2 Peter 3:1-18 "The Day of the Lord, Part 3"

Read 2 Peter 3:1-18. 

"... make every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with him." NIV

Earlier in verse 11-12 Peter says to live "holy and godly lives...." Holiness is being "spotless, blameless and at peace with him." It is "being on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men." Holiness is growing "in the grace and knowledge of our Lord...." But how do we do that?

So many try to accomplish holiness by striving for it. They work at banishing all forms of evil from their lives. They shun association with sinners so they will not rub off on them. They put on holy habits. Now some of this may be needed to be done, but holiness is more "being" than "doing." It's being surrendered to the Father's ways rather than my own. It's being less selfish to my own desires that cause temporary comfort and looking to be the person God designed me to be. Holiness is allowing, consciously allowing, the Holy Spirit to work through us. The "doing" part is obedience to that calling - whatever it may be. That's how we choose the right. That's how we guard our hearts from evil. And that's how we grove in grace and knowledge. Surrender. Letting go. Giving up. 

Further Thoughts:

1. You may be resisting the idea of surrender. You want your own way in all things -- control. How's that working for you? Maybe if you try surrender, you will actually find the freedom and joy you've been seeking.
   
2. Compare and contrast "holiness" and "surrender." Support with Scripture.
   
3. Truly think this through. You may disagree with me. Is holiness "doing" or "being?"

1 Peter 1:13-16 "Mind Preparation"

Read 1 Peter 1:13-16.

"Therefore, prepare your minds for action...." NIV

Well, there's a "therefore." Peter has just been reminding the scattered Christians about the salvation they have been given through Jesus Christ through His mercy into a living hope. Now he is saying, since you know the gift you have been given and the future in store for you, this is how you are to live. It doesn't say go get your house cleaned. Nor go earn some more money. There's nothing about upgrading your computer, car, or buying the latest video game. It doesn't even say you'd better take a vacation first. They are told to prepare their minds for action. Why the mind?

The choice to follow Jesus Christ is a conscious decision. God gave us free will to choose Him over evil. In the same way, following evil is a choice. Choices come from a mental decision to move in one direction or another. So if we have chosen to follow Jesus Christ and receive the hope He gives as our Savior, then we must be prepared to choose to walk in obedience to Him as Lord, as well.

Peter first talks about being self-controlled. How are we self-controlled with our minds? We know there are positive things we can fill our minds with and negative ones. The negative things fall under the "evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance." Choosing activities that promote falling under temptation to our old way of life would be the things we should avoid. Subjecting our minds to raunchy TV or movies, listening to certain types of music, reading trashy literature, or even involved in gossip in the workplace can all open our minds to areas where the enemy can lure us back into our old ways. As an athlete prepares their body for a race, our minds must be prepared for the battle the great tempter will wage against us.

So we "set our hope fully on the grace" and live "holy lives in all we do." The word "holy" comes from the Greek word, Hagios, which means "most holy thing, a saint." Verse eighteen tells us what holiness is -- being obedient, not conforming to evil desires. Anything that is in opposition to God's laws and ways is disobedience. It may come in the form of an action or an inaction. But either way, we must prepare our minds. Actively choose to guard the part of us that could be tempted to stray from the path and example of Jesus Christ and move us back into our old ways of disobedience. Choosing holiness is not bondage as some may view it, but freedom to be who God created me to be in the fullest sense. I am His child and walking His path.

Lord, if there is anything that I am doing or not doing that is weakening my mind, reveal it to me. I want to live a self-controlled, holy life for Your honor and glory.

Further Thoughts:

1. Read Numbers 15:37-41. God is instructing Moses to have the people put tassels on their garments to remind them to obey. Right now I am wearing a blue tasseled bracelet on my arm for a Bible study I am in to remind me to be obedient. What visual reminder do you have to remain holy through obedience to the Lord's commands?
2. Look up the word holy in the dictionary. Find Scriptures with the word holy.
3. Does holy leaving mean living a perfect life? Why or why not?
4. Can you have holy actions and not have a holy heart? Explain and support with Scripture.
5. What should the impetus for holy living be? What does holy living look like? What does it not look like?
6. Can it be taught to our children? How? Is it possible to teach holy living without actually living it?

James 1:21-27 "Living the Word"

Read James 1:21-27.

"Therefore,...." NIV

Okay, here is that time where we see "therefore" and need to ask, What is it "there for?" God has just instructed us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry because anger does not lead us into a righteous life. So how do we please God with our life? What are we to do?

