April 27-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 1:12, So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have.
Observe what it is saying.
Simon Peter had a passion to communicate the truth to Jesus’ followers so they would not forget the Jesus way. Peter understood that human beings have a tendency to forget what is most important. He knew they already knew much of what he was telling them. He knew they were firmly established in the faith. He also knew what he spoke in his first letter that the enemy is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. He knew the tactics of Satan include trying to deceive and confuse us of what is reality. This is why it was so important to remind them over and over again of what is true, good, and right. We can say that we know the truth. We can say we are firmly established in the truth. However, we cannot say we do not need to be reminded. We cannot say we will never fall into sin. We cannot say l know all I need to know. This is why we worship weekly. This is why we meet with our Bible studies and small groups on a regular basis. This is why we spend time praying and reflecting on Scripture each day. What Peter wrote to remind his audience is now included in the very Scriptures that we need to know so we can be reminded of God’s holy way.
Relate it to your life.
Because I can forget the way of Jesus, I will remind myself often by spending time with Him in His word.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, I do not want to forget what I already know. I, also, admit there is much more for me to learn. Give me discipline and perseverance to stick with you in daily devotion and weekly worship. Amen.
April 28-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 1:13-15, I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, 14 because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. 15 And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things.
Observe what it is saying.
As the Apostle Paul did, Peter speaks of his body as a tent. The picture comes from those who journeyed in the wilderness on their way to the Promised Land. In the same way, as Christians, we know that our lives are not a permanent home, but a journey where we keep traveling to our eternal destination. In fact, in verse 15, the word “departure” is literally the word exodus. Peter sees his death, not as the end, but as a going out of this world into the Promised Land of eternity. Peter says the Lord has made it clear that His time is coming. Jesus had told him in John 21:18-19 that there would be a day when Peter would be stretched out upon a cross. Evidently that time was about to come. So, Peter said that he will take steps to make sure what he has said will be kept before them, even, when he is gone. In saying this, he may be referring to the Gospel of Mark. The tradition is that this gospel is the preaching material of Peter, which Mark, who had been Peter’s disciple and interpreter, wrote down. So, Peter was passionate in life and death to keep God’s truth before God’s people. Such writings were not meant to preserve his own name, but the beautiful name and work of Jesus.
Relate it to your life.
I trust that God has superintended the work of Scripture though His apostles, so that I can confidently know the truth.
Do something.
Jesus, I will cherish Your word that has been preserved so that I will remember the way home. Amen.
April 29-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 1:16, For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
Observe what it is saying.
Here Peter links himself with the other apostles in certifying that their message is based on their own eyewitness experience of Jesus. Peter denies that they have followed myths or fables about other gods. This word is always used in a negative sense in contrast to the truth of the Gospel. It is likely that the false teachers claimed that the Incarnation, Resurrection, and Second Coming, that the apostles spoke about, were only fabricated stories. These teachers may have been men like Hymenaeus and Philetus, who Paul wrote about saying the "the resurrection had already taken place" (2Ti 2:17-18). Peter's specific concern was the second coming of Jesus. He saw his preaching of the Second Coming based on his eyewitness observation of the transfiguration of Jesus. When Jesus returns, His kingdom will be inaugurated in overwhelming power. The dead will be raised, judgment will be pronounced, and the consummation of all things will occur. "Eyewitness" seems to be a technical term used by the false teachers to describe their own worshipers. Peter used their own vocabulary against them for his message was based on his eyewitness account of the supernatural events that marked the life of Jesus.
Relate it to your life.
I should not be surprised when other religions imitate our Christian faith because the enemy loves to deceive people from the truth.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, do not let me fall prey to the false teachings and deceptions that abound in our world. Amen.
April 30-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 1:17-18, He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” 18 We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.
Observe what it is saying.
Yesterday, Peter said his right to speak what he does is that he was an eyewitness. In today’s verses, we discover specifically what Peter witnessed. He was with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration where he saw the glory of God and heard the voice of God. Peter used this, not the resurrection account, as the foretaste of what is to come in the triumphant glory of Christ’s Second Coming. To confirm the authenticity of his eyewitness account, Peter used the same language from the gospel accounts, “While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!’” (Matthew 17:5) We are then told when they came down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” (v. 9) There was something so special about this intimate heavenly reveal that Peter, James, and John could not say a word until after Jesus resurrected. So, it makes sense that Peter writes about it now in his second letter. As they were overwhelmed on the mountain with God’s glory that descended upon Jesus, so Peter wants to make it known what the world will see when Jesus descends from the heavenly glory in His Second Coming. As he will continue to do, Peter calls his readers into a living belief that Christ will return!
Relate it to your life.
As a Christian, I have the hope and firm conviction that Christ will return to make all things good again.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, help me to live as though You are coming back today. Amen.
