Milo

DECEMBER 15

Reading 349

THE DAY OF THE Lord 2 Peter 3

“The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare” (2 Peter 3:10).Seek solid joys and lasting pleasures.

Background

History’s end.

Both Testaments speak of a final judgment when this present heaven and earth will be destroyed. Isaiah said this present universe will wear out like a garment and vanish like smoke (51:6). Paul pictured Christ returning “in blazing fire” (2 Thes. 1:7). And Peter in this chapter gave a powerful description of the universe being reduced to its constituent atoms. The biblical picture of a universe with a distinct beginning, and a distinct ending, was absolutely strange in the first century. The philosophers believed that matter was eternal, shaped by a craftsman god who was himself subject to natural law. A God who could create the universe from nothing, and dissolve it at will, was beyond their comprehension. The world was, always had been, and always would be. And human beings once dead were gone. The spirit of our age is not all that different. Scientists speak of a beginning of our universe, but deny a Creator. All that exists is explained by evolution. And whatever the future holds, no God will intrude in the orderly process of the ages to put an end to matter, and then to raise the dead and judge them. First-century intellectuals scoffed in the name of philosophy. Two thousand years later our intellectuals scoff in the name of science. But both are wrong. For God is. And the material universe is not eternal, but destined for destruction. Soon. This is the message of 2 Peter 3. This, and the kind of life to be lived by believers who know that they, and every other human being, will continue to exist long after our world comes to an end.

Overview

Trust the Prophets and Apostles (3:1–2) despite scoffers who ridicule the Second Coming (vv. 3–4) and deliberately ignore past divine judgment (vv. 5–7). God’s timing differs from ours (vv. 8–9), but this present world will surely be destroyed (vv. 10–13). So be godly and grow in grace (vv. 14–18).

Understanding the Text

“Wholesome thinking” 2 Peter 3:1–2.

Peter’s two letters are designed to stimulate the reader to a “pure disposition”—an “uncontaminated understanding” of faith and life. This is particularly important because false teachers attack the faith from within, and scoffers from without. Each, if their doctrines are followed, lead to immorality and undisciplined living. The false teachers appeal to sinful desires, and justify license as freedom. The scoffers, by removing the threat of judgment, drain away that awe of God which promotes godliness. There is really only one antidote that can protect us from error within and outside the faith. That is the words spoken in the past by prophets and by Christ, as faithfully reported by His Apostles. Complete trust in the Word of God, and an intimate familiarity with it, can guard us against every kind of error. “Scoffers will come” 2 Peter 3:3. There is a fascinating parallel between scoffers and false teachers. Each follows “their own evil desires.” Each resists truth, not so much out of intellectual conviction, but to guard against conviction of sin. One of my books is on Creationism. It Couldn’t Just Happen (Word, Inc.) explores fallacies in the popular notion of evolution, and explains some of the ways in which scientific discoveries point toward Creation of the universe, and of animal and human life. When my wife offered to contribute a copy to the library in the high school where she teaches, it was rejected. Creationism isn’t “scientific” and might confuse students. Yet the same library contains books that ridicule Creationism, novels that vividly describe illicit sex, and books that present abortion and homosexuality in a positive light. How fascinating that to complain about such books would raise immediate cries of “Censorship!” But rejecting a book that supports a biblical position—a book which, by the way, won a Gold Medallion at Christian Booksellers as the best book for young people of 1988-is fine, because it would be “confusing” and “unscientific.” Scoffers will continue to scoff. But the underlying reason is not the respectability of our beliefs, but bias against a faith that calls men to take God seriously, and to curb sinful human desires. “Everything goes on as it has from the beginning of Creation” 2 Peter 3:4. In science this concept is called “uniformitarianism.” It assumes that everything that currently exists can be explained by processes now taking place. Given enough time, the shape of continents, the height of mountains, the depths of the sea, can be explained by erosion, volcanism, earthquakes, etc. In essence this view says that God not only isn’t necessary now (though He may have begun the process). It also implies that God can’t become involved: even He is bound by natural law. We Christians believe that Jesus will invade earth and, on His return, will shatter sinful human culture as well as shake the material universe. How ridiculous, the scoffer says. Why, from the beginning nothing has changed. When you think about that argument, it seems more and more ridiculous itself. Nothing’s changed? Oh? Who has been around “from the beginning” to see it? Nothing has changed? Why, purely secular scientists claim that earth has changed radically. At best we can only say little has changed in our lifetime, or that little has changed since history began to be recorded. We live so briefly, history is known so few thousands of years back, that it is utterly foolish to argue that Jesus will not come because “nothing has changed.” It will change. Because Jesus WILL come. “They deliberately forget” 2 Peter 2:5–7. One radical change that has taken place during mankind’s residence on earth is described in Genesis 6–8. God brought a great Flood on the earth as a judgment on sin, and wiped out human civilization. The biblical record of the Genesis Flood is supported by traditions reported by various peoples worldwide. And that Flood demonstrates God’s ability to intervene in this present world—and His commitment to do so. Modern man doubts the historicity of the Flood. But the believer does not. And we find in the record of God’s historic act of judgment proof that God is mankind’s Judge, and that He will judge again. “Not wanting anyone to perish” 2 Peter 3:8–9. Peter gave two insights into the lengthy delay between the promise of Jesus’ return and its fulfillment. First, God doesn’t view time as we do. What we might refer casually to as “a couple of days” He might think of just as casually as “a few thousand years.” So we can’t impose our time sense on God. Second, God has good reason for what we experience as delay. Christ hasn’t returned yet, because the Lord does not want “anyone to perish.” As long as Jesus is absent, the door to salvation remains open. But when Jesus comes, that door will slam shut. And then it will be too late. “As they do the other Scriptures” 2 Peter 3:16–18. Peter’s reference to Paul’s letters, equating them with the “other Scriptures,” indicates how early the writings now in our Bible were recognized as Scripture by the early church. Every once in a while I see an ad urging me to send for the rest of the Bible—for lost gospels, or lost letters, or newly recovered apocalypses. Actually all these writings have been known for untold years. They are early Christian or heretical writings that circulated much as do books from the modern Christian bookstore. Some were propaganda for cults. Some were devotional writings intended to strengthen the believer. But none of them were ever considered Scripture—as the books in our New Testament quickly were. No wonder Peter urges us to recall the words of prophet and apostle. And to ignore false teacher and scoffer alike. As we keep our hearts fixed on the inspired Word of God, we will grow in grace and be ready when Jesus comes.

