June 29. 2 Peter 2:12-22
GRACE LESSONS: This is basically a continuation of Peter’s righteous anger over the false teachers attempting to corrupt his flock. Quite honestly, I don’t see much grace in this passage. I see his fierce love for those who accepted Christ and his desire to protect them. Perhaps the graciousness is the intensity of his words and his passion for these Christians even in the midst of his own tremblings at his impending death.
OUR PASSAGE: God hates it when we mix up right and wrong, trying to justify wrong by making it seem right. When supposed ministers of the gospel distort it, there are serious consequences for them. Isaiah says it this way: “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! … Who justify the wicked for a bribe, And take away justice from the righteous man!
Therefore, as the fire devours the stubble, And the flame consumes the chaff, So their root will be as rottenness, And their blossom will ascend like dust; Because they have rejected the law of the Lord of hosts, And despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.” (excerpts from Isaiah 5:20-24 NKJV) Let’s never be on that “Woe” side of things, k? Let’s read and listen and not distort for our own gain or profit. I love how Peter is tending his sheep and protecting them!
My verse: 2 Peter 2:19 “They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves of sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you.”
My response: Lord, Thank You for this powerful warning. Help me to yield control of my life only to You. Help me to guard against any habits that might enslave me—from endless scrolling of Facebook to eating too many snacks. Help me to look to You alone for direction.