May 1-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 1:19, We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
Observe what it is saying.
Peter’s says his message rests on two solid foundations: (1) the voice from God at the Transfiguration (vv. 16–18) and (2) the enduring testimony of Scripture (vv. 19–21). Not only does the eyewitness testimony of the apostles support the truth of the gospel, so do the Old Testament Scriptures. What the apostles witnessed demonstrated the fulfillment of what the Old Testament promised. Therefore, believers should pay close attention to the Scriptures, which Peter describes with two metaphors. The first metaphor is a light shining in a dark place. This “dark place” means “murky.” Human history began in a lovely garden, but that garden has become a murky swamp. When we look at the dark world system, we find it is an indication of the spiritual condition of our own hearts. We are not left without hope but have God’s light, the Word of God, Jesus Himself, shining so that we can find our way and be redeemed. Living in a world of darkness requires fixing our gaze on the light of God’s truth. The second metaphor is the morning star in which the imagery originally comes from Numbers 24:14–17, where Balaam prophesied that in the latter days a star would come out of Jacob to defeat the enemies of God. It is clearly fulfilled in Revelation 22:16, “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.” As a result, we should fix our hope on the return of Christ, who will exercise the full dominion that is rightfully His.
Relate it to your life.
My hope is sure because the light of God’s revelation has come by prophecy and eyewitness account.
Do something.
Lord, thank You for giving us Your light that brings to life my darkened heart. Amen.
May 2-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 1:20-21, Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
Observe what it is saying.
After Peter told us that we have the Old Testament prophets’ prediction as evidence that Jesus will come again, he gives us the nature of that prophecy. For a prophecy to be included in the canon of Scripture, it cannot be of human origin. It is not possible for mankind to know and understand the plans of God with their own insight. Every true prophecy does not begin with the human will but spoke God’s truth through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit at work in their lives. God chose humans to communicate His eternal word to His world. The Apostle Paul says it this way, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) We can trust Scripture because it comes from the very breath of God. We also need to study Scripture so we understand its eternal message that still applies to our lives today. We must obey God’s holy word so that we can be found doing God’s holy will. It is through the Bible God equips us to know and do the good works He has called each of us to do.
Relate it to your life.
I can trust Scripture because it was communicated directly by the Holy Spirit to human authors.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, change my life by the same word and Spirit who delivered God’s word to mankind. Amen.
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 1:12, So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have.
Observe what it is saying.
Simon Peter had a passion to communicate the truth to Jesus’ followers so they would not forget the Jesus way. Peter understood that human beings have a tendency to forget what is most important. He knew they already knew much of what he was telling them. He knew they were firmly established in the faith. He also knew what he spoke in his first letter that the enemy is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. He knew the tactics of Satan include trying to deceive and confuse us of what is reality. This is why it was so important to remind them over and over again of what is true, good, and right. We can say that we know the truth. We can say we are firmly established in the truth. However, we cannot say we do not need to be reminded. We cannot say we will never fall into sin. We cannot say l know all I need to know. This is why we worship weekly. This is why we meet with our Bible studies and small groups on a regular basis. This is why we spend time praying and reflecting on Scripture each day. What Peter wrote to remind his audience is now included in the very Scriptures that we need to know so we can be reminded of God’s holy way.
Relate it to your life.
Because I can forget the way of Jesus, I will remind myself often by spending time with Him in His word.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, I do not want to forget what I already know. I, also, admit there is much more for me to learn. Give me discipline and perseverance to stick with you in daily devotion and weekly worship. Amen.
April 28-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 1:13-15, I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, 14 because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. 15 And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things.
Observe what it is saying.
As the Apostle Paul did, Peter speaks of his body as a tent. The picture comes from those who journeyed in the wilderness on their way to the Promised Land. In the same way, as Christians, we know that our lives are not a permanent home, but a journey where we keep traveling to our eternal destination. In fact, in verse 15, the word “departure” is literally the word exodus. Peter sees his death, not as the end, but as a going out of this world into the Promised Land of eternity. Peter says the Lord has made it clear that His time is coming. Jesus had told him in John 21:18-19 that there would be a day when Peter would be stretched out upon a cross. Evidently that time was about to come. So, Peter said that he will take steps to make sure what he has said will be kept before them, even, when he is gone. In saying this, he may be referring to the Gospel of Mark. The tradition is that this gospel is the preaching material of Peter, which Mark, who had been Peter’s disciple and interpreter, wrote down. So, Peter was passionate in life and death to keep God’s truth before God’s people. Such writings were not meant to preserve his own name, but the beautiful name and work of Jesus.
Relate it to your life.
I trust that God has superintended the work of Scripture though His apostles, so that I can confidently know the truth.
Do something.
