promises in hand, but one day we will have the reality, and when that day comes, and it will, you are herein warned – be ready.
What does that mean?
Grow up in your spiritual life to maturity. Function in your spiritual life in order to have production from your life, or have your life have meaning and purpose by complying with Gods mandates, and in so doing, make yourself ready for the maximum blessings, that await all mature believers, in heaven.
Rather than going to heaven as an immature believer, having been indifferent or argumentative toward the teaching of the Word, and missing out on the big prizes that God has for mature believers only.
Christ is a very real person. He is both God and man, the one and only unique person of the universe. He is truth, and all truth is often symbolized as light, because it is easily seen, as opposed to darkness which makes seeing things extremely difficult, if not impossible.
Doctrine, or the content of the Word, is your gateway, window, doorway to light (truth).
And when you have learned enough doctrine, when you have begun to assimilate enough to begin to build up categorical and conceptual thinking as a mature believer, rather than as an infant or young (spiritually speaking) believer who always look to single verses to explain spiritual ideas, then that light is establishing itself within your soul.
That is the morning star (Christ or doctrine or maturity) beginning to develop within your soul. And with that status, you will be prepared, or at least better prepared when the realities of Gods promises (words only for now), become realities in your life one day.
We have said this before, and will say it again. Before you were born, you had no say as to the circumstances of your life. But, now that you are born again, you have every opportunity to define and secure for yourself, the greatest life imaginable for all of eternity.
Eternity is coming, regardless of what you think about it, so either get ready and win, or remain stubbornly arrogant, and discover yourself someday as the fool of fools. You will decide your own fate, and in that, you will have no excuse for the outcome of your life.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
2 Peter 1:18
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
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2 Peter 1:18
18 And [kai] this [taute] voice [phone] which came [phero] from [ek] heaven [ouranos] we [hemeis] heard [akouo], when we were [on] with [sun] him [autos] in [en] the holy [hagios] mount [oros]. KJV-Interlinear
18 and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. NASB
Peter, James and John, were the three apostles who went with Jesus onto the mountain, and witnessed His transfiguration.
Mark 9:2-4
2 And six days later, Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John, and brought them up to a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them;
3 and His garments became radiant and exceedingly white, as no launderer on earth can whiten them.
4 And Elijah appeared to them along with Moses; and they were talking with Jesus. NASB
John 1:14
14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. NASB
Moses was present, representing the Law. Elijah was present, representing the prophets. And both men faded leaving only Christ, who is the fulfillment of the law and the prophets (promises given by God). The reality over the shadow.
Peter witnessed these things first hand. He saw these men in their real lives. Peter did not dream these things. He did not receive them in a vision. He did not smoke or drink something that allowed him to invent these things, making them real through his imagination, as all other religions can only do.
Moses had lived some 1500 years prior to this event. Elijah had lived some 900 yeas prior to this event. Both men had been living in Paradise (one of the four compartments in the underworld, the underworld called Hades), all of those many past centuries.
And now when called by Jesus to the mountain, Peter was witness to these men, who had long since been dead, but were very much alive in his presence – and recognizable. They were not introduced, but Peter automatically knew who they were and recognized them, even though he had no clue, prior to this, as to their looks or identity.
Neither you nor I have ever seen Jesus. We have not seen Peter. We have not seen Moses. All we have is this written account (the Bible) of their lives.
This place was designated ‘Holy Ground.’ When Christ spoke to Moses from the burning bush, Moses was on Holy Ground. When God gave the Law to Moses on Mount Horeb, that was designated ‘Holy Ground.’ Mount Zion was ‘Holy Ground.’, because God had chosen it to be a habitation for himself. The Mount of Transfiguration was holy, because there the glory of God the Son was manifested.
Wherever God is present, that place is Holy Ground. That includes your soul, if you possess doctrine within it. Apart from Gods actual presence, there is no such place on this earth, that can be designated as holy. And that certainly includes everywhere in the Middle East, every church, every cathedral, etc., etc., etc.
This passage demonstrates the deep and lasting impression that the events at the Mount of Transfiguration made, on those who were present and were actual witnesses to it. However, as Jesus spoke of Thomas, when he doubted the resurrection, saying that if you have to see something in order to be convinced, your faith is indeed weak. However if your faith is strong, especially when you have not been a direct witness to these kinds of events, then how much more is the faith of that person who has never been a witness.
