Next week we conclude Peter’s Story and the Events of his life. Today, we take a brief interlude from his life to hear him in his letters and get “in the trench” encouragement! The proof is in the pudding!
A man with ‘talk’ and no walk is bluster – just hot air. A man with a walk earns respect and a man with both walk and talk earns respect and frankly, is rare! Peter is of the rare kind – and worth listening to. His letters are short and full of power He reminds me of a legendary coach or battle-scarred Captain. You hang onto every word because instinct says your life may well depend on it.
Remember, Peter is a man of the earth – a fisherman by trade. But now, he’s not telling fish stories; Instead from experience he is talking eternal things. Things that matter — life issues: love, trials, suffering and Jesus’ return. His hearers are eager to hear. They want to know suffering has a reward. They need assurance they are not running in vain and there is a purpose behind it all.
And who better than Peter to provide an example of “in the trench” encouragement? Peter is ‘Exhibit A.’ Cowardice turned into a Billboard of bravery.
In his first brief letter of 1 Peter, he lays the foundation for WHY Christ followers are to step up; there he outlines some of the actual arenas in which believers face battlegrounds stepping up! It is not easy, but it is possible! And the key? 1 Pet 3:15 “But in your hearts (affections) set apart Christ as Lord.”
Reading 2 Peter, it feels like an end-game 2 minute warning. In 3 short chapters Peter challenges his hearers at least 7 times to ‘step up’ and NOT LOSE OUT! Did you know you can relinquish everything – every reward — by giving up as Peter was so close to doing himself (as we saw last week)! Do you know some fellow pilgrims or loved ones needing encouragement right now?
Thus he reminds us all of the ‘Day of the Lord’ ahead. He encourages us to STEP UP and using the strongest language possible tells us to put energy into our walk of faith. Listen:
2 Pet 1:5-8 ”For this reason make every effort to ADD to your faith goodness…”
2 Pet 1:10 “Therefore, brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure…”
2 Pet 2:4-7 For if God did not spare angels when they sinned…if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood…if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah…”
2 Pet 2:20 “If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing [Jesus] and are again entangled and overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning.”
2 Pet 3:10 ”But the day of the Lord will come like a thief.”
2 Pet 3:11 “Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God…”
2 Pet 3:14 “…make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with Him.”
2 Pet 3:17,18 “…be on your guard…grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Next week: #6 (final) in the Series, see what made Peter, Peter. Following his trial of faith, see how Peter’s walk became stronger than ever…Faith Like a Rock. iOi
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Could it be God is calling you to STEP UP into something new as we approach a new year? Is this a frightening thought? An exciting thought? Maybe both?
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