False Teachers (2)- The Rock Speaks Vol. 2 (6)

2 Peter 2:3–22

[3] And in their (False Teachers) greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.

[4] For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment; [5] if he did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, with seven others, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly; [6] if by turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes he condemned them to extinction, making them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; [7] and if he rescued righteous Lot, greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked [8] (for as that righteous man lived among them day after day, he was tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard); [9] then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment, [10] and especially those who indulge in the lust of defiling passion and despise authority.

Bold and willful, they do not tremble as they blaspheme the glorious ones, [11] whereas angels, though greater in might and power, do not pronounce a blasphemous judgment against them before the Lord. [12] But these, like irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed, blaspheming about matters of which they are ignorant, will also be destroyed in their destruction, [13] suffering wrong as the wage for their wrongdoing. They count it pleasure to revel in the daytime. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions, while they feast with you. [14] They have eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin. They entice unsteady souls. They have hearts trained in greed. Accursed children! [15] Forsaking the right way, they have gone astray. They have followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved gain from wrongdoing, [16] but was rebuked for his own transgression; a speechless donkey spoke with human voice and restrained the prophet's madness.

[17] These are waterless springs and mists driven by a storm. For them the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved. [18] For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error. [19] They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved. [20] For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. [21] For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. [22] What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.” (ESV)

Peter's fiery passion just jumps off the page in this section.... he goes off!

This passage has a feeling.... a frustration.... and part of the heart of the pain is where I feel Peter  speaking of Lot... there seems to be a kinship. 

greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked [8] (for as that righteous man lived among them day after day, he was tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard);

And this is a key- am I distressed by the sin in society?... does it torment me to see and hear constant lawlessness? The lawlessness here is the moral law of God.

We can't escape it... the question is am I captivated by it? Do I yearn to join in? Or does it grieve me?

False teachers greedily long to walk in the ways of the world.... they are aligned in spirit with those who live in sin and shame.

Look at the fruit....

exploit others

speak falsely

indulge in lust

despise authority

hardened in blasphemy- no fear of God


how about this description?

irrational animals,

creatures of instinct,

born to be caught and destroyed,

suffering wrong as the wage for their wrongdoing

They count it pleasure to revel in the daytime- they double down in their sin and keep indulging the flesh even though they are wrecked by the lifestyle

reveling in their deceptions, while they feast with you

They have eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin. They entice unsteady souls. They have hearts trained in greed. Accursed children!

Like Balaam, who loved gain from wrongdoing

But there is a worse way than everything above… the real fruit of false teachers is the devastation they inflict on others who are weak and struggling:

speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error. [19] They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved. [20] For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first.

Here Peter makes a bold and startling statement:

For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. [22] What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.” (ESV)

So, the Bible answers an old question in a rather different way:

Is it better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all?

Here is the answer.... it would be better to not know the way than to know it and abandon it!

The key here is that the nature never changed, pigs and dogs return to their nature.

So the Puritans would say: Faith that fizzles was faulty from the first!

This has been a tough month! The turmoil in our country has grieved me.

And here is a really big problem..... false teaching has made the crisis worse!

I rarely hear 'truth' anymore in public discourse. I hear inflammatory rhetoric that is used like a weapon.

Issues like a deadly pestilence or heart breaking racism can be helped by truthful teaching....

or it can be seeds of destruction that magnify the problem with no real answers.

This is a time for truth.... everything else will be gasoline on a fire......

This is a time for the gospel message as found in the Word of God!

The Rock Speaks (9)

As I close out 1st Peter today, I am prepared to take another break from writing for a time. It has been good to take time away from it to read, research and pray.

There is A LOT more here in 1st Peter 5 than what I cover. I noticed that I skipped over spiritual warfare, and the collaboration with Silvanus... both are worthy of some discussion.

Today's passage contains one of the wisest pieces of advice I have ever received in Scripture.

I find myself rather weary of this shut down. I don't feel right to complain because so many have really suffered and I am blessed to still have a job and to have health.

We need to pray for each other..... we all need encouragement and perseverance. And I have grown to understand the signs of the mild depression that visits me from time to time. I have come to embrace it is a sign of aging and the reality of how unfulfilling this sin cursed world is. And I never doubt the presence and goodness of the Lord.

