RPG Adults
TWISTING THE SCRIPTURE
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
2 Peter 3:15-16
Psalm 101
“My soul fainteth
for thy salvation…”
TWISTING THE SCRIPTURE
False teachers have claimed that the delay of the Lord’s return proves it to be an empty promise. But Peter repeated the message that God’s longsuffering towards sinners is the reason for the delay in the Lord’s return. Paul also spoke of God’s mercy in holding back the consummation of this age to give sinners an opportunity to hear the Gospel (2 Pet 3:15; Rom 2:4).
We notice Peter’s reference to the inspiration of Paul’s writings. What he wrote was not his own wisdom but that which was given to him. The great value placed on the Holy Scripture by men of God is shown here in that Peter was familiar with the details of Paul’s inspired writings.
For believers, the message concerning the Lord’s return is a challenge to live for God. But for those who do not believe, the message is simply a point of ridicule and something to be disproved. Very early in the history of the church false teachers had begun to twist the Scripture. They made many other unfounded attacks by twisting Paul’s inspired writings. Evidently in the area of the Second Coming this same twisting was encountered. Some had taught that the resurrection was already past (2 Tim 2:18). Such false teachers confused those who were weak in their knowledge of the Scripture. Now others had come in and were mocking the very idea of the Second Coming and the resurrection.
For a second time these false teachers are accused of rejecting anything they do not understand (2 Pet 3:16; 2:12). They do not understand that the God of all creation is too great to be completely understood by man (Rom 11:33). They reject the opportunity to come to a knowledge of God by faith. Instead of using Scripture to bring salvation, they misuse it and bring spiritual death to themselves and their followers. Let us, on the other hand, be found dwelling in the truths of God’s Word.
THOUGHT: Why has the Lord not yet returned?
PRAYER: Father, may I be alert to false prophets among Thy people.