Those folks back then, had the tremendous honor to see, hear, and even speak with Christ.
But you, as a growing believer in Christ, have the tremendous honor, an even greater honor, to advance in your spiritual life based on faith alone. That is an honor that you will receive recognition for, when you get to heaven. And this is an honor that far, far, far exceeds any honor or gimmick available on this earth. Don’t lose it.
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2 Peter 1:18
18 And [kai] this [taute] voice [phone] which came [phero] from [ek] heaven [ouranos] we [hemeis] heard [akouo], when we were [on] with [sun] him [autos] in [en] the holy [hagios] mount [oros]. KJV-Interlinear
18 and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. NASB
Peter, James and John, were the three apostles who went with Jesus onto the mountain, and witnessed His transfiguration.
Mark 9:2-4
2 And six days later, Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John, and brought them up to a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them;
3 and His garments became radiant and exceedingly white, as no launderer on earth can whiten them.
4 And Elijah appeared to them along with Moses; and they were talking with Jesus. NASB
John 1:14
14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. NASB
Moses was present, representing the Law. Elijah was present, representing the prophets. And both men faded leaving only Christ, who is the fulfillment of the law and the prophets (promises given by God). The reality over the shadow.
Peter witnessed these things first hand. He saw these men in their real lives. Peter did not dream these things. He did not receive them in a vision. He did not smoke or drink something that allowed him to invent these things, making them real through his imagination, as all other religions can only do.
Moses had lived some 1500 years prior to this event. Elijah had lived some 900 yeas prior to this event. Both men had been living in Paradise (one of the four compartments in the underworld, the underworld called Hades), all of those many past centuries.
And now when called by Jesus to the mountain, Peter was witness to these men, who had long since been dead, but were very much alive in his presence – and recognizable. They were not introduced, but Peter automatically knew who they were and recognized them, even though he had no clue, prior to this, as to their looks or identity.
Neither you nor I have ever seen Jesus. We have not seen Peter. We have not seen Moses. All we have is this written account (the Bible) of their lives.
This place was designated ‘Holy Ground.’ When Christ spoke to Moses from the burning bush, Moses was on Holy Ground. When God gave the Law to Moses on Mount Horeb, that was designated ‘Holy Ground.’ Mount Zion was ‘Holy Ground.’, because God had chosen it to be a habitation for himself. The Mount of Transfiguration was holy, because there the glory of God the Son was manifested.
Wherever God is present, that place is Holy Ground. That includes your soul, if you possess doctrine within it. Apart from Gods actual presence, there is no such place on this earth, that can be designated as holy. And that certainly includes everywhere in the Middle East, every church, every cathedral, etc., etc., etc.
This passage demonstrates the deep and lasting impression that the events at the Mount of Transfiguration made, on those who were present and were actual witnesses to it. However, as Jesus spoke of Thomas, when he doubted the resurrection, saying that if you have to see something in order to be convinced, your faith is indeed weak. However if your faith is strong, especially when you have not been a direct witness to these kinds of events, then how much more is the faith of that person who has never been a witness.
Those folks back then, had the tremendous honor to see, hear, and even speak with Christ.
But you, as a growing believer in Christ, have the tremendous honor, an even greater honor, to advance in your spiritual life based on faith alone. That is an honor that you will receive recognition for, when you get to heaven. And this is an honor that far, far, far exceeds any honor or gimmick available on this earth. Don’t lose it.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
2 Peter 1:17
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
2 Peter 1:17
17 For [gar] he received [lambano] from [para] God [theos] the Father [pater] honour [time] and [kai] glory [doxa], when there came [phero] such [toiosde] a voice [phone] to him [autos] from [hupo] the excellent [megaloprepes] glory [doxa], This [houtos] is [esti] my [mou] beloved [agapetos] Son [huios], in [eis] whom [hos] I [ego] am well pleased [eudokeo]. KJV-Interlinear
17 For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, ‘This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased’ NASB
While on the Mt. of Transfiguration, Peter, James and John, all three heard a voice, which thundered as no voice they, nor anyone, had ever heard.
This was the voice of God the Father, giving them formal acknowledgement that this Jesus, was indeed the Messiah.
