Archives for 2018

Good morning,

Today we continue our study of 2 Peter. Chapter 2 is about false teachers.

2 Peter 2:1-22

Beware of False Teachers

“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.” (2 Peter 2:1)

Their destructiveness (2 Peter 2:1-3)

Their destructive heresies (2:1-2)

“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.² And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.

Their destructive methods (2:1,3)

“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. ³ And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.”

Their destructive end (2:1,3)

“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. ³ And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.”

Their doom (2:4-9)

The example of the angels who sinned (2:4)

“For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;”

The example of the flood (2:5)

“And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;”

 The example of Sodom and Gomorrah (2:6-8)

“And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an example unto those that after should live ungodly;⁷ And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:⁸ (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)”

God will deliver the godly, and punish the unjust (2:9)

“The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:”

Their depravity (2:10-17)

Reviling against authority (2:10-12)

“But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.¹¹ Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.¹² But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;”

Reveling with great pleasure (2:13-14)

“And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;¹⁴ Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: a heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:”

Revolting against the right way (2:15-17)

“Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;¹⁶ But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet.¹⁷ These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.”

Their deceptions (2:18-22)

Deceptive in their methods (2:18)

“For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.”

Deceptive in their promises (2:19)

“While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.”

Whose later end is worse than the beginning (2:20-22)

“For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.²¹ For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.²² But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.”

CONCLUSION

Beware of false teachers

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good morning,

The Bible is the greatest book ever written. It tells us how the world began, how it will end, and its complete history. It tells us about life and death. It tells us why there is so much wickedness in the world. It tells us of the love of God. It explains what sin is and why we need a Savior.

The greatest chapter of the Bible dealing with God’s word is Psalm 119. The 176 verses are divided into twenty-two groups of eight verses each. The first group of eight begin with the Hebrew letter aleph. The next eight verses begin with the Hebrew letter beth. This pattern continues throughout the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet.

Psalm 119:113-120 God is our hiding place

^“113 I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.

¹¹⁴ Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.

¹¹⁵ Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.

¹¹⁶ Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.

¹¹⁷ Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.

¹¹⁸ Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood.

¹¹⁹ Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies.

¹²⁰ My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.”

The Psalmist acknowledges his dependence on God. God is his hiding place and God’s word is his hope, love, respect, and fear. His desire is to obey God’s word and he asks God to help him do it. He also realizes that it is God who is and will continue to judge the wicked.

There is a song in our hymnal called “Near to the heart of God”. This song helps us to understand this passage.

1 There is a place of quiet rest,
near to the heart of God,
a place where sin cannot molest,
near to the heart of God.

2 There is a place of comfort sweet,
near to the heart of God,
a place where we our Savior meet,
near to the heart of God.

3 There is a place of full release,
near to the heart of God,
a place where all is joy and peace,
near to the heart of God.

Quiet rest, comfort, joy, peace, is found near to the heart of God. The “hiding place” of today’s passage.

Have you gone to God’s hiding place lately? Are you seeking something from God, needing encouragement, protection, or comfort?

Come to God’s hiding place, near to the heart of God.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The Bible is the greatest book ever written. It tells us how the world began, how it will end, and its complete history. It tells us about life and death. It tells us why there is so much wickedness in the world. It tells us of the love of God. It explains what sin is and why we need a Savior.

The greatest chapter of the Bible dealing with God’s word is Psalm 119. The 176 verses are divided into twenty-two groups of eight verses each. The first group of eight begin with the Hebrew letter aleph. The next eight verses begin with the Hebrew letter beth. This pattern continues throughout the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet.

Psalm 119:105-112 The illumination of God’s word

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

¹⁰⁶ I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.

¹⁰⁷ I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O Lord, according unto thy word.

¹⁰⁸ Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord, and teach me thy judgments.

¹⁰⁹ My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.

¹¹⁰ The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.

¹¹¹ Thy testimonies have I taken as a heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.

¹¹² I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes always, even unto the end.”

The word of God illuminates our way. If we read it and obey it, God’s word provides a clear path. It gives us direction and purpose. The Psalmist testifies to this point.

He says he will obey, give, not forget, and perform the words of God always. He states that the word of God is the rejoicing of his heart. He asks God to teach him and quicken (make alive) in his time of affliction.

