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We all have the relationship we want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.
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serving the Lord
2 Peter 1:8,9. theunfetteredpreacher
2 Peter 1:8,9
December 18, 2015 bill theunfetteredpreacher cote
Peter is giving us instructions on how to live a Godly life. In the first four verses of 2 Peter 1, he tells is our “precious faith”, is the same faith as the Apostles.
He goes on to tell us, Jesus, “hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness,” we can live a Godly life, a life of peace, joy and love.
He has also, “given unto us exceeding great and precious promises:” wow…not just promises but exceeding great and precious promises.
That we might become, like Jesus, “having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”
Jesus, beat the devil, the ways of this world, by knowing and living in the Word, by speaking the Word. We can too, that is the path to a victorious Godly life. He then tells us to grow in the following ways, to exercise them in our life.
“faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, charity.”
Then another promise.
2 Peter: 1:8,9
“For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.”
Throughout the Word the Lord causes the barren to be fruitful, Peter is telling us how to become fruitful in our knowledge of Jesus. By exercising these things, we will bare fruit, (bring many into the Kingdom.)
If we fail to grow in these areas, we are blind and cannot see far off.
Quite simply, we are not understanding the Lords plan and purpose for our Salvation.
He shed His blood, not so we alone, can live with Him, but so all we bring with us, can also. He came into the world, not to condemn but that through Him the world may be saved.
Have we forgotten why we were forgiven? We have joined the heavenly host, we must train and prepare for Spiritual Battle. “Go ye therefore”
2 Peter: 1:8,9
“For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
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Shared from Church set Free
Follow Me – http://wp.me/p6BaDn-13R
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Shared from Rebecca Brand
Why we should strive to be blameless… – http://wp.me/p4Fs0f-t5
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Shared from the Isaiah 53 Project
10 things God wants you to remember – http://wp.me/p39Q8G-3Va
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Shared from LightbarersforJesusChrist
My Utmost For His Highest: The “Go” Of Renunciation – http://wp.me/p4MhMl-1rs
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The promise of “whosoever”: The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station
The promise of “whosoever”.
John 3:15-17
King James Version (KJV)
“That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”
An absolutely wonderful promise. I have always loved that word, “whosoever”. It means you and I and anyone, who accepts Him as Lord and Savior.
We should not perish, but have eternal life.
Wonderful, except….(why “should”)?
Should:
used in auxiliary function to express what is probable or expected
(auxiliary: adjective
: available to provide extra help, power, etc., when it is needed) (Webster)
That should be, is a lot diferent from will be. Couple that with “might be saved” and it should cause us to rethink what we know as truth.
John 3:16
The foundation of Evangelical belief. (We act like it says will not perish and will be saved).
Does it mean what we have thought all this time? That should and might, ought to make us realize that:
Jesus did the work, we can and should be saved from sin and death, but it is all up to us, to accept His sacrifice and walk in His Grace.
It isn’t a given, what we (whosoever), do with that promise is the key.
Are you walking in the light? (The Spirit, the way, the truth? Have you put on His yoke?)
Are you living His new commandment? Do we love one another? Or just tolerate each other and their views?
If you look in your concordance for “whosoever”, we find most of the time it is used, it is speaking of those who sin, (miss the mark), do something they shouldn’t have.
Whosoever seems to usually end up dead.
What does this mean to me?
We all have a shot at Salvation, it is available, it is promised, and it is a simple blessing to acquire.
We must learn to walk in it. He died for us because He loves us. We must love Him, by serving.
Colossians 4:5
“Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.”
Walking with Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.
Wide is the way and narrow is the gate…..that “should and might“….ought to make us think.
We have the structure…(rituals, forms, traditions). Do we allow the Spirit to lead?
Lord, help us to be open to Your guidance and love. Help us to follow You through the narrow gate.
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theunfetteredpreacher.com
thy words be true: The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station
2 Samuel 7
“28 And now, O Lord God, thou art that God, and thy words be true, and thou hast promised this goodness unto thy servant:”
At this time the Ark of God was still residing in a tent. David had wanted to build the Lord a house.
The Lord would not allow it, but He promised to build David an everlasting house. (family).
Jesus was born from the family line of David.
In Davids prayer of praise and thanksgiving we find verse 28. David acknowledges who and what God will do.
“You are God, Your words are true, You have promised me good things….because I am Your Servant.”
Gods words are true, He is God, He has given us many wonderful promises.
How many do we realize? Not as many as He promised.
Why?
David was a true servant of the Lord. A love slave, who knew how to sing, pray, praise, honor and obey the Lord.
