Daily Bread - NOV/16/07

2 Peter 3:17-18 17 - You then beloved knowing beforehand beware that you be not led away with the error of iniquity falling from your own steadfastness. But grow in grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to Him be glory both now and forever.

All of God's children should be comfortable and feel the love and acceptance of the Father as they grow up in His house (1 John 4:16; Ephesians 1:6; John 1:12; 10:28-29). Yet at the same time we must realize that there is a gross error being propagated that results in God's people having no power to overcome iniquity. God's grace that brings salvation teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lust and at the same time provides for us the ability and the strength to do it (Titus 2:11-12; Ephesians 3:16; Colossians 1:11; 1 John 2:14). We must not allow ourselves to be overwhelmed by our own failures but must remain steadfast in God's commitment to us even more than our commitment to Him. Through our reliance upon the grace of God we will grow spiritually, and the result of that growth will be a steadfastness against all the things contrary to the will and the nature of God. We will grow as we desire the sincere milk of the word and as we speak the truth in love (1 Peter 2:2; Ephesians 4:15). As we exercise godliness we will get strong in godliness. Through the action of resisting the powers of darkness and the sin and iniquity that dominate that realm we will find ourselves growing in strength and spiritual authority (James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8-9). God who gave the grace will never take it away, and He who gives the knowledge of salvation will never withhold it so long as we are willing to embrace His will.

The one thing that we must watch out for is that we do not listen to false teachers. Remembering what Peter said previously: "they speak nonsense and with licentious desires of the flesh entice people; they promise freedom but they themselves are the slaves of corruption" (2 Peter 2:18-19). We must not compromise with the world and with the sin that rules it. If someone comes along and teaches that sin is an understandable part of your everyday life, reject it. If we sin it is disastrous and we must think of it as such. We are to repent knowing the terror of the Lord and ask God to both cleanse us and strengthen us (2 Corinthians 5:11; Luke 12:5; Hebrews 10:31). There must never be an acceptance of the realm of iniquity as though it is something that is to remain a part of our lives (2 Peter 1:9; 1 John 2:10; Romans 6:2; Matthew 7:23; 2 Timothy 2:19). If we remain steadfast in the truth that is in Christ Jesus then we will discover that it is God who is perfecting everything that concerns us (Psalms 18:32; 138:8). God will never leave us nor forsake us. He will stand faithfully by our side so long as we are willing to walk with Him (Romans 8:35- 39; Psalms 94:14; 36:5; 92:2; 1 Corinthians 1:8-9; Philippians 2:13; Amos 3:3).

Be blessed,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org