Matt. 17:5
5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and behold, a voice out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!’ NASB
Deut. 33:26-27
26 ‘There is none like the God of Jeshurun, Who rides the heavens to your help, And through the skies in His majesty.
27 ‘The eternal God is [my refuge] a dwelling place, And underneath are the everlasting arms; NASB
In this world all of the honor and glory attributed to people, is at best pale, shallow, subjective, biased, invented, made up for convenience, produced out of arrogance, ego, and approbation. After all, what person who consists of dust, with life and talent imputed by God into it, can boast of their inherent abilities (which do not exist).
Only God, and here, only the Son, possesses inherent abilities, even life, even eternal life, which never ends, and never had a beginning, and as such, is worthy of perfect honor and glory. Who can boast of a greater aspect of their life?
Peter was a witness of this formal acknowledgement of the Son, and by God the Father, no less. There is no other greater power, or authority which can make this statement, and carry the weight of unchallengeable truth.
And with this statement, Peter, and God through His word, places each one of us on notice.
We are nothing when it comes to our existence. As we are but a speck in the universe, but a speck in history, but a speck on this planet.
What is it then that makes man so wise as to reject the one and only creator and maintainer, of everything? Or to reject the one and only perfect plan for our eternal life, in favor of … what?
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
2 Peter 1:17
17 For [gar] he received [lambano] from [para] God [theos] the Father [pater] honour [time] and [kai] glory [doxa], when there came [phero] such [toiosde] a voice [phone] to him [autos] from [hupo] the excellent [megaloprepes] glory [doxa], This [houtos] is [esti] my [mou] beloved [agapetos] Son [huios], in [eis] whom [hos] I [ego] am well pleased [eudokeo]. KJV-Interlinear
17 For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, ‘This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased’ NASB
While on the Mt. of Transfiguration, Peter, James and John, all three heard a voice, which thundered as no voice they, nor anyone, had ever heard.
This was the voice of God the Father, giving them formal acknowledgement that this Jesus, was indeed the Messiah.
Matt. 17:5
5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and behold, a voice out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!’ NASB
Deut. 33:26-27
26 ‘There is none like the God of Jeshurun, Who rides the heavens to your help, And through the skies in His majesty.
27 ‘The eternal God is [my refuge] a dwelling place, And underneath are the everlasting arms; NASB
In this world all of the honor and glory attributed to people, is at best pale, shallow, subjective, biased, invented, made up for convenience, produced out of arrogance, ego, and approbation. After all, what person who consists of dust, with life and talent imputed by God into it, can boast of their inherent abilities (which do not exist).
Only God, and here, only the Son, possesses inherent abilities, even life, even eternal life, which never ends, and never had a beginning, and as such, is worthy of perfect honor and glory. Who can boast of a greater aspect of their life?
Peter was a witness of this formal acknowledgement of the Son, and by God the Father, no less. There is no other greater power, or authority which can make this statement, and carry the weight of unchallengeable truth.
And with this statement, Peter, and God through His word, places each one of us on notice.
We are nothing when it comes to our existence. As we are but a speck in the universe, but a speck in history, but a speck on this planet.
What is it then that makes man so wise as to reject the one and only creator and maintainer, of everything? Or to reject the one and only perfect plan for our eternal life, in favor of … what?
Monday, January 5, 2009
2 Peter 1:16
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
2 Peter 1:16
16 For [gar] we have [exakoloutheo] not [ou] followed [exakoloutheo] cunningly devised [sophizo] fables [muthos], when we made known [gnorizo] unto you [humin] the power [dunamis] and [kai] coming [parousia] of our [hemon] Lord [kurios] Jesus [Iesous] Christ [Christos], but [alla] were [ginomai] eyewitnesses [epoptes] of his [ekeinos] majesty [megaleiotes]. KJV-Interlinear
16 For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. NASB
Cleverly devised tales, refers to the many lies and games that people use in order to gain a following, or pursue their spiritual life.
This can include the lies of religion, such as using the enticements of virgins, the sin of lust, in order to gain a following.
This can include the various gimmicks used by clubs or organizations, to gain a following. Gimmicks such as basing a study or religion on ‘promises’ or categorizing a spiritual process for ‘women only’ or any one of a number of gimmicks that are nothing more than marketing enticements for publications and such.
