RPG Adults
BE YE STEADFAST
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
2 Peter 3:17-18
Psalm 103:1-13
“…I hope in thy word.”
BE YE STEADFAST
The second epistle of Peter now comes to a close. Sometimes the words against false teachers in the church have been harsh and loud. But there is a reason for this clear denunciation of those who twist the Scripture. The believers must be warned against them. It is important that the church be prepared for these things before they come. To the informed Christian, it should neither seem strange nor shocking that men within the organised church teach things contrary to sound doctrine. Time and time again the Scripture has warned us against this very thing. And as we have seen, such false teachers have actually become powerful in some parts of the church.
No Christian is so strong that continual contact with false teachers will not affect him. So, the warning is again sounded, they shall also “be led away” (Luke 21:24). The clever appeal to human intellect and pride makes these false teachers a danger even to believers. For this reason, we must mark them and keep them away from our fellowship. We must in this way guard ourselves and the flock of God from those who would lead the church from the truth of the Gospel as delivered to the saints of old (2 Tim 1:13-14).
We must, however, do more than just warn and protect the church from false doctrine. We ourselves must grow in the faith, ever learning more of the Holy Scripture (2 Pet 3:18). The entire life of every believer must be lived aggressively for the Lord. When we speak, it should be those things which agree with the proper doctrine (Titus 2:1). We must be students of God’s Word in these final days (2 Tim 2:15). Only then will we be able to defend the faith and build up the saints. Let us remember that the Lord is coming soon and will give a commendation to those who faithfully do these things (Matt 25:21).
THOUGHT: Why must I beware of false teachers?
PRAYER: Father, “the word of the Lord endureth for ever” (1 Pet 1:25). May I treasure it and live according to it.