DEVOTIONAL

All Gone(2 Peter 3:10–18)

Someone has said there is only one real difference between a man and a boy. A man’s toys are more expensive. There’s probably more truth in that saying than we’d like to admit. It’s really amazing how much time and money people spend on newer clothes, sportier cars, bigger screen TVs, and faster boats. Especially when one morning we’re going to wake up, and find that everything we have is all gone. That’s the point Peter wanted to make here. He didn’t really care that he’d provided insight into how the world will end. He just wants us to know that, when “the heavens will disappear with a roar; the [very] elements will be destroyed by fire,” those material playthings we love so much will be all gone. Of course, once we understand this, Peter wants us to act appropriately. “What kind of people ought we to be?” he asks. And he answers. “You ought to live holy and godly lives,” as you look “forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.” Why clutch your playthings to you, when tomorrow morning they’ll be gone anyway? And all you’ll have left, is you. Why not invest that time, that enthusiasm, in building the new you? A holy and godly life, marked by growth in the grace and knowledge of Jesus, will secure eternal rewards. How much better a focus that provides for our life than toys that, very very soon, will be all gone.

Personal Application

When time shall be no more, you will.

Quotable

Since I am coming to that holy room, Where with thy choir of saints forevermore, I shall be made thy music; as I come I tune the instrument here at the door And what I must do then, think here before. -John Donne

DECEMBER 14

Reading 348

FALSE TEACHERS 2 Peter 2

“Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute” (2 Peter 2:2).False doctrine produces a perverted lifestlye.

Background

False teachers.

The later epistles of the New Testament, 2 Peter, 2 Timothy, and Jude, all describe and warn against false teachers. In the early decades the church was threatened by Judaizers, who attempted to bring Christians under the yoke of Mosaic Law. But by the mid 60s a different breed of false teacher emerged. These men treated the faith as a “philosophy.” In the first century a number of philosophies competed for popularity. Each had its own doctrines, and each emphasized a lifestyle in keeping with its basic tenents. Street teachers sought to attract adherents by giving lectures on how to live one’s life, solve personal problems, and find meaning in life. From descriptions in 2 Peter and Jude particularly, it seems that the false teachers that threatened the church from within were the cultural equivalent of these traveling philosophers. But they twisted Christian doctrine, and taught a way of life that was antagonistic to godliness. It may well be that some of the gross descriptions of Christian practices found in second century Roman writers reflects the actual behavior of some who falsely called themselves Christians, and followed false teachers like those Peter described here! False teachers remain a threat to the Christian church. And 2 Peter 2 remains a source of insight into their teaching, their character, and their appeal.

