An Understated Command
Scripture – 2 Peter 1:19-21: 19And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. 21For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
Reflection: This seems to be a bit of an understatement. The “word of the prophets” was essentially the Bible the early church had. The New Testament, of course, did not yet exist. And so the direction comes: “You will do well to pay attention to it.”
I spend a fair amount of time reading and studying the Bible. This passage is a gentle reminder to pay attention to it as I read – to allow the Spirit to speak through the words I read. Then, if it’s to make any difference, I must apply what I’ve read to my life in a deliberate, practical way. The simple question is, how will I be different because of what I’ve read today?
So as I read more today, I’ll pay attention. I’ll take time to savor some of the words and phrases. I will let God’s word impact my life. And most important of all, I will let the Bible re-shape who I am and how I live.
An Invitation: A small group will be meeting tomorrow morning from 9:45 – 10:30am to share what we’ve learned and seen in this week’s readings. We’ll meet in the Pastor’s office at Bethel Baptist Church, 13330 Trenton Road in Southgate. Everyone’s welcome to join us.
Reading for Sunday, November 16
Scripture – 2 Peter 2:1-3: 1But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. 3In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.
Reflection: This seems to be a bit of an understatement. The “word of the prophets” was essentially the Bible the early church had. The New Testament, of course, did not yet exist. And so the direction comes: “You will do well to pay attention to it.”
I spend a fair amount of time reading and studying the Bible. This passage is a gentle reminder to pay attention to it as I read – to allow the Spirit to speak through the words I read. Then, if it’s to make any difference, I must apply what I’ve read to my life in a deliberate, practical way. The simple question is, how will I be different because of what I’ve read today?
So as I read more today, I’ll pay attention. I’ll take time to savor some of the words and phrases. I will let God’s word impact my life. And most important of all, I will let the Bible re-shape who I am and how I live.
An Invitation: A small group will be meeting tomorrow morning from 9:45 – 10:30am to share what we’ve learned and seen in this week’s readings. We’ll meet in the Pastor’s office at Bethel Baptist Church, 13330 Trenton Road in Southgate. Everyone’s welcome to join us.
Reading for Sunday, November 16
Scripture – 2 Peter 2:1-3: 1But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. 3In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.
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