1 Peter 5

[1] So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: [2] shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; [3] not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. [4] And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. [5] Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

[6] Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, [7] casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. [8] Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. [9] Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. [10] And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. [11] To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

[12] By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it. [13] She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son. [14] Greet one another with the kiss of love.

Peace to all of you who are in Christ. (ESV)

I have really enjoyed this walk through I Peter. I found myself mulling over the book throughout the day and as I pondered the words on my pillow at night. It is a great balance between exhortation and encouragement.

Pretty neat that he closes with the imagery of a shepherd. Again, Jesus restored Peter with that idea of 'feed my sheep".

My take on this is that Peter is anticipating the end of his ministry, not just the end of a letter. We get a fuller sense of this at the intro of 2nd Peter:

[12] Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. [13] I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, [14] since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. [15] And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things. (2 Peter 1:12–15 ESV)

So, as a faithful disciple, he has been a disciple maker and exhorts those who will be leading after he has departed. This is the most crucial aspect for the future of the church- not what are we leaving behind... but WHO?

Now, let me point out the wisest advice that I have found in the whole letter....

'SHEPHERD THE FLOCK THAT IS AMONG YOU'

See, this piece is directed toward spiritual leaders- and most leaders are always looking to lead bigger and better. This urge to move forward can create a general discontentment. Musicians want to be discovered, young pastors want to land the big congregation, assistant coaches want that head coaching position- but I love what Peter says- learn how to oversee the group you have been honored to lead. Don't look ahead- be found faithful where you are.

To me it starts in my home- I need to be found as a good shepherd to my flock of Mathews. Even as they are now moved out and on, how am I doing in loving, praying for, and encouraging them?

How am I to do it? Accept the rule of oversight and diligently be involved in their lives. I don't need to be their KING, I need to set an example in service and humility. I need to trust God and allow him to develop in me a godly contentment.

Next, I have a group of quarterbacks and anglers- same deal.

When I originally left Briarwood in 2003, I had become very discontented and overly ambitious. I wanted to lead my own program and was just cocky enough to push hard to find that opportunity.

Four times previously, I had finished as a runner-up for a head coaching position and each time grew more frustrated. The offer to move from Nashville actually came from them. I twice said NO and then went to interview. And we went for it.
Looking back, it was God's will for me to go. But it seems like (as far as how it applies to me), it was God using circumstances similar to Jacob working for Leah (7 years) when he thought he was getting Rachel.

When it looked like it was God's plan for me to return to Briarwood, you can imagine how it hit me. At first I thought, "I'm like a whipped puppy coming home with his tail tucked between his legs". I imagined the reception being something like- "Couldn't cut it huh?" Was I a complete failure?

And, here was the most interesting part- not only was I no longer a head coach, I wasn't even going to be the coordinator. I was going to just be a position coach.

But the Holy Spirit did something rather remarkable- He granted me a sincere 'God sent' contentment. And the day before I accepted the job, I felt my spirit and God's spirit come to a point of unity- Lord, I know You are in control- I willingly lay all of this down at the foot of the cross- and won't worry about 'being in charge' or 'calling the shots'- I'm going to love the players I have and 'shepherd my flock' with passion and energy.

The result? This year was the greatest professional; year of my life! The people at Briarwood only expressed love and excitement at my return. They made me feel special again after my last few years in my old position where my leadership beat me up on a consistent basis.

My wide receivers were amazing to work with, we texted in group me, we went out to eat, we laughed, we worked hard and we improved. It was incredible!

I never felt frustrated. I was part of a great team of men  who didn't care who got the credit and we respected one another and shared the workload.

I have now for a long time misunderstood the verse, humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you. This doesn't necessarily mean he takes a pauper and makes a king. It most likely means that He sustains you in the task He has called you and will reward you at the day of glorification.

So as a spiritual leader (in my home, as a coach, as an athletics director, as a small group leader, as a Sunday school teacher)- what does this passage say to me?

• Lead by example- not in a domineering way
• Be diligent to initiate oversight- active, sober-minded-... not passive
• Respect all lines of authority with great, godly contentment
• Use all the means of grace to combat pride
• Pray at all times and trust in God's goodness
• Understand the nature of the battle- this is no day on the beach
• If circumstances call for suffering- then bear it in all endurance

And what does Christ promise here?

