December, 2022 — Quovadisworld

FALSE PROPHETS AND TEACHERS

Already the early Church was threatened with destructive heresies introduced by men who desired only their self-aggrandizement.

CHRIST’S GLORY AND THE PROPHETIC WORD

For when He was invested with honor and [the radiance of the Shekinah] glory from God the Father, such a voice as this came to Him from the [splendid] Majestic Glory [in the bright cloud that overshadowed Him, saying], “This is My Son, My Beloved Son in whom I am well-pleased and delighted”– [Mat_17:5]

CONFIRM YOUR CALLING AND ELECTION

Therefore, believers, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you [be sure that your behavior reflects and confirms your relationship with God]; for by doing these things [actively developing these virtues], you will never stumble [in your spiritual growth and will live a life that leads others away from sin];
for in this way entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly provided to you.

OUTLINE OF THE SECOND EPISTLE OF PETER

His purpose in this dying charge is to caution the Christian community against the dangers which were insidiously at work among them, and were more to be feared than persecution from without. His great argument to this end is the near advent of our Lord.

SHEPARD THE FLOCK OF GOD RESISTING THE DEVIL

Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour.

SHEPHERD THE FLOCK OF GOD

And when the Chief Shepherd (Christ) appears, you will receive the [conqueror’s] unfading crown of glory.

SUFFERING AS A CHRISTIAN

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal which is taking place to test you [that is, to test the quality of your faith], as though something strange or unusual were happening to you.

STEWARDS OF GOD’S GRACE THE NEW LIFE IN CHRIST

Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh [and died for us], arm yourselves [like warriors] with the same purpose [being willing to suffer for doing what is right and pleasing God], because whoever has suffered in the flesh [being like-minded with Christ] is done with [intentional] sin [having stopped pleasing the world],
so that he can no longer spend the rest of his natural life living for human appetites and desires, but [lives] for the will and purpose of God.

FOLLOWING CHRIST IN BEARING INJUSTACE

Following Christ in Bearing Injustice. Now who is there to hurt you if you become enthusiastic for what is good?

WIVE AND HUSBAND IN A CHRISTIAN FAMILY LIFE

Just as Sarah obeyed Abraham [following him and having regard for him as head of their house], calling him lord. And you have become her daughters if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear.