Matthew 5:3

"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
 
Devotional

Notice that the Lord Jesus says blessed are the poor in spirit. Why? Because the poor in spirit know they have nothing to approve themselves before God. And that is the essential attitude that opens the door of God's grace to every repentant and believing sinner, because one's heart is already desperately open too it, and seeking for it. And so throughout the Scriptures we see God interceding and saving and ultimately justifying the repentant nation or individual, not based upon what they are, or what they have done, or not done, but only on His mercies when they seek it from Him. (In regards to this consider David's prayer in Psalm 38, or Jesus' parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32, or clearly in His justifying the repentant sinner who sought the mercies of God, over the self justifying priest who felt no need for it, Luke 18:9-14.) And so when Jesus says it is the poor in spirit to whom the Kingdom of heaven belongs, He is excluding no one who does not exclude themselves. Whereas the proud in spirit no nothing of their own sinfulness, much less their own need for God through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior. And so whether consciously or subconsciously they live their lives independent of God, not seeing their own need for God, nor wanting Him to be their God. For if anyone can honestly look at themselves, their own person and conduct throughout their lives and feel satisfied about themselves, then they have not understood the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, nor the Scriptures of God. For the Scriptures do not justify man, the Scriptures only justify God, who justifies everyone who repents and puts their trust in His Son (consider Rom 3:19-28).

And so sadly a person can practice much "religion" throughout their life and yet have very little true relational knowledge of God; as Jesus said of scribes and Pharisees who honored Him with their lips, but their hearts were far from Him (Matt 15:8-9). And so whether Jews or Christians people can have a form of the knowledge of God and yet not have come into a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. For neither church attendance, nor Bible study, nor Christian service makes someone a Christian. Same with "signing off" on a doctrinal treatise. Though these things are good and have their place in the Christian's life, they are not what makes a person a Christian. What makes a person a Christian is being reborn by the Spirit of God. And this only happens when one sees their need for the Lord Jesus Christ and repenting of their sins and or all their own efforts to try save themselves they turn to Him in faith alone, trusting Him alone to save them from all their sins, by what He has done by suffering Crucifixion death to atone for all our sins (John 3:16). That is what makes a person a Christian, and thus opens the door to the Kingdom of heaven to them, when they repent and believe in the Lord Jesus as testified to in the Scriptures; that through His shed blood and death on the cross and His resurrection from dead ,by faith in Him, we receive remission of all our sins and everlasting life. And so by His Spirit He imparts His life (that is new and everlasting life) into everyone of us who believes in Him, who opens their hearts to receive Him as their Lord and Savior. For Jesus Promises to make His home in you the moment you do (John 1:12; Rev. 3:20). For God does not draw near the proud in spirit who think they have no need of repentance. Rather God is always near to the brokenhearted, and saves such who have a contrite spirit (Psalm 34:18). As Jesus said: “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” Mark 2:17 Therefore by a simple prayer of faith you can receive the Lord Jesus Christ into your heart and life as your Lord and Savior, and thus become a child of God, just as the Bible Promises: "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name." John 1:12

Therefore if you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and would like to personally receive Him, inviting Him into your heart and life I urge you pray something like this: Dear Lord Jesus I know that I have sinned and that I can neither save myself, nor change myself. Therefore I'm going to trust You to do for me and in me what I can't. Because I believe the Gospel, the Good News of God, that You willingly suffered death on a cross to both save me from my sins and transgressions, but also transform me by the renewing of Your Spirit within me. Therefore I now invite You Jesus Christ into my heart and life to be My Lord and Savior so that You might not only save me from wrath and judgment to come, but also change me here and now for an eternity with You. I pray this in Your Name Lord Jesus Christ, amen.

Scripture Quotations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982

Numbers 29:7-11 An Offering without Blemish (republished)

7 ‘On the tenth day of this seventh month you shall have a holy convocation. You shall afflict your souls; you shall not do any work. 8 You shall present a burnt offering to the Lord as a sweet aroma: one young bull, one ram, and seven lambs in their first year. Be sure they are without blemish. 9 Their grain offering shall be of fine flour mixed with oil: three-tenths of an ephah for the bull, two-tenths for the one ram, 10 and one-tenth for each of the seven lambs; 11 also one kid of the goats as a sin offering, besides the sin offering for atonement, the regular burnt offering with its grain offering, and their drink offerings.

