11-11-2015 Vol. 12 Part 3 The Book of II Peter (2 Peter 1:12-21)

To Print Out The Lesson Click On The Title Below.

11-11-2015Vol. 12 Part 3 The Book of II Peter 

Proverbs 10:1-10

1  The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son makes a glad father, But a foolish son is the grief of his mother.

2  Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, But righteousness delivers from death.

3  The LORD will not allow the righteous soul to famish, But He casts away the desire of the wicked.

4  He who has a slack hand becomes poor, But the hand of the diligent makes rich.

5  He who gathers in summer is a wise son; He who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame.

6  Blessings are on the head of the righteous, But violence covers the mouth of the wicked.

7  The memory of the righteous is blessed, But the name of the wicked will rot.

8  The wise in heart will receive commands, But a prating fool will fall.

9  He who walks with integrity walks securely, But he who perverts his ways will become known.

10  He who winks with the eye causes trouble, But a prating fool will fall.

Father God, open the eyes of our hearts so that we can walk in your ways. In Jesus name we pray, Amen!

Book of II Peter 1:12-21 NKJV

Last week we studied growing in grace; this lesson is about being grounded in our faith. If we don’t grow in our faith it is impossible to be grounded in it. Without deep roots in the Word of God we will wander and possibly forfeit our salvation. We will never lose our Salvation, but it is possible to forfeit it.

12  For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth.

For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things; Peter, in this phrase is reminding his audience and us not to let our guard down pertaining to the Gospel; Cross of Christ. You see in Peter’s time and also present time, we as humans wander in our faith in some fashion. It could be due to false teachers, preachers, ministers, priests, friends, family, etc. We are just the same as the Israelite’s, because there are things that happen in our life that will boost or cause us to drift in our faith. The Israelites would drift in their faith in God and start murmuring and complaining and then all of a sudden water would flow from a rock or quail would drop out of the sky. Then they were all about giving God praise and worship. These events would remind the Israelites who was in charge, and they would repent, but would eventually drift back to questioning and complaining, therefore always needing reminders to keep their faith in God. You see we don’t know the time span between the miracles the Israelites experienced, all we know is they wandered in the wilderness for 40 years and drifted away from God from time to time.

Peter is experiencing the same thing, and it also holds true for today. If we don’t keep the Word of God in front of us daily, we drift away. It is our human nature to do this and therefore we need to be constantly reminded in some manner to keep our faith in the Cross.

Let me refer back to an athlete or coach, outstanding coaches constantly review the basics of the sport with their teams, and good athletes can execute the fundamentals consistently well, but not without constant practice. The same holds true for Christians, they need constant reminders of the fundamentals of our faith and of how we came to believe in the first place. Don't allow yourself to be bored or impatient with messages on the basics of the Christian life. Instead, take the attitude of an athlete who continues to practice and refine the basics.

This message of reminders is throughout the NT to beware of false doctrine that man devises, so as to remain faithful. Colossians 2:6-8 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,  7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.  8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. Hebrews 13:8-9 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  9 Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them.

Though you know and are established in the present truth; Peter is telling us that we know the message of the Cross that brought us to our knees at the foot of the Cross, so hang onto that truth that set us free and never forget it. John 8:32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." 1 Corinthians 2:2 For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Colossians 2:6-7 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,  7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. That truth is Jesus Christ and all that He taught us. We are to abide in His Word to live, live eternally. Ezekiel 20:19 I am the LORD your God: Walk in My statutes, keep My judgments, and do them;

13  Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you,

Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent; What Peter is referring to here is his physical life; his earthly existence. Peter knows at some point in time he will trade in his earthly form for a glorified body.

To stir you up by reminding you; Peter along with the other Apostles of his day were commissioned to constantly remind others of weaker faith to remain faithful, because it is through faith we are saved not some religion. They wanted to keep the saved rooted in Jesus Christ.

14  knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me.

Since Peter used the word, “shortly”, he may be referring to a message he receive via the Holy Spirit that his life was to end soon, in a fashion according to Jesus prediction given to him, that is recorded in John, but we really don’t know. John 21:18 Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish."

Peter was martyred by those that thought he was spreading false doctrine. It is hard for humans to believe in the spiritual realm. Our sin nature, that comes from the devil encourages us to believe in man fabricated doctrine.

