Scripture:
2 Peter 2:12-22
Thu, 6 January 2022

The Ungodly Are Headed for Destruction

Observation:

What are Apostle Peter’s descriptions of the ungodly and their destiny?

Deeper Reflection
THE LORD IS GRACIOUS AND MERCIFUL. IN THE SCRIPTURES, God has given His people repeated warnings against turning away from Him, forsaking His righteous ways and going astray. We know that many people in the last days will be “lovers of self ”, “lovers of money” and “lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God”.14Do not become like ungodly people who are headed for judgment and destruction by God (vv.12, 13, 17b)15! Based on what Peter is saying in this text, such people may be in our congregations! They could be in your small groups! Such people are those who have in the past heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ and perhaps partially believed it, but subsequently reject the Lord’s teaching and return to their old ways and sinful practices (vv.20-22). They are “slaves to corruption” (v.19), entangled and overcome by the defilements of the world (v.20), and now in a worse state than before they sought to follow Jesus (vv.20-21). They are like the dog that returns to eat its own vomit and the pig that returns to dirty itself in the mud (v.22).Avoid these deceivers! They themselves have been deceived by the devil and now seek to deceive others.16 They promise freedom when they themselves have been enslaved to sin. They sell the idea of being free to do as one wishes – even wilfully and continually sinning against God.17 They champion self-fulfilment and urge people to pursue the sensual passions of the flesh and monetary gain to feed the greed in their hearts (vv.14-15, 18)18. God will certainly punish and destroy them.
14 2 Timothy 3:1-5. 15 See also verses 3b to 10a. 16 Verses 13, 18; 2 Timothy 3:13. 17 Perhaps perversely asserting that, on the basis of God’s grace, it is not a problem to sin because Christ has already paid the penalty for all our sins! This is the cheapening of grace – promoting faith in Jesus Christ without the repentance of sins. A desire for God’s blessings without the commitment to carry one’s cross and follow Jesus. 18 See also 2 Peter 2:2, 3, 10.
Application:

How does this statement, “For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved” (v.19b), apply to me and what will I do about it?

Prayer:
Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for Outreach/Missions/New Life leaders: To keep themselves from being deceived into ungodly living
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self

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Daily Devo
Daily Devotional Journal
Scripture:
John 20:19-21; Luke 4:14-21
Mon, 2 October 2023

Sent by the Lord

Observation:

What is the analogy that Jesus used in sending forth His disciples (v.21)?

Deeper Reflection
As we enter the month of October with our upcoming two Missions Sundays, let us focus our attention and prayers on Covenant EFC’s third Faith Exploit, “Disciple the Nations”. In today’s Scripture, verse 21 is a very significant statement that Jesus said to His disciples after His resurrection. And it applies equally to all those who are Jesus’ disciples today. There are three key observations we can make.First, the analogy that Jesus used – His having been sent by the Father – points us to Jesus’ foundational teachings that He came to accomplish the very will and works of the Father (Jn 4:34; 5:30, 36; cf. Lk 4:14-21). Second, the idea of Jesus’ disciples being “sent” reminds us that world missions is not a result of human initiative, but is God-initiated and God-directed. It is God’s mission in the world. Third, verse 21 reminds us that Jesus is not merely calling us to join God in His mission, but to relate to Him as our heavenly Father – in love, obedience and dependence.1Therefore, the more fundamental question is not “Are we being sent?” or “What must we do?”. Rather, it is “To what extent do we understand and treasure our sonship in relation to God our Father (Jn 20:17)?” So that, as beloved children of God, we will respond rightly to our heavenly Father who created us in His image, redeemed us in Jesus Christ, and called us to join Him in His mission. Out of gratitude and love towards God, we joyfully walk in the Lord’s will for us, and fully rely on His resources as we faithfully serve Him.
1 This is consistent with John’s emphasis in his writings on the Father-Son relationship that anchored and motivated Jesus in all that He did in submission and obedience to the Father’s will.
Application:

How do the purposes for which Jesus sends forth His disciples impact the
way I plan and live out the years of my life?

Prayer:
Dear Father in heaven, what manner of love You have bestowed on me that I should be called Your child! Every opportunity given to me to carry out Your will is a privilege for me to participate in Your glorious purposes. Help me to clearly discern the things that You want me to accomplish and to faithfully work at them with a heart that loves and depends on You and always seeks Your glory. Amen.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for leaders
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self

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