Overview

False teachers who exploit believers (2:1–3) face certain judgment (vv. 4–10). They are marked by arrogance (vv. 11–12) and im- morality (vv. 13–17), and by teaching that appeals to man’s sinful desires (vv. 18–22).

Understanding the Text

“There will be false teachers among you” 2 Peter 2:1. It’s not, “there may be.” It’s “there will be.” We can count on it today as well as in Peter’s time. Within the broad framework of what is called Christendom, there are cults and churches whose doctrines are anti-Christian. Some who stand in the pulpits of churches which were historically Christian are false teachers too. Peter said false teachers introduce “destructive heresies,” meaning that they lead adherents to destruction. This first verse gives us a simple doctrinal test. The false teacher leads followers to destruction because he denies “the sovereign Lord who bought them.” The earliest heresies redefined Jesus. In some systems He was a lower angel. In some He was a man raised to Deity at His baptism, or at His resurrection. In some systems Jesus only appeared to be human, but was in fact a spiritual “projection.” But Scripture clearly presents Jesus Christ as God the Son, the sovereign Lord of the universe come in the flesh, born a human being that through the union of God and man He might purchase our redemption. Most modern heresies still stumble over Jesus. Any who deny the full deity and actual humanity of Jesus Christ are false teachers. And what they teach is destructive heresy. “Many will follow their shameful ways” 2 Peter 2:2. This is a second basic characteristic of false teachers and false teaching. It produces “shameful ways.” It’s a familiar saying now, that you can tell a tree by its fruit. You can tell false teaching from sound doctrine by its fruit too (see DEVOTIONAL). “In their greed these teachers will exploit you” 2 Peter 2:3. The third characteristic of false teachers is greed. Peter had described godly leaders in his first letter: they are shepherds caring for God’s flock, not greedy for money but eager to serve (1 Peter 5:1–4). In contrast false teachers serve for money, and are motivated by it. We ought not be too quick to label someone a “false teacher” on the basis of his or her income. The issue here is one of motive and exploitation. The false teacher is greedy. A false teacher exploits, lies, and diverts money given for ministry to personal use. While the greed of a few notorious Christian leaders is regularly exposed by the media, we can thank God for the many thousands who minister today, despite low pay and poor benefits, out of love for God and His people. “If God did not spare” 2 Peter 2:4–10. Peter looked back into sacred history and found examples that drove home his point. False teachers will surely creep in to corrupt the church. But God knows how to save the godly, and “hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment.” Peter carefully selected his illustrations. The presence of false teachers in the church is serious. But it is not disastrous! So we need not panic. God will protect the righteous man. And God will punish the false teacher. Peter’s comments direct us to the best way that we can protect ourselves and others from false teachers. We focus, as did Noah and Lot, on preaching and living righteousness. Commitment to live a godly life, even when others live “filthy lives” around us, will guard us from going astray. “Creatures of instinct” 2 Peter 2:11–12. Both Testaments use the metaphor of “brute beasts” and “creatures of instinct” to describe unbelievers who are actively hostile to God. They have completely abandoned the spiritual quest, and chosen to live like animals, in that this present world alone exists for them. We human beings can choose to live like animals. We can seek to satisfy every craving, without standing in judgment on whether our desires or actions are morally right. But those who choose to live like mere animals by that choice determine their fate. They doom themselves to perish. “Reveling in their pleasures” 2 Peter 2:13–16. Peter went on to describe the beast-like life that some human beings live. Man’s present instincts reflect the corruption of our nature by sin, and thus are no trustworthy guide to godly living. Man’s corrupt instincts call for pleasures that stimulate and deaden, as modern drugs and alcohol (v. 13). Man’s corrupt instincts lead to adultery (v. 14), and are expressed in a greed that wrongfully deprives others (v. 14). Peter’s reference to Balaam was sarcastic. That prophet, moved by a passion for money, acted on instinct—when a mere animal, his donkey, knew better! Don’t listen to folks who tell you that since certain desires are “natural” they must be all right. What most men do by instinct is wrong. As Christians, we’re called to judge our instincts, and to choose what is right. “They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity” 2 Peter 2:17–19. The greatest slavery we can experience is slavery to our passions. “I can’t help it!” has been the cry of those addicted to drink, drugs, and sexual depravities down through the ages. The surest road to misery is to do just what you want, whenever you want to do it. Soon you find that you no longer want what you do—but you are unable to help yourself. That, slavery to one’s own depravity, is the most terrible slavery of all. “It would have been better” 2 Peter 2:20–22. The two proverbs quoted in verse 22 explain Peter’s comment. Each describes an animal which behaves according to its nature. Just so the individual who is introduced into the Christian community and makes a profession without experiencing regeneration. He sees in the holiness of God’s people what it means to escape the corruption that is in the world through lust. But his unconverted nature causes him to revert to his old ways. Such a person might better never have been exposed to godliness. In turning his back on God his condemnation will be greater than before. You can’t be a “halfway” Christian, or a “social believer.” Ulimately you will choose to go all the way, in full commitment to Jesus. Or your natural instincts will win out, and you’ll turn away from the faith entirely. If you’re in that halfway state, go the whole way, quickly. It’s better to never have known the way, than to know it and turn back.