First, we make a choice to put off moral filth and evil. You may say, "but I'm not morally filthy or evil." Are you? Have you examined your life lately and matched it up to the standards of God? His Word is our moral compass; His life our example. We will never be able to match it exactly, but are we even close? The enemy of lies is cunning and slick. He leads us into areas of compromise that we would initially say we would never enter. But because we go there inch by inch instead of mile by mile, we don't seem to notice the subtle changes we are allowing into our life until it is too late and we are fully enmeshed in a habit, relationship, or philosophy that is contrary to the Word of God. Take inventory -- how's your house looking?

We should regularly take a hard look at our life and see if we have let any compromise creep in. But the rest of this passage gives us a way to avoid desiring the things of this world. James tells us to live out the Word that has been placed in us. That can have two meanings....Jesus is the Word and the written Word of God. Once we have received Jesus into our hearts, our desire is to live for Him, right? Well, that's the goal. But with the bombardment of the enemy's temptations to indulge self, we must diligently be on our guard against slipping into old habits and desires. Our focus should be on His Word. Learn who Jesus is so you can live as He lived. Study His Word and life. Hide His words in your heart. Then emulate His actions. That's why James says that you cannot merely read the Word, you must live it. Study and sermons are all good, but they are only a means to an end. The goal is to live as Christ lived. That is the truly righteous life that God desires. Put feet to His Word.

Further Thoughts:

1. Have you been only studying and not living out His Word? What is He calling you to do? We are to live out the Word in the big things and the little things of our life. Make a list of where you need to do better in living the Word.
2. Read James 2:20. (KJV) Search for other passages where we are told that we must live the righteous life beyond just faith. Search "works," "deeds," "actions."

James 1:13-18 "Two Births"

Read James 1:13-18.

"Every good and perfect gift...." NIV

I am struck with the two "births" contrasted in this passage. First is a birth spawned by the sinful nature. The enemy plays to our sinful nature by tempting us in any area that will drive us farther from the Father. And if we yield to the desires he is tempting us with, we plant a seed in our spirit. We nurture those desires with thoughts, plans, and dreams of acting them out. And if we allow those thoughts to grow within us, we will succumb to the temptation and sin is born. Embracing that sin will only lead to our spiritual death because we have chosen a path separate from Christ.

But we have a Father who loves us and did not leave us to the wiles of the enemy. The father of lies will continually drag us from one temptation to another. But the Father of Mankind is a constant in our life. He never changes; He is the same yesterday, today and forever. The Almighty does not want to lead us to death, but to eternal life if we will only follow His direction and embrace His love and gift. He does not tempt us to give birth to sin, but He gives us birth through the word of truth -- His Son Jesus Christ. He have been given a life choice not filled with lies, uncertainty and sin, but one full of hope, direction, and truth.

We have been given a heritage through the scattered Christians of James day -- one of perseverance and tenacity. They were not swayed by temporal temptations that shift with the wind. They chose what appeared to be a harder path, but one that ends in rewards beyond any human imagination. The scattered tribes were displaced, but only temporarily. They were bound for a unified home -- with the Father -- and nothing would stop them from reaching their goal. Mere inconveniences were just small obstacles compared to the hope of heaven and eternity with Christ.

Each day as we take up our cross to follow Him, we are also choosing which birth to embrace -- one to sin or to life. I choose to accept the birth of life through the Word of Truth.

Further Thoughts:

1. Research "holiness." What does it mean? Why are we called to it? How do we achieve holiness?
2. Compare and contrast the Hebrew children's journey from Egypt to our individual spiritual journey. What "births" do you note in each? How do we break the cycle? Can it be broken?
3. What obstacles or temptations are you facing that would pull you away from following the Almighty? Why are you entertaining those thoughts? What do you need to do to get your direction back on the right path?
4. Why is resisting temptation so difficult? Are there major changes you need to make in your life to avoid those temptations? Make them.

Matthew 11:20-24 "Warning: Remain Unstoppable"

Read Matthew 11:20-24.

"But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you." NIV

This is a little discussed passage that I believe has an important message for us today. Jesus is actually cursing these towns for their unbelief. Why them?

Bethsaida, Korzin and Capernaum make up the "orthodox triangle," a concentrated area of devout Jews. It was in this region that Jesus spent a great deal of time during His ministry and performed many miracles.