We are promised so much in the Word. From the peace that passes understanding to joy unspeakable, full of glory.
From healing the sick to raising the dead. From being the head, to receiving a crown.
Blessings here on earth now, to our homes in heaven.
All these promises are true. Are we true Servants, (love slaves), of the Lord?
We must learn to yearn to be His, desire to be holy, spotless, perfect in our love, if not our lives.
Our old man refuses to stay dead, we sin, we miss the mark, we disappoint each other and ourselves.
As long as we take responsibility for our actions and ask forgiveness, He is Faithful and just to both Forgive and Forget.
We are the Righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, as long as we remain under the covering of His blood.
Become a love slave. Read, Meditate on all the Word of God.
Jesus freed us from the law, but not from the Blessings of Holiness, Trust, Obedience.
He didn’t relieve us the Blessings of Praise, Prayer or Fellowship with the the Lord.
He just made it more Personel, Easy, Fruitful.
Learn to sing the Word to the Lord, from the writings of Moses to John, there is plenty to sing, praise and pray.
Find the scriptures that speak to you today. They are there for the Strength, Forgiveness, Hope, Direction, Comfort….whatever, whosoever (you and me), needs.
God is there. His promises are true. He has Goodness and Good things for those who are true Servants of His.
Lord, help us to be love slaves of You. Amen.
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But because the Lord loved you: The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station
Deuteronomy 7:8a
“But because the Lord loved you,”
A simple truth.
He sent His Son, not to condemn, but to save the world.
A simple truth.
We are called to share with a lost and dying world.
A simple truth.
Jesus and His love.
Any Questions?
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pray bigger from the River Walk
http://tworiversblog.com/2016/01/02/6087/
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(Are) the desires of thine heart. . . (just lust)? :
Psalm 37:4
Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
The desires of thine heart. . . . Sometimes our hearts desire is not a wonderful thing. It could be something that brings us grief, sorrow, troubles and pain.
We love to think of getting the desires of our hearts, but we neclect to delight ourselves in the Lord; and that my friend is our down fall.
Has our desire grown into lust? Do we want something so badly that God will give us this desire, even if it is hurtfull? I have always concidered lust to be a sexual thing.
Mt 5:28
“Whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”
We lust after many things, not just sex.
I heard the Lord say: 12/20/14
“This is your last Christmas “.
IT WASN’T. It is funny how you can be sure you have heard His voice, and have misunderstood, miss heard, don’t understand the time frame. Well I am not sure which I did, but I have lived through an other Christmas.
If you are Interested, this is the post that was supposed to follow my departure.
If you are reading this, that was a word from the Lord. As I write, It is now April of 2015, I feel alot better than I did in December. But I woke up this morning with the thought to get my house in order.
Today I tune a couple of pianos for Gail Ebron. What a treasure she and Gene have been. God fearing customers since I started in business, along with the Tunnels probably my most steady customers for 20 years. Thank you.
I do have a very small life insurance policy, but I am afraid my trust is in God to take care of Bette and Celeste. I am sure He will do a better job without the help I’ve given Him the last 30 years.
My 2 girls have been my biggest blessing, they have given me love and joy that I have not deserved. I am so proud of them both. It is just God, that I ended up with such a wonderful family.
I failed to be the miracle working man of God I desired to be. I tried to Submit to God and Resist the Devil. I wanted to be a useful vessel. A man God could trust, rely on, depend on, to walk with Jesus.
Some days I almost am. Others I am out in the puker brush doing my own thing. God forgive me. I ‘m not anything but a sinner saved by His Grace.
Work wise I have a few pianos I wish I had never seen. Work that I failed, never should have attempted. I gave every job my best, on some my lack of knowledge, experience led me down the garden path. Thank God I gained the knowledge and experience to see fewer of these each year.
Other than family, this blog has given me a reason to go on. It has been a blessing to share whatever insights I’ve received from the Lord. I pray it has caused some to get a little closer to our Saviour.
I may add more to this as time goes by.
12/16/15
Get your house in order….I have failed at that also. Will I die before Christmas? Some days I think so. Others I feel fine, till I don’t.
I need to finish getting the piano parts ready for Bette to sell, same with the train things. There is so much stuff I should throw away, before I go away.
More importantly, Celeste graduated from UNCW, with a gold cord…so proud, Lord, please bless her with work she enjoys and is financially satisfying.
Taylor is a good kid, bless them both please Lord. If they marry, may he be a better husband, father and provider then I have been.
I worry about Bette, lots of low sugars lately…Lord, please guide and protect her….Thank You for her, she is a blessing.