 

Devotional
God's command here that the sacrificial burnt offerings on the Day of Atonement be without blemish is important for us to understand. Since these foreshadow (or point too) the Lord Jesus Christ's own sinless Person who was and is without blemish, and thus is God's finial and Perfect offering for all sins, for all time. And so this principal of God only accepting a sacrifice that is without blemish runs throughout the Old Covenant, beginning with the first commanded Passover Lamb (Exodus 12:5). Therefore because you and I are not without sin or blemish Jesus Christ, the Son of Man, came to be and do all that we are not. That is is in every aspect be without sin and blemish. And thus only He could be the Sinless sacrifice for the sins of the world (1 Peter 1:9). For it is only by the blood of Christ, that was shed unto death when He was crucified for us, that we have both cleansing and remission of all our sins, the moment we believe in Him (Matt 26:28; Acts 10:43; Heb 9:22). Therefore Jesus Christ came, as He said, not to destroy the Law, but to fulfill it (Matt 5:17-18); that is every aspect of it, for those who trust in Him. From it's sacrificial ordinances and commands, to its priesthood and tabernacle, all things contained within the Law of God are fulfilled in Christ.
And so the Scripture states that all these things that God commanded before of the Israelites (and specifically of the Levitical priesthood) were ordinances that were in affect until the time of reformation (Heb 9:10): For 11 ...Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. 12 Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. 13 For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, 14 how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 15 And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.

The question then is have you received God's Promise of an eternal life by faith in His Son the Lord Jesus Christ? For that is what God requires of everyone, to look to (that is believe on, or trust in) the Lord Jesus Christ crucified for their sins remission and raised from the dead for their justification, so that God having justified us by faith might impart new and everlasting life in us the moment we believe in Jesus (2 Cor 5:17; Eph. 1:13-14). For God having fulfilled all the righteous requirements of the Law through the death and Resurrection of His Son Jesus, now offers His salvation to all who believe in Him (John 3:16). And so the Scripture states: "Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin." Heb 10:18

And so remission of ones sins and eternal life only comes by faith in Jesus, by God's Word and Work thus His Righteousness, not mans (Rom 3:19-28). And so salvation is now freely granted to all, as a gift of God's love for us all, to be received the moment we repent and believe in Jesus. Now if you believe and rightly see yourself as a sinner in need of God's salvation, then please call upon the Name of the Lord as the Bible says we are to do, confessing Jesus Christ as Lord and believing that He was crucified for all your sins and is risen from dead and you will have remission of them and eternal life (Rom 10:9-10, 13). Now this you can do by praying a simple prayer in faith, something like this:

Dear Lord Jesus I confess that I have sinned against God and You. And I now realize that apart from You there is nothing I can do to take away or atone for any of my sins. Therefore I need You, and want You in My life, to be both My Lord and Savior. For I believe that You alone can, and will save me from God's just wrath against me the moment I in faith call upon You. Therefore I now invite You Lord Jesus Christ into my heart and life, to be my Lord and Savior. amen.

If you have prayed that prayer, or something similar. Then this not the end, but is the beginning of your new life In Christ. And so now as a child of God begin each day with some Scripture readings, for that truly is our daily bread that makes for our growth in all aspects of our lives. As well seek fellowship in a Gospel believing and preaching church, for it is there you will find encouragement and support in your new life and faith. As well, and this is important for spiritual growth, get baptized as Jesus Commanded as an indication of your faith in Him and your willingly following Him in discipleship. And so as you now journey homeward always look for opportunities to share your faith and God's love with others; just as you grow up in it. For Spiritual rebirth is not the end of being a disciple of Jesus, it is the beginning. And so spiritual growth comes by God's Spirit as we are led by Him and seek to obey Jesus in all grace and truth, which we do when we love one another. Now if you have any questions or comments feel free to write them in the comment box and I will try to correspond with you. May God bless you richly as you seek to know Him and love Him better.

In Christ's love

Tom

Scripture Quotations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982,

 

Ecclesiastes 10:8-10

8 He who digs a pit will fall into it,
And whoever breaks through a wall will be bitten by a serpent.
9 He who quarries stones may be hurt by them,
And he who splits wood may be endangered by it.
10 If the ax is dull,
And one does not sharpen the edge,
Then he must use more strength;
But wisdom brings success.

 

Devotional
The devious waste their energies plotting schemes that ultimately only harm themselves.
The hasty don’t consider the dangers of the work they undertake and rush in, to their own harm.
The simple don’t consider how best to accomplish a task and make it more difficult then it should be.

Consider to dig a pit is to set a trap for someone but Scripture warns against such schemes (Ps. 18:26; Prov. 26:27). To break through a wall is likewise self-defeating, since the serpent waits for the crafty. Quarrying stones or splitting of wood is inherently dangerous work. And if the ax is dull the job is simply more difficult and time consuming. Better to prepare before hand then the work will go more smoothly and safely. Therefore by wisdom a person can avoid the pitfalls that only undermine their own efforts and lives.

Scripture Citations

The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982
 

Exodus 5:1-2

1 Afterward Moses and Aaron went in and told Pharaoh, “Thus says the Lord God of Israel: ‘Let My people go, that they may hold a feast to Me in the wilderness.’ ”2 And Pharaoh said, “Who is the Lord,that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the Lord, nor will I let Israel go.”