The Word of God states clearly, ‘Study to show thyself approved (mature).’ And study means to study word by word, building knowledge and wisdom by building precept upon precept, principle upon principle and so forth.
The spiritual life is not going to be a one-time quick fix for ones life. The spiritual life is not going to be something that you can pursue for a short time (a week, a month, a year) and then be complete or finished with it.
The study of the word is a life long commitment, with steady growth, occasional testing, and a never-ending commitment to the study process for growth and maturity. It does not include a genie for your convenience, and it does not include miracles to help convince or win you over.
The time for miracles was in the last dispensation. Our dispensation is one of faith through doctrine from the written word. We do not have visions, or dreams, or the voice of God to help convince us of His plan and purpose. All we have is the Bible.
And through the written word only, God has explained His plan and His coming in power.
Peter, James and John saw Jesus in His glory on the mount of transfiguration, Matt. 17:1-5. That must have been a tremendous convincing, and emotional experience. None of us, has ever seen such an appearance.
That event would have made an impression on them, convincing them of the ultimate power and awesomeness of Christ. They saw it first hand, you and I have not. And yet, we cling to our faith based on the words of doctrine only, without ever hearing or seeing Christ in person.
Peter has seen the actual glory of Christ. We have seen it through the Word. We do not and should not, turn to emotional gimmicks, or associate with cliquish groups where our lusts or desires, or shortcut genies, are placed in front of our daily spiritual commitment.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
2 Peter 1:16
16 For [gar] we have [exakoloutheo] not [ou] followed [exakoloutheo] cunningly devised [sophizo] fables [muthos], when we made known [gnorizo] unto you [humin] the power [dunamis] and [kai] coming [parousia] of our [hemon] Lord [kurios] Jesus [Iesous] Christ [Christos], but [alla] were [ginomai] eyewitnesses [epoptes] of his [ekeinos] majesty [megaleiotes]. KJV-Interlinear
16 For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. NASB
Cleverly devised tales, refers to the many lies and games that people use in order to gain a following, or pursue their spiritual life.
This can include the lies of religion, such as using the enticements of virgins, the sin of lust, in order to gain a following.
This can include the various gimmicks used by clubs or organizations, to gain a following. Gimmicks such as basing a study or religion on ‘promises’ or categorizing a spiritual process for ‘women only’ or any one of a number of gimmicks that are nothing more than marketing enticements for publications and such.
The Word of God states clearly, ‘Study to show thyself approved (mature).’ And study means to study word by word, building knowledge and wisdom by building precept upon precept, principle upon principle and so forth.
The spiritual life is not going to be a one-time quick fix for ones life. The spiritual life is not going to be something that you can pursue for a short time (a week, a month, a year) and then be complete or finished with it.
The study of the word is a life long commitment, with steady growth, occasional testing, and a never-ending commitment to the study process for growth and maturity. It does not include a genie for your convenience, and it does not include miracles to help convince or win you over.
The time for miracles was in the last dispensation. Our dispensation is one of faith through doctrine from the written word. We do not have visions, or dreams, or the voice of God to help convince us of His plan and purpose. All we have is the Bible.
And through the written word only, God has explained His plan and His coming in power.
Peter, James and John saw Jesus in His glory on the mount of transfiguration, Matt. 17:1-5. That must have been a tremendous convincing, and emotional experience. None of us, has ever seen such an appearance.
That event would have made an impression on them, convincing them of the ultimate power and awesomeness of Christ. They saw it first hand, you and I have not. And yet, we cling to our faith based on the words of doctrine only, without ever hearing or seeing Christ in person.
Peter has seen the actual glory of Christ. We have seen it through the Word. We do not and should not, turn to emotional gimmicks, or associate with cliquish groups where our lusts or desires, or shortcut genies, are placed in front of our daily spiritual commitment.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
2 Peter 1:15
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
2 Peter 1:15
15 Moreover [de] [kai] I will endeavour [spoudazo] that ye [humas] may be able [echo] after [meta] my [emos] decease [exodos] to have [poieo] these things [touton] always [hekastote] in remembrance [mneme]. KJV-Interlinear
15 And I will also be diligent that at any time after my departure you may be able to call these things to mind. NASB
The key to this verse is in the word for decease, ‘exodos.’ This indicates Peter’s departure from this life, naturally, but it also indicates a mechanism for making ones departure.
