Today's Reading:O.T. - Job 21 - 25
N.T. - 2 Peter 2
Focus Verses: 2 Peter 2:1-3
1But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. 3In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.
Insight:
In chapter 1, Peter says the testimony of the prophets and the apostles is trustworthy and inspired by God. Now in chapter 2 he warns of false teachers who make up their stories and their teachings. These false teachers are marked by: 1) their denial of God's sovereignty; 2) their shameful ways; and 3) their greed and exploitation of others. The whole of 1 Peter 2 is a warning and a call for Christians to exercise discernment. Not everyone who claims to be teaching the truth of God is doing so; followers of Jesus must be careful that they are not lead astray by so-called prophets and teachers.
Response and Action:
I need to be careful about whom I listen to and whom I follow. I want to follow Jesus, so I will study the Scriptures carefully everyday. I will hold every teaching and story I hear up to the light of Christ's teaching and example. I will be on guard against every teaching that diminishes God or questions the lordship of Jesus. I will evaluate teachers and leaders with a critical mindset and watch out for any indicators of greed, exploitation, or other selfish motives.
O God, your word is sharper than a two edged sword -- able to cut through the attitudes and motives of the heart. Give me a growing love for your written word and the discipline to study and meditate upon it each day. Thank you for Jesus, the Living Word. Help me to follow him closely and to become so familiar with his words, his actions, and his life that I am able to clearly recognize and reject anything that runs contrary to his way. Amen.
Proverbs: 18:15
"The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out."
Resources:
The Voice of Jesus: Discernment, Prayer, and the Witness of the Spirit
by Gordon T. Smith