DEVOTIONAL

The Way of the Cross(2 Peter 2:1–3, 17–22)

One early Roman commentator on Christianity, Galen (born around ß.S. 130) had no use for Christian doctrine. In one of his medical treatises he took time out to discuss, and reject, Moses’ treatment of the Creation. But Galen was impressed that Christians, “in self-discipline and self-control in matters of food and drink, and in their keen pursuit of justice, have attained a pitch not inferior to that of genuine philosophers.” This may have been the most impressive thing about the early Christians to the pagans of their day. Certainly the educated pagan was put off by the Christian emphasis on faith. The Christian doctrine of Creation and especially of Resurrection seemed utter nonsense to those brought up on the idea that matter was eternal, and that God was subject to and not above natural law. And the pagans fiercely resented the Christian’s refusal to participate in public religious observance. Such exclusiveness seemed tantamount to hatred of mankind itself, for the welfare of the state depended on expressing piety toward the gods. But then, there was that virtuous life. How could such ordinary, mostly uneducated people attain the self-discipline and virtue thought to be reachable only by the philosopher who dedicated his life to study and self-mastery? False teaching has no such power to help its adherents attain godliness. In fact, one of the characteristics of false teaching is that it appeals to man’s lower nature. It promises freedom rather than demanding self-control. It offers pleasures rather than calling for commitment. And many a true Christian has, through the de-emphasis of godliness, been led astray by teachers whose emphasis is utterly, tragically false. So watch out if a teacher promises you “freedom”—and means that you will be able to do whatever you want. And watch out if a teacher promises riches and ease! Jesus has never led His followers to Disneyland. The Jesus road winds off, over the hills, and there, ahead, you can glimpse Calvary.

Personal Application

Christ brings us both comfort and cross.

Quotable

“Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first He suffered pain, and entered not into glory before He was crucified; mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.”—Book of Common Prayer

2 Peter

DECEMBER 13

Reading 347

CHRISTIAN QUALITIES 2 Peter 1

“If you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:8).It is more important to live the faith than to defend it.

Overview

God gives grace and peace through Christ (1:1–2). His gift of the divine nature (vv. 3–4) makes it possible for us to grow—which we must do (vv. 5–11). We remain confident because of the eyewitness testimony of the Apostles (vv. 12–18), and of God’s prophetic Word (vv. 19–21).

