Bible Thoughts

February 14, 1999

The apostle Peter spoke from experience. He had, under a moment of extreme stress, denied his Lord three times. Upon realization of what he had done, he wept bitterly and, obviously, dedicated himself in the future to live totally for the Christ who was to die for him. His life after this incident reflects the principles by which all men should serve the Lord. While yielding one more time in a moment of weakness, his determined effort to be a Christian, whatever the cost, ruled his life and his conduct overcame even a moment of hasty decision. How fitting are the words he has written in the closing chapter of the final words we have from this disciple of Jesus Christ for he realized how necessary it is to serve the Lord at all times.

On every hand, in almost every moment, and in many circumstances, Satan is trying to lead those who are disciples away from the Master. He is subtle in his ways and manages to influence the multitudes of this world to follow his ways. It is only through the strength supplied by the Lord, as one resolves to always be steadfast, that it is possible to realize a victory over sin and Satan.

In the verses before the ones quoted at the beginning of this article, Peter had told them about the last days and the mockery and lusts after which men walked. Pointing out that someday the Lord will call all into account, it is absolutely necessary for disciples to live in a way that keeps them free of sin and unrighteousness. When Peterm mentioned the "destruction of ungodly men"(v. 7), he was setting a tone for these people to understand what would be the penalty for unfaithfulness, but also pointed out there was a promise for the faithful. "A new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness"(v. 13) awaited them. They must prepare if they expected to benefit.

Realizing not only his own weaknesses of the past, but recognizing the failings of men everywhere, he told them they were to "beware lest, being carried away with the error of the wicked," they fall.

It is easy to be caught up in the ways of the world. Sin has an attraction to it that holds the multitudes within its grip. In glossy advertisements, in endorsements of the famous, in the influence of friends, neighbors, and relatives, the weak can soon be overcome and enticed to transgress. The Christian is not immune from temptation. The Lord did not build a wall around disciples that shuts out temptations. In fact, he allows us to be tempted, knowing that the proving of our faith works righteousness. Learning to say no appeared thousands of years before the feeble efforts of society to keep people off drugs. The problem with the world's no is that it lacks the spiritual backing found in the Word of God.

When the world advertised cigarettes on TV(now banned), they did not show a person hacking for his/her last breath. They used a young female or male with good looks, attractively dressed, and a healthy, radiant body to market their tobacco. When the world advertises beverage alcohol, they give it the most attractive and pleasant surroundings. The breweries will not show the person who has lost their health, wealth, and family because of the bottle. Those who push the lottery will publicize how you can live "a good life" because you will have all of that money. They will not reveal that you have a better "chance" of being hit and killed by an automobile while crossing the street than to win the lottery. Nor do they tell of the many folks who cannot afford to buy the tickets, but purchase with the empty hope of being "rich." Satan is no fool. He appeals to the baser instincts of man in a flattering manner so as to capture the unwary.

Peter told the Christian how to avoid the entrapments of Satan. "...grow in the grace and knowledge" of the one who sacrificed himself for our sins. That growth comes in many different ways for the disciple of Christ. The individual disciple will take the time to study from the word of God and apply the principles that are taught therein to his/her life. They will meet with other disciples in order to benefit from their knowledge and expand their own growth.

They will make every effort to fully support the work of the Lord's church. You will find them at services, you will hear them encouraging others to do right, you will see the example they set, and you will be able to say, "There goes a Christian." They will take advantage of every opportunity to grow. They will weigh everything they do in the light of God's word. In all things and in all circumstances, it is the Lord and His kingdom that is first. When they face the daily temptations of life, they will say no. When they have an opportunity to do good, they will say yes. In all things and under all circumstances they will so live they will not "fall from their own stedfastness." How did these early disciples know that? Because the apostle Peter was an example to them and encouraged them to live a life, under all circumstances, that would cause them to grow in the "grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."