Today’s reading is 2 Peter 2:1
As I prepare to write my posts I typically take a few days to read through the assigned chapter and let it soak. I read several translations and even listen to the audible version for a little different flavor. After reading, listening and still not finding my groove, I went to You tube and searched for a sermon on 2 Peter 1. I should have known when I chose Francis Chan, The Most Important Lesson I Could Ever Teach (November 29, 2009), that I would be convicted. Basically, I heard him say, get to know God through the Bible and stop looking to other people to do the work. Which was exactly what I was doing! Sermons are great ways to learn and bring about conviction, but nothing can replace time spent alone with God and the Bible. This whole chapter is about getting to know God better to avoid the trappings of this world.
2 Peter 1:3 As we know Jesus better, his divine power gives us everything we need for living a godly life.
2 Peter 1:5 A life of moral excellence leads to knowing God better.
2 Peter 1:6-9 Knowing God leads to self -control. Self- control leads to patient endurance, and patient endurance leads to godliness. Godliness leads to love for other Christians, and finally you will grow to have genuine love for everyone. The more you grow like this, the more you will be productive and useful in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But those who fail to develop these virtues are blind or, at least, very short sighted. They have already forgotten that God has cleansed them from their old life of sin.
This relationship with God is a process, just like any other relationship. It takes time, dedication, and discipline. I love the progression of virtues in the above verse. Knowing God -> self control -> patient endurance -> godliness -> love for other Christians -> and finally love for everyone. We can only truly love everyone when we truly know the love of God.
2 Peter 1:2 May God bless you with his special favor and wonderful peace as you come to know Jesus, our God and Lord, better and better.
Enjoy your time with God today!
Shelly