2 Peter 3:14-18; Psalm 12

2 Peter 3:14-18
Peter has been warning about false teachers and reminding us that the Lord Jesus could return at any time. While we are waiting, we are to "make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight." v. 14 If we see or hear about religious people practicing hateful or violent behavior, we know such actions don't come from the one true God!

"And remember, our Lord's patience gives people time to be saved." v. 15 What a lovely thought! God's love is so generous that He doesn't want anyone to be lost! Paul's writing taught the same things. Notice that Peter places Paul's writing on the same level as "other parts of Scripture." All of scripture is indeed inspired by God. We can trust it completely, but we should be careful not to twist its meaning. As believers, the Holy Spirit is our guide in properly understanding the scriptures. I like what Alistair Begg says about understanding the Word. "Make the main thing the plain thing and the plain thing the main thing." In other words don't get too hung up on minor or obscure details. If we are serious students of the Word, we can understand the plain things and the main things!

And then Peter gives a final warning to be on guard against false teachers. Apparently, this has been a danger since New Testament times. "Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen." vv 17-18

Psalm 12
Sometimes it seems as if believers are disappearing--becoming fewer and fewer, while the wicked and the liars seems to prosper. I was reminded by a friend last night in church about the many, many Christian believers who are dying for their faith in Syria, Iraq, and other places. This is a terrible violation of human rights and God's law. We need to pray earnestly for them, not forgetting that the Lord sees it all. "'I have seen violence done to the helpless, and I have heard the groans of the poor. Now I will rise up to rescue them, as they have longed for me to do.' The Lord's promises are pure, like silver refined in a furnace, purified seven times over." We should pray for the Lord's strength and protection, especially when "evil is praised throughout the land." v. 8