He will RESTORE me

He will CONFIRM me

He will STRENGTHEN me

He will ESTABLISH me


Peter's powerful testimony is proof of the truth of all these things.
In a much smaller way- this blogger can give the same testimony.


Like Peter , I can proclaim... "I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. (Let us ALL) Stand firm in it"

When the Good Shepherd appears, I hope He finds me faithful- no matter the task......

The Rock Speaks (7)

It was good to take a few days off to read, study, and pray. Coming back to this book was good. I have truly been impacted by these great words from Peter.

I went fishing, and during that time I spent a lot of time thinking about Peter and that life. He walked away from it and I am sure at times he missed it.

The life Jesus called him to was not easy, and though Peter had many failures and trials, he never quit. Peter was loud, brash, and quick to act. But he became submissive and wise. He simply lived life in full view of the suffering of His Savior and to him, it required a life of service to his Master's kingdom.

I get the feeling that the time is coming where we are going to be called to choose. And we will be persecuted for that choice. I pray for revival.... but regardless, we need to pay closer attention to what Peter is saying here:

[13] Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? [14] But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, [15] but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, [16] having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. [17] For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.


Apologetics is the discipline that deals with a rational defense of Christian faith. It comes from the Greek word ‘apologia’ which means to give a reason or defense. It is the word translated "to make a defense" in I Peter 3:15.

 “in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”

I taught apologetics to high school seniors for 7 years. It is likely the hardest task I ever encountered and I made SO MANY mistakes along the way. Too many to even discuss in this blog post.

But sadly, my biggest mistake is losing touch with the CONTEXT of this passage.

We tend to think of apologetics as an intellectual debate in a college lecture hall, defending the philosophy of a Christian world view against an atheist.

This passage is in the context of suffering! Peter is saying to believers.... as they persecute you, burn you at the stake, feed you to lions, take away your means of earning a living.... live in such a way that people ask you... "Why do you have such peace and HOPE?"!

And if no one is asking me about my reasons for hope.... maybe it is because my life really does not reflect a radical obedience and a bold gospel message!

Every time I write or teach on an apologetic topic... my readership goes down and the boredom alert signal goes on high. I wish we had more solid theological lumber in our presentations, but there is little hunger for it... sadly.

But we do not really understand apologetics.....

One of the biggest issues in apologetics is the futility of reasoned arguments to non-believers. I Corinthians 2: 14 says, “ The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.”

Colossians 2:8 “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.”

This leads us to some important foundations of defending our faith.

#1 The goal of a Biblical apologetic is not to win arguments, but be used of God to present the claims of Christ and His wonderful gospel. Evangelism and apologetics are very close.

#2 Reasoned arguments alone will not talk anyone into accepting the message of faith. We do offer answers for our hope, but we will not get discouraged if these answers are found to be unacceptable in the world’s eyes.

#3 We need to be as winsome as possible....." yet do it with gentleness and respect.”

I have seen a number of highly regarded apologists do more harm than good.... using truth as a blunt force weapon. That was one of my problems as a Bible teacher, I was so right... I was DEAD right and I won a lot of insignificant arguments, but slowly lost the war! Lord, please forgive me!

But here is some VERY GOOD NEWS from the Rock!

[18] For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, [19] in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, [20] because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. [21] Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, [22] who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him. (ESV)

 I count this as one of the weirdest passages in the Bible. It even puzzled Luther:

“A wonderful text is this, and a more obscure passage perhaps than any other in the New Testament, so that I do not know for certainty what Peter means.”

I do think I was helped by John Piper in 'fleshing this out'- 

https://www.desiringgod.org/labs/how-do-you-decrypt-confusing-bible-verses

Here is a breakdown of the various thoughts on I Peter3:18-20

The irony is that Peter said Paul's writings were hard! Look at what Peter says in his 2nd letter:

And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, [16] as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures. (2 Peter 3:15–16 ESV) 

So we need to be careful here and not implant some strange or twisted rationale to what Peter means about proclaiming to the spirits in prison. They may be demons, or people in Hades,... but the text is too obscure to invent some theological angle.

 I think the mistake we make is worrying too much about the mystery and that makes us miss what is in plain sight!

And here is what stands out:
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God,

Now the strange part:

Christ was made 'alive in spirit' and 'proclaimed' to other 'spirits' in 'prison' because the 'formerly' did not obey.... when God's patience waited 'in the days of Noah (at the time the ark was being prepared)
in which a few (small, 8 persons) were brought safely through water.