Devotional

The Authority of Almighty God, of His Name and of His Word in generations past used to be inherently received. And if not believed, at least acknowledged as having indisputable authority to set moral standards that would govern the affairs of mankind. But now in this morally complacent generation, where it seems nothing is off limits, even when God’s Word is boldly and rightly proclaimed, there are those who just shrug their shoulders and go on with whatever they are doing and pursuing. Some act as if they have heard nothing. While others scoff or laugh at Christ's command to repent and believe in Him, and still others drown or shut it out by whatever means possible anything regarding true knowledge of God. And so there is a generation that is increasingly devoid of any reverence for God, nor regard for His Word. Not even the Lord Jesus Christ’s Words that compel all people to be reconciled to God by faith in His Person, and thus become Jesus' disciple by keeping His Word. And so Pharaoh here is a prototypical unbeliever whose life is lived independent of God, and only governed by his own desires. As he says to Moses: “Who is the Lord, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the Lord, nor will I let Israel go.”

And so like Pharoah there are those in every generation who likewise in hardness of heart say, “Who is the Lord, that I should obey His voice". Which is only a very foolish response to God’s Word and the Lord Jesus Christ's Gospel. For though men and women try to shut God and His Words out of their hearts and lives, God still is God. Who is neither restricted, nor hindered, nor harmed by anyone's disobedience or unbelief. And so it is God's Spirit who convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8-11). For it is He whom we must all give an account of ourselves too. And so we all have two options before us, too either continue on in sin, rebellion and unbelief, which will reap it's own harvest in it's own time (consider Prov 11:31; 26:10). Or to repent of those things and turn to the Lord Jesus Christ in faith, and be made righteous by Him (2 Cor 5:21). For the Lord Jesus gives some very ominous warnings about sin and enticements to it (Matt 18:7). As well as those who refuse to have Him to rule over them (Luke 19:27). Therefore rather than continuing on in that which will only harm you, why not turn to the Lord Jesus Christ in faith and let Him both forgive you and change you. For that is why Jesus was crucified and shed His blood unto death, not only for the remitting of ever sinners sins, who trusts in His death on the cross, to save them from the coming wrath of God (John 3:16). But also by His Resurrection from the dead, Jesus imparts new and everlasting life by His Spirit into all who believe in Him. Now Jesus Christ's own Resurrection from dead is also evidential proof of a universal resurrection from dead, when He will sit on God's Judgment Seat and will judge all people, from every generation. And so as Jesus says people will rise and come forth either to the resurrection of life, or to the resurrection of condemnation (John 5:24-30). And so for those who believe and receive Him there will be everlasting salvation and Joy. But for those do not believe His Words, there will be a very sorrowful end, as Jesus says, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Scripture Citations

The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982

Jeremiah 5:20–25 (NKJV)

Nations and people often suffer all kinds of sorrows, famines and miseries because of their sins and their refusal to repent (consider Psalm 32:10)
20 “Declare this in the house of Jacob And proclaim it in Judah, saying, 21 ‘Hear this now, O foolish people, Without understanding, Who have eyes and see not, And who have ears and hear not: 22 Do you not fear Me?’ says the Lord. ‘Will you not tremble at My presence, Who have placed the sand as the bound of the sea, By a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass beyond it? And though its waves toss to and fro, Yet they cannot prevail; Though they roar, yet they cannot pass over it. 23 But this people has a defiant and rebellious heart; They have revolted and departed. 24 They do not say in their heart, “Let us now fear the Lord our God, Who gives rain, both the former and the latter, in its season. He reserves for us the appointed weeks of the harvest.” 25 Your iniquities have turned these things away, And your sins have withheld good from you.

 

Matthew 8:1-4

1 When He had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him. 2 And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” 3 Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4 And Jesus said to him, “See that you tell no one; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”
 