We all like coming into a well-lit room. However, when a bulb goes out, the light dims. Then we cannot see as well. That is what happens when we neglect to read and obey the word of God.

God desires to illuminate our way. Are our eyes opened and hearts prepared to receive God’s blessings?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

The Bible is the greatest book ever written. It tells us how the world began, how it will end, and its complete history. It tells us about life and death. It tells us why there is so much wickedness in the world. It tells us of the love of God. It explains what sin is and why we need a Savior.

The greatest chapter of the Bible dealing with God’s word is Psalm 119. The 176 verses are divided into twenty-two groups of eight verses each. The first group of eight begin with the Hebrew letter aleph. The next eight verses begin with the Hebrew letter beth. This pattern continues throughout the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet.

Psalm 119:97-104 Benefits of loving God’s word

^“97 O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.

⁹⁸ Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.

⁹⁹ I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.

¹⁰⁰ I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.

¹⁰¹ I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.

¹⁰² I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me.

¹⁰³ How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

¹⁰⁴ Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.”

The Psalmist loves God’s word. He sees benefits to obeying the word of God. God’s word makes him wiser than his enemies, have more understanding than his teachers and the ancients, it keeps him from evil, it is sweeter than honey, and it gives him understanding.

The Psalmist meditates on God’s word. He obeys and applies God’s word to his life.

Is God’s word practical? I would say that it is. The benefit of obeying God’s word ultimately is life eternal. But the real fun is reading and finding those benefits. God has little gems scattered all through the Scriptures. Some are obvious and others take a bit more searching. What an adventure!

The end result is growing closer to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Go explore and see what you can find.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

The Bible is the greatest book ever written. It tells us how the world began, how it will end, and its complete history. It tells us about life and death. It tells us why there is so much wickedness in the world. It tells us of the love of God. It explains what sin is and why we need a Savior.

The greatest chapter of the Bible dealing with God’s word is Psalm 119. The 176 verses are divided into twenty-two groups of eight verses each. The first group of eight begin with the Hebrew letter aleph. The next eight verses begin with the Hebrew letter beth. This pattern continues throughout the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet.

Psalm 119:89-96 Thy word is settled in heaven

“⁸⁹ For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven.

⁹⁰ Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.

⁹¹ They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants.

⁹² Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction.

⁹³ I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me.

⁹⁴ I am thine, save me: for I have sought thy precepts.

⁹⁵ The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies.

⁹⁶ I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.”

Man can not change the word of God. It is settled in heaven. Soon we will see the Word of God, Jesus Christ.

The Psalmist acknowledges God’s faithfulness and His creative power.

The Psalmist relies on the Word of God for his life. He delights in it and will never forget it.

He asks God to save him. It appears that this means from his enemies. He rests in God’s word even when being persecuted.

If there was no word of God, would it make a difference in your life? How important is God’s word to you?

For me, I base my whole life on what the word of God says. Decisions are made on the basis of Scripture. It tells me what I should do and what I should not do. And when I fail to obey God’s word, I know I have sinned and need to repent and renew my fellowship with God.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

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Good morning,

Today we start our study of 2 Peter.

The Introduction and outline are attached.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 71

Good morning,

The Bible is the greatest book ever written. It tells us how the world began, how it will end, and its complete history. It tells us about life and death. It tells us why there is so much wickedness in the world. It tells us of the love of God. It explains what sin is and why we need a Savior.

The greatest chapter of the Bible dealing with God’s word is Psalm 119. The 176 verses are divided into twenty-two groups of eight verses each. The first group of eight begin with the Hebrew letter aleph. The next eight verses begin with the Hebrew letter beth. This pattern continues throughout the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet.

Psalm 119:81-88 I forsook not thy precepts

“⁸¹ My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.

⁸² Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me?

⁸³ For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy statutes.

⁸⁴ How many are the days of thy servant? when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me?

⁸⁵ The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law.

⁸⁶ All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me.

⁸⁷ They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts.

⁸⁸ Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.”

The Psalmist is being persecuted. He asks God to comfort him, execute judgement on his enemies, and quicken him.

The Psalmist’s bedrock is God’s word. In the midst of his persecution he continues to obey the commandments of God.