Peter says this corresponds now in baptism which saves- not as a removal of dirt from the body, but an appeal to God (for a good conscience) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Jesus has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God- and with Him are angels, authorities, and powers... ALL subject to Him!

And I do think a key is to notice what Peter says right after this in Chapter 4- sometimes the chapter breaks in the Bible disrupt the whole:

[1] Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, [2] so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. (1 Peter 4:1–2 ESV)


Don't run from hard passages in Scripture. Slow down, read, pray, cross reference and take TIME... days, weeks, months. Drop them and come back.

Always allow other passages to shed light on them. And there will be some things you won't ever know for certain. That is OK.

[29] “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law. (Deuteronomy 29:29 ESV)

This is not a cop out by the way.... if you can explain EVERYTHING about God be careful.... that may be a god made in your image. My God has great mystery, yet I take comfort that I am made in His image. He is beyond me... and I am OK with that!

So here is my bottom line on this passage:

1) I really don't know what parts of this passage refer to. If I had to guess, it has something to do with Christ's spirit while the body of Jesus was in the tomb and possible corresponds to the part of the Apostles creed "He descended into hell". But it is too obscure to build any true narrative about.

2) Disobedience is nothing to play with. If we are not careful, we swim in the ocean of Christian liberty in grace and forget there are still sharks of consequence. We have been saved to do God's will and Peter will spend more time on that in I Peter 4.

3) Our salvation cost A LOT- the suffering of Jesus. When He asks us to submit as a citizen, as a servant, as a wife, as a husband.... it is NOTHING compared to what He did for us!

5) Christ's goal is to bring us, the UNRIGHTEOUS,  to God... acceptable and worthy. As the ark brought 8 people through the flood of judgement... the cross will bring some through the fire of God's wrath. Even Jesus said the road is narrow and the people are few... comparatively. Where are you on that journey?

Yes, there will be a LARGE number of people who will be saved from the fires of hell, but sadly, it is a small proportion compared to the whole of human existence.

God is patient... just as He was while Noah built the ark... but the rains came.
God is being patient again, as Jesus is building His church.... paid for by shed blood on the cross.

SO- arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, [2] so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.

Time is running out....... it is time for all of us to be sober and obedient to the will of God. Don't treat Jesus with disrespect.....

Jesus has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God- and with Him are angels, authorities, and powers... ALL subject to Him!

More on this when I write again.

The Rock Speaks (6)

Looking back over the last few posts from 1 Peter..... if I am honest, I realize what a hard section I am covering!

When I got away from it to write about Jesus walking on the water yesterday, I ended up laughing.

Jesus walking on water seems WAY more plausible than what I have been writing about...human beings yielding to others, even to the point of mistreatment, for the glory of God.

And Peter fleshes it out to citizens, to slaves, to wives, and to husbands..... and every bit of it has difficulty!


But I am not laughing now... Peter is dead serious!

He sums it up again in this powerful section today:

1 Peter 3:8–12

 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. [9] Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. 

[10] For

(quoting Psalm 34:12-16)

“Whoever desires to love life

and see good days,

let him keep his tongue from evil

and his lips from speaking deceit;

[11] let him turn away from evil and do good;

let him seek peace and pursue it.

[12] For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,

and his ears are open to their prayer.

But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Did you see it? We often fly right past it. As believers, we are NOT to revile back when being reviled...on the CONTRARY... we are to bless others who are reviling us!

How do we grade out on that report card? Give me an 'F'-  if anyone mistreats me or slanders me, I am ready to fight them.... I demand to defend my name and reputation!

Peter finishes up this major point (submission... even at times to the point of suffering!) by pointing to an ongoing reality.....

Let's pick up again the flow of what he is saying:

Believers/followers of Christ have been born again to a living hope .

That hope is rooted in the gospel: the death and resurrection of Christ for the salvation of sinners.

This message is securely in the Scriptures, it takes root in the heart, and produces a fruit; the pursuit of holiness- mostly manifest in a love for others and deep submission to God and His sovereignty. This is a process where evil attitudes and behavior are put away and the people of God clearly demonstrate love and service to others- not as 'rule keeping' but a sincere change of motives and desires.

TO THIS YOU ARE CALLED!