Devotional

Notice that Jesus after giving the sermon on the mount has a leper approach Him first. Not a scribe, not a Pharisee, not even a teacher of the Law, but a leper; an unclean person; a person with neither religious or societal pretenses. Quite literally a social outcast; viewed as a person at the very bottom of society, and one whom it was unlawful for any God fearing Jew to approach much less touch, and so this man carried more social stigma's then we can possibly fathom. Nonetheless it is this man whose uncleanness that was so readily apparent to everyone around him, yet it will be he who is the first man to approach Jesus, after Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, too ask the King of all Holiness too make him clean. And so one can imagine that the crowds quickly parted from him as he moved towards Jesus, so as not too touch, or be touched by him. Now notice the leper does two things when He reaches Jesus. First is that he worships Him. And so he is first and foremost reverent towards Jesus. Unlike the scribes and Pharisees who were often subtly, and not so subtly, antagonistic towards Jesus' Person. Coming to Him with many loaded questions, to try to expose a fault with Jesus' Person or His "theology", so as too dismiss Him before all the people. Nor does he assume upon Jesus, as if Jesus is somehow bound to do this for him. Instead in a spirit of contriteness and faith the unclean leper first and foremost worships Jesus. And that is always the right move when one comes before God too acknowledge and glorify Jesus' Person as being whom He says He is. For that is what true faith in God does. And having worshiped Jesus, the leper says: “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” in essence he epitomizes the very attitude which justified in His Sermon on the Mount, when He said: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of God." Matt 5:3
And so with the Leper's humble request, Jesus, think of it for a moment, with great multitudes of people looking on reaches out His hand and touches the leper saying: “I am willing; be cleansed.”
And so in that tender moment, Jesus not only heals the leprous man, but quite deliberately demonstrates God's healing hand which has come to touch and heal all of believing humanity! And so in that moment we see all that God In Christ has come to do; to touch and heal the brokenness in us all. Now one can only imagine the compassion in Jesus' eyes as He looked into the lepers starving eyes, who likely had'nt had a close personal connection with anyone in years. And so it is easy to see the leper's mesmerized stare, as Jesus undettered by the crowd's now shocked faces, reaches out and touches him. And so in that moment when Jesus' hand reaches out and touches him, the cursed affliction, and all the social stigma attached with it is gone. For as with the remitting of our sins, and the saving of our souls, so too the leprosy is immediately cleansed (vs.3). And so that imagery and act of God in Christ reaching out to the lowest of men, publicly, and touching him publicly, to cleanse him of his leprosy (or in our cases our sins) should not be lost on any of us. For that is why Jesus came, not to preach and teach and heal in a "corner". As if only in certain places, and in certain contexts, and with certain people it is appropriate to do so. No Jesus came to publicly preach, teach and evangelize everywhere and to everyone, as He deemed it appropriate to do so, so that He might heal and restore us all who believe in Him here and now, to a right and secure place with Himself in the Kingdom of God.

And so as the Gospel so clearly portrays, Jesus is not ashamed of sinners, nor of "unclean" people (consider Acts 10:15), either publicly or privately, before or after He "touches" them. For His concern for all is genuine.
In fact in the Gospel (and in my own experience) what is also readily apparent is that anyone whom Jesus has truly "touched" will not be ashamed of Him (consider Mark 8:36-9:1). For I'll be ashamed of my own sins, and my own less then Christ-like behavior when I fail to live as I should. Same with this world and all it's shameful lusts, pursuits and values, I'll be ashamed of it and all the evil justified within it. But I am not, nor will I be ashamed of My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Neither of His Glorious Person nor His Glorious Words. For He by His Person and by His Word has both justified me, as well Jesus is sanctifying me by His Holy Spirit through it. And so I'm thoroughly honored to belong to Him, and be called by Him, to be His public witness and servant, to both the clean and the "unclean," and so to both the "righteous" and sinner alike.
Now in regards to Jesus' publicly touching the leper to heal him. I imagine only the "religious" folk (then and now) would to get their "noses out of joint", when Jesus deliberately crosses whatever barriers that exist to people's reconciliation with God, both then and now (consider Matt 9:9-13). For being led by the Spirit of God means that there will be times when the "letter of the law" falls short of the surpassing glory of Christ and the liberty He purchased for us all at Calvary (2 Cor. 3:5-6, 17). And so Jesus having healed the leper now has a specific purpose for him to fulfill. As Jesus says to him in verse four: “See that you tell no one; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”
That Jesus says to him “See that you tell no one" is not saying to him to keep his faith a secret. For his healing had happened publicly. And so all who had known and saw him before his healing would've immediately recognized the change in him. Therefore Jesus' not wanting him to tell anyone at that time, was as we see in Marks Gospel account not wanting to be overwhelmed by people because of it. For Jesus had a specific purpose for him to fulfill and that was to be Jesus' witness of having healed him to the priests who were ministering at the Temple in Jerusalem. And so Jesus tells the now healed leper to tell no one what has happened, but go and show himself to them and take the offering that Moses commanded for a leper having been cleansed by God, and present himself to them with it (see Lev 14 for the offerings statutes and requirements). Now in Mark's parallel passage it seems the man in his joy and exuberance, having go out of that location, begins to tell the matter everywhere and to everyone (Mark 1:45). And so as happens, the matter quickly spreads everywhere. And soon Jesus is swamped by so many people so as not to be able to enter the city openly anymore. And so Jesus was outside of it, in deserted places, and still they came too Him from every direction.  

And that is a constant not only in the Gospel but also throughout history, that where Jesus is in presence and at work, there soul hungry people want to be. For there is no other who can heal us, or restore us back to God. And that is what we who have had our fill of this world want most desperately; consciously or unconsciously; the peace and serenity and wholeness of person that no other person or thing can ultimately bring in us. If you have never experienced the life and love of Jesus Christ inside you I urge you today be reconciled to God. "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." 2 Cor 5:21

By a simple prayer of faith then, believing that Jesus was crucified to cleanse you of all your sins, and then rose from the dead to bring His life and Spirit within you, you can remission of all your sins and everlasting life. Simply pray something like this: Dear Lord Jesus I know that I am a sinner and that I sinned against You, therefore I need your forgiveness. Therefore I humbly ask that You in all Your grace and goodness come into my soul and life and be my Lord and Savior and make me whole and clean again, I pray this in Your name Lord Jesus, amen.  