Korazin housed a Jewish temple and a piece called "Moses' seat." Jesus refers to this in Matthew 23:1-3 when He is condemning the religious leaders for their hypocrisy. Near Korazin is where it's believed that Jesus gave His Sermon on the Mount.

Bethsaida was the seat of the monarchy and had a cult temple to Julia. Miracles in and near Bethsaida were the feeding of the 5000 and the healing of a blind man.

Capernaum was Jesus' hometown during his ministry years. It was also the home of several of the disciples, including Peter's large home where scholars believe the miracle of the healing of the paralytic lowered through the roof occurred. Jesus also healed the demoniac, the centurion's servant, and gave the sermon on the bread of life in the synagogue.

Although Jesus did travel outside of this region, these three cities form the heart of his ministry. And yet they are the ones that He rebukes as unbelieving.

I can't help but make comparisons between these three cities and the United States. We are a powerful nation (Bethsaida) and although we consider ourselves a Christian nation (Capernaum), hypocrisy reigns in many forms and religions. (Korazin) We have been blessed for over 200 years with a freedom, unlike many other nations, to proclaim the name of Jesus Christ. His values have dominated our government and society as a whole. But I fear this era is coming to a close. The window is narrowing year by year as we entertain other ideologies and practices. We can no longer rest in the comfort of a Christian belief system, but must fight for our religious rights. Political correctness and tolerance are afforded everyone but the Christians. Will we go down as a nation to the depths (vs 23)? Jesus has just commanded his twelve disciples to go out with courage knowing they will face opposition (Ch. 10). We as believers in the USA in the 21st century must continue to display that same courage. We must be cloaked in the armor of the Lord and fight with courage and resolve. Our numbers are few and we have lost several battles, but the war is not over yet. And we have Christ as our supreme commander -- we know the outcome. But getting through the opposition, pressing forward against compromise, tenaciously resisting the temptation of defeat, we move on.

Our nation as a whole is in trouble, but we mighty few can make a difference for some. We can begin with our own families, then to our neighbors, our city, .... The Great Commission is not squelched because of the depravity of the whole. The holiness and courage of the few will march on in the power of Jesus Christ.

Further Thoughts:

1. There are multiple times that God's people have been outnumbered but prevailed. Read about Moses and the Hebrew children against the Egyptians, Joshua and the battle of Jericho, Gideon and his army of 300. Never underestimate a Mighty God empowering a devout few -- they are unstoppable.
2. Do further research about these 3 cities. Do you see the same comparisons to the USA that I see?
3. We see miracles happening around us all the time, but we simply do not take note. Keep a journal of the miracles you experience in your life and the lives of those around you. When feeling overwhelmed or in doubt, these accounts are what you come back to for strength from God's faithfulness. He has not stopped working in and through our lives. Don't stop being faithful to Him.

Matthew 5:27-30 "Guarded"

Read Matthew 5:27-30.

I may not be the best person to be speaking on this subject and if I see a bunch of people walking around without a hand or eye, I’ll really know that I caused more confusion than clarity. So we’ll begin with a basic understanding that adultery is a sin. Period. The Jews of that time would have understood that law. But now Jesus is saying that even looking at another person lustfully is the same as committing adultery. I know as a woman, I have turned my head to look at a good-looking man. Just to appreciate his beauty, of course. But lust is taking it a step further encompassing yearning or a desire to possess.

Now Jesus views this very seriously – to the point of telling you to rid yourself of the offending part of your body so you will remember to not do it again. I know the area of lust can be problem for women, but it is ten times harder for men. And in a society that dresses skimpily, flaunts sexuality, and rampantly exhibits pornography in movies, print, and the Internet, it is not a wonder that men and women are succumbing to the temptations bombarding them. That’s why when Jim and I do marriage retreats, we talk about the eye- and the ear-gate. God calls us to a life of holiness. If we are going to live as Christ lived and respect and honor our marriages and one another, we will guard our eyes and our ears to the best of our ability. We can’t be playing with fire and not expect to get burnt. This is not a game; it’s not a fantasy. People get hurt and lives are changed forever. Don’t go there!!!

I’ll talk about the covenant of marriage tomorrow. For today, choose to give someone’s daughter or son respect by guarding your mind when you look at another person. It’s a matter of heaven and hell.

Further Thoughts:

1. David experienced major consequences that began with lust. Read David and Bathsheba’s story in 2 Samuel 11.
2. Compare and contrast verses on lust with verses on holiness. What standard does God consistently call us to and what steps do we need to take to achieve it?
3. If you struggle with pornography, get help immediately. It can be an addiction that will destroy you and your personal relationships. There is a reason we are to protect our minds.

