July 27, 2018: SOAP #3158: Isaiah 50-52; 2Peter 1

Scripture:  2Peter (NIV) 1:9 But if anyone does not have them, he is short-sighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.

Observation:  The “them” that I should have are found in verses 5-7: faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, love.

A lack of these qualities in my life indicates that I am short-sighted, looking only at things in my immediate surrounding.  I am considering how my circumstances affect me, without concern for those around me.  I am missing the big picture.

A lack of those qualities in my life indicates that I am blind, not seeing things that should be obvious to me.

A lack of those qualities in my life indicates that I have forgotten that Jesus suffered and died to free me from my sins.  I have forgotten the terribleness of sin.  I have forgotten that the greatest expression of love for all time was Jesus dying on the cross.  And He was doing it for me!

Application:  Everyday I need to thank God for sending Jesus to suffer and die on the cross for me.  This is why the Bible tells us “as often” as we take communion we express the Lord’s death until He comes.  (1Corinthians 11:26) Remembering what Jesus has done helps develop godly characteristics in my life.

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus.  Jesus, thank you for paying the price for my sins.  Holy Spirit, thank you for showing me the truth.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!