Bible Chapter: II Peter 1

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    What do we need for life and godliness?  We find it all in God’s Word and God’s provision for us.  We have all we need through Him.  It is impossible to add to what God has already provided.  It is unnecessary to try.  Jesus gave us everything necessary to live on the earth and prepare for eternity.
    The issue is that we must receive it and apply it in life.  Look at verses 5-8 and see a progression of attributes that will make the difference.  Faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, love - all of these being possessed in increasing measure will cause a believer to grow and be effective for the Lord.  So, the Christian life is not simply a matter of praying to receive the forgiveness Jesus offers, but then a life of spiritual growth and maturity.  Note: “being possessed in increasing measure”.  Be eager to grow spiritually and have a solid life in relationship with Jesus.
    Peter said they were eyewitnesses of His majesty.  They saw the supernatural things that Jesus did.  Skeptics today claim that the early church leaders made up stories to enhance the potential of creating followers and establishing a religion.  That is simply not true.  They experienced the powerful and miraculous things Jesus did.  They reported them and many believed.  They were not creative writers but witnesses of His majesty and power.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    How did we get the Bible?  Did some people get together and say, “Let’s write a religious book”?  No, Godly men were inspired, carried by the Spirit of God to write.  None of it came from the creative mind of a person, but by the inspiration of God.  We see evidence of God’s involvement in the provision of and preservation of the Bible.  Every time older copies are found we see that the message has not changed.  Like no other book of its era, the scriptures have been preserved and protected from error and changes.  The early scribes who took it upon themselves to make copies of the scripture meticulously copied letter by letter the message God has given to the world.  Because this is true, it is critical for me to study and apply the Bible in daily living.  Because the Bible is true I must continue to grow in applying what it says.  I find myself saying this often.  Don’t I already know all that the Bible says?  No, for there are depths of the scriptures that can be mined no matter how many times a person reads the Bible.  Even very familiar stories can have new concepts arise as they are read.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I can encourage people to read and study the Bible so they can learn it more, so they can grow in faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love.