15  Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease.

Peter was so grounded in the Gospel that he reassures his listeners that through his writings, the Gospels, and the Book of Acts, they will have a constant reminder of the truth after his death.

16  For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty.

For we did not follow cunningly devised fables; In this verse Peter is telling us that he didn’t listen to false teachers or teachers of trickery. Did you catch the word, “we”? Do you know who he is referring to? Based on the last phrase of this verse it would be the other Apostles. Peter and the other Apostles were teaching the whole truth, and nothing but the truth according to God.

When we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ; Peters messages that was delivered were all based on first hand observance because he was at Jesus side and was taught by the Master.

But were eyewitnesses of His majesty; Simply stating that Peter was with Jesus, taught by Jesus, was a witness to Jesus death and resurrection, and saw Jesus ascension to Heaven. Peter was also present on the mountain to witness the transfiguration. Matthew 17:1-8 Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves;  2 and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.  3 And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him.  4 Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."  5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!"  6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid.  7 But Jesus came and touched them and said, "Arise, and do not be afraid."  8 When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.

Peter was rooted deeply in Jesus Christ and no one was going to pull him away from the truth. This is how we need to be as Christians, and the only way this will happen is if we read and study God’s Word and believe all that is in the Bible to live by, and not pick and choose verses from the Bible to live by. When a person picks and chooses, they do this so they can continue to live in sin. They are only Christians based on mind knowledge and not heart knowledge. You will know them by their speech and actions. Matthew 13:23 But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty."

17  For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

For He received from God the Father honor and glory; He meaning Jesus, received praise, honor, and glory from God the Father on the mountain.

When such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory; Meaning God’s voice of Excellence and Glory.

"This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."; God spoke these words two times, once when Jesus was baptized and the other time on the mountain. They are repeated in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Matthew 3:17, Matthew 17:5; Mark 1:11, Mark 9:7; Luke 3:22, Luke 9:35 If you look these verses up you will find that in all three accounts, of on the mountain, it is added, Hear Him! Hear him meaning God’s Word, the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. God is the final authority, not man! Abide in Jesus and all that He said.

18  And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.

And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain; Peter uses the term, “we” which includes Jesus, James, and John Jesus brother that were taken up on the mountain where Jesus conversed with Moses and Elijah. While this conversation transpired, a cloud overshadowed them and the voice of God came forth from the cloud. Matthew 17:1-8; Mark 9:2-8; Luke 9:28-36

Peter is using this life experience that he had while he was with Jesus to assure his listeners that he wasn’t make things up pertaining to what he was teaching; he didn’t get his knowledge from false teachers, it wasn’t second hand information, but from his walk with the Son of God.

19  And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts;

And so we have the prophetic word confirmed; Verses 16-20 are strong statements on the inspiration of Scripture. Peter affirms that the Old Testament prophets wrote God's messages. He puts himself and the other apostles by using the word “we”, in the same category because they also proclaim God's truth. The Bible is not a collection of fables or human ideas about God. It is God's very words given through people to people. Peter emphasized his authority as an eyewitness as well as the God inspired authority of Scripture to prepare the way for his harsh words against the false teachers. If these wicked men were contradicting the apostles and the Bible, their message could not be from God, and that is why we need to know what the Bible says so that we can follow Jesus in word and deed.

So how do we verify what someone tells us? We need to look up verses to validate what is being proclaimed, which can be done on our own; or ask people to show you the verses for validation; get other people that are Bible wise and have them show you the verses of truth; ask people other than those that go to your church. The main point is that you get Bible verses and then read more than just one verse. Read several verses before and after the verse to make sure it is talking about what you want to validate. Sometimes you may have to read the chapter before and after. If you have a good study Bible it will have parallel verses you can look up also that are listed by the verses you have obtained. There is also Bible software that has search capabilities.

Which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place; What Peter is telling us here is that we live in a dark place, Jesus is the Light of the World, and we will receive eternal life if we will pick up our Bibles and Hear Him and believe all of God’s Word.