Lord, thank you for this blog and the people who have read, followed and liked my writing. I pray You have been Glorified as I have been satisfied. I do hope You have used it to touch hearts.
I look at this, (the blog), as all I have to leave my girls, and they don’t even read it. I had hoped a book would be the result of some posts…..lol.
Jesus, thanks for allowing me to teach your Word at FMUMC. I pray they walk closer to You because of what they have learned.
The choir has been a blessing also. Thanks.
Bless our extended families. I trust You will take care of my girls. I love You.
Blessings
ps
I am obviously alive, it doesn’t change my feelings of failure, regret, and satisfaction. Our lives don’t run in a straight line, we weave and bob, zig and zag.
We do our best to be the people we dream to be. Faithful, loving, selfless, forgiving, helpful, joyful, peaceful, Christ like.
Well, there’s always next year.
Blessings to all. May the Lord, help us to see Him as we look at our reflections in the eyes of others. Change our hearts O Lord. . . .
bill theunfetteredpreacher cote
There is hope, in the Lord. Don’t give up.
Don’t give up hope,
we can survive.
Gods on our side.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Merry Christmas to all:
Merry Christmas from “theunfetteredpreacher”, praying you have a wonderfull new year. Blessings.
Wherefore my beloved: The Fix-it Shop – Filling Station
Some sage advice from Paul and James. Hearken Diligently to some Godly council.
1 Corinthians 10:14
“Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.”
Flee from idolatry. The Lord means business.
Exodus 201-4
King James Version (KJV)
“And God spake all these words, saying,
I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.”
The Lord is pretty clear. He wants our undivided love and obedience. We must learn to love, listen and obey Him.
He has delivered us, gave His life for us. His desire and direction for our life, will always be better then our own.
Philippians 2:12
“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”
Work out your own salvation: Your own, is the key here, as much as we want everyone to know and love the Lord. You are the one who counts.
As we grow in the Lord, we grow in the Fruit, people are attracted to tasty food. The Lord should be a good taste in their mouths.
When they interact with us, our personality, honesty, trustworthiness, joy of and love of the Lord. Should draw them to ask, “what in our life, is different? ” Why are we ….?
If we work on our selves, others will notice.
“with fear and trembling”
Should we be in fear, trembling? We should know the Lord wants us to be Holy, Separated unto Him, (sanctified), Consecrated, (our lives dedicated to His Service). Our minds renewed by the washing of the Word. Our Faith increased by praying in the Holy Spirit.
Knowing the Lord, should relieve us, of Fear of Damnation and Hell….we are delivered from sin and death. Our concern should be, of how we miss the mark. Knowing we are forgiven, if and when we realize it and repent.
James 1:19
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”
“swift to hear,”
How often have I heard what I wanted and not what was said, or meant?
How often have we taken offense, where none was meant?
Or Ingnored what we didn’t want to hear.
The world refuses to hear and recognize the Love, Mercy and Grace of the Lord. Pray that theirs ears are opened to the truth.
“slow to speak”
Boy, this is a lesson that is hard for me. Like Peter, I am apt to say, “Not me Lord, I’ll never deny you.” You know what happens.
Psalm 39:1
King James Version (KJV)
“I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.”
James 1:25-27
King James Version (KJV)
“But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”
James 3:1-10
King James Version (KJV)
“My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.”
Proverbs 6:2
“Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.”
12-14
” A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth. He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers; Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.”
16-19
“These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.”
Our tonuges, what comes out of our mouth, is often a problem. It reveals what is in our hearts. Is it truth and life or sin and death?
2 Peter 3:14
“Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.”
“Such things”
2 Peter 3:13b
“look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.”
We are looking for the promises of God, will we be found to be in peace, without spot, blameless? Will we dwell in righteousness?
Again we must live a life of repentance. Knowing when we miss the mark and be willing to turn from sin to the Lord.
The only righteousness we have is given to us by the blood of Jesus. He has bought and paid for all, only those who accept Him will profit.
If you want your friends and family to come to know the Lord, do as I say, not as I did. Love them in the love of the Lord.
John 3:17
“He came not to condemn the world, but that through Him the world might be saved.”
Lord, open my eyes and heart, to obedience and service.
2 Peter 2:1 Study -The Fix-it Shop – Filling Station
2 Peter 1 ends with a warning :19b-21
” ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
We need to make sure we believe what the Word actually says. All understanding of scripture should have 2 or more witnesses, (verses that agree), and all who prophesy, their words, need to agree with scripture.
Which brings us to:
2 Peter: 2. 1.
“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.”
How do we know who are false prophets and teachers? Like the Treasury Department, (the Secret Service), we need to know the real deal, so we recognize the false.
