Thinking deeply

You already know these things, dear friends. So be on guard; then you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing. Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen. 2 Peter 3:17-18

The false teachers and the fallen believers seem to be getting away with their false teachings in our time. There seems to be any accountability for the gross immorality practiced and taught by these false teachers and no God-given consequences. From the text, Peter reminds his readers that the day of the Lord is coming with certainty. He is challenging those who are waiting for Christ’s return to “stimulate wholesome thinking and refresh their memory” (2 Peter 3:1). He was referring to the teachings he has given them, that the Lord himself had spoken, and that the prophets of old had predicted. This challenge is important for we are in a time where we are prompted to just accept whatever we see in the media as long as we are entertained. Followers of Christ are called upon to grow in knowledge so they could think and not just accept information they hear and see by its face value. Deeper thinking comes from insatiable hunger to grow and understand Biblical principles that will guide us in making decisions. It is important that we now what we believe and why. This is needed so we can spot immediately what are false teachings and what are those that can edify us. Such understanding never comes automatically; it has to be cultivated. It is hard work but rewarding for this is what will help us be strong in our relationship with God. If we focus on God’s grace and gifts, and we are growing in our knowledge of Him, then we will not be “blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men,” (Ephesians 4:14). Knowing the truth is the best defense against being lured by what is not truth. We grow in strength and assurance as we know about Christ, know His teachings, and come to know Him intimately through prayer, worship, and obedience. When we are growing the way we are admonished from His Word, we can join in Peter’s song of praise with which he closes the letter: “To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.”

Blessings,

Noel De Guzman

www.my-wbc.com