Arouse Pure Thoughts

Arouse Pure Thoughts

2 Peter 3: My dear friends, this is now the second letter I have written you. In both letters I have tried to arouse pure thoughts in your minds by reminding you of these things. ² I want you to remember the words that were spoken long ago by the holy prophets, and the command from the Lord and Savior which was given you by your apostles. ³ First of all, you must understand that in the last days some people will appear whose lives are controlled by their own lusts. They will make fun of you ⁴ and will ask, “He promised to come, didn't he? Where is he? Our ancestors have already died, but everything is still the same as it was since the creation of the world!” 

 

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When I accepted CHRIST at a young age, I started learning about promises HE made. It was an exciting time for me. But when life hit me and the world suggested leaving the “GOD” stuff alone and focus on “proven” solutions, I decided to follow the world.

 

• I tried to compartmentalize GOD into something that “I” do on Sundays.
• I tried to use a doubleminded approach to GOD by half serving HIM and half serving the world.
• I realized GOD was not real in my life, rather HE was a concept that was made to serve me and allow me to get “my” way.

 

Peter attempted to address some cloudy thinking believers were having towards GOD. Some people may have ridiculed believers for following GOD versus following the ways of the world. He gave an example of the type of ridicule people would give to undermine the believers faith.

 

My Observations

• Belief in GOD will require withstanding ridicule from those who do not put their trust in HIM.
• GOD promised that HIS SON will return, so I should prepare myself and others for HIS promise.
• GOD always keeps HIS promises, BUT HE does it in HIS time and HIS way.

 

When I was a child I believed and trusted fully. But as an adult, I questioned GOD’s methods and motives. I mean, I expect things to go one way, and when they go differently, I question GOD. “Don’t YOU realize the urgency of BLANK situation?” Insert your current situation where it says BLANK.

 

GOD wants me to grow up to realize I am made for HIM, not HE for me. HE gave me promises like “I have plans to prosper you” and “I will never leave you.” BUT HE also has promises like “If you turn from your wicked ways, I will heal…”  GOD expects me to grow and have faith in HIM that is unshakable. I gladly take some ridicule to side with the MOST HIGH GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer write the letters?
• Have you ever wondered if GOD would keep HIS promises HE has for you?
• Will you place your trust in GOD, knowing HE will keep HIS promises HE made to you today?

Philosophically Speaking

Philosophically Speaking

Acts 17: ¹⁶ While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. ¹⁷ So he reasoned in the synagogue with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there. ¹⁸ A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to debate with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others remarked, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection. ¹⁹ Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? ²⁰ You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we would like to know what they mean.” ²¹ (All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas.)

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Having bought into the philosophy, I immersed myself deeply. I spoke day and night about the views and opinions that mattered most for the group. I found myself leaving my family to bow down to the group’s symbols. Work had become my god and prominent figures had become my idols.

• It was easy for me to fall into a philosophical hole.
• It was easy for me to follow a group that seemed to reward me.
• It was easy for me to become something that satisfied my need for pleasure, affirmation and assurance.

Paul faced a difficult group of philosophers in Athens. They followed prominent figures like Epicurus or aligned with stoic beliefs. Fighting against hedonistic, mental rating, knowledge seeking people would be a challenge. They laughed at Paul because he spoke about JESUS saying he was a babbler. But Paul spoke anyway.

• GOD wants me to speak about HIS SON anyway.
• GOD wants me to follow HIS way as the only philosophy.
• GOD wants me to value HIS word as the thing I need to worship.

So many human philosophies come and go. BUT GOD remains the same. HE wants me to value HIS love for humanity by telling people JESUS died for my sins and is now alive. I can place my trust in HIM to provide and protect. I am grateful for JESUS, in whom I place my trust.

• Are you fighting for a certain philosophy that comes from humans?
• Do you doubt certain aspects you hear about GOD?
• Will you seek GOD and learn about HIM so you will have an everlasting purpose?

Dishing It Out

Mark 18: ¹⁶ Then the soldiers led Him away into the hall called Praetorium, and they called together the whole garrison. ¹⁷ And they clothed Him with purple; and they twisted a crown of thorns, put it on His head, ¹⁸ and began to salute Him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” ¹⁹ Then they struck Him on the head with a reed and spat on Him; and bowing the knee, they worshiped Him. ²⁰ And when they had mocked Him, they took the purple off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him out to crucify Him.

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“She is a drunk” laughed the students in my class. I joined in on the laughter as I did not like this teacher anyway. She seemed to be very mean and I enjoyed everyone bringing her down a notch.

• There have been times when I joined in with those who mocked people.
• There have been times when I felt great being part of the crowd who was ridiculing a person.
• There have been times when I delighted in talking about a person in a negative way.

JESUS was going to be executed, yet the soldiers took time to stage a fake military leadership gathering in order to mock HIM. The planning took time so that all the soldiers could be there, more than likely standing in their ranks. Hundreds gathered. It must have taken hours as they stood waiting to get their turn to get their jab in. Some thought “Maybe I’ll hit HIM with a stick.”

• GOD wants me to understand I have the same hatred as any other person.
• GOD wants me to know that only HE can remove my hatred and replace it with HIS grace.
• GOD wants me to remember what HE went through in order to rescue me.

JESUS had a beating that was fueled by misguided hatred. That hatred started out as a small ember of dislike, then grew into a raging fire of hatred. GOD wants me to realize that I may not like everyone, but I need to love everyone, just as HE does.

• Is there someone in your life who just rubs you the wrong way?
• Are you letting that person transform you into a cold bitter person?
• Can you examine your heart and ask GOD to transform it into HIS heart of compassion?