We cannot rely on others, we must have a basic working knowledge, so we we realize whether what we hear matches the Word. There is no other God, then the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
We must know them, walk with them, be led by the person of the Holy Spirit. We need at least an overview of the Word.
Deuteronomy 13:1-5
King James Version (KJV)
“If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them;
Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the Lord your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Ye shall walk after the Lord your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him.
And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn you away from the Lord your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the Lord thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee.”
We, in our sophisticated society, no longer believe in Spirits, Ghosts, Miracles, signs and wonders. The Word clearly tells us beware.
Deuteronomy 18:20-22
“But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.
And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the Lord hath not spoken? When a prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.”
False prophets can also perform signs and wonders. The Lord allows it:
Deuteronomy 13
“for the Lord your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.”
So how can we tell what is truth? We must know the Word, we can’t rely on what we see, we must know the Lord.
Jude 1:4
King James Version (KJV)
“For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ungodly men:
Men who claim, Holiness, Morality, Honesty are no longer applicable, we are forgiven.
We need to repent, when we sin, ask forgiveness, live a Holy, Acceptable life, become a Living Sacrifice knowing the good, acceptable and perfect will of God.
1 Corinthians 6:20
King James Version (KJV)
“For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
Once saved, always saved?
2 Peter: 2. 2.
“And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.”
This is one of the many scriptures, that if taken at face value debunk that teaching. (Once saved, always saved), If Cain could leave the presence of the Lord, (?), turn His back and walk away, then it is possible for us.
Hebrews 6:4-6
King James Version (KJV)
“For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.”
2 Peter 1:9
“But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.”
Forgotten his Salvation. The Prodigal Son returned and his Father ran to meet him, if he had not returned, he was still a son, but lost to the Father.
1 Corinthians 3:16-17
“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.”
We are indeed forgiven but we must be ready, willing and able to repent when we fall short of the Glory of God.
1 Corinthians 5:5
“To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.”
A saint in sin, always has the option of repentance. No repentance, no forgiveness, sin seperates us from God.
You are welcome to disagree, but back it up with scripture.
“No one can snatch us out of His palm,” but His hand is open, we can walk off.
Stand fast in your faith, and see the Salvation of the Lord.
Blessings
2 Peter 1:17-21
2 Peter: 1. 17-21
“For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
In the close, Peter reminds us of the voice of the Father saying “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
2 Peter 1:17-18
“For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.”
The Father told all who would hear 2 times, at the water baptism and at the Mount of Transfiguration “This is my beloved son.”
This will likely cause some to pause but…..Jesus became the only begotten son at the resurrection. He referred to Himself as the only begotten ….but wasn’t called that till after His death and Resurrection.
See Psalms 2:7
“I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.”
What day? On earth He called Him beloved, on this day, (resurrection), He was begotten.
Hebrews 1:4-6
“Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.”
They Worshipped the baby for what He had given up, (devine power and stature) and what He would accomplish. Shedding His blood for our sins.
2 Peter 1:19-21
“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
You may not agree on when Jesus became the “only begotten” and that is OK, in heaven we will learn many things that confuse us now.
“whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:”
The truly important point of this first chapter of 2 Peter is that we learn to grow in Christ. We continue to seek Him, love Him, and share Him to all we come in contact.
Matthew 5:16
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
“Go ye therefore and teach all Nations.”
2 Peter 1:17-21
“For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
Lord, change our hearts, that we become useful vessels of Your Love.
2 Peter 1:8,9 Study – The Fix-it Shop – Filling Station
Peter is giving us instructions on how to live a Godly life. In the first four verses of 2 Peter 1, he tells is our “precious faith”, is the same faith as the Apostles.
He goes on to tell us, Jesus, “hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness,” we can live a Godly life, a life of peace, joy and love.
He has also, “given unto us exceeding great and precious promises:” wow…not just promises but exceeding great and precious promises.
That we might become, like Jesus, “having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”
Jesus, beat the devil, the ways of this world, by knowing and living in the Word, by speaking the Word. We can too, that is the path to a victorious Godly life. He then tells us to grow in the following ways, to exercise them in our life.
“faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, charity.”
Then another promise.
2 Peter: 1:8,9
“For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.”
Throughout the Word the Lord causes the barren to be fruitful, Peter is telling us how to become fruitful in our knowledge of Jesus. By exercising these things, we will bare fruit, (bring many into the Kingdom.
If we fail to grow in these areas, we are blind and cannot see far off.
Quite simply, we are not understanding the Lords plan and purpose for our Salvation.
