Peter Writes about Paul and Salvation (2 Peter 3:15-16)

SPIRITUAL DIARY 05-04-04

 

My Worship Time      Focus:  Peter writes about Paul and salvation

 

Bible Reading & Meditation             Reference:  2Peter 3:15-16

 

            Message of the verse:  “15 Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom that God gave him.  16 He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.”  (NIV)  “15 And consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, 16 as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.”  (NKJV)

            Peter seems to be picking up on what he was writing about in verse nine:  “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.”  These two verses (both 9 & 15), do have much in common, for they both speak of salvation and also the patience of God.  Peter has been talking about the end times, which means judgment, while now is the time for salvation. 

            He then moves into writing about Paul, and some of the things that Paul has written about.  Peter says that some of the things that Paul has written about are hard to understand, yet he also writes that Paul’s letters are Scripture.  Peter writes about those who cannot understand the writings of Paul as those who are ignorant and unstable people, and he very well could be referring to those who are false teachers.  These false teachers tear down what Paul has been writing and not only Paul’s writings, but also other Scriptures too.

            Spiritual meaning for my life today:  It is good to be reminded that now is the hour of salvation, for God is not bringing judgment upon the whole world as He will be doing during the tribulation period, but rather it is still the time of harvest. 

 

The Word of God was refreshing to my heart and it was also very challenging to my heart too.

 

My Steps of Faith Today:  To demonstrate brotherly love at home, and try to understand some of the things that Sandy is going through at this time in her life.

 

Memory verses for the week:  Proverbs 3:11-12  & 1Cor. 13:1

 

My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor detest His correction;

For whom the Lord loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights.

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging symbol.