AND all of this takes place in an arena of challenge and combat.

Christ is our treasure..... but He is also an offense to unbelievers.

Our exhortation is to never retreat from the world... on the contrary, we are called to live out the life God has called us to in full view of the rebels. We are to proclaim the good news and answer the charges or questions that come from those who do not call Christ Lord (this will be part of tomorrow's lesson).

As in any competition or battle there are certain fundamentals that should adorn our life:

Peter says we should 'have' these things- it isn't a suggestion... it is a command!

1) Unity of mind

2) Sympathy

3) Brotherly love

4) Tender hearts

5) Humble minds

Interesting list: Christianity has been said to be a 'full contact sport' touching all the modes of human experience: mind, emotions, and will. This list has overlapping features and yet is distinct as well. How about it? Do I have these qualities? ... we ALL should HAVE them.

And, these attributes have results. For example, IF we have unity, love, tender hearts, and humble minds we will NOT repay evil for evil, we will NOT revile, instead we will bless- THIS IS OUR CALLING.

I picture Peter hearing the Lord's voice as He preached the Sermon on the Mount.
I love that Peter immediately goes to His Scripture, the OT, and quotes Psalm 34:12-16.

Look at that passage again! What if God came to your front door, rang the doorbell, and asked the question: Do you want to love life and see good days? Who on earth would say NO!

And He then gave you these instructions:

Speak no evil

Be honest

Turn from evil and DO good

Seek peace

He finishes by saying: I'm watching you, and I will be for you, and I will answer your prayers.

How fired up would we be?

And so we set out to do it. 
We really get after it. 
We walk around encouraging people, serving others, and loving.

Then we find something strange... we aren't really winning the adulation of the world. 
In fact, people are growing pretty hostile!

Peter follows up with advanced instructions:

Don't be afraid of those who hate you or seek to destroy you... they really can't harm you.
Don't be troubled- Do not let them ruin your day.

It is almost like Peter says- "Jesus taught me this... when you are persecuted, when you suffer for righteousness sake- you will be blessed!

Peter was with Jesus for three years during the earthly ministry of Christ. Peter had still had such a long way to go. When Peter swung that sword in the garden... I don't think he was living according to his commands here, that he wrote many years later.

Peter knows failure in these areas:

When he denied Him.

When he was prideful.

When Paul had to confront Peter's hypocrisy in the early days of the church.

What Peter is commanding is a life long, only by the Holy Spirit pursuit.

So I close today with this:

To follow Christ is sweet.

But it is never done for the satisfaction of men.

It will never gain the applause of popular approval.

It is always done for the glory of God.

But that is the only legitimate aim in life that matters.

I encourage you to continue to read with me in 1 Peter.....  there are some interesting phrases and concepts  coming our way

A Fisherman's Tale- Walking on Water (4)

I will be going back and forth in this time with Peter.... exploring his life in a creative manner and thinking through his writings.....

Peter didn't mind being awake during the 4th watch of the night. It was good to be back on the water, he wished they stayed near the seas more. They ate much better and there was at least some break from the constant crowd of needs.

Peter stood tall on the bow and stiffened his body against the crisp counter wind that had moved the boat far off shore. He missed this friend at times, the invisible breath of healing with the hint of salt, full of memories that preserved his soul during dark nights on the sea.

Matthew broke the music and, suddenly, Peter was reminded of the presence of the disciples with him.

"What are we to do?"........  How will we meet him?"

The twelve followers of Jesus seemed to always be confused. They did the Master's bidding. At times they asked him to explain the parables  in which he taught. But the scope and sequence of each day foreshadowed no clue to see beyond their moment, it was their Master's style.

"How should I know, Matthew?" Peter could barely make out the tax collector's silhouette in the dark shadows, "You saw him like I did! He was climbing the mountain and we were in the boat as he directed. We will go to the other side and wait."

Peter looked again out toward the horizon. There was barley any help from the stars and moon. All he knew is that the waves were steady, the wind was stirring, and they must simply wait for the break of dawn.

Back at the stern, there was a different type of stirring. Peter could see three or four of them pointing out into the abyss. Before he had a chance to say a word, a few of them fell back in terror!

"There is a spirit coming for us!"

Peter moved toward them full of confidence and courage. These were common occurrences for fishermen on the night watch who were frightened of sea monsters and ghosts. A few more disciples ducked behind Peter as he became the prominent one at the stern. 