Believers in Christ should have that same perspective.  Every decision we make should be based on the word of God. If what we want to do is in conflict with God’s word, DON’T DO IT! God gave us His word to be obeyed, not to limit our freedom, but to protect us from the evil in this world.

Obey God’s word..

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

The Bible is the greatest book ever written. It tells us how the world began, how it will end, and its complete history. It tells us about life and death. It tells us why there is so much wickedness in the world. It tells us of the love of God. It explains what sin is and why we need a Savior.

The greatest chapter of the Bible dealing with God’s word is Psalm 119. The 176 verses are divided into twenty-two groups of eight verses each. The first group of eight begin with the Hebrew letter aleph. The next eight verses begin with the Hebrew letter beth. This pattern continues throughout the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet.

Psalm 119:73-80 That I be not ashamed

“Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.

⁷⁴ They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word.

⁷⁵ I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.

⁷⁶ Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.

⁷⁷ Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight.

⁷⁸ Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.

⁷⁹ Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies.

⁸⁰ Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.”

The Psalmist acknowledges the creative power of God, His judgements, and His merciful kindness. He requests God’s mercy for his comfort and life. He prays that God would take care of his enemies.

The Psalmist heart is centered around the word of God. He requests understanding to learn God’s commandments. Everything he does is “…according to thy word…” He hopes, delights, and meditates, in the word of God.

The result of the Psalmist’s desire to know God’s word is that “…my heart be sound in the statutes…that I be not ashamed.”

This challenges me to spend more quality time studying and applying God’s word to my life.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The Bible is the greatest book ever written. It tells us how the world began, how it will end, and its complete history. It tells us about life and death. It tells us why there is so much wickedness in the world. It tells us of the love of God. It explains what sin is and why we need a Savior.

The greatest chapter of the Bible dealing with God’s word is Psalm 119. The 176 verses are divided into twenty-two groups of eight verses each. The first group of eight begin with the Hebrew letter aleph. The next eight verses begin with the Hebrew letter beth. This pattern continues throughout the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet.

Psalm 119:65-72 God’s word overcomes evil and is better than gold and silver

“Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O Lord, according unto thy word.

⁶⁶ Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments.

⁶⁷ Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.

⁶⁸ Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.

⁶⁹ The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.

⁷⁰ Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law.

⁷¹ It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.

⁷² The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.”

The Psalmist’s testimony is that when evil came against him, he turned to God’s word. It was in the times of affliction that he learned the most from God’s word. He then states that God’s word is greater than gold or silver.

It should be our desire to study God’s word all the time. Not just in times of affliction. Then when we are tested, we are well able to stand firm on God’s word.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

Good morning,

The Bible is the greatest book ever written. It tells us how the world began, how it will end, and its complete history. It tells us about life and death. It tells us why there is so much wickedness in the world. It tells us of the love of God. It explains what sin is and why we need a Savior.

The greatest chapter of the Bible dealing with God’s word is Psalm 119. The 176 verses are divided into twenty-two groups of eight verses each. The first group of eight begin with the Hebrew letter aleph. The next eight verses begin with the Hebrew letter beth. This pattern continues throughout the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet.

Psalm 119:57-64 Immediate Obedience with Genuine Commitment

“Thou art my portion, O Lord: I have said that I would keep thy words.

⁵⁸ I intreated thy favor with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word.

⁵⁹ I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.

⁶⁰ I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.

⁶¹ The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law.

⁶² At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.

⁶³ I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.

⁶⁴ The earth, O Lord, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes.”

The Psalmist uses words like “haste’ and “delayed not” in reference to the speed in which he desired to keep God’s word.  Immediate obedience to God’s word is paramount to him. His obedience is directly related to his relationship to God.

Then he shows his commitment to God. He acknowledges God as “my portion”. He asks the Lord for His favor, turns to God’s word, gives thanks at midnight, and is obedient to God’s word.

In the beginning of this passage, the Psalmist asks for mercy and at the end he acknowledges that the whole earth is full of His mercy.

Then, humbly, asks God to teach him.

That should be the pattern for our lives. Immediate obedience, seeking God’s favor, word, and mercy. Being thankful for God’s word. Having a desire for God to teach us His word.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001