Ephesians 4:17-24

"So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.

"You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." NIV

I was reading excerpts from C.S Lewis' book, Mere Christianity, this morning. In it he talks about the "ordinary self." This is the self that has desires, but also recognizes morality and ethics. To resolve this inner battle, we determine how much we are willing to give up of our ordinary self and its desires so we can be "good." That is nothing like what Jesus taught! As Lewis puts it, "Christ says, 'Give me All. I don't want so much of your time and so much of your money and so much of your work: I want You. I have not come to torment your natural self, but to kill it. No half-measures are any good. I don't want to cut off a branch here and a branch there, I want to have the whole tree down. Hand over the whole natural self, all the desires which you think innocent as well as the ones you think wicked -- the whole outfit. I will give you a new self instead. In fact, I will give you Myself: my own will shall become yours.'"

This is exactly what Paul is talking about here. We must completely take off the old self and put on the new self. It's not easy, but it is the better way. One of our pastors at our church gave the illustration this last weekend of his car acting up to the point that he had to jump start it every time he wanted to go anywhere. He would literally park it on an incline so he'd be able to jump start it the next time he was using it. This went on for months. He kept putting off going to a mechanic or figuring out the problem himself. Finally, a friend helped him remove the starter which was the whole problem. Here Pastor Ryan was, standing holding this small hunk of metal, that if he had taken the time to remove and replace it, he would have saved himself a whole lot of trouble and time. In a simplistic form, that is putting off the old self. It takes time; it may be hard and painful, but in the end, it is the easier and better route to go. You save yourself so much heartache by just surrendering it all to Him. We no longer have to live in ignorance, Christ will give us a new way of thinking, new eyes to see with, and a new desire for living -- living His way. Are you tired of jump starting? There is a much better way. Get rid of the old self and surrender to the new life and its desires. Our Lord is waiting patiently.

Further Thoughts:

1. What is the correlation between Christ being not just our Savior, but also our Lord and the idea of putting off the old self for the new? (Hint: What is our motivation to live a life of holiness and who's in charge?)
2. Are you letting sin reign in your life? Read Romans 6:1-14.
3. Surrender! Let God have it all. It's time.

Ephesians 2:11-22

"Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called "uncircumcised" by those who call themselves "the circumcision" (that done in the body by the hands of men) -- remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.

"For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

"Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit." NIV

To totally understand this passage, we have to look back at a little history. God ordained circumcision to establish a covenant between God and Abraham. This covenant separated the Hebrew children from everyone else and marked them as God's chosen people. But now through Jesus Christ, the law that separates Jews from Gentiles is broken. Circumcised or not, we all have citizenship together in Him. "For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit."

Our heritage is now united with the Jews. The Fathers of the faith -- Abraham, Moses, David -- are all our Fathers as well. They are a part of the "foundation" of our faith with Christ as the head.

Now here's the part I really love -- verses 21-22. We all together make up God's holy temple. We are the church and God's Spirit lives within us. I think back to the reverence that the sanctuary in a church held. Some churches still do, but it seems less and less. My church meets in a high school auditorium. While still maintaining respect in that room, there is not the reverence and awe when you walk in that you sense in some church sanctuaries. My point is that it's not a building that I need to be in awe of. It's not stained glass or ornate altars. The church is not made up of flying buttresses and sky-rising steeples. Those are man made places in which to gather. We, the people of God, are His temple, and our awe and amazement should lie in the fact that the Spirit of the Living God resides in me -- guiding, empowering, walking with our feet among those who need to see Him. Lord, help me to never take for granted the sanctuary of my life. I want to live each day in awe that I am Your Temple, Your dwelling place. Use my feet to take your Presence to a hurt and dying world.

Further Thoughts:

1. Why was circumcision established? (See Genesis 17:1-14)
2. What does Moses mean about "circumcising your hearts" in Deuteronomy 10:16? (See also Romans 2:28-29)
3. How is circumcision of the heart related to being the temple of God's Spirit? (support with Scripture)
4. Using a concordance, find other Scriptures that state we are God's temple.
5. How is being God's temple related to holiness? (See Scriptures from #4. Read around the verses you find. i.e. not just 2 Cor. 6:16, but 2 Cor. 6:14-7:1. Also, compare with Scriptures on holiness.)