Creator, Father, King #338

While you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight.

HAVE YOU EVER WON a championship in any sport? Finishing a season on top is exhilarating! Even as a fan, it’s exciting to experience the thrill of victory through your favorite team.

Conversely, have you ever rooted for or played on a team that perpetually stinks? What a drag.

Nobody likes to lose. Everybody wants to be a winner.

In many ways, the letter of 2 Peter is like a contrast of two teams—one that follows God and receives an eternal reward (the winner) and one that chaotically rebels against him and receives eternal punishment (the loser).

Let’s look at this fascinating letter.

What’s It Mean?

The apostle Peter wrote his letter to first-century Christians who were surrounded by religious charlatans and destructive spiritual lies. Here’s how Peter describes these dangerous false teachers:

• They teach heresy, including falsehoods about salvation. (2:1)
• They greedily exploit people for monetary gain. (2:3)
• They proudly scoff at the thought of supernatural creatures. (2:10)
• They love to indulge in evil pleasures in broad daylight. (2:13)
• Their desire for sin is never satisfied. (2:14)
• They are expert boasters. (2:18)
• They promise people freedom from the “rules” of Christianity, but actually enslave people to sin. (2:19)
• They mock the veracity of Jesus’ second coming, living only for today. (3:4)

From this summary of 2 Peter 2:1–3:7, do you see a theme? In describing these wicked individuals, Peter portrays total spiritual chaos. In many ways, it sounds like the world we live in today.

What is the end for these rebels? Sadly, “they are being kept for the day of judgment, when ungodly people will be destroyed” (2 Peter 3:7).

Christians, on the other hand, are to live differently in light of our godly calling and Jesus’ return. Peter says we are to do the following:

• be on our guard against false teachers (3:17)
• live “pure and blameless” lives (today’s verse)
• pursue spiritual growth in Christ (3:18)
• joyfully anticipate our heavenly home (3:13)

Wow! Do you see the utter distinction between the two teams? In the Christian life, there’s no chaos or disorder. There’s only a patient, holy manner of living as we faithfully obey God and await the return of our Savior.

The choice of teams is before you. But let’s be honest: there’s no question which one you should pick. Choose the winning team!

Now What?

Read 2 Peter to learn more about how to live “pure and blameless” before God.

Did You Know?

Peter probably wrote this letter shortly before he was martyred (2 Peter 1:14; John 21:18-19).