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December 25th

The Bible reading today is in 2 Peter and Jude.

We will start with an introduction to 2 Peter.

Since Peter’s first letter, Paul had learned that there were false prophets in the region of Pontus, Galatia, and Capodicea in western Asia Minor north of Lystra and Derbe.

Peter wrote the church leaders in that region calling them to be alert to that insidious ploy by Satan to disrupt the church families and corrupt their sound doctrine.

“...false prophets arose among the people...and the result, if left unchecked, will eventually be” false teachers among you,”

Right in the church...“secretly bringing in destructive heresies”, that is...Opinions and beliefs that are contrary to God’s word...“even denying the Master” even denying Jesus as Lord...the one who supposedly saved them according to their initial confession of faith...bringing upon themselves swift destruction.”

‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭2:1‬

So be alert to false teachers, those who claim to be Christians but teach and live contrary to the word of God.

Also, Peter wrote to this scattered group of disciples, called aliens by some. And they were called that because the faith they lived with Jesus was so different from the surrounding culture.

But as faithful as they might have been, Peter reminded them of what being Christians looked like....“As obedient children, they were doing something right as God’s children in the faith...Do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance. Do not let the culture you live in shape your loyalties...but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

Holy? What’s that? Holier than thou? No! Checking all the religious boxes? No!

Holy...means Saint...Sanctified...through Christ...not through yourself...what has Jesus done for us who truly believe Him?

He has set us apart unto Himself...for a holy priesthood...He has set us apart unto Himself for a holy house where He dwells by the Holy Spirit.

In other words, Christ saved us for His use only.

I'm reminded of some of our Old Testament reading...On the day when Moses had finished setting up the tabernacle, he anointed and consecrated it with all its furnishings and he anointed and consecrated the altar with all its utensils,”

‭‭Numbers‬ ‭7:1‬

1 Peter‬ ‭1:14-16‬

The consecration of the Tabernacle, its furnishings, the altar, and its utensils meant they were holy unto God...set apart for God’s use and God’s use only.

Should any tent piece, or tabernacle furnishing, or altar, or sacrifice implements ever be used for a common task, that piece must be destroyed...they are no longer holy to the Lord.

Listen to Peter in his first letter...“But you, believers and followers of Christ...you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭2:9‬

In Christ we are chosen ones...we are royal intercessors...we are a holy people...for God’s own possession...to spread the good news of our savior God’s excellency...excellent at calling us out of darkness and into his marvelous light...in heaven and even on earth.

Enjoy the rest of 2 Peter

Have a good day