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July 24
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2 PETER 3
This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, 2 that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles, 3 knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. 4 They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.” 5 For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God, 6 and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. 7 But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.
– 2 Peter 3:1-7
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2 PETER 3 BE WARNED AND LIVE IN THE LAST DAYS
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
As you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, be warned of the last days
We are already living in a time where scoffers are all over the place
Remember the prophecies given by God through the prophets
They have spoken of the scoffers who will come to follow their desires
They do not care about what the Lord has done in the past
On purpose, they take for granted what God has done
They do not fear the consequences of their sinful ways
They do not account for anything they do or say
Be warned of these mockers who will twist the word of God
They have no understanding of the true nature of the Lord
Remember to stand on the promises that God gave the prophets
They are to give you hope so you can live in them until his coming
Live for the Lord as if it were the last days, so you can be prepared
Never take for granted the word of God; it leads us to the right path,
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important to live our lives as if we are in the last days?
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2 PETER 2 WHEN YOU ARE ENSLAVED
July 23
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2 PETER 2
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.”
-2 Peter 2:17-22
________________________________________2 PETER 2 WHEN YOU ARE ENSLAVED
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
What are the things that overpowers or enslaves you?
Are they things that you cannot stop pursuing?
Do you wake up each morning driven to chase that thing?
Or do you lie awake at night figuring out how to have it?
When you are enslaved by something, that is your master
Is the Lord the One you are obsessing about or is it something else?
When you are in bondage of something, you are helpless
You feel trapped and immobilized by that craving or desire.
When you are enslaved, you are corrupted and impure
You do not have loyalty towards anyone but to your master
It is an idol that you serve when you are enslaved
It consumes you when you are obsessed with having it.
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REFLECTION
• Do you think that addiction is a form of enslavement?
• What are the symptoms of enslavements according to these following verses?
2 PETER 2 CONSEQUENCE OF FORSAKING THE RIGHT WAY
July 22
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2 PETER 2
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. – 2 Peter 2:10-16
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2 PETER 2 CONSEQUENCE OF FORSAKING THE RIGHT WAY
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
When someone chooses the wrong way instead of what is right
They do not fear the Lord but follow their wrong insight
They have no qualms blaspheming God and defying him
All they care about is to satisfy their desires and continue to sin.
When they forsake the right way, they become foolish
Their wicked ways make them blind and thoughtless
They cannot see past beyond their passions and desires
They cannot think of others but only of their own wishes.
When one leaves the path to righteousness, they become lost
The systems of the world easily sway them to follow their lusts
They are not accountable to anyone for they don’t follow authority
They do not have fruits from the Lord since they are oblivious.________________________________________
REFLECTION
• Why do you think Peter paints a very clear picture of those who are unfaithful and forsaking the right way in the following verses?
• What are the manifestations of someone who is walking the wrong way?
2 PETER 2 GOD RESCUES THE GODLY & PUNISHES EVILDOERS
July 21
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2 PETER 2
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.
– 2 Peter 2:4-10
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2 PETER 2 GOD RESCUES THE GODLY & PUNISHES EVILDOERS
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
The Lord God abhors all forms of wickedness and evil
It doesn’t matter who you are if you follow the devil
Even angels who rebelled were kicked out of heaven
No one is excused if they decide to rebel and be wicked.
Remember how God punished evil in Noah’s days?
He annihilated the wicked but preserved Noah
The Lord cannot tolerate evil, he has to punish it
But he rescues those who are righteous and holy.
Even though they encounter trials, he delivers them
The Lord is faithful to fulfill his promises to his people
He never forsakes the righteous, he provides relief to them
But the evildoers, he punishes and puts a stop to their deeds.
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REFLECTION
• Why should the righteous never be afraid of evil and wickedness according to these verses?
• How should believers deal with evil when they experience it?
2 PETER 2 WATCH OUT FOR FALSE PROPHETS AND TEACHERS!
July 20
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2 PETER 2
But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 And in their greed, they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep. – 2 Peter 2:1-3
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2 PETER 2 WATCH OUT FOR FALSE PROPHETS AND TEACHERS!
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
As a true servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, we need to be vigilant
Many deceivers have inched their way into the body of Christ
They are disguised as sheep but they are wolves in sheep’s clothing
Arm yourselves with the armor of God and be discerning.
They operate cunningly so we ought to stay awake constantly
Let us meditate on God’s word so we can expose their tactics
Strengthen your faith by dying to your cravings and desires
Starve the flesh and you won’t easily be seduced to believe their lies.
These deceivers are waiting all the time to devour the people of God
They won’t stop until we are actually tempted and trapped
If you know the truth, you will not fall into their deceptions
The Lord protects us by the truth that comes from Scriptures.
Never be afraid of people who cunningly twist the truth; be watchful
Be equipped to expose them by growing our faith and being faithful
When we are complacent and lazy to grow in the knowledge of God
We are in trouble of being prey to all their tactics and fall.
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REFLECTION
• How can we detect false teachings easily?
• What is the importance of knowing the true doctrines when one is a believer? What happens when we do not truly grasp true doctrines?
• What have God given us to equip us to discern heresies and false teachings?
2 PETER 1 PROPHECY COMES FROM GOD
July 19
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2 PETER 1
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.
