1 John 1:1–4 (NKJV) John pens his first letter to the church, and begins abruptly with a statement of the subject matter concerning the validity of the gospel. This gospel is powerful proof of God's grace and a source of great joy. 1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we … Continue reading That Your Joy May Be Full
A Thief in the Night
2 Peter 3:1–18 (NKJV) Peter has just finished discussing the danger of false prophets and the judgment to which they will be subjected. He has made it clear that only following the word of God is efficacious in maintaining one's salvific relationship with Christ. 1 Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in … Continue reading A Thief in the Night
Wells Without Water
2 Peter 2:12–22 (NKJV) Peter continues his argument for the validity of God's word above all else here by continuing to argue against false teachers and prophets. His arguments establish the danger of heresy and the over-arching authority of the word of God. 12 But these, like natural brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed, … Continue reading Wells Without Water
The Lord Knows How
2 Peter 2:1–11 (NKJV) Peter utters a profound endorsement--under the anointing--that establishes the verbal inspiration of the Bible. In this passage, Peter addresses those who utter uninspired words, or heresy, among the believers. Those false prophets interfere with the true gospel and dissuade the gullible from believing in Christ. While the last passage was an … Continue reading The Lord Knows How
The Prophetic Word
2 Peter 1:12–21 (NKJV) In this passage, Peter speaks to his humanity, his mortality, and longs to remind his readers of certain thoughts that point to the need for diligence in serving God, as was seen in the last passage as well. This passage moves further into a discussion of the validity of the word … Continue reading The Prophetic Word
Your Call and Election
2 Peter 1:1–11 (NKJV) As we begin to explore the second letter of Peter, we remember the great emphasis on having one's mind girded up, and being of the same mind as Christ and of a unified mind with one another. The great message of healing and a living hope is also hallmark to First … Continue reading Your Call and Election
Be Sober and Vigilant
1 Peter 5:1–14 (NKJV) Peter follows up his discussion of end times and the probability of suffering for Christ with an additional thought on how to serve in the kingdom and live as a humble servant to God and others. 1 The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder … Continue reading Be Sober and Vigilant
Do Not Think It Strange
1 Peter 4:7–19 (NKJV) Peter continues his theme of suffering for the sake of Christ in this passage. In the previous passages, he basically told the readers and believers that they should have the right mind to deal with problems and trials in life. In this passage, he steps it up a bit, pointing out … Continue reading Do Not Think It Strange
Of the Same Mind (with Christ)
1 Peter 3:18–4:6 (NKJV) In the last passage, Peter discussed the need for having one mind, loving one another and submitting to one another. In this passage, Peter goes on to discuss the sacrifice of Jesus and the power of the gospel. He then gives them an additional charge to be of the same mind … Continue reading Of the Same Mind (with Christ)
Of One Mind (with Believers)
1 Peter 3:7–17 (NKJV) After discussing submission and the need to represent Christ in all situations, Peter moves on to address husbands as to how they should treat their wives. He then instructs all people to be of one mind and to love one another with brotherly love. Peter then finishes with a discussion of … Continue reading Of One Mind (with Believers)
Devoted To You 