"What did you see?" Peter finally saw the cowering person at his feet was Bartholomew, who Peter assumed would not be steady at sea the first time they met.

"Something is coming for us!          It was walking!"

Peter looked back up as the boat tilted up and down on each crest of a new wave. But all he could see was the ripple of the water as it caught a faint glance of moonlight.

He could also feel now that every disciple was pressed together and peering out. Everyone had been roused from their slumber. and Peter felt his frustration rising. A busy 4th watch often meant an unproductive next day.

And then it happened.....

A cloud gave way at just the right angle to project just enough light to immediately justify Bartholomew's cry!

Every man saw it at the same time and in perfect sight! A figure walking right toward them!

The piercing sound of every man's shriek, minus Peter, intensified the terror! Even steady John fell to his face in the drama!

Panic is a powerful reaction. And when it is constrained in a small fishing boat at 3:30 AM in the deep darkness, it explodes in terror.

Peter himself was alarmed and was physically shrinking back when the sound of the voice overcame the wind and whimpers.

"Men, take courage! It is ME!........  Do not fear!"

And panic gave way..... in an instant!  For there, 30 yards in the darkness, was the unmistakable voice. Jesus was coming and he was miraculously walking on the water!

Everyone stood and could see him, even though he was distant enough to only be caught in glimpses.

And something about it grabbed Peter more than all the others. He had spent years on the seas! Water was his element and this defiance of reality was intoxicating! He needed to see it and he needed to do it!

He sang out toward the figure, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 

Peter's heart was a flame of passion, a type of covetousness compelled his need to experience it.

All Jesus said was "Come" and Peter stepped immediately off the stern and men gasped when he did not sink!

And suddenly the fire was quenched. Peter had not not really moved... the boat simply kept drifting and he was now too far to grab it again.

The wind turned colder and the waves began to toss him. All of the experience on the seas meant nothing now, in  fact they testified further to the sentence of his likely death! Ultimately, all fishermen fear death by drowning... it is the type of end that is always in their presence as the sea longs to accept every sacrifice and rarely returns the gift!

Peter was now sinking!.... all rocks do! And finally he broke down to shrieking like his companions!

“Lord, save me!” 

Jesus always seems to have that same, steady pace UNTIL someone cries out to Him for salvation.... and then he accelerates!

IMMEDIATELY, Jesus was there.

The hand of Jesus was powerful and protective and Peter knew he was now anchored and safe.

The Master clutched Peter to His side and smiled..... He said it with tenderness....

“O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

And Peter immediately knew why he had failed. The fears and distractions, the danger and the darkness had taken away his confidence and trust that Jesus was going to shelter him.

Peter was no longer afraid!

And then.... they walked.....

There was no applause when the two came to the stern of the boat, arm in arm.

Peter stepped in first and fell to his face and the others followed suit.

One by one, they began to echo sounds of humility, awe, and worship.

 “Truly you are the Son of God.” 

And the Rock was not surprised that he was once again face down in a fishing boat in utter humiliation and fascinating adoration.

Walking with the Savior now had a whole new perspective!

The Rock Speaks (5)

Our study of Peter and 'Christian Submission' continues.... out of the frying pan and into the fire! Submission for the glory of God.... not a natural or easy disposition!

1 Peter 3:1–7

[1] Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, [2] when they see your respectful and pure conduct. [3] Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—[4] but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. [5] For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, [6] as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.

[7] Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered. (ESV)

What Peter says about slaves provokes great questions about social justice. What he writes about marriage provokes great questions about domestic discord.

None of the principles in the Bible, however, make sense apart from the gospel message. When John Newton penned the lines "I once was blind, but now I see" - He means the spiritual eyes that are opened in a way that 'it all makes sense'.

"I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else".  C. S. Lewis

The demise of marriage is tragic on so many levels. It has had huge negative consequences in social structures, family stability, the abuse of children, the increased heartache of children, and an overall cheapening of our understanding of love, faithfulness, and intimacy.

A deeper tragedy is that marriage is a picture of Christ's love for His bride as well. When Satan attacks, he especially loves to take down marriages individually and he constantly attacks any overall reverence for the institution.