 

Scripture Citations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982

2 Peter 3:14–18

14 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; 15 and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, 16 as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures. 17 You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; 18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.

Commentary
 Vs. 14 Two things that the Apostle Peter says that we as the beloved of God are to do in light of the coming Day of the Lord. And that is to be found by Him in peace, and be without spot and blameless. Now the first that Peter expounds here is that we be diligent (that is that we strive, or make every effort) to be found by the Lord Jesus Christ in peace. First amongst ourselves as believers, (Rom 14:17-19; 1 Cor 14:33; 2 Cor 13:11; Eph 4:3 etc.) and then with those in the world (consider 1 Cor 7:15; Heb 12:14). And so rather than striving with each other over non-essential matters, or with  those in world who do not believe. We need to in seeking to defend the Gospel of peace be sure that we ourselves remain people of peace, and not be dragged into needless strife and debate with those forces hostile towards it. For being zealous for a good thing is only as good as one presents it and preserves it. As the Apostle James says "the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace." James 3:18 Thus in contrast to quarreling amongst ourselves, or with those in the world (consider Prov. 20:3), we should seek to live peaceably with all people, just as the Apostle Paul says: "If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men." Rom 12:18
Now this does not preclude that we will have to take a public stand for the Lord Jesus Christ and His Kingdom, and thus there may be conflicts in our lives for having done so (Matt 10:27-28; 32-33), even with those in our own families (Matt 10:34-39; Luke 12:51-53). But it does preclude that we become the authors of such things, by doing so in a non-Christ like way. For the Lord Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) and He came to restore God's peace to believing humanity, and then to all of creation, when the consummation of all things written within the Scriptures takes place.
And so Jesus came and preached peace to you who were far off (i.e. Gentiles) and to you who were near (i.e. Jews), so that He might extend and bring God's peace into us all who believe in Him here and now (see Eph. 2:17). For the Lord Jesus Christ became God's Peace for us, by first suffering Crucifixion death to atone for all our sins and transgressions. And having done so, Jesus rose from the dead, so that He might bring God's Peace into us, by His Spirit, when we believe in Him (John 14:27). Therefore Jesus commands us all who believe in Him to be His peacemakers in this world (Matt 5:9). By both declaring and living out His Gospel's Message of God's peace given freely to all who repent and believe in Him (Rom 10:15). "For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, 20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross." Col 1:19-20 Thus by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ crucified for our sins remission and risen from the dead for our justification, God imputes His Righteousness to us and brings us into a peaceful relationship with Himself (Rom 5:1; 2 Cor 5:21). And so having been brought into God's Kingdom by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ's Person we are to be His peaceful messengers and agents of it, to a lost and often hostile world (Matt 5:44-48). That's the first part part of the Apostle Peters exhortation "be diligent to be found by Him in peace." The second part is that we be found by Him without spot and blameless. Now the Apostle Peter is here (to bring across a moral and spiritual truth) harkening back too (at least from our perspective) the Old Covenant ceremonial commandments that required that whatever animal sacrifice was consecrated, and thus to be offered to the Lord, be without blemish. And so just as our new lives are now consecrated to the Lord Jesus Christ for His worship and service, we too are to strive to be without spot and blameless. That is without moral or spiritual defects (i.e. sins and such) or anything else by which someone might make a just charge against us for some unlawful act or deed. Thus not only are we to strive to live in peace with all people, but we are to strive to live Godly lives both amongst our brethren, and in this godless world. Again in Hebrews 12:14 we are commanded: "pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord."

10 For “He who would love life
And see good days,
Let him refrain 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 prayers;

But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” 1 Peter 3:10-12

Vs. 15 "and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you"

The Apostle Peter here emphasis two points; the first is that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation, not condemnation (John 3:17), but the salvation of everyone who will repent and believe in Him. Something as Peter points out, the Apostle Paul declares and expounds in his epistles (see Rom 2:4).

Vs. 16 "as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures."

Speaking of these things in his epistles according to the wisdom given him, the Apostle Paul, as Peter alludes to here, is the master of theological discourse in the New Testament. Which makes it all the more ironic that the man appointed by God to be such, had to contend with and defend his works from those who being untaught and unstable twist his words to their own destruction, as they do the rest of the Scriptures.  And sadly the same situation today still exists as many a Pastor can testify too having had to defend his sermons from those who have no business critiquing either them or him.

Vs. 17-18 "You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; 18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen."

And so the Apostle Peter warns us beforehand not to listen to, or be drawn into, needless debates and strife with those who seem to be more interested in contending with those inside of the house of faith, then for the faith (Jude 3). Therefore let us all who believe in Jesus be steadfast and hold to the truth of God's Word as the basis of all moral and spiritual truth, and not be led away with the error of the wicked, who inevitable stray from it, and disobey it. Instead let us all who believe grow in the grace and the knowledge of Lord and Savior Jesus. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.

