Warnings

There are many forms of warnings: smells, lights, signs, sights, sounds, feelings, and written words. With varied focus, perhaps with different perspectives, their purpose is the same - to warn, to advise alertness and give a somehow notice of imminent danger. The way in which the responses to these warnings will also vary - from disregard and neglect to evasive or corrective action. Different circumstances, situations and the source, usually determines how an individual reacts to such warnings. It is obvious and natural that one will react differently to an impeding storm than on to an onrushing automobile. The counsel of a trusted friend will be taken with more careful attention and consideration than the advise from a stranger or the fearful imaginings of a child. 2 Peter is a letter of warning - from an authority none other than the courageous, experienced, and faithful apostle. It is also the last recorded communication from this warrior of Christ. Soon thereafter, he would be martyred to death for his faith. Previously, in last week post, we were able to see that Peter had written to comfort and encourage believers in the midst of suffering and persecution - an external onslaught. But, three years later, in this letter containing his last words, he wrote to warn of an internal attack - complacency and heresy. He spoke of holding fast to the non-negotiable facts of faith, of growing and maturing in the faith, and of rejecting all who would distort the truth. One cannot escape to notice that Peter knew that his time on earth was limited, so he wrote about what was on his heart, warning believers of what would happen when he was gone - with special attention to the presence of false teachers. Peter reminded his readers of the unchanging truth of the gospel. After a brief greeting, Peter give the antidote for stagnancy and shortsightedness in the Christian life. Next he gives a blunt warning about false teachers. They will be more and more prevalent in the last days and will do anything for money, they will spurn God's things, they will be proud and boastful, they will judged and punished by God. Peter concludes his brief letter by explaining why he has written it: to remind them of the words of the prophets and apostles that predicted the coming of false teachers, to give the reason for the delay of Christ's return, and to encourage them to beware of heresies and to grow in their faith. These written words could very well be applied to us. Our world is filled with false teachers and prophets, who claim to have the truth in order to gain attention and allegiance. Listen carefully to Peter's message and heed his warning. Determine to grow in your knowledge of Christ and to reject all those who preach anything inconsistent with God's Word.