If
we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth
is not in us. (1Jn 1:8)
O Lord, guide us in this sharing of the
Word, this reading of Holy Scripture. Bless us by opening our eyes
and our hearts to the glory of the Gospel, Amen
John, (the disciple that Jesus
loved..), speaks volumes in a single sentence. We all are sinners
and sinners we will be until our earthly life is over. To the last
breath, our tent is infected with the sin of Adam, and although
washed with the blood of Christ and spiritually stand sinless and
blemish free in the eyes of our Maker, we should not be deceived of
our fleshly nature.
Saint Peter encourages
believers-in-Christ to be responsible, attentive, to the lustful
temptations that are abound in this Satan filled earthly life. He
writes:
(2Pe
1:5-8) Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your
faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence,
knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your
self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and
in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly
kindness, love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing,
they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge
of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Peter shares his personal knowledge of
how frail our faith is sometimes and that it takes effort on our part
to adhere our behavior in the shadow of the Lord's example to us. It
is hard work. Often it is met with hate filled reaction to the Word.
How many of our old friends have distanced themselves from us when
we shared the Gospel with them? Peter continues in verse 10:
(2Pe
1:10-12) Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make
certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you
practice these things, you will never stumble; for in this way the
entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
will be abundantly supplied to you. Therefore, I will always be
ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know
them, and have been established in the truth which is present with
you.
Each of us should stand ready to remind
our brothers and sisters of Peter's words, even though we should
already know them. We lovingly hold each other accountable to His
word, and to our perfection in our Father's eyes.
JESUS our LORD, Your majesty and
greatness is reflected in the glory that Father God pours out on You;
giving You all power in Heaven and on Earth. We cherish Your love,
and we revere Your power. We know that You are at the door, sweet
Savior, Strong King, and we say with joy in our voices, COME LORD!
AMEN.
HAVE
YOU READ YOUR BIBLE TODAY?
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