Scripture Citations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982

2 Peter 3:10-13

10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. 11 Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. 

Commentary
Vs. 10-13 The Apostle Peter here begins by declaring the "Day of the Lord." Now the phrase the "Day of the Lord" was first declared by God's prophets in the Old Testament. It is a Day when God renders judgment on and repays His enemies (Malachi 4:1). As well it is a Day of Redemption for those who have put their trust in Him (Joel 2:28-32). Now the Day of the Lord as an act of God's judgment on His enemies is first seen in the Old Testament on those in Israel who had forsaken Him (), then on the nations around Israel who helped her go astray, and or who had brought her downfall about (i.e. Assyria, Babylon etc.). As well the Day of the Lord, as expressed in the Old Testament, is a Day still to be fulfilled as the Day of the Lord's judgment on the whole world. That is roughly the judgment aspect of the Day of the Lord, though there are many other aspects to it (see Isaiah 2:12; 13:6, 9, 34:8; 63:4-6; Jeremiah 46:10; Joel 2:1-2; 3:1-17; Amos 5:18-20; Zeph 3:8; Zechariah 14; Malachi 4:5). And so the phrase the Day of the Lord (also referred to as the Day of Christ, Day of the Lord Jesus, Day of God in the New Testament (see 1 Cor 1:8; 2 Cor 1:14; Phil 1:10; 1 Cor 5:5; 2 Peter 3:12) is an encompassing one.
It's "inauguration" began with the Lord Jesus Christ's coming as a Man to save believing mankind through His Crucifixion death and Resurrection from the dead as the precursor event before His finial judgment at end of time, which will see both the salvation and the restoration of Israel (Obadiah 15-21) as well as the redemption of the church. Thus the Day of the Lord is declared to have begun with God's Spirit's outpouring at Pentecost (Acts 2:20) where the Lord Jesus Christ's Redemption of all who believe in Him has begun. Though that is not the finial work of it. For this current church era, often referred to as the time of the Gentiles must first be fulfilled, before the Lord Jesus Christ draws all of Israel back to Himself. And thus the Redemptive aspect of the Day of the Lord will not see it's conclusion until the Lord Jesus Christ's Second coming when He will take to Himself both His bride the church and save believing Israel out of Jacobs troubles, before He executes His finial and everlasting judgment on the unrepentant and unbelieving world (consider Rev 6:12-17; 19:11-21 etc.). And that is the aspect of the Day of the Lord that the Apostle Peter is emphasizing here. The Day of the Lord at the end of time when Jesus returns for His bride the church, and saves Israel out of Jacob's troubles at the end of the tribulation period. Before He executes His finial judgment on the world. Each then will occur in their own time.
Thus the Day of the Lord will be the precursor event before He sets up a new heavens and earth where He will reign, Israel will be restored, and righteousness and peace will be the established norm (Isaiah 2:1-4; 11:1-9; Jeremiah 50:4-5; Hosea 3:5; Micah 4:1-3; Obadiah 17-21 etc.). That is roughly the Day of the Lord, though there are many other Scriptures and aspects relating to it. Now because the Day of the Lord involves both salvation and judgment at the heart of it all is a call of repentance towards God, and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. That is what is absolutely critical for one to be prepared for the Day of the Lord. Therefore the Apostle Peter warns us all not to be caught unaware and unprepared, but to live our lives every day in expectation of it (consider Zephaniah 2:3). For as the Apostle Peter declares here, and the Lord Jesus Christ Himself first warned (see Luke 21:34-36), both He and it will come like a thief in night and will catch many unaware (see 1 Thess 5:2-10; Rev 16:15). For just as in the days of Noah when the flood came and took away the whole unbelieving and unrepentant world, so will the coming of the Son of Man (Matt 24:37-44). Therefore since not only this world and all the works in it will be dissolved by fire (vs 12). The Apostle Peter says "what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness" (vs 11) "looking for and hastening the coming of the Day of God" (vs 12). For truly this current created order, the heavens and earth, and all things within them, are all destined to be destroyed by God's eternal fire. So that it all might make way for the new heavens and new earth in which righteousness dwells (vs 13). For only then, when the Lord Jesus Christ reigns, will there be lasting peace on earth (consider Isaiah 32:17-18).  For truly there can be no peace in this sin driven and corrupted world that continually justifies and codifies by law their own evil desires (antithesis Isaiah 26:9). Nonetheless during the Lord Jesus Christ's Reign, righteousness and peace will be the norm on earth. For He will rule the world with a rod of iron so that whenever or wherever wickedness rises up, it will be quickly and effectively snuffed out. Thus sin and Satan having been dwelt with, righteousness and peace will be the established norm in all the earth (consider Isaiah 2:1-4; 11:9; 65:17-25; Micah 4:1-4, 6-8).

