DEC 20

2 Peter 1:3
Memorise 2 Peter 1:3
“through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue”

In 1 Peter, the apostle wrote to encourage the suffering Christians. In 2 Peter, he followed up to write about the need to be equipped with the knowledge of God and His Word in order to face the skillful deceivers and false teachers. These enemies of the faith may succeed where fierce persecution failed. Believers both then and now need to have a solid foundation of knowledge of the true teachings of our Lord. This will ensure that Christians will not be easily “carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14). The apostle Peter was concerned to inform and comfort the believers that there are divine provisions that God has given to His people. Indeed God has “given to us all things that pertain unto life and godliness.” This shows that God has already in eternity past intended to show his gracious and loving favour upon His children. Moreover, the word “all things” should be stressed as it speaks of how complete God’s provisions are. There is absolutely nothing that God cannot do for us, if we walk according to His will. It is the “knowledge of him” that will lead a child of God to growth and maturity. It is not experience or even feelings. The infallible, inerrant and fully preserved Word of God is the faithful believer’s only reliable and acceptable rule of life and faith. The ancient Gnostic error held to a body of secret verbal knowledge that only the inner circle knew. The modern New Age movement is a rehash of their teachings. We need to be vigilant regarding such false teachings. Satan is the mastermind behind all these to foster either ignorance or false ideas – to destroy us. Compare this with God’s goal and glorious end for us – that we might share in His glory and virtue.

Dear teen living as Christians in the 21st century, the dangers you face are no less. Through the mass media and Internet you should be aware that there are many tele-evangelists parading as true Christian leaders. Many immature Christians have been “taken in” by their quackery and false interpretation of Scriptures. Our responsibility as born-again Christians is to be grounded in the Word and discern the truth from such errors. Yes, think of how you can diligently study the Scriptures for then you will be richly rewarded “into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (1:10-11).

Thought: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105).
Prayer: Help me, Lord, to carefully plan how I can spend more time in the study of Your Word and by thy grace, be disciplined to carry it out.