So let's look at the structure of a Biblical marriage and see its implications:

To the Wife:
Likewise (i.e. look back at the point I am making before... )

be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives.

and again- I'm not trying to sugar coat it- this passage is saying some HARD things- supernatural things- things that make you say WHY? or HOW? Things that make non-believers sneer, mock, and criticize.

Skeptics will say - DO you see what these fools are buying INTO?

The bottom line- we are talking about SUBMISSION- sometimes painful submission. And yes, sometimes under cruel masters.

How long do you stay? Is it a sin to get out? Do you mean you have to sit there and get abused?

I always answer the question this way... as far as the Lord's grace allows your faith to go.

I don't know if you believe me, but I am having such a hard time here writing this. I have a good marriage, I have a good life- and it is easy for me to write these things in a ivory tower that fits together in a theoretical rant.

And I know there is real pain and tragedy out there.

So- 'Mr easy to say until you live it'- what are you putting on the brother here? And it is with great understanding that I say it- and ultimately only Jesus took it the full mile.

AS FAR AS GOD'S GRACE WILL ALLOW MY FAITH TO GO...

I know of great stories of supernatural forgiveness- way beyond what would be expected- God given examples of forgiving over and over, deeper and deeper.

Consider again, marriage- it is never easy to submit. Culture, human nature, modern feminist notions rail against these words. It is hard in a good marriage to a good man.

But this passage says likewise- be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, 

Peter says- this isn't submission just to a good man.. this is submission to a bad man as well!

So the woman just stays until she is beaten or killed? NO- she has to reach out to help and society must rush in to correct and protect. The church and magistrates MUST courageously confront these rogues. God will not go easy on anyone who does nor defend the helpless and take down the bullies.

BUT WE ARE MISSING THE POINT- the entire passage here has been about a willingness to 'let go of my rights for the sake of others and for the glory of God'....all of this points to Christ. He endured cruel punishment, He yielded to the providence of pain, He did not even speak in defense, He lovingly and humbly stretched out His hands and embraced the nails.

All men fail... but Jesus stayed the course.

Now this is not just a moral imperative that we fall short of- there is instruction here for the wives.

Yield to the authority of the husband; it is an organizational chart.

Included in these instructions: Do not obsess with outward beauty... it is a trap! Focus to be beautiful on the inside: character shines longer, sweeter, and better than any vain, youthful flash.
Be strong, not fearful.

All of this, under the powerful Holy Spirit and the transformation of the gospel, makes for the chemistry of not only a good marriage, but of potential salvation. There have been men and children brought to Christ by the patient perseverance of a godly wife. This doesn't mean to choose an ungodly man for a missionary marriage, but it means that when a Christian says, "I do" it is for better or for worse.

NOW THE MAN CODE

1 Peter 3:7

[7] Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered. (ESV)


Likewise? What do you mean likewise? It means this- Men submit as well. When God places a man as Lord of the marriage, He doesn't mean Lord in the worldly sense, He means Lord in the heavenly sense.

The extent that any wife is to follow the husband as leader is always in direct correlation to his humility and submission to the humility of Christ. A godly husband yields to his wife as much as she yields to him. The relationship is a mutual 'yieldedness', not a 'demand my rights contract'. If both parties follow this with passion and trust God for the results, this is what makes a marriage the sweetest it can be on this planet, though never perfect.


The husband in an understanding way.... understands...  he spends energy to know her- wants to please her. Treats her as a 'weaker vessel' not that she is a weaker vessel, but he tenderly cares for her like a piece of the finest china or fragile treasure.


since they are heirs with you of the grace of life,- Both husband and wives are equal heirs to God's grace! The marriage covenant is a temporary organizational flow chart to picture Christ and the relationship to work pragmatically.

so that your prayers may not be hindered.- Men, is nothing happening in your prayer life... How are you treating your wife?

Final thoughts
All of this will lead into a message for all to seek unity, love, tenderness.

But Peter has hammered 'humble yieldedness/ submission' for over 21 verses. Do you remember the last thing Jesus said to Peter after the resurrection?


John 21:18–19

[18] Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” [19] (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.” (ESV)


Over the course of his life, Peter learned this submission in a deeper way. The old Peter was proud and active, he would say before the thought, he would act before he considered. He just did it his way and really couldn't care less what anyone thought. The old Peter was a leader who walked all over any fool willing to follow.