Understanding the Text

“Through the righteousness of our God” 2 Peter 1:1. Usually we think of being saved by God’s grace. Peter, like Paul in Romans 1, invites us to think of salvation in light of the righteousness of God. Saving us was the right thing for God to do, not because He was obligated to us, but because He was true to Himself in expressing saving love. But God had to save us in the right way. There could be no cheap redemption. So God paid the price to set us free and give us new life. We can thank the fact that God is righteous as well as the fact that He is gracious for the salvation we now enjoy. This is a good thing for us to remember. There are times when we want to do the right thing, but may draw back from paying the price. Remembering what God has done for us may free us to act righteously toward others. “Grace and peace . . . in abundance” 2 Peter 1:2. When Peter expressed this desire he specified the source: grace and peace come “through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” Peter didn’t mean knowing about God. The Greek word indicates “full knowledge”: a knowledge of God personally, experientially. Staying close to the Lord brings each of us grace and peace. “Everything we need for life and godliness” 2 Peter 1:3–4. Through believing the promise of the Gospel, God implants His own divine nature in us, and we experience a flood of spiritual power. In knowing Christ, we have everything we need to “escape the corruption in the world” that is caused by “evil desires.” The one thing a Christian is not is powerless. But we may not realize the nature of God’s power, or why it is given to us. We are not given power to succeed in business, or power to become popular. We are given power to live godly lives. If you and I concentrate on living godly lives, we will find we have power aplenty. “Make every effort” 2 Peter 1:5–9. God provides the power that enables us to live a victorious Christian life. But you and I must make every effort. We have an exercise bicycle in our family room. It’s not for me—I only enjoy competitive exercise, like tennis or basketball. It belongs to Sue. And that exercise bike really helps. It helps her build stamina, and slims her thighs. But it does no good at all unless she puts in her daily effort. Our relationship with God is something like this. The resource we need is always there for us. But to profit from what God has provided, you and I have to put in the effort. “Add to your faith” 2 Peter 1:5–8. The word translated “add” means to make abundant provision for. Making every effort to live a Christian life means we begin with faith—but we do not stop there. We go on, and concentrate on developing the following Christian virtues: Goodness. The Greek word is arete, not one of the more familiar words, rendered “good.” Arete is usually translated excellence. It refers to the full development of our potential; to achievement in a chosen sphere of action. We are called to excel as Christians, not to live “average” lives. Knowledge. The knowledge that we add to faith is a knowledge of God’s will. The “superior knowledge” claimed by the false teachers Peter was about to discuss was empty and meaningless. What counts is understanding what God wants from us, and doing it. Self-control. In Scripture this virtue is contrasted to excesses—to greed, to surrender to sexual passions. The Christian who understands the will of God is to discipline himself or herself to do it. Perseverance. The word in Scripture suggests a distinctive view of time. The Christian takes the long view, and realizes that God does not work by man’s timetable. However discouraging the circumstances, the Christian is able to keep on, faithfully doing the Lord’s will. Godliness. This Greek word for piety suggests a constant awareness of God and a commitment to doing things that are appropriate to one devoted to Him. Brotherly kindness and love. The two words denote affection, and self-sacrifice. We learn to care about others and their welfare. And we are willing to help them, even at personal cost. These qualities “in increasing measure” will keep us from being “ineffective and unproductive.” “If anyone does not have them” 2 Peter 1:9. My daughter, Joy, now 28, was brain damaged at birth. She has developed into a tall, attractive girl, physically. But mentally she’ll never grow beyond a first or second-grade level. All her life she will have to be cared for in a community like the one she now lives in, in Arizona. Some Christians are like Joy. They remain “ineffective and unproductive.” The placental separation that left my daughter without oxygen near the moment of birth, and damaged her irreparably, was a tragedy that only eternity will undo. But how much greater a tragedy it is when Christians, who have the potential to become mature, continue in spiritual babyhood. You and I don’t need to remain in spiritual infancy. All we need to do is to “make every effort” to live the quality Christian life Peter described. “Make your calling and election sure” 2 Peter 1:10–11. The Emperor Trajan instructed governor Pliny to give Christians a chance to repent. If they denied Christ, and burned incense to statues of the ancient Roman gods, they were to go free. In the early centuries of Christianity some did associate with the new faith only for a time, and then wandered away. Others denied the faith under persecution. Just associating with Christians, and even calling oneself a Christian, was no guarantee a person was one of the elect. Even though the whole notion of election remains a mystery, there is a way you and I can make sure we are numbered among God’s chosen people. That is to “do these things” that Peter has described. As we grow in grace, and in effectiveness as Christians, we “will never fall,” and will “receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom” of Jesus.