Until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; Christ is a "Morning Star," and when he returns, he will shine in his full glory. Until that day we have Scripture and the Holy Spirit to illuminate it for us and guide us as we seek the truth. Luke 1:78; Ephesians 5:14; Revelation 2:28; Revelation 22:16

20  knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation,

21  for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

Peter ends this Chapter with a statement that the Holy Bible is the inspired word of God through prophets and faithful men of God. The men of the Bible always started out or ended their God given message to the people with; thus saith the Lord GOD; says the LORD of hosts; or thus says the LORD. Modern day people say, I think this would be a good thing or let’s do this.

"The prophets and Apostles were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God" means that Scripture did not come from the creative work of the prophets' own invention or interpretation. God inspired the writers, so their message is authentic and reliable. God used the talents, education, and cultural background of each writer (they were not mindless robots); and God cooperated with the writers in such a way to ensure that the message he intended was faithfully communicated in the very words they wrote.

Many and most people try to claim that the Bible has no relevance today. They make claims it was for ancient times, but people are still the same as they were 2,000, 4,000, or 6,000 years ago. There is still murder, promiscuity, adultery, lying, stealing, cheating, deception, using Gods name in vain, praying to persons, places, and things (idolatry) other than Jesus, gossip, vulgar language, haughtiness, pride, persecution, justifying murder through abortion, homosexuality, etc., etc., etc. You can read about each of these throughout the Bible, so I ask you what is the difference and why doesn’t it pertain to current times?

Colossians 1:16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth,

visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers.

All things were created through Him and for Him.

Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, Most assuredly, I say to you,

unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

http://jesus-christ-spiritual-food.blogspot.com/

Bill Wiesbrock https://www.facebook.com/bill.wiesbrock?ref=tn_tnmn

The Lighthouse Full Gospel Church

Sinners Prayer; Pray this, and if you believe it with your heart, Jesus will save you!

“Lord Jesus I know I am a sinner.  I confess my sins to you; I am sorry for my sins; I repent (Meaning, desiring to turn from a sinful lifestyle.) of all my sins, and I am asking for your forgiveness.  I believe that only you can forgive sin.  I commit my life to you and ask you to come into my heart, direct, and take charge of my life.  I believe that you died to set me free from my sinful lifestyle and you rose from the dead to give me eternal life, and right now you are seated at the Right Hand of God Almighty. I believe you are the Son of God; the only Way, the only Truth, the only Life, and my Savior.”  I believe this and have faith you will make a new person out of me, by sending the Holy Spirit to dwell in my heart and lead me in a new life. In Jesus name I pray Amen.” 

(John 3:16,17; Romans 3:23; 6:23; 5:8; 10:9-13; Ephesians 2:8-10; 1 John 5:11-14; 1:6-10) (Sin: Rom. 1:22-32; Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:3-7)

11-4-2015 Vol. 12 Part 2 The Book of II Peter (2 Peter 1:5-11)

To Print Out The Lesson Click On The Title Below.

11-4-2015Vol. 12 Part 2 The Book of II Peter 

Proverbs 9:10-18

10  "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

11  For by me your days will be multiplied, And years of life will be added to you.

12  If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, And if you scoff, you will bear it alone."

13  A foolish woman is clamorous; She is simple, and knows nothing.

14  For she sits at the door of her house, On a seat by the highest places of the city,

15  To call to those who pass by, Who go straight on their way:

16  "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here"; And as for him who lacks understanding, she says to him,

17  "Stolen water is sweet, And bread eaten in secret is pleasant."

18  But he does not know that the dead are there, That her guests are in the depths of hell.

Father God, open our hearts to accept your chastening through the sanctification process so that we can become more holy and walk in your ways. In Jesus name we pray, Amen!

Book of II Peter 1:5-11 NKJV

Last week we left off with salvation and how a child of God receives the help of His divine nature through the Holy Spirit living within ones heart when they repent and commit their life to Jesus. With this lesson Peter is telling us how to remain faithful to God. It is no easy task with the world and fleshly desires tugging at one all the time especially when false teachers are spreading messages that are contrary to what God says, and Peter knew that and therefore gives us some tips on how to remain faithful to Jesus. We need to always bear in mind the Cross of Christ and why Jesus sacrificed his life for us. It was through His abundance of love for us that He died in our place so that all we have to do is repent and accept this act of love by faith to be saved. So as we go through this second book of Peter, keep in mind the reason Peter wrote it, and that being, the lies of false teachers.