He shed His blood, not so we alone, can live with Him, but so all we bring with us, can also. He came into the world, not to condemn but that through Him the world may be saved.
Have we forgotten why we were forgiven? We have joined the heavenly host, we must train and prepare for Spiritual Battle. “Go ye therefore”
2 Peter: 1:8,9
“For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.”
2 Peter 1:5-7 Study The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station
As we continue on, the first words of verse 5 seem confusing. “And beside this” but it simply means since: “having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” We need to continue growing in Jesus.
Peter then gives us a list that is quite close to the Fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5.
2 Peter: 1. 5-7
” And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.”
These 2 lists are close.
Galatians 5:22
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
“giving all diligence,”
We must learn to be consistent, methodical in our prayer and study life. Like Appointment TV…get into a rhythm, let God set His watch by your consistency. (Wish I was more consistent. ..do as I say…).
“add to your faith” “faith”
We start out with a measure of faith. We build up our most Holy Faith by praying in the Holy Spirit and learning the Word. As we exercise our Faith we must learn to exercise virtue.
What is virtue? “goodness“
Morality, modesty, honesty, character. ….all the things our politicians don’t understand. As we grow in God these virtues should be growing also.
“Knowledge:” “peace”
See Study 2 Peter 1:2
“temperance” “temperance “
Moderation in food, drink, speech, actions, life. Even sharing our faith…in love….
Philippians 4:5
King James Version (KJV)
“Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.”
“patience” “longsuffering”
James 1:2-8
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”
Learn to wait on the Lord, in peace and joyfully. Somehow I missed “Godliness” In 2 Peter 1:3, so here it is:
“godliness” “gentleness”
Timothy 4:7
King James Version (KJV)
“But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.”
Timothy 4:8
King James Version (KJV)
“For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.”
Timothy 6:6
King James Version (KJV)
“But godliness with contentment is great gain.”
2 Timothy 3:5
“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”
Abstain from lude and rude activities, be content, “believe God is and He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” Don’t pretend to be Holy, strive to be Holy.
“brotherly kindness;” “Meekness”
Brotherly love, fellowship, you don’t always have to be right, the best, the boss.
“charity” “love, joy”
“They will know you are my disciples by your love.” “This is My commandment that you love one another. “
Like fruit, it takes time, nourishment, (the Word), and water, (prayer), to grow and be consumed and accepted as sweet comfort to the lost.
2 Peter: 1. 5-8
” And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.”
I understand these aren’t a great match, but you get the idea.
Lord, help us to grow in you.
2 Peter 1:4 Study The Fix-it Shop -Filling Station
As we study the next verse we find a wonderful promises, we need to grab with both hands.
2 Peter: 1. 4.
“Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”
“given unto us exceeding great and precious promises:”
We really can not comprehend the blessings the Lord has for those who learn to walk in His Yoke, by His side, doing His will at His direction and in His Power.
Exodus: 1. 7.
“And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them.”
Ephesians: 3. 20.
“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,”
All through the Word we find the Lord blessing His chosen. We are His chosen today, we shouldn’t be in want, or fear, but full of “Power and of Love and a Sound Mind.” He loves us, won’t “give a stone when we ask for bread.”
“ye might be partakers of the divine nature,
The Word tells us we are partakers of the divine (Godly) nature. The Word tells us we are partakers of many things.
“partakers of my grace., partakers of his promise ,partakers of the inheritance, partakers of the sufferings, partakers of the benefit, partakers of the heavenly calling, partakers of the Holy Ghost,partakers of his holiness.partakers of Christ’s sufferings, partakers of the divine nature, be not partakers of her sins, partakers of that one bread.partakers of his promise,partakers of the Lord’s table, partakers of their spiritual things,”
“divine nature,”
We become sons, and Hebrews 6:4-5, can be quite exciting when we grasp its meaning.
“For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,”
We have been enlightened, (we know and recognize the Lord). So we have tasted Salvation, the heavenly gift. We have the Holy Spirit, we need to allow Him freedom to work.
We taste the good Word of God, and we should have a taste of the Powers of the world to come. (The Gifts of the Spirit working through us).
John 1;12
“12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:”
Romans 8;8-11
“So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.”
Romans 8:29
“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”
The Precious Promises are a way to conquer sin and death in our lives. We can if we just learn to trust and walk in Him. Be conformed to His image.
“having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”
Lust, Greed, Covetousness, Pride, feet that shed inocent blood, lying tounges, sowing discontent. I haven’t checked but I think these are in Proverbs 6, the 7 deadly sins.
2 Peter: 1. 4.
“Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”
Lord, help us to claim and live in Your Precious Promises.
theunfetteredpreacher 