Tuesday, September 5, 2023

          Speaking with friends is different from speaking with random people.  You have a level of intimacy and familiarity with friends that usually does not exist with a stranger or even a casual acquaintance.  Defenses are down and we are a bit more open and inviting with those we know, love and trust. Peter had friends too.  In the third chapter of 2 Peter (and what we believe is the apostle’s final words), he used the expression “dear friends.”  He used it more than once—almost as if to underline the relationship he shared with his readers.  They shared a common faith, an amazing Savior and the same identity as people of God.  He was not writing to strangers.  But rather he wrote to people whom he deeply loved and about whom he deeply cared.  We read his words in the opening of chapter three, “Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles” (2 Peter 3:1-2).  Peter gave his friends some important truths to remember as he prepared to close his second letter.  There are at least five truths that speak to us today—generations and centuries after this letter was first written and received.
            First, Peter emphasized that this letter was meant for the people of God.  It was a family letter written to those who share the same Father and the same Savior.  Peter wrote with some specificity.  He used the expression “to you.”  He knew his audience.  If you were in a crisis, you would likely turn to someone you knew and trusted more than just a random individual who worked with you or maybe lived near you.  God’s people can learn from each other and disciple each other.  Christians believe in the “priesthood of all believers” which means, at least in part, that we can represent God to each other.  As friends and fellow believers, we can represent God to each other and bring an encouraging message of faith to each other too.  You might have a far greater impact or degree of influence in a friend’s life than you would in the life of a total stranger.  We can take Peter’s words in his two letters to heart because he wrote with believers in mind.
            Second, Peter wrote to stimulate us to “wholesome thinking.”  He wanted his readers to fill their minds with good things and thoughts.  Jesus said that out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks (Luke 6:45).  Proverbs 23:7 says that as a man thinks so is he.  Paul realized this truth as he encouraged readers in Philippians 4:8-9, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me—put it into practice.”  If we want good things to come forth from our lives, then we need to fill our lives with good things.  Input directly impacts outflow.  The influences that we entertain will impact the kind of people that we will become.  Peter wrote to help believers center their minds on thoughts that were righteous and good.  We can easily act upon thoughts that we entertain in unwholesome and sinful ways.  Peter said that thinking in good and wholesome ways allows us to put some boundaries and guardrails in place that can help us live worthy and faithful lives. 
            Third, Peter commanded his readers to remember the words of the prophets.  Most of the prophets of the Bible can be found in the Old Testament.  But the prophets are not old or outdated as we might be tempted to think those words mean.  The prophets’ words still hold value and meaning and still bless us today as we read them.  Israel’s prophets spoke of Jesus’ first and second comings.  They spoke about the kind of life that pleases God.  They rebuked sin and called it out.  They offered promises specific to Israel and general to all people of faith today as they seek to serve and follow the Lord.  We should always season our faith with a bit of food from the prophets—read them as you would the gospels or the letters of Paul, Peter and John.  We forget about or forsake the prophets at our own peril.
            Fourth, Peter reminded us to remember the words of Jesus.  Our Lord’s teachings form the foundation for our behavior and values today.  We also need to season our faith with the words of Jesus.  We should read the Sermon on the Mount at least once a year if not more often (see Matthew 5-7).  We should read the accounts of the crucifixion and resurrection during the year—and perhaps above and beyond the Easter season.  Check out Jesus’ words about His return in Mark 13 and Matthew 24.  When you read Scripture, blend together the words of the prophets and Jesus’ teachings.
            And fifth, Peter highlighted the importance of reading the words of the apostles—what we would consider the New Testament letters.  A good faith diet and faith building regiment will add the words of the apostles to the words of the prophets and the teachings of Jesus.  As Paul wrote to Timothy, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).  We should not neglect any Scripture but embrace the totality of God’s Word and see what applications can be made to our lives today. 
            Peter’s passion seemed to be for his readers to know the Lord Jesus as he knew Him—intimately, personally and in full submission to His perfect will and ways.  Scripture reading is one way we can know the Lord in a personal and lasting way.  Have a great Tuesday!  Remember to join us for our communal lunch this coming Sunday after worship.  Bring a dish or two to share and we’ll enjoy some good conversation and fellowship around the tables.