5  But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge,

But also for this very reason; What is this reason Peter speaks of here in this verse? If you go back to last week’s lesson it was talking about the Grace of God that one receives when they repent and accept Jesus into their life. So the reason is referring to Salvation.

Giving all diligence; Diligence is something we do when we want to learn something; to hone our skills so that we are better at accomplishing a task; to remain faithful to an organization. The definition of diligence is, steady application in business of any kind; constant effort to accomplish what is undertaken; exertion of body or mind without unnecessary delay or sloth; due attention; industrious. Olympic athletes’ are diligent in their quest to be the best.

Add to your faith virtue; Faith is referring to Jesus and to remain faithful to Him in all that we say and do. Being committed to follow Him in all that we do, it was the Holy Spirit that brought us to the foot of the Cross in repentance of our sinfulness, and we must remain faithful to Jesus and allow the Holy Spirit to lead us. So Peter is telling his audience to add virtue to their faith, virtue meaning strength, strength in leading a moral lifestyle to be an example to those around us; the practice of moral duties and the abstaining from fleshly desires of the world, or a conformity of life and conversation to the moral laws of God.

Virtue may be, and in many instances must be, distinguished from religion. The practice of moral duties merely from motives of convenience, or from obligation, or from regard to upbringing, heritage, or custom, is virtue of religion, not God. The practice of moral duties from sincere love to God and his laws, is virtue of God and religion.

To virtue knowledge; To this virtue/strength we are to add knowledge to our lives. It is through God’s Word that we gain knowledge about His moral laws that will help us stay on the straight and narrow pathway. With salvation comes the desire to learn all that one can about what is in the Bible.

When I realized I was a sinner, and was leading a life to satisfy my desires, I recognized I was practicing religion not commands of Jesus. I then repented and gave my heart to Jesus, and all of a sudden I had a desire to read and learn more about God’s Word, and that desire still exists today. This is the knowledge Peter is speaking of, wisdom of the Bible.

6  to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness,

To knowledge self-control; In the KJV temperance is used instead of self-control, both meaning the same thing. How does self-control fit into salvation? Why do we need self-control, don’t we have the Grace of God? It is because we still have the sin nature in our DNA, just because we are saved that doesn’t mean that we will never sin anymore; it is because of the sin nature that we need an abundance of self-control. A child of God will sin, but not intentionally. He will have a slip of the tongue or do something that is wrong from time to time, but not meditated sin. When a saved person sins unintentionally they will be convicted by the Holy Spirit within and then they will ask Jesus to forgive them immediately. Sometimes this conviction from the Holy Spirit will take place as soon as the sin is committed and sometimes hours or days later. No matter when the conviction happens the individual will repent. So the self-control comes into play for the child of God to have control of their actions, speech, thoughts, etc. at all times. The Holy Spirit is there to keep us on the straight and narrow which is called sanctification through grace.

An athlete exercises self-control to obtain a trophy and Christians are to exercise self-control to obtain the Crown of Glory. 1 Corinthians 9:25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.

We also need self-control to ward off the messages of false teachers. Sometimes these messages can appeal to our emotions, but we must reject them if they go against the Word of God. Messages like prosperity messages. When money and wealth are mentioned, it pricks our ears, but we are to be content with what God provides us with. Paul also teaches about false teachers in 1 Timothy Chapter 6 and stated this to his listeners; 1 Timothy 6:6-9 Now godliness with contentment is great gain.  7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.  8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.  9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. Listening to false teachers will draw a person away from God.

To self-control perseverance; With adding virtue, self-control, and knowledge then we are better capable of handling perseverance. It is because of our knowledge, that we have in our sight the Crown of Glory. At times staying faithful can be a struggle with the world tugging at your emotions or false prophets delivering messages that contradict God’s Word. It is because of false teachers that we need to have knowledge of what the Bible says, because then we can reject them and remain faithful to Jesus.

To perseverance godliness; With the gift of Grace we are to grow spiritually to resemble Christ and serve others. God wants to produce his character in us. But to do this, he demands our discipline and effort. As we obey Christ, who guides us by his Spirit, we will not only develop self-control in our conduct, but also with respect to our emotions.

7  to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.