Scripture Citations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982

 Draft version

2 Peter 3:1-9

Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), 2 that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior, 3 knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 4 and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” 5 For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, 6 by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. 7 But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. 8 But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

Commentary
Vs. 1-2 The Apostle Peter here identifies this as his second Epistle to the beloved. That is all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as testified too in the Scriptures, are to be thought of and treated as beloved brethren. And so every believer in the Lord Jesus Christ who receives God's Word is to be received by us all. For truly all of us In Christ are beloved of God. And so Peter says here that his writing to us is so as to stir up our pure minds. That is stir up or awaken our minds to pure or holy thinking and thus living. For unlike the scoffers whose minds are polluted and who live according to their ungodly lusts and evil desires, believers are called to sanctification; that is the purification of body, soul, and mind. Now the only means for doing this is by Scriptures. And thus the Apostle Peter says that we are to be mindful (that is we are to remember and reflect upon), both the words of the holy prophets as well the Biblical Apostles commandment of our Lord and Savior. For truly the study of Scripture and or meditation on it's precepts, prophecies and commandments is absolutely critical to surviving the inevitable onslaught from the unbelieving and godless ideologies that are in this world.

Vs. 3-4 And so Peter goes on to say: 3 knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 4 and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.”

And so as the Lord's return draws near for the Redemption of His church, and thus His taking His bride to Himself forever, scoffers will increase, just as ungodliness will. In the Old Testament scoffers likewise arose mocking God's Word through His prophets before God's judgment fell on them and the nations who likewise walked in their own ways (consider 2 Chr 30:10; 36:16; Isaiah 22:12-14; Jer 6:17-21; 7:1-34; 18:1-17; 20:7-13; Lam 3:14; Hosea 7:1-10; etc.). And so the Apostle Peter likely reflecting upon the Scriptures testimony of mankind's unrepentant hearts before God's judgment fell on them all, by the Holy Spirit now sees in a time when there will be such days again. Now the Apostle Peter is not alone in his assessment of these things. The Apostle Paul, as well as Jude, by the Spirit of God recall God's prophetic word regarding these, as well as warn of their rising up in their day, as well being a manner of life for many in the last days (consider 2 Thess 2:1-12; 2 Tim 3:1-9; Jude 14-15, 17-19). Therefore believers should not be discouraged by these things, for even Jesus had to face ungodly mockers before He was received up into glory (Matt. 20:19; 27:29, 31, 41). For that has always been the treatment of God's people in this Godless world (consider 2 Kings 2:23-25; Nehemiah 4:1; Job 12:4; 30:1; Prov 14:9; Acts 2:13; Heb 11:36). Therefore as the proliferation of the Gospel reaches its zenith there will be increasingly numbers of mockers, who having a form of the knowledge of God, yet in unbelief will mock Jesus' Second Coming, just as Old Testament Israel mocked the prophets forewarning of God's judgment, because it to was delayed for a season (consider Ezek 12:21-28).
Having already personally experienced this form of blasphemy while trying to share Christ, having heard both His Second coming, and even His Crucifixion death mocked. It's easy to see this already unfolding in our day as clear Biblical terminology once highly revered and regarded, yet now is so glibly tossed about and into contexts in which it has no place being used, or better misused. And so that's always a sign of clear unbelief, and thus a rejection of the truth, when God's Person, Word and or His Prophecies or Promises in His Word is treated as a trivial thing. Therefore the Apostle Peter says that scoffers in the last days will arise and say: “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.”
And that's exactly what happened to me when I tried to share Christ with a certain middle aged fellow. He quickly and unabashedly retorted back almost to script by saying Jesus hasn't come back in two thousand years... Now I've witnessed to hundreds of people from all walks of life and truly his brazen response initially threw me. But in hindsight it is in reality just a confirmation of God's prophetic Word. For as in the Apostle Peters day when he had fellow Jews who also had a semblance of the knowledge of God, yet mocked his testimony and his declaring Jesus' Second Coming to them. So it will be for everyone who faithfully follows and witnesses Jesus Christ as Lord, crucified for our sins remission and raised from dead the third day, ascended back to heaven forty days later, and now seated at God the Father's right hand waiting till all His enemies are made His footstool. Every believer who in faith, seeks to share their faith, will at some point encounter ungodly mockers and or fierce unbelievers. That's reality, and a chance I'm willing to take, and so I hope you are too. Because their is no greater purpose or honor in life than in sharing the truth of Jesus Christ with one and all. And so the Apostle Peter says that they will justify their complacency by saying: “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.”
Now if anyone thinks that all things have continued on as they were from the beginning of creation until now they truly are blinded and or seeing just what they want to see. For there is nothing that has continued from the days of the Biblical fathers until this day that has not been shaken, and is being shaken, so that those perishable things may pass away, and those eternal things may remain (consider Heb 12:25-29). From priesthoods, to covenants, to Temple's, to nations, all has been made by God, to be removed by God, to make way for the eternal glory of His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. And so just as the upheaval of all of creation witnesses to Christ's Second coming (consider Matt 24:4-14), so does the growing prevalence of lawlessness and complacency in this world (consider 2 Thess 2:1-12). For all of creation must suffer the futility of their own endeavours apart from the redeeming work of God in Christ in order to find it. For all that is done outside of God's Redemption plans for all of creation is utterly transient and futile, just as God has ordained it all to be (consider Rom 8:19-23).  

