Ed's Emporium

Jesus will return to Earth!

This entire letter is addressing the false teachers who were denying the physical return of Christ, confusing and discouraging believers.

God always keeps his promises.

Scoffers gonna scoff.

Be thankful for God’s patience, but remember that patience is not forever. Watch, pray, be ready, and help others do the same.

This entire chapter is dedicated to the fact that regardless of scoffers and false teachers Jesus will return. Be ready!

Father, I trust your Word, your promises, and I trust you! Help me be ready for the return of Jesus and help others be ready as well.

Peter warns of false teachers.

Comparing these current false teachers with Biblical troublemakers of old, Peter makes a compelling case and detailed warning.

God’s patience has limits. God is long suffering but eventually the hammer of his judgement will fall.

People try to warp and twist truth to fit their own lives and motives. But that generally isn’t enough…they also want others to follow their version of “truth”.

Recognize false teachers and warn the flock.

This chapter gives several jumping in points to have meaningful conversation about the impact of false teachers.

Father, please give wisdom and discernment when it comes to recognizing and dealing with false teachers and those who are following them.

Peter reminisces about experiences with Jesus and talks about the importance of fulfilled prophecies.

Peter was an eyewitness of Jesus’ earthly ministry (v.16). This was a strong and compelling testimony.

Jesus is the Messiah.

Fulfilled prophecy stacks up more and more evidence to convince unbelieving hearts toward belief.

Check each prophetic word by the scriptures.

Fulfilled prophecy is a great witness of the validity of God’s Word.

Lord Jesus, no doubt you are the Messiah, the Son of God. My life is yours.

Peter writes about benchmarks of spiritual growth.

Peter come out of the gate on mission speaking to equals (v.1) and hints that his days in this world are numbered (v.14-15).

God loves perfectly.

We do not love perfectly, thus the instruction of verses 5-9.

Don’t forget what Jesus has done on my account. Allow Christ to conform character to be more like his.

There is a path for spiritual growth. People progress at different rates but the path is there nonetheless.

Father, thank you for being patient with me as you grow me to be more like Christ.

Peter makes a strong appeal for elders to lead well with a good attitude and for younger believers to follow their example.

This kind of tender encouragement was likely well received by fellow believers.

God is dependable.

Even for believers, it is easy to slack…to not be alert and on guard.

Be #onpurpose in the way I depend on God, stay #onmission, & faithfully lead.

Even in challenging times Christ-followers are to humbly walk with God #onmission and #onpurpose.

Father, my dependence is on you. Use me as you will.

Christ-followers are called to stand for righteousness even if it is costly.

Believers in this culture stood out, a stark contrast to the lawlessness that was commonly celebrated.

God knows suffering- both its temporary pain and eternal purposes.

People surprised by God’s people experiencing suffering have not spend enough time or though in the New Testament.

Be faithful to God and do what is good.

Christ-followers should be #onpurpose with our words and deeds- even when there is a cost of suffering attached.

Father, you are faithful to provide exactly what I need exactly when I need it. I trust you.

Peter calls Christ-followers to imitate Christ, especially when being mistreated.

The idea of caring more about representing Jesus than retaliating at being mistreated when against their culture and their own flesh.

Pleasing God is more important than our rights.

Our tone and demeanor says much about our walk with God, especially in life’s more tumultuous times.

Submit to the Holy Spirit to set the tone for my attitude, especially in stressful times.

There is much here and most of it points inwardly- how we think and respond to being mistreated. If our character is not trained in peaceful times, it likely will not represent Christ well in the stressful times.

Father, help me represent you well.

Peter gives encouragement and instruction for wives and husbands.

The tone here elevates the role of wives higher than the existing cultural expectations.

God cares about how his image bearers treat their own spouses.

The marriage relationship works best when we serve one another well.

Honor my wife.

This is a great passage to study for martial counseling or couples who are already married.

Father, help me to love and lead my wife well in your power and for your glory.

Live honorably as temporary residents of this world no matter how difficult it gets.

These people were likely feeling persecution because they were Christ-followers.

God knows suffering so he is fully able to relate and help us in our own suffering.

Following God is costly. Even suffering well is an act of worship.

Submit to God.

Following Jesus is more important than flexing rights or temporary comfort.

Father, your plans are much more important than mine. If suffering is my lot may I faithfully suffer for your glory.