Once again Peter brings us back to the second greatest commandment of God, Love. How can anyone read the Bible and not love their neighbor, spouse, children, people of different color, etc.? Why is Peter throwing this in here, I thought this book was about false teachers and preachers? It all gets tied together with two words, “sin nature”. The sin nature causes hatred in this world via jealousy, greed, lying, homosexuality, deception by false teachers, pride, arrogance, haughty, bigotry, etc., but what do people really dislike? The person or the persons point of views. If we stop and really think about this, the answer would be people’s beliefs and point of views. How can we dislike something that God has created? People are the way they are because of their parents and the environment they are raised in. As a newborn baby we are all the same, but through growth we are shaped and molded into other people’s image and not God’s. So as Christians we are to love the person, but hate their sinfulness. Peter and all the other Apostles preach kindness and love that is magnified when a person is Born Again. We are to love one another just like we love a newborn baby. If a Christian can love without partiality, they will be walking in Jesus image. John 13:34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. Hebrews 13:1-2 Let brotherly love continue.  2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. Galatians 6:2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 2 John 1:5 And now I plead with you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we have had from the beginning: that we love one another. 1 John 3:14-18 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death.  15 Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.  16 By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.  17 But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?  18 My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.  1John 2:8-10; 1John 3:23

8  For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

For if these things are yours and abound; This phrase is referring to all the points Peter has just pointed out to us. These things are not easy because of our humanism. It takes daily work to abide in these, and by doing and not just knowing, we will be walking in Jesus image. The more we practice these things in our daily life, we will abound in God’s grace.

You will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ; Peter is telling us here that by practicing these things God will reward us for acting upon the knowledge we gained from His Word.

9  For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.

For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness; Peter is bringing us to the fact that he is addressing followers of Jesus; true believers; Born Again Christians. The things these false teachers were preaching, was pulling the believers away from the truth of the Gospel. They were being blinded by the words of a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

This can happen so quickly when a person has never read the Bible and they think they know what is in the Bible. Some people are taught about God using manmade material instead of using the Bible. They have their own interpretation of what it takes to be a good person. Man’s point of view of a good person is totally different than God’s viewpoint.

I will use myself as an example of how I viewed myself as a good person and thought I was going to Heaven before I was saved. When I was in grade school every Wednesday after school we went to the church hall for CCD lessons (Catholic religious lessons). We were studying the Sacraments of the Catholic Church and the person teaching the lesson made a statement that if a person kept the sacraments they would be sure to go to Heaven. I took this statement to heart and believed it, but  after living 57 years of believing this and that I was a good person, I picked up the Bible in 2007 with a curiosity of what it contained. After reading the NT, I went in search of the verses that supported the sacraments. I couldn’t find any, but found this; John 3:3-6 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."  4 Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?"  5 Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.  6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. This devastated my beliefs and as a result I prayed the Sinners Prayer (that is below) in 2008 giving my life to Jesus because I wanted to live a life based on God’s word and not man’s word. So you see how we can be pulled away from God and not even know it! This can even happen to people that are saved; the next phrase tells us that. This is why it is so important to read and study the Bible so that one can discern the TRUTH.

And has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins; These people that Peter is writing to are saved people, but with the false teachings being preached they were drifting away from their first love, Jesus. Peter is warning them to search their memory banks and revive their passion for Christ as it was when they were first saved. They were becoming spiritually blind and taking their eyes off of the Cross and what Jesus did for them. They were being ruled by the sin nature they inherited from Adam via the Devil. Satan loves to pull Children of God back to his side of the fence.

10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble;

11  for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Peter wanted to stir up the complacent believers who had listened to the false teachers and believed that because salvation is not based on good deeds they could live any way they wanted. If you truly belong to the Lord, Peter wrote, your hard work will prove it. If you're not working to develop the qualities listed in verses 5-7 above, you may not belong to him. If you are the Lord's, and your hard work backs up your claim to be chosen by God, you will be able to resist the lure of false teaching or glamorous sin and be accepted into the Kingdom of God. Just because a person says a prayer or does a ritual it doesn’t mean they are saved. Has there been a change in your lifestyle that says you are saved? Has your love for Jesus changed? What does your life say about your faith? Are you growing in Grace?

Colossians 1:16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth,

visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers.

All things were created through Him and for Him.

Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, Most assuredly, I say to you,

unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

http://jesus-christ-spiritual-food.blogspot.com/

Bill Wiesbrock https://www.facebook.com/bill.wiesbrock?ref=tn_tnmn

The Lighthouse Full Gospel Church

Sinners Prayer; Pray this, and if you believe it with your heart, Jesus will save you!

“Lord Jesus I know I am a sinner.  I confess my sins to you; I am sorry for my sins; I repent (Meaning, desiring to turn from a sinful lifestyle.) of all my sins, and I am asking for your forgiveness.  I believe that only you can forgive sin.  I commit my life to you and ask you to come into my heart, direct, and take charge of my life.  I believe that you died to set me free from my sinful lifestyle and you rose from the dead to give me eternal life, and right now you are seated at the Right Hand of God Almighty. I believe you are the Son of God; the only Way, the only Truth, the only Life, and my Savior.”  I believe this and have faith you will make a new person out of me, by sending the Holy Spirit to dwell in my heart and lead me in a new life. In Jesus name I pray Amen.” 

(John 3:16,17; Romans 3:23; 6:23; 5:8; 10:9-13; Ephesians 2:8-10; 1 John 5:11-14; 1:6-10) (Sin: Rom. 1:22-32; Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:3-7)

10-28-2015 Vol. 12 Part 1 The Book of II Peter (II Peter 1:1-4)

To Print Out The Lesson Click On The Title Below.

10-28-2015Vol. 12 Part 1 The Book of II Peter 

Proverbs 9:1-9

1  Wisdom has built her house, She has hewn out her seven pillars;

2  She has slaughtered her meat, She has mixed her wine, She has also furnished her table.

3  She has sent out her maidens, She cries out from the highest places of the city,

4  "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!" As for him who lacks understanding, she says to him,

5  "Come, eat of my bread And drink of the wine I have mixed.

6  Forsake foolishness and live, And go in the way of understanding.

7  "He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself, And he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself.

8  Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.

9  Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

Father God, bless us and guide us in all that we do. We ask that the Holy Spirit opens our heart and mind to fully comprehend Your Word. In Jesus name we pray, Amen!

Book of II Peter 1:1-4 NKJV

This introduction for the second Epistle of Peter is taken from JSM.

It is believed that Peter wrote this Second Epistle sometime between A.D. 61 and A.D. 65. In fact, some think that he may have written it as late as A.D. 67. But there is no concrete proof either way, only hints here and there.

All that appears on that subject from the Epistle itself is that at the time of its writing the Author was expecting soon to die. “Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ has showed me” (II Peter 1:14).

What evidence he had that he was soon to die he has not informed us; nor is it known even what he meant precisely by the word “shortly.” The Greek word is indeed one that would imply that the event was expected not to be far off; the Savior (John 21:18) did not state to Peter when his death would occur, except that it would be when he should be “old”; and the probability is that the fact that he was growing old was the only hint that he had that this time was drawing near.

THE PLACE FROM WHERE THE EPISTLE WAS WRITTEN, AND TO WHOM

Some think this Epistle was written from Babylon exactly as was his first Epistle; however, it is not really known as to the place of its origination.

Actually, that is not too very much important, with those to whom it was written being of greater significance.

On this subject there is no room for doubt. In II Peter 3:1, Peter says: “This Second Epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance.” This Epistle was written, therefore, to the same persons as the former. It was addressed to persons who resided in Asia Minor, and in both they are regarded as in the midst of trials.

THE PURPOSE FOR THE EPISTLE

This Epistle appears to have been written, not so much in view of persecutions and bodily sufferings, as was the first, as in view of the fact that there were teachers of error among them, the tendency of whose doctrine was to turn them away from the Gospel. To those teachers of error, and to the dangers to which Believers were exposed on that account, there is no allusion in the First Epistle, and it would seem not to be improbable that Peter had been informed that there were such teachers among them after he had written and dispatched the first Letter.

Christians must beware of false teachers (II Peter 2:1–22) who deny the soon return of the Lord, and as well, who live immoral and greedy lives (II Peter 3:3–4). These teachers are clever and claim Scriptural support from Paul’s Epistles for their views of liberty, but they pervert the Letters and are headed for damnation (II Peter 3:15–16). The Church, as Peter writes, is to be alert to error, thereby, growing in Grace and the knowledge of the Lord (II Peter 3:17–18).

