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"Complacency is the deadly enemy of spiritual progress. The contented soul is the stagnant soul." - A. W. Tozer, My thoughts this week have been the same as the quote above by A. W. Tozer and the devotional below which was first published on 04-17-2010. 2 Peter 3:1 ¶ This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: The apostle Peter states that it is his intention in both of his epistles to to stir up our “pure” minds by way of remembrance. Obvious, if we harbor sinful thoughts and motives, our minds are not pure. However, our minds can also become impure when we lose our focus on Jesus and focus instead on the things of the world. In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus tells us of some people who heard and received the seed of the Word of God among thorns. They didn’t bring any fruit to perfection, because they were choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life (Luke 8:14). In Luke 21, Jesus expounds on the signs and conditions of the last days, prior to His coming. He warned us in Luke 21:34 to “take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and [so] that day come upon you unawares.” In our days of 24 hour news and endless political commentary, it’s very easy to become distracted and discouraged, especially if we forget WHO is in control. The Lord said in Isaiah 46:10 that it was He who declares the end from the beginning. He spoke in ancient times of the things that are not yet in existence, declaring that “ My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.” Yes, He will do His good pleasure. We are bombarded with voices on every hand (1Cor. 14:10). Our minds become overloaded trying to process everything that we hear. We must focus on Jesus. He and He alone has the words of eternal life. John 6:68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. 2 Peter 3:2 (NASB) - that you should remember the words spoken beforehand by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior spoken by your apostles. (See also Jude 1:17; Acts 3:21, Eph. 2:20, 3:5). Peter urges us to remember the words spoken by the Old Testament prophets, and also the words of Jesus which were passed on to us by His apostles. The Old Testament prophets accurately foretold the birth of Christ (Mic. 5:2; Mt. 2:6) and His death (Isa. 53) and resurrection (Ps. 16:10; Acts 2:31) and His enthronement in heaven (Ps. 2;6-8, 45:6, 110:1). They also spoke extensively on the coming Day of the Lord when God pours out His judgment on this earth (Isa 13:6; Jer 46:10; Eze 30;3; Joel 1:15, Zep 1:14-18; Am. 5:18). Considering their accuracy concerning the first coming of Christ, it would be utterly foolish to disregard their words concerning His second coming. Eh? The apostles walked with Jesus throughout His earthly ministry. His Words are Spirit and Life (Jn. 6:63). His words were directly from the throne of God. Hebrews 1:2 tells us that God has spoken to us in these last days, by His Son, by whom He created the worlds. After the resurrection, the apostle's and disciple's eyes were opened (Lu. 24:31). After that they spent forty days listening to Jesus as He gave commandment pertaining to the kingdom of God (Acts 1:3). When the apostles were baptized with the Spirit at Pentecost, their memories were quickened because it is the work of the Spirit to bring all of Jesus’ words and commandments to our remembrance (John 14:26). Peter tells us that in the last days, there would be scoffers who questioned the coming of the Lord. These people ignored the fact that the world had once been destroyed by water, because of the judgment of God. He states that now the world is destined to be destroyed by fire because of the perdition of ungodly men. 2 Peter 3: 3 ¶ Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. Perhaps we are being lulled to sleep, thinking that the Lord has delayed His coming (Mt. 24:48)? Peter lets us know that it will indeed happen. God’s timetable is different than ours. We think in time, He thinks and acts in eternity. A thousand years is but a day with Him, and a day is as a thousand years. He is not willing that any man should perish in hell, but desires that we all come to repentance (John 3:17; 2Peter 3:9). 2 Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11 ¶ Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, It’s all going to burn. We didn’t bring anything into this world and we certainly won’t be taking anything with us. We came into the world naked and will leave it the same way. The only thing that we can take with us is the seal of God’s Holy Spirit upon our hearts. Peter asks, what manner of persons should we be in all manner of living and godliness? Jesus told us that He will come at the hour that we think not. However, chances are that we will meet Him by the way of the grave. We don’t have any assurances that our next breath won’t be our last. There won’t be any time to make amends after we leave this life. The condition that we die in is how we will face God in judgment. It is appointed to man once to die and after this the judgment (Heb. 9:27). 2 Peter 3:12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. 17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. 18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. Peter, in his epistle brought gospel truths to our remembrance, so that we will not fall into the trap of the unbelieving scoffers. We can stand steadfastly, because we have taken the words of the prophets, the apostles and Jesus to heart. Do you remember the words of the old chorus, Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus? Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full into His wonderful face And the things of this world will grow strangely dim In the light of His glory and grace Free Ebooks That You Can Download. An Expository Study on the Book of Colossians The I AMs of Jesus Thoughts on the Lord's Prayer Your thoughts and Inquiries Contact@About-Him.Com Subscribe to this devotional? Subscribe to About-Him Devotional Keep Looking Up! Don and Marie Spooner About Him! Ministries
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