This is not merely meaning the death for Peter, but the process of a preparation for a long-term departure. And that process is in the preparation for the anticipated departure.
As for you and me, this means that we all will be making a long trip, one day, and when anyone goes on a long trip, they usually put an enormous amount of time in making preparations for their trip.
You most likely have left on an extended vacation, or have a child that has been lucky enough to go on a school trip for an extended period of time, and if so, then you know that you made extensive preparations in your planning for that trip.
Not only do you make lists for packing, but you put together itineraries for your trip, save up money for your trip, make arrangements for your departure and travel to the airport, train, or whatever. You make arrangements for your return. You check your belongings and check them again. You check your tickets, even do research into your trip prior to going on your trip, and so forth.
This detailed approach, which we all take for granted, even for a simply vacation, is exactly what Peter is talking about. Only Peter is talking about the last and longest, the final trip that any of us will ever make. Our trip to heaven.
If we are to spend extraordinary time in preparations for a simple vacation here in this life, then how much more so should we spend extraordinary time in making preparatory plans for our ultimate travel out of this life?
Peter states that he will be diligent (making this his top priority), in making his words available to all who are interested, such that they can be prepared for their trip, as Peter is prepared for his.
And by this, we should learn that we need to be diligent in our preparation for our own life.
Unfortunately, far too many people will make their ultimate trip without preparation. Not because they do not know it is coming, because they do, but because most folks simply do not believe, or agree with, the means of preparation taught by the Bible.
They are simply indifferent and arrogant, and in being so, they disagree based on their shortsighted knowledge of life. And so Peter here gives you his reminder, that as he has prepared and has left his written wisdom for us all, so to, we should make our own preparation for eternity. That preparation being our spiritual growth to maturity.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
2 Peter 1:15
15 Moreover [de] [kai] I will endeavour [spoudazo] that ye [humas] may be able [echo] after [meta] my [emos] decease [exodos] to have [poieo] these things [touton] always [hekastote] in remembrance [mneme]. KJV-Interlinear
15 And I will also be diligent that at any time after my departure you may be able to call these things to mind. NASB
The key to this verse is in the word for decease, ‘exodos.’ This indicates Peter’s departure from this life, naturally, but it also indicates a mechanism for making ones departure.
This is not merely meaning the death for Peter, but the process of a preparation for a long-term departure. And that process is in the preparation for the anticipated departure.
As for you and me, this means that we all will be making a long trip, one day, and when anyone goes on a long trip, they usually put an enormous amount of time in making preparations for their trip.
You most likely have left on an extended vacation, or have a child that has been lucky enough to go on a school trip for an extended period of time, and if so, then you know that you made extensive preparations in your planning for that trip.
Not only do you make lists for packing, but you put together itineraries for your trip, save up money for your trip, make arrangements for your departure and travel to the airport, train, or whatever. You make arrangements for your return. You check your belongings and check them again. You check your tickets, even do research into your trip prior to going on your trip, and so forth.
This detailed approach, which we all take for granted, even for a simply vacation, is exactly what Peter is talking about. Only Peter is talking about the last and longest, the final trip that any of us will ever make. Our trip to heaven.
If we are to spend extraordinary time in preparations for a simple vacation here in this life, then how much more so should we spend extraordinary time in making preparatory plans for our ultimate travel out of this life?
Peter states that he will be diligent (making this his top priority), in making his words available to all who are interested, such that they can be prepared for their trip, as Peter is prepared for his.
And by this, we should learn that we need to be diligent in our preparation for our own life.
Unfortunately, far too many people will make their ultimate trip without preparation. Not because they do not know it is coming, because they do, but because most folks simply do not believe, or agree with, the means of preparation taught by the Bible.
They are simply indifferent and arrogant, and in being so, they disagree based on their shortsighted knowledge of life. And so Peter here gives you his reminder, that as he has prepared and has left his written wisdom for us all, so to, we should make our own preparation for eternity. That preparation being our spiritual growth to maturity.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
2 Peter 1:14
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
2 Peter 1:14
14 Knowing [eido] that [hoti] shortly [tachinos] I must [esti] put off [apothesis] this my [mou] tabernacle [skenoma], even [kai] as [kathos] our [hemon] Lord [kurios] Jesus [Iesous] Christ [Christos] hath shewed [deloo] me [moi]. KJV-Interlinear
13 And I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder, NASB
Nearly forty years prior to this letter, Jesus had told Peter that he would die in his old age, John 21:18-19. And now that he was old, he probably knew, as we will all know when we get old, that his life was nearing to its end.
