II PETER 3:16

" He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other scriptures, to their own destruction."  (NIV)







When Peter wrote this letter to the Believers, he wrote it to warn them of false teachers who were distorting the writings of Paul.  Peter pointed out that Paul wrote with wisdom inspired by the Holy Spirit. Peter pointed out to his fellow-Believers that while Paul's writings are not always EASY to understand, they were God-inspired truth. The false teachers against whom Peter  wrote were purposely misquoting Paul's teachings, attempting to use scriptures to make themselves seem impressive.  They were purposely creating confusion. Worse yet, false teachers are often subtly deceitful.  This letter from Peter gives us clues to help detect false teaching. Believers today must remain vigilant against falling into false doctrine.

One of my favorite scriptures is I Corinthians 1:33, which states, :For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace."  Okay... if God is NOT the author of confusion, then who IS?    (Hint:  Don't you think confusion goes hand-in-hand with evil?  Have you ever noticed that movie scenes of hell are always chaotic?   Hmmm...)






So, here is the gist of Peters' letter:  Avoid false teachings.  How? By knowing the truth.  We really must read and study on our own;  not depend upon someone else to tell us what the scriptures say.  Many believers want the peace and grace of God, but are not willing to exert the effort to get to know Him better.  To enjoy God's abundance, we need knowledge.  First-hand knowledge, obtainable only through Bible study and prayer.  We must remain diligent in seeking God.



And, what did Jesus have to say about teaching and truth?  "To the Jews who had believed him,  Jesus said,
'If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.  Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'"  (John 8:31,32)





                                      
  

  AND,
 ..." I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me."  (John 14:6)

I PETER 3:16

"...keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander"   (NIV)


Written by the apostle Peter, this verse is the essence of Christlike behavior. Peter wrote this letter to offer encouragement and advice to fellow-believers who had been driven out of Jerusalem and scattered throughout Asia Minor. This was when Nero was Emperor of Rome and there was great persecution of Christians. (In fact, Peter was eventually executed during this time.)


In this scripture Peter is saying that our behavior should demonstrate the change in us that Christ has made.  Our faces should reflect His love. We can quietly demonstrate our faith by being polite in a bad situation, by leaving a good tip for the waitress, by patiently waiting in the checkout line... little things that can make a big statement.


In the previous verse, I Peter 3:15,  Peter advises:  "But in your heart set apart Christ as Lord, always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect..."  We can always be ready to answer questions about our faith.  Be prepared to tell people what God has done in your life.  You don't have to be a preacher, or memorize oodles of scriptures, or be able to sing, or do anything special;  all you have to do is love the Savior and be willing to talk about that. The words will come.



But, do remember that the people asking the questions may not always like your answers!  Or, they may need time to ponder what you have said.  Peter's advice is to answer with gentleness and respect.  There may still be those who will be spiteful or hateful.  In those cases you can only maintain your standards as a Believer... and, trust that these people's criticisms and slanderous talk will not be believed.  This is definitely not easy, but when you are going through this, you are not alone...



"Jesus answered, '...Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.  I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world.' "
(John 16:32,33)