DEVOTIONAL

Make Sure(2 Peter 1:12–21)

Before you toss an anchor overboard, you’d better make sure of two things. Is the rope secured to the anchor? And is the other end of the line secured to your boat? Peter’s first chapter is something like this. His first 11 verses encourage us to make sure that our own lives are tightly entwined with Christian faith. And then verses 12 through 21 remind us how trustworthy the faith itself is. Peter himself had no doubts at all. He spent years with Jesus. He was one of the “eyewitnesses of His majesty” when that was displayed on the Mount of Transfiguration (vv. 16–18). Even more, the words of the ancient prophets of Israel are in harmony with the vision of Jesus glorified (v. 19). Together the ancient words, given by God Himself, and the Transformation event, are irrefutable proof that a new day will dawn. Jesus will return for us, and all our hopes and dreams will surely be fulfilled.

Personal Application

There is more reason to doubt that dawn will come tomorrow than to question Jesus’ return.

Quotable

People:     Lamb of God, holy Lord God, hear our prayer of need; have mercy on us.

Leader:     From the sin of not believing in you, From all sins of flesh and spirit, From all self-righteousness, From all lukewarmness and drunkenness, From all indifference to your wounds and death.

People:     Defend us, dear Lord God. There is nothing in us but poverty. By your blood, death, and suffering give us a warm, completely submissive heart.

Leader:     O Immanuel, Savior of the World People:     Make yourself known to us!

Leader:     By your holy incarnation and birth People:     Make us love our humanity!

Leader:     By your poverty and servanthood,

People:     Teach us to be lowly in this world!

Leader:     By your correct understanding of the Scripture People:     Make firm the word of truth in us. -Nickolaus von Zinzendorf

2 Peter

INTRODUCTION

Peter’s first letter dealt with persecution from outsiders. This second letter concerns dangers within the church itself, from false teachers and those who fail to take the Scriptures seriously. The great value of 2 Peter is found in the apostle’s call to resist false teaching by growth in godliness, while we await the promised return of Jesus Christ.

OUTLINE OF CONTENTS

I.	Qualities of a Christian	2 Peter 1
II.	False Teachers	2 Peter 2
III.	Christ’s Return	2 Peter 3

DECEMBER 12

Reading 346

LIFE IN GOD’S WILL 1 Peter 4–5

“Do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ” (1 Peter 4:12–13).There is meaning in the suffering of the Christian.

Overview

Live for the will of God (4:1–6). Love and serve each other (vv. 7–11), and find joy in suffering as a Christian (vv. 12–19). Elders are to shepherd God’s flock (5:1–4). All are to be humble and self-controlled (vv. 5–9), and look confidently to God (vv. 10–14).