Jesus, I will cherish Your word that has been preserved so that I will remember the way home. Amen.
April 29-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 1:16, For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
Observe what it is saying.
Here Peter links himself with the other apostles in certifying that their message is based on their own eyewitness experience of Jesus. Peter denies that they have followed myths or fables about other gods. This word is always used in a negative sense in contrast to the truth of the Gospel. It is likely that the false teachers claimed that the Incarnation, Resurrection, and Second Coming, that the apostles spoke about, were only fabricated stories. These teachers may have been men like Hymenaeus and Philetus, who Paul wrote about saying the "the resurrection had already taken place" (2Ti 2:17-18). Peter's specific concern was the second coming of Jesus. He saw his preaching of the Second Coming based on his eyewitness observation of the transfiguration of Jesus. When Jesus returns, His kingdom will be inaugurated in overwhelming power. The dead will be raised, judgment will be pronounced, and the consummation of all things will occur. "Eyewitness" seems to be a technical term used by the false teachers to describe their own worshipers. Peter used their own vocabulary against them for his message was based on his eyewitness account of the supernatural events that marked the life of Jesus.
Relate it to your life.
I should not be surprised when other religions imitate our Christian faith because the enemy loves to deceive people from the truth.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, do not let me fall prey to the false teachings and deceptions that abound in our world. Amen.
April 30-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 1:17-18, He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” 18 We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.
Observe what it is saying.
Yesterday, Peter said his right to speak what he does is that he was an eyewitness. In today’s verses, we discover specifically what Peter witnessed. He was with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration where he saw the glory of God and heard the voice of God. Peter used this, not the resurrection account, as the foretaste of what is to come in the triumphant glory of Christ’s Second Coming. To confirm the authenticity of his eyewitness account, Peter used the same language from the gospel accounts, “While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!’” (Matthew 17:5) We are then told when they came down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” (v. 9) There was something so special about this intimate heavenly reveal that Peter, James, and John could not say a word until after Jesus resurrected. So, it makes sense that Peter writes about it now in his second letter. As they were overwhelmed on the mountain with God’s glory that descended upon Jesus, so Peter wants to make it known what the world will see when Jesus descends from the heavenly glory in His Second Coming. As he will continue to do, Peter calls his readers into a living belief that Christ will return!
Relate it to your life.
As a Christian, I have the hope and firm conviction that Christ will return to make all things good again.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, help me to live as though You are coming back today. Amen.
May 1-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 1:19, We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
Observe what it is saying.
Peter’s says his message rests on two solid foundations: (1) the voice from God at the Transfiguration (vv. 16–18) and (2) the enduring testimony of Scripture (vv. 19–21). Not only does the eyewitness testimony of the apostles support the truth of the gospel, so do the Old Testament Scriptures. What the apostles witnessed demonstrated the fulfillment of what the Old Testament promised. Therefore, believers should pay close attention to the Scriptures, which Peter describes with two metaphors. The first metaphor is a light shining in a dark place. This “dark place” means “murky.” Human history began in a lovely garden, but that garden has become a murky swamp. When we look at the dark world system, we find it is an indication of the spiritual condition of our own hearts. We are not left without hope but have God’s light, the Word of God, Jesus Himself, shining so that we can find our way and be redeemed. Living in a world of darkness requires fixing our gaze on the light of God’s truth. The second metaphor is the morning star in which the imagery originally comes from Numbers 24:14–17, where Balaam prophesied that in the latter days a star would come out of Jacob to defeat the enemies of God. It is clearly fulfilled in Revelation 22:16, “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.” As a result, we should fix our hope on the return of Christ, who will exercise the full dominion that is rightfully His.
Relate it to your life.
My hope is sure because the light of God’s revelation has come by prophecy and eyewitness account.
Do something.
Lord, thank You for giving us Your light that brings to life my darkened heart. Amen.
May 2-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 1:20-21, Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
Observe what it is saying.
After Peter told us that we have the Old Testament prophets’ prediction as evidence that Jesus will come again, he gives us the nature of that prophecy. For a prophecy to be included in the canon of Scripture, it cannot be of human origin. It is not possible for mankind to know and understand the plans of God with their own insight. Every true prophecy does not begin with the human will but spoke God’s truth through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit at work in their lives. God chose humans to communicate His eternal word to His world. The Apostle Paul says it this way, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) We can trust Scripture because it comes from the very breath of God. We also need to study Scripture so we understand its eternal message that still applies to our lives today. We must obey God’s holy word so that we can be found doing God’s holy will. It is through the Bible God equips us to know and do the good works He has called each of us to do.
Relate it to your life.
I can trust Scripture because it was communicated directly by the Holy Spirit to human authors.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, change my life by the same word and Spirit who delivered God’s word to mankind. Amen.
Posted in Daily Devotionals