March 16, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – 2 Peter Chapter 2
1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;
5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;
6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;
7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:
8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)
9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.
12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;
13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;
14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:
15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
16 But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet.
17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.
18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.
19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction
2 Peter Chapter 2 is a powerful warning against false teachers and their destructive influence on the church. Peter compares these deceivers to the false prophets of the Old Testament, describing their corrupt nature, greed, and deceptive behavior. He emphasizes that God is not only able to preserve the righteous but also to punish the wicked. Historical examples—fallen angels, the flood, Sodom, and Gomorrah—serve as evidence of God’s judgment. The message is clear: those who knowingly turn away from the truth and lead others astray will face a harsher punishment than those who never knew the truth. This chapter urges Christians to remain vigilant and not be misled by teachings that appear attractive but are ultimately deceptive.
Commentary
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The Warning Against False Teachers (Verses 1–3)
Peter begins by stating that false teachers will infiltrate the church. They introduce destructive heresies and deny Christ, the very Lord who redeemed them. Through their sinful lives and deceptive words, they lead many astray, causing the “way of truth” to be maligned. Their motivation is greed—they seek material and personal gain. This warning reminds us that false teachings are often subtle and may not be immediately recognizable, slowly creeping into the community of believers.
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God’s Judgment on the Ungodly (Verses 4–10a)
Peter provides three historical examples of God’s judgment:
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The fallen angels were cast into darkness.
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The sinful world of Noah’s time was judged, while Noah, a preacher of righteousness, was preserved.
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Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed, while Lot, a righteous man, was rescued.
These examples make it clear that God not only punishes the wicked but also protects His faithful ones. Verse 9 summarizes this: “The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment.”
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The Corrupt Nature of False Teachers (Verses 10b–16)
Peter describes false teachers as arrogant, rebellious, and driven by their fleshly desires. They despise authority and are bold in their wrongdoing. Even angels, who possess greater power, do not act with such disrespect. Their behavior is likened to animals that follow their instincts blindly into destruction. A striking example is Balam, who loved the “wages of unrighteousness”—a prophet who was corrupted by greed and power until his own donkey had to rebuke him.
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The Consequences of Deception (Verses 17–22)
Peter uses harsh imagery to describe these deceivers: they are “wells without water” and “clouds driven by a storm”—they promise life and refreshment but instead bring confusion and destruction. They speak of freedom while being slaves to sin themselves. Tragically, they lead astray those who have just escaped deception. Their end is worse than their beginning because they knew the truth and still returned to sin. The final comparison to a dog returning to its vomit and a pig wallowing in the mud illustrates the repulsiveness of their return to corruption.
Summary
2 Peter Chapter 2 is a serious warning about the destructive consequences of false teachings and a godless lifestyle. False teachers not only endanger themselves but also drag others into ruin. Peter makes it clear that God is just: He saves the righteous and judges the wicked. At the same time, he encourages believers to stay alert and not fall into the same deceptions. The passage strongly emphasizes that deliberately abandoning the truth is worse than ignorance—an urgent call for every Christian to remain faithful and steadfast in their faith.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | Steps to Christ
Chapter 9—The Work and the Life
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction
Chapter 9 describes God’s selfless love as the source of all life, light, and blessing. This principle of selfless devotion is evident throughout creation, but most especially in the life of Jesus Christ. His existence was marked by sacrifice—he lived to save humanity and set an example of love and service. His followers should adopt the same attitude: a life that does not seek self-fulfillment but instead places the well-being of others at its center. This service is not only a calling but also the path to true happiness and spiritual growth.
Commentary
1.The Source of All Life and Blessing
God is the origin of life and blessing, and everything that exists receives light and joy from Him. Just as sunlight and flowing water nourish all living things, so too should humans receive and share God’s blessings. True fulfillment in life does not come from seeking personal gain but from sharing God’s love with others.
2.Christ as the Ultimate Example of Service
Jesus Christ lived a completely selfless life. His greatest concern was to save fallen humanity, even at the cost of suffering and sacrifice. Likewise, angels were not created for themselves but to serve others. The very essence of heaven is not selfishness but sacrifice and love. Those who reject this mindset separate themselves from God.
3.The Impact of God’s Love in a Person
When Christ’s love dwells in a person’s heart, it cannot remain hidden. It radiates outward and influences all who come into contact with them. A Christian’s life should be like a fresh spring in the desert—bringing refreshment and life to those in need.
4.The Joy of Serving Others
The deepest expression of love for Christ is the desire to help others. This was the principle by which Jesus lived. His life was not one of comfort and ease but of tireless service. Those who follow Him will not focus on their own desires but on the well-being of others.
5.The Importance of Sacrifice
A true disciple of Jesus is willing to make sacrifices so that others may experience the blessing of salvation. This sacrifice can take the form of time, resources, or personal dedication. Those who have received God’s grace cannot keep it to themselves—they will feel compelled to share it with others.
6.Communion with Christ Through Service
Serving others not only brings blessings to the recipients but also to the one who serves. God could have entrusted His work of salvation to angels, but He chose to involve people so that their faith could be strengthened. Anyone who dedicates themselves to God’s service will grow deeper in their experience of His love and truth.
7.The Necessity of Spiritual Growth Through Service
Christian growth does not happen through passive receiving but through active giving. Those who do not live out their faith will lose it. But those who carry out God’s mission and serve others will grow spiritually. This is a divine principle: spiritual strength comes through active engagement.
8.Every Christian is Called to Serve
The Church of Christ is called to bring the Good News to the world. This task is not only for missionaries or preachers but for every believer. Each person can be a witness for Christ through their work, behavior, and relationships. Even those who cannot travel to distant lands can still contribute through prayer, support, and serving in their immediate surroundings.
9.Imitating Christ in Everyday Life
Jesus spent most of His earthly life engaged in everyday work as a carpenter. He demonstrated that every job and every activity can be an opportunity to serve God. Even a simple worker can bear witness to Christ through faithfulness and integrity. Everyone can be a light to those around them and lead others to faith.
10.The Blessing of Selfless Service
Many people believe they are not qualified to work for God’s kingdom, but God does not only call the most talented—He calls every believer. Even the simplest tasks, when done with love, are valuable in God’s kingdom. Those who are faithful in small things will also be entrusted with greater things.
11.No Excuses – Everyone Can Serve
Many wait for a “special opportunity” to serve God, but this is a mistake. The best opportunity is the present moment—by living faithfully, showing love in daily life, and being open to the needs of others. Those who make themselves available to Christ will experience how He uses them and how their lives bear fruit.
12.The Hidden Influence of Service
Some people do not see the visible results of their efforts and feel useless. But God sees everything and will bring hidden deeds to light. Often, the effects of our actions will only be revealed in eternity. Those who remain faithful will ultimately see that no selfless act of service was in vain.
Summary
Chapter 9 teaches that true joy and fulfillment are found in selfless service. God is the source of all blessings, and He desires for us to pass these blessings on to others. Jesus is the highest example of a life of dedication and service. Those who follow Him will not live for themselves but for the good of others.
God has given us the privilege of participating in His work of salvation. This is not only a duty but also a blessing for us. Serving others strengthens our faith, brings us closer to Christ, and fills us with deep joy. Every Christian is called to be a light to others through their work, testimony, and love.
The greatest growth in faith does not come from passivity but from active participation in God’s work. Those who share God’s blessings with others will be blessed themselves. But those who remain spiritually inactive will lose their faith. Therefore, this chapter calls us not to wait but to act immediately and wholeheartedly for Christ—whether in our own homes, churches, or the world.
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