PETER'S LAST WORDS

So then, dear friends,
since you are looking forward to this,

make every effort

to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with Him. 

Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation,

 just our dear brother Paul also wrote you
with the wisdom that God gave him.... 

,,,be on your guard so that you may not be carried away

by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position.

 

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

To Him be glory both now and forever.  Amen.

2 Peter 3.14-18

Both 1 and 2 Peter have a special urgency about knowing and realizing truth about Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.

2 Peter is almost totally devoted to this urgency.

Here is a list of at least some of Peter's phrases--

1.5--make every effort

       add to faith--(a list of additions are given in verses 5-7)

1.8--possess...in increasing measure

1.10--be all the more eager

          do these things

1.15--Remember these

1.19--Pay attentionto "the word of the prophets"

1.2-21--understand inspiration of Scripture

Chapter 2 is entirely devoted to warnings about dangers and consequences of false teachers.

3.1--Reminders to stimulate wholesome thinking

3.2--Recall writings of the Prophets and Apostles

3.3--Understand

3.8--Do not forget

3.11-13--Live looking forward

3.14--Look forward

          Make every effort

3.15--Bear in mind

3.18--Grow!

The best way for me to do this is by "journaling"--writing my thoughts about every word as I read.  I read, think, meditate, and pray my way through my readings and their applications to what is happening in my life day by day.  Writing helps me put into words what I am presently learning and understanding from the Scriptures about my life--motives, thoughts, emotions, words, actions.  The writing focuses my attention, clarifies my understanding, furthers the Spirit's work of holiness and righteousness.  I am able to speak much more clearly about the verse and its meanings for me.

This concentrated thinking and meditation on the words of the Prophets and Apostles and the Lord Jesush helps me see, embrace, and welcome the holiness and righteousness the Holy Spirit directs me to.  The result is immediate love, joy, peace, strength, encouragement, and comfort that it brings to me and enables me to give to others. And many more...

...set your hearts on things above,

where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly...with all wisdom...

Those who live in accordance with the Spirit

have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.

If you hold to My teaching, you are really My disciples. 

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

Go and make disciples..

teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. 

And surely I am with you always....

Col 3.1,2, 16; Romans 8.5; John 8.31,32; Matthew 28.19-20