But the new Peter- restored, forgiven, facing the end of his journey- would have to watch his wife be killed for the faith and then himself led to a cross. He made a request- "I am not worthy to be killed like my Lord" and so they crucified him upside down.

And this ultimate humiliating state... GLORIFIED GOD!

And only the redeemed in Christ have any clue how that statement is true.......

They aren't going to applaud. They aren't going to honor. They aren't going to understand.

But you have to do what is right anyway.........

The Rock Speaks (3)

After peering deeply into the salvation of grace... we are constantly reminded by Peter:

...According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus...

This now leads us into a response......A Higher Calling TO WALK like a KING.... and that is explored in today's reading.

1 Peter 2:1–12

[1] So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. [2] Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—[3] if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

In light of the glorious gospel- we are to become obedient. This obedience is shown by the growth of a sincere love.

Peter makes a simple command as to how to do this:

"So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander"- think about how this relates to a sincere brotherly love for people:

All malice- why do our hearts harbor malice? They do! The greek word here infers a desire for ill will. Desiring to stir up trouble, even if it means breaking the law.

Every instance of deceit- this infers craftiness- where we plan and manipulate events- even withholding things to cause harm. There are some in this world who plot, scheme, and execute plans just for the pleasure of seeing their power produce results!

Hypocrisy: the term comes from the guild of acting- 'pretending'- showing a false pretense

Envy: a desire to take away from someone else and an anger that someone has something you do not have. It is ultimately a deep ingratitude toward God....

Slander: speaking evil. It is disgusting how many people pass along false information that destroys other people!

I guess my biggest hurts over the years has been when I have experienced these things from other human beings.

There have been times in my life where I know a person just hates me and I wonder why. Maybe I am some sort of rival or it's just a plain misunderstanding; but nothing hurts more than to be a victim of a scheme! It is worse when someone smiles at you and then turns around and does harm or spreads lies or twist stories..... these are deep wounds!
And these things should have no residence in a person who has the Spirit of Christ in them.

If I am honest, the way some people have treated me at times in the past makes me wonder how they will be in heaven.... I call them "Christian jerks"... but I guess that can be me as well! We need grace!

The passage here seems to indicate that it is a process....

[4] As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 
[5] you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. [6] For it stands in Scripture:

“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone,

a cornerstone chosen and precious,

and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”

[7] So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe,

“The stone that the builders rejected

has become the cornerstone,”

[8] and

“A stone of stumbling,

and a rock of offense.”

They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.

[9] But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. [10] Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.


A couple of observations: 

There is a universal dividing line- being with Christ or being against Him.

The experts of the world reject God's capstone and will reject you if you follow Christ.

But regardless: We are expected to walk like a royal champion:

Chosen by God- chosen race (repeated in vs 9)

Precious to HIM- His prized possession (vs 9)

a Holy Priest- a royal priest (vs 9)

Honored by God- God's people

WHY?

"That you may proclaim the excellencies of Him-

the one who called you out of darkness into light"

And the result?
Because we belong to heaven- we should not live as though we are worldly.

[11] Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. [12] Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. (ESV)

What a high and IMPOSSIBLE calling!

'abstain from the passions of the flesh'.... our default mode here is to immediately think of the party life (sex, drugs, and rock n roll).. but I believe it is much more than this. We must constantly fight our taste for the finer things. We must not be slaves to luxuries and indulgences. An idol is often a good thing that is elevated to a 'god' thing!

Every time I try to relate an analogy to this... it fails to capture my point...

How about a simple question:

What is the minimum lifestyle you will accept and still be happy with God?

Would it help to remind ourselves that Peter left it ALL on the shore of Lake Gennesaret and followed Jesus?


A SECRET WINNING EDGE

Now, I know this is out of order, but I need to go back to the top of this chapter and point out a secret, a winning edge

[2] Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—[3] if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

Think about that newborn baby and that raging, aggressive fight for food.

WHEN WE WAKE UP IN THE MORNING WE SHOULD LONG FOR THAT SPIRITUAL MILK, WE SHOULD CRAVE IT- WE KNOW HOW GOOD IT IS! This milk is the Word of God!

As we ingest the truth of the good news... the transition from pauper to Prince begins to grow. And the result is a beautiful life to the glory of God.

Next comes a crazy twist.... we are to walk as a chosen priest... and immediately Peter is going to tell us to be a slave..... 

Tomorrow's lesson will not be easy!