If it is to be noticed, Paul addressed his last Letter (II Timothy) to this very problem. In other words, it was corrective, even as this Second Epistle written by Peter is corrective. In Peter’s First Epistle, we hear the voice of the Teacher. In this Second Epistle it is rather the Apostle who speaks. Consequently, the theme of this Letter is “Faithfulness in a Day of Apostasy.”

It is ironical that the things which Paul warned us about, and the things which Peter addresses as well concerning apostasy in the last days, are now taking place in the modern Church.

APOSTASY

For the Holy Spirit to emphasize this subject, and especially to do it as forcefully as He has, actually taking up a large part of this Epistle, characterizes the teachers of error, in showing that they would certainly come to a destructive end, and as well, he states the true Doctrine in opposition to what they held.

It is evident that Peter supposed that the danger to which Christians in Asia Minor were exposed by these errors, was not less than that to which they were exposed from persecution, and that it was of as much importance to guard them from those errors as it was to sustain them in their trials.

These false teachers adopted a pompous mode of teaching, distinguished for sound (meaning a lot of words) rather than for sense, and proclaimed themselves to be the special friends of the liberal views, and of a liberal Christianity. They were like “wells without water”; “clouds that were carried about with a tempest”; they spoke “great swelling words of vanity,” and they promised “liberty” to those who would embrace their views, or freedom from the restraints of bigotry and of a narrow and gloomy Salvation. In fact, such an appeal is usually made by the advocates of error.

As well, they denied the Doctrines which the Apostles had stated respecting the end of this age. The argument on which they based this denial was the fact that all things continued unchanged as they had been from the beginning, and that it might be inferred from this that the world would be stable. They saw no change in the laws of nature; they saw no indications that the world’s system was drawing to a close, and they inferred that laws so stable and settled as those which existed in nature would continue to operate, and that the changes predicted by the Apostles were impossible.

A large part of the Epistle is occupied in meeting these errors, and in so portraying the characters of their advocates as to show what degree of reliance was to be placed on their preaching.

Even though this Epistle is characterized by the same earnest and tender manner as the first, still, the Apostle in the last two Chapters did not fail to meet these great and dangerous errors, and the style of rebuke was appropriate to the occasion.

He felt that he himself was soon to die, and, in the prospect of death, his own mind was peculiarly impressed with the solemnity and importance of coming events. He believed that the errors which were broached tended to sap the very foundations of the Christian faith, and his whole soul is roused to meet and counteract them.

The occasion required that he should state in a solemn manner what was the truth in regard to the Second Advent of the Lord Jesus; what great changes were to occur; what the Christian might look for; and his soul kindles with the sublime theme, and he describes in glowing imagery, and in impassioned language, the end of all things, and exhorts them to live as those who were looking forward to so important events.

The practical effect of the whole Epistle is to make the mind intensely solemn, and to put it into a position of waiting for the Coming of the Lord.

1  Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:

Simon Peter; The name is written either “Simon” or “Simeon” (Σίμων  Simōn or Συμεών  Sumeōn). Either word means “hearing” and perhaps like other names was at one time significant. The first epistle 1Peter 1:1 begins simply, “Peter, an apostle.” The name Simon, however, was his proper name, and “Peter,” or “Cephas,” was added by Jesus, John 1:42; Matthew 16:18.

A bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ; In 1 Peter 1:1 Peter only uses the term Apostle, but here he also adds, “bondservant”. Paul also used this term in his opening of Romans and Philippians. bondservant signifying he was a servant of Jesus; a slave to the Gospel; a prisoner of the Gospel.

To those who have obtained like precious faith with us; This phrase is referring to all that are Born Again and share the same faith in Jesus Christ and believe and understand why Jesus had to go to the Cross in our place. Peter is referring to his fellow Jewish believers when he states, “with us”.

By the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ; What this is stating is that salvation through Jesus Christ was made possible by God. It was His plan for us so that we could/can be saved through a Spiritual Birth and join Him in Heaven when we die. It is made possible via the sinless nature that Jesus had, and that He avoided all temptation resulting in the perfect holy sacrifice for redemption of mans sinful nature.

