2 Peter 3
Scripture:
13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.
14 So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.
Observation:
There will come a day when sin will no longer exist and the new heaven and new earth will be the home of the righteous. Oh, what a day that will be! It is fun to sit back and think about what that will be like. I am confident that it will be more incredible that I can imagine. Until then, the Scripture encourages us to “make every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace” with God.
I faced the facts a long time ago—I am not perfect. Not only am I not perfect now, as long as I am on this earth, I will not be perfect. However, this verse challenges us to “make every effort.” As a Spirit-Empowered Disciple, your heart’s desire is to honor God and to live holy. I encourage you, on this journey to know God more, do your best to honor God. When you make a mistake, as we all will, ask God for forgiveness and keep moving forward. Remember, there will come a day when we will live in a new heaven and a new earth and this struggle will be over. From that point on, we will spend eternity with our Lord, Jesus Christ. I believe in you; you can do it.
Application:
- Personal Application: Make every effort to live a life that is holy and honoring to God. In other words, do your best. That is all God is asking.
- Family Application: Encourage your family on this discipleship journey. Share with them a story of when you messed up, but God gave you the grace to move on. Remind them of God’s promised return and pray for them to have the endurance to make every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with Him.
Prayer:
- Personal Prayer Focus: Ask God for the grace that will allow you to forgive yourself for any past mistakes. Also pray for the endurance to keep moving toward a life that honors Him.
- Family Prayer Focus: Pray for your family to have the endurance to make every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with Him.
Three-Year Reading Plan for Sunday, August 23 to Sunday, August 30:
- Sunday, August 23: 1 Peter 3
- Monday, August 24: 1 Peter 4
- Tuesday, August 25: 1 Peter 5
- Wednesday, August 26: 2 Peter 1
- Thursday, August 27: 2 Peter 2
- Friday, August 28: 2 Peter 3
- Saturday, August 29: 2 Chronicles 1
- Sunday, August 30: 2 Chronicles 2
—TOM GROOT is National Director of Men’s Ministry and Christian Education. Connect with Tom on Facebook or Twitter @TomGrootJr.
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