ESOCS Devotional 7 March 2023
TEXT: 2 PETER 1:12-21
MEMORY VERSE: ““Therefore, I will always remind you about these things—even though you already know them and are standing firm in the truth you have been taught.” 2 Peter 2:12
Peter says he is writing to remind his audience about these qualities of virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. We learned earlier that if we have these qualities and are increasing, we will never fall and we will have entrance into the kingdom of God abundantly provided. We will not be found ineffective or unfruitful. However, if we are not increasing in these qualities, Peter said that we are nearsighted to the point of being blind because we have forgotten the sacrifice of Jesus. So, Peter is writing to remind us of these qualities so that we will be established in the truth that we have.
In verses 5-7, Peter calls for Christians to pursue the path of discipleship. We are to appropriate these divine provisions by diligently and energetically pursuing holiness (faith, moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love). The things for which God has made provision, we are to make our pursuit.
In verses 8-11, Peter speaks of the benefits of the pursuit of holiness, as provided for by God (verses 1-4) and as pursued by the Christian (verses 5-7). As children of God, the pursuit of holiness assures us of avoiding what we should dread—uselessness and unfruitfulness, blindness and short-sightedness, forgetfulness of our former cleansing from sin and stumbling. The pursuit of holiness assures us of attaining what we greatly desire as saints—an abundant entrance into the kingdom of God.
It is clear in verses 12-15 that Peter is intent on reminding his readers. He sets out to remind them of what they already knew and embraced as the truth. It is impossible to “remind” someone of what they never knew. He seeks to remind them of truths which they continue to embrace as the truth, and he reminds them of the things he has already written in verses 1-11.
Peter’s commitment to remind his readers is neither a passing fancy nor a fad. He is committed to “always remind them” (verse 12). It is clear from his words that he intends his reminding to persevere. He will continue to remind them as long as he has breath. He will do so with his dying breath.
We are warned against complacency three times concerning these spiritual truths. We need to be regularly reminded about our spiritual intensity and the need to make every effort and increase in our faith. Peter’s admonition teaches us that we need reminders. We need shepherds to remind us of what we need to do. We need evangelists to teach us how to improve and grow. We need our fellow Christians who see our lives and remind us of how to act godly and righteously.
- Do you desire the sincere milk of the word?
- Lord, help me to see thee more clearly, love thee more dearly, and follow thee more nearly in Jesus’ name. Amen.
FURTHER READING: Exodus 4:1-17; 1 Kings 5:1-12; Mark 1:40-45
Read Yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
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ESOCS Devotional 7 March 2023