2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord,

With this verse Peter is telling us that by studying the Word of God and through prayer, grace and peace will be given to us more abundantly by God. The more knowledge we gain through study and prayer, the more blessings we receive. Many believers want an abundance of God's grace and peace, but they are unwilling to put forth the effort to get to know him better through Bible study and prayer. To enjoy the privileges God offers us freely, we must grow in our knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord. Just as an athlete is committed to practicing daily to get better, a Christian also has to be committed to studying God’s Word daily to gain knowledge and enhance their relationship with God. This knowledge also comes through the Sanctification process when one accepts Jesus as their Saviour.

3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,

As His divine power has given to us all things; All the effects of the gospel on the human heart are in the Scriptures, traced to the power of God. There are no moral means which have ever been used that have such power as the gospel; none through which God has done so much in changing the character and affecting the destiny of man. This divine power comes to us when we repent of our sinful lifestyle and accept Jesus as our Saviour to rule and reign our lives going forward in this life here on earth.

That pertain to life and godliness; This phrase is telling us that Jesus will give us everything we need that pertains to life, here and now and for eternity. It is through the Cross that this is possible. The power to lead a godly life comes from God, because we don't have the resources to be truly godly. God allows us to "share His divine nature" in order to keep us from sin and help to us live for Him. When we are Born Again, God, by His Spirit empowers us with His own goodness. John 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. John 14:17-23; 2Corintians 5:21; 1Peter 1:22-23

Through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue; What this phrase is telling us is that the knowledge we gain by the acts of the Cross, we are called to Christ. If we accept this calling, meaning Jesus, it will provide “glory and virtue”. It is by a glorious Divine effectiveness” that we are called into the kingdom of God.

4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

By which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises; This promise Peter speaks of here is Salvation. It is all explained in the Word of God. Not only is Salvation explained in the Bible, but the free gift of Grace along with solutions for all of life’s problems are in the Bible, Jesus is the answer for all things.

That through these you may be partakers of the divine nature; This exceedingly great and precious promise of Salvation is implanted in the inner being of every Born Again individual when they turn from living a life of lust to please themselves. This gift of Grace is the source of a new life and actions.

Having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust; Every person is born a sinner and when a person repents of their sinning lifestyle and starts living for the Kingdom of God, the chains of corruption are broken and a new lifestyle begins. No longer does the individual want to live for the desires of the world. All of a sudden they are content with what God provides; their goals in life change; they want to serve our Lord; our old nature dies. Romans 6:6  knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. Galatians 2:20, Galatians 5:24, Galatians 6:14; Ephesians 4:22; Colossians 3:5, Colossians 3:9-10  Romans 7:24, Romans 8:3, Romans 8:13; Colossians 2:11-12  Romans 6:12, Romans 6:22, Romans 7:25, Romans 8:4

I’m going to stop here because the next few verses deal with, “Growing In Grace. We will pick up with verse five next week.

Colossians 1:16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth,

visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers.

All things were created through Him and for Him.

Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, Most assuredly, I say to you,

unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

http://jesus-christ-spiritual-food.blogspot.com/

Bill Wiesbrock https://www.facebook.com/bill.wiesbrock?ref=tn_tnmn

The Lighthouse Full Gospel Church

Sinners Prayer; Pray this, and if you believe it with your heart, Jesus will save you!

“Lord Jesus I know I am a sinner.  I confess my sins to you; I am sorry for my sins; I repent (Meaning, desiring to turn from a sinful lifestyle.) of all my sins, and I am asking for your forgiveness.  I believe that only you can forgive sin.  I commit my life to you and ask you to come into my heart, direct, and take charge of my life.  I believe that you died to set me free from my sinful lifestyle and you rose from the dead to give me eternal life, and right now you are seated at the Right Hand of God Almighty. I believe you are the Son of God; the only Way, the only Truth, the only Life, and my Savior.”  I believe this and have faith you will make a new person out of me, by sending the Holy Spirit to dwell in my heart and lead me in a new life. In Jesus name I pray Amen.” 

(John 3:16,17; Romans 3:23; 6:23; 5:8; 10:9-13; Ephesians 2:8-10; 1 John 5:11-14; 1:6-10) (Sin: Rom. 1:22-32; Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:3-7)