Peter does not imply that he had knew information regarding his death, but only that he knew that his life was much closer to being over, because he was getting older.
That means he had less and less time to spend on teaching and writing his letters. This should be obvious.
However, Peter has stressed the importance of each person’s responsibility in advancing in their spiritual life. And with that, we can gather that it is to each of our best interests, to get with a Bible study program for our own preparation for eternity.
Time is short, and was short for Peter back then. But now, Peter is no longer here and the message is not referring to him, but to each of us.
Time is short, and that is the message that we should get into our little heads. Whether you agree with it or not, you do not have much time left on this earth. If you have a day left or several decades, also makes no difference. Your time is short, because by ignoring doctrine and your spiritual growth, you are setting a precedent of indifference, that is extremely difficult to correct, the longer you keep on being indifferent.
You could choke on a piece of food at any meal or snack. You could get caught up in an accident on any day. You could be the innocent victim of some sort of weird situation. Or you can live your daily life for years.
In any case, your attitude toward doctrine today, will determine the status of your spiritual life.
Procrastination is extremely dangerous and not smart, especially when you know that you are trading your eternal future for something now, that has absolutely no value to you.
The dwelling being traded away is given in terms of changing clothing, trading one set of clothes (your physical body), for another set of clothes (your next body).
The real you, is in your soul. Your physical body is nothing more than a set of clothing, which you wear around your life. Your physical body is not human life, but only biological life. And it is sustained by the presence of your human life which resides within your soul.
And just as old clothes are discarded, so too, you will discard your physical body for a better one, one day. Actually it will be God who makes the trade. When that occurs, you do not know. Peter did not know. So, your death may be imminent. You have no time to waste, even if you do in deed live several more decades.
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2 Peter 1:14
14 Knowing [eido] that [hoti] shortly [tachinos] I must [esti] put off [apothesis] this my [mou] tabernacle [skenoma], even [kai] as [kathos] our [hemon] Lord [kurios] Jesus [Iesous] Christ [Christos] hath shewed [deloo] me [moi]. KJV-Interlinear
13 And I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder, NASB
Nearly forty years prior to this letter, Jesus had told Peter that he would die in his old age, John 21:18-19. And now that he was old, he probably knew, as we will all know when we get old, that his life was nearing to its end.
Peter does not imply that he had knew information regarding his death, but only that he knew that his life was much closer to being over, because he was getting older.
That means he had less and less time to spend on teaching and writing his letters. This should be obvious.
However, Peter has stressed the importance of each person’s responsibility in advancing in their spiritual life. And with that, we can gather that it is to each of our best interests, to get with a Bible study program for our own preparation for eternity.
Time is short, and was short for Peter back then. But now, Peter is no longer here and the message is not referring to him, but to each of us.
Time is short, and that is the message that we should get into our little heads. Whether you agree with it or not, you do not have much time left on this earth. If you have a day left or several decades, also makes no difference. Your time is short, because by ignoring doctrine and your spiritual growth, you are setting a precedent of indifference, that is extremely difficult to correct, the longer you keep on being indifferent.
You could choke on a piece of food at any meal or snack. You could get caught up in an accident on any day. You could be the innocent victim of some sort of weird situation. Or you can live your daily life for years.
In any case, your attitude toward doctrine today, will determine the status of your spiritual life.
Procrastination is extremely dangerous and not smart, especially when you know that you are trading your eternal future for something now, that has absolutely no value to you.
The dwelling being traded away is given in terms of changing clothing, trading one set of clothes (your physical body), for another set of clothes (your next body).
The real you, is in your soul. Your physical body is nothing more than a set of clothing, which you wear around your life. Your physical body is not human life, but only biological life. And it is sustained by the presence of your human life which resides within your soul.
And just as old clothes are discarded, so too, you will discard your physical body for a better one, one day. Actually it will be God who makes the trade. When that occurs, you do not know. Peter did not know. So, your death may be imminent. You have no time to waste, even if you do in deed live several more decades.
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