Understanding the Text

“They think it strange that you do not plunge into the same flood of dissipation” 1 Peter 4:1–6. “But what do you do for fun?” is something we Christians hear quite often. At school teens ridicule Christian young people for not being involved in drinking and premarital sex. Coworkers can’t understand why we don’t stop off at the local bar after work to get drunk on Friday night. Manufacturers shout “censorship!” when Christians band together and pledge not to purchase products advertised on TV programs that exploit sex and violence. Just the other day I heard a radio ad for a TV daytime soap, which promised to provide “all of the sin, and none of the guilt” that listeners desire! And yet so many non-Christians quite sincerely ask, “What do you do for fun?” They think it strange that we don’t plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation. And, as Peter warned, they do more. They “heap abuse on you.” When that happens, remember that the world remains the same. But you are different. Adopt Christ’s attitude and determine to be done with sin. No matter what the cost. “They will have to give account” 1 Peter 4:5–6. Peter described Christ preaching through the Spirit to the “spirits in prison” who “disobeyed long ago” in the days of Noah (3:19–20). Genesis tells us that it took Noah 120 years to build the ark. All during that time the curious gathered, and Christ, speaking through Noah, preached to them. They paid no attention, however, and when the great Flood came, only Noah and his family entered the ark and were carried to safety. Today too the Gospel is being preached “to those who are now [spiritually] dead.” Their very failure to hear and respond demonstrates that God is right to judge and to condemn them. The heart that is open to God will respond to the Gospel. Failure to trust in Jesus is evidence of a hardened heart, and of divine judgment to come. “Above all, love each other deeply” 1 Peter 4:7–10. The more hostile the world is to us, the greater our need for support and encouragement. The antagonism of outsiders has the effect of bringing us closer and closer to others who think and feel as we do. Peter pictured the Christian community as a close, warm, and supportive fellowship, where we can find encouragement and strength to get on with life in the grim outside world. While we may not appreciate the importance of Christian fellowship until persecution or suffering comes, support from other believers is important at all times. We need each other’s love to reassure us of our worth and of God’s forgiveness. We need each other’s gifts to help us grow. And we need to exercise our gifts in ministry to others. If you are missing the warmth of fellowship with other Christians, you lack something essential to your growth and well-being. “Do it with the strength God provides” 1 Peter 4:11. It’s not easy, this living by “the will of God” (v. 2). When Pete’s mother called Marti, and asked her to come over, Marti hesitated. At the Bible study that week Pete’s mom had stayed behind and talked to her, pouring out the pain caused by her husband, who said he wanted to stay married but insisted on keeping a mistress too. The talk had helped. But now Pete’s mom was feeling desperate again, and wanted Marti to come over to talk and pray with her. Marti put down the phone. She wanted to help. But she was afraid to go too. She had always been like that: honestly wanting to help, but fearful of taking any initiative. Like the time she’d taught the women’s Bible study. Afterward she was asked to teach again and again. But she never would do it. She wanted to. But the thought of taking responsibility made her anxious and upset. We may feel fearful when opportunities to minister come. But we can’t make Marti’s choice, and draw back. We have to “do it with the strength God provides.” That verse is not only a challenge, but also a promise. When you and I do step out to minister, God will provide the strength we need. Don’t expect the strength while you’re standing there, struggling to decide. Decide to do God’s will, and expect the strength to be provided when you need it. “Not lording it over those entrusted to you” 1 Peter 5:1–4. Leaders are servants, not masters. This New Testament theme is reaffirmed here, with a word about leaders’ motives. Leaders must want to serve; indeed, they must be willing, and even “eager to serve.” People have many different motives for wanting to be leaders. But a passionate desire to serve others is a basic qualification for Christian leadership. “Humble yourselves” 1 Peter 5:5–6. Here as earlier in this letter submission is viewed as a virtue. But never mistake either submission or humility as a weakness. Only the truly strong can control their natural desire to dominate rather than to submit; to appear powerful rather than pliant. “Cast all your anxiety on Him” 1 Peter 5:7. Old and New Testaments both have much to say about anxiety. But this brief verse effectively sums it all up. Let God worry about you, because after all, He does care for you. If you and I know that God is watching out for us, we have nothing left to worry about, and can get on with the business of living by the will of God. “After you have suffered a little while” 1 Peter 5:10–11. It’s hard not to be anxious when we’re suffering. Leaving everything to God then seems difficult indeed. But Peter has a promise that will help. Suffering lasts only for a little while. God will restore you, and make you strong. And in His time will call you up to heaven to share in His own eternal glory. Whatever today’s pain, we have the promise of strength, and the prospect of glory—forever.

DEVOTIONAL

We Share(1 Peter 4:12–19)

Remember the story of the little red hen? She wanted to bake bread, but none of the barnyard animals would help. So she did it herself. Of course, when the bread was baked, they all gathered around wanting a piece. But the little red hen ate it all herself. The children’s story is a commentary on human rather than animal nature. We’re not enthusiastic about the work. But we sure like to reap the benefits! In a way, this is true of Christians. We tend to look foward to heaven, and plan to enjoy eternity there. But we’re not too wild about experiencing any suffering down here. Yet Peter reminds us that suffering and glory are bound together inseparably. It was Jesus’ total dedication to doing the will of God, even though that will led Him to Calvary, that vaulted Him to glory. The Resurrection was made possible by the Cross. So Peter tells us not to be surprised if we too suffer painful things. Suffering isn’t strange. It’s natural for the person who participates in Christ’s suffering. Jesus’ commitment to do God’s will brought Him into conflict with this world. If we share that commitment, we will come into conflict with the world and suffer too. You and I aren’t to go out of our way to find suffering. We are simply to commit ourselves fully to God, and continue to do good. Then, if suffering comes, we can praise God indeed! Suffering as Christians, and for Christ, will mean glory for us when His glory is fully revealed.

Personal Application

Bearing Christ’s name may mean carrying His cross.

Quotable

“The worst part of martyrdom is not the last agonizing moment; it is the wearing, daily steadfastness. Men who can make up their minds to hold out against the torture of an hour have sunk under the weariness and the harassment of small prolonged vexations. There are many a Christian bereaved and stricken in the best hopes of life. For such a one to say quietly, ‘Father, not as I will, but as Thou wilt,’ is to be a martyr.”—F.W. Robertson