16 For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” 18 we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. 19 And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, 20 knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. 21 For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
– 2 Peter 1:12-15
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2 PETER 1 PROPHECY COMES FROM GOD
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
Do not forget that Jesus was the fulfillment of the promise of God
It is his coming to us as human that proved God’s steadfast love for us
Remember that there were many witnesses that saw with their own eyes
It was Jesus coming in the flesh that made all the prophecies realized
There is no way any man can claim true prophecies
Only the Lord is the true source of such foresights
He reveals in the Scriptures and inspires men his plans
As people of God, let’s rely on his promises in his word
It is the light that shines through this darkness in this world
Let us not believe false prophets but only God’s word.
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REFLECTION
• How do we know if someone is truly prophesying according to these verses?
2 PETER 1 BE DELIGENT TO CONFIRM YOUR CALLING
July 18
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2 PETER 1
8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
– 2 Peter 1:8-11
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2 PETER 1 BE DELIGENT TO CONFIRM YOUR CALLING
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
When you were called and chosen by God, you were given knowledge and truth
You were given gifts so you can understand God’s love and bear fruits
As a believer, you are able to say yes to his call and invitation
Be diligent to respond to such call from the Lord without hesitation.
Receive the grace and gifts that were given to you and don’t take it for granted
Do your best to serve the Lord not just in words, but also in action
Deepen your knowledge of the Lord by feeding on his word day and night
It is the only way that you can be the salt of the earth and shine God’s light.
Exercise the gift of self-control and guard your mouth for you represent God
You are an ambassador for Christ so make sure that you are walking in love
Be faithful as God is always loyal and devoted; Do not waver or falter
Those who doubt will not receive anything from our heavenly Father.
Endure all trials and hardships so you will lack nothing
Be strong in the Lord for he has given you everything
Be faithful to the one who made heaven and earth and repent
When you endure trials of all kinds, you will be richly provided.
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REFLECTION
• How is diligence an important ingredient in our spiritual maturity as Christians?
• What happens to lazy Christians and why is this not pleasing to God?
• Why do we need to constantly exercise self-control? What happens if we don’t?
2 PETER 1 BECOME PARTAKERS OF GOD’S DIVINE NATURE
July 17
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2 PETER 1
Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: 2 May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. – 2 Peter 1:1-7
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2 PETER 1 BECOME PARTAKERS OF GOD’S DIVINE NATURE
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
The Lord Jesus Christ calls all his children to partake of his divine nature
Since the beginning of time, God has patterned us in is own image
He has put his own imprint on each one of us, men and women alike
We were all made for him so, let us not deviate from our purpose and make.
When Jesus Christ sacrificed his own life and died for us on the cross
He enabled us to be reconciled with God so don’t think of it as a loss
We gained access to God’s mercy and grace through the blood of Jesus
Do not take it for granted; without the cross, we would still be lost.
To be a partaker of his divine nature, Christ made it possible for us to be holy
The Holy Spirit’s presence in each of the lives of the saints, makes us godly
Because of the Spirit’s gifts, we are able to have knowledge and self-control
Only when we walk in the Spirit will it be possible for us to love one another.
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REFLECTION
• How can we actively partake of God’s divine nature according to these verses?
• Can someone who doesn’t know the Lord Jesus Christ become partakers of his divine nature? Why or why not?
1 PETER 5 HUMBLE YOURSELVES AND CAST YOUR CARES ON GOD
July 16
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1 PETER 5
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. – 1 Peter 5:6-14
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1 PETER 5 HUMBLE YOURSELVES AND CAST YOUR CARES ON GOD
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
Remember to always be meek and obedient to Christ
When you do, he will exalt you eventually in your life
Do not be afraid or worry about things you have no control over
Hand it to God and he will take care of it; do not be a worrier.
Grow your faith and be steadfast under trials and adversities
Stand firm and hold on fast to God so you will have victory
Stay humble and close to the Lord for this is your shield against the devil
Obey the Lord’s precepts and you will triumph over your weaknesses and evil.
Do not be surprised when you experience many trials for God is with you
He will never allow you to face these challenges without equipping you
Build up the communion of saints so you will be strong and mature
The body of Christ is his bride and he wants them to stay holy and pure.
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REFLECTION
• How is the act of dependence on God one of the best shields against the enemy’s tactics?
• Do you think worrying is an act of mistrust against God? Why or why not?
1 PETER 5 CLOTHE YOURSELVES WITH HUMILITY
July 15
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1 PETER 5
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.” – 1 Peter 5:1-5
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1 PETER 5 CLOTHE YOURSELVES WITH HUMILITY
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
As children of God, we are commanded to follow Christ’s example
Though he was God, he didn’t claim it for himself when he became human
He sacrificed his own life so that we can go against sin and all the world system
The world wants us to boast of all the things we can do or accomplish
But the kingdom of God is opposite to all of the world’s dictates
Therefore, God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
All you chosen by God who belong to him, be obedient to follow him
He wants all his children to be like Jesus, humble and subservient
Wear humility at all times so that you will do what is right
Do not forget the sacrifice on the cross that we received from Christ
Submit to all authority over you as you would submit to the Lord
Rebuke one another in gentleness and love so you can triumph over the world.
To all the elders and those given authority by God, exhort and rebuke your flock
You were given responsibility to teach and lead the people of God
Make sure you exercise your authority with humility and genuine love
Because you will be accountable to God for how you lead his flock
Live holy lives so that you will be an example for others to follow
This way, you are ensuring that they’re in the right path and don’t fall out.
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REFLECTION
• Why is humility a very important trait that we ought always to wear as Christians?