BELOVED

2 Peter 3:1-3

1Thes second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: 2 That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: 3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,

Beloved, Peter is writing to those he loves to remind them of words spoken not only by the apostles but also by prophets of the Old Testament. Be mindful, on guard. Remember the doctrine of the ancient prophets and the commandments/instructions of the apostles are all founded on the same basis.

Jude 1:14-15-Enoch

Psalms 1:1-David

Daniel 12:1-3

Libertinism the practices or habits of life; disregard of authority or convention in sexual or religious matters.

Also

· (n.) Licentious conduct; debauchery; lewdness.

· (n.) Licentiousness of principle or opinion.

· (n.) The state of a libertine or freedman.

Is this in fact the idea of liberty? Walking after their own desires, scoffers will come first. Trusting in what can be seen, in contrast with trusting in the Word, walking after their own lusts.

The apostles being now in the church proved how clearly they were known to God and in being so showed the believers the necessity of having no connection with such as these [scoffers].

The true source of all infidelity is following after our own lusts. The Gospel of Jesus, which is the fulfillment of the Old Testament, is pure and holy and requires a holy heart and a holy life.

Scoffers labour to prove that is not true, wanting to persuade themselves and others that it is a forgery. They endeavor to turn regilion into ridicule. In mockery, this is their spirit and temper; they do not desire to find out the truth. They only take up the Bible with the purpose of turning it to ridicule. This is done many times by adding to or taking away from the Word of God.

Peter is telling them what they have already heard, that false teachers have already disrupted other Chrsitian groups. They have done this with anit-authority, no respect, and teaching self-gratification. They deny God and shame His church; they give false hope, and freedom from restraint.

We can easily look around us and see this happening today. There are many churches whose goal is to make one comfortable, easy and convenient.

One local church has seen a big drop in attendance. The Pastor is a wonderful teacher, who brings the Word of God to life. He was attracting many young people, the church growing daily. The Pastor did not change, he taught and still teaches the Truth. As he saw all these young unmarried couples living openly in sin, he did the right thing and told them it was wrong. He calls a sin a sin. Many did not want to hear that, they were comfortable, did not want to change, they left his church. I am sure that they will find a place that will welcome them as they are, and be happy to let them remain that way.

Proverbs 27:5 Open rebuke is better then love concealed.

Scoffers changing words to make themselves happy; telling the truth might hurt but living a lie will surely bring you death!

Is the teaching of Peter any less important today then it was then? Of course not, what was true then is very much true today, right now.

Thought to ponder—as Christians/Believers we can go to the Lord and repent. Is there something in your life that you are comfortable with that is not acceptable to the Lord? Make it a point to start cleaning yourself up to be presentable as Holy and Righteous and as Acceptable before the Lord.

God Bless

rECj/LJG