Vs. 5-7 And so Peter knowing the scoffers self-sufficient pride recalls their self delusion here by saying: 5 For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, 6 by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. 7 But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

Here the Apostle Peter recalls that just as God's Word brought forth the world and heavens into being. God's Word also brought forth the flood in the days of Noah, destroying all but eight people preserved in Noah's Ark, for all of their wickedness against it (vs. 5-6). And so it is the same Word of God that is now preserving the present heavens (i.e. sky and stars) and earth, which are being reserved for fire, until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. So that a new heavens and earth in which Righteousness dwells, can exist apart from sin, and the sins of mankind which have corrupted it all (2 Peter 3:12-13; Rev 21:1-22:17). And that is why Jesus is first offering and bringing salvation to all who repent and believe in Him here and now. For as Jesus is the firstborn over all of creation, so He is the firstborn over the new creation. So that we all who believe in Him might be (along with Him) the first fruits, if you will, of God's new creation. For Jesus having already tasted death for everyone, by His Crucifixion death and shed blood at Calvary to atone for all our sins, has become by His Resurrection from the dead, the firstborn of many brethren (Rom 8:29; Col 1:15, 18; Rev 1:5).
And thus the life and Person of the Lord Jesus Christ now comes by the Holy Spirit, to live within us all who believe in Jesus. So that God might dwell in us all. For truly we who believe in Jesus are the Temple of the Lord, now sanctified and set apart for His worship and service. And so we are new creations In Christ, being made new, and into Christ-likeness (beginning with our Spirit re-birth) so that both our transformation and sanctification as God's new creations In Christ, and ultimately for God's new creation, can be evident to all. And so we are now God's redeemed children, both being transformed day to day from one glory to another, yet longing for Jesus Christ's return and His taking us all to Himself, so that we might all forever enjoy the glory of the Lord, where He will reign in all Righteousness over all of God's new creation.

Vs. 8-9 The Apostle Peter in response to the scoffers scoffing at the Lord's perceived delays, here reminds us of both the eternity and longsuffering of God. Who is neither governed, nor restricted by time as mortal man is. But who sees and can experience all things: past, present, future, as His now. And so Peter says here: 8 But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
And so whatever perceived delays one might have about Christ's coming, these have nothing to do with Almighty God being unable to fulfill His Promised Return, but with mankind whose finite being and perspective is governed by time. For God neither tarries, nor delays, at the appointed time He will keep His Promise and fulfill His Word. A time which we might add that no mortal knows, but only God the Father in heaven knows (Matt 24:36). And so the Apostle Peter says here that God is longsuffering towards us, not wanting any to perish but that all should come to repentance. And that is what is to take place in the interim. For when the Lord returns (or one dies) there will be no more chance for repentance. Today then, indeed right now is the time of salvation for you if you have not yet come to repentance towards God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. And this you can do by believing that God loves love and sent Jesus Christ to suffer Crucifixion death in your place so that you can have remission of all your sins and everlasting life the moment you believe in Jesus. Therefore If you have not yet done that, but now perceive your need to do so, please by all means come to the Lord Jesus Christ and freely receive remission of all your sins and eternal life. First by repentance towards God, which is a change of mind about oneself, God, or others, as is needed.
In essence it is too acknowledge and confess too God that one has indeed sinned against Him and others, and thus is guilty before Him. And thus it's not that your not as bad or wicked as so, and so, it's that in heart you probably are. For in our own ways and means were all fully capable of all the evil that we see, hate, and condemn in others. Make no mistake about it, the evil we see and condemn in others, is often festering in our own hearts and minds. Thus at the heart of repentance is a "change of mind", which then leads to a change in ones lifestyle. For when we stop trying to justify ourselves and or our less than God honoring words and actions. And instead take our rightful seat with those sinners who bring nothing of themselves to God other than a heartfelt confession and out pouring of sorrow for having sinned, and thus of needing His mercy, we find His mercy (consider Luke 18:9-14; James 4:8-10). For the Scripture does not justify us in of ourselves by our own obedience. Instead it confines us all under sin (Rom 3:23) that the promised gift of righteousness might be given to all who believe in Jesus (Gal 3:22). For faith in Jesus Christ crucified for our sins remission and raised from the dead for our justification is what opens the door of God's salvation to us all, by which He both saves and changes us. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16

Scripture Citations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982

Note: this is a draft version

2 Peter 2:18–22

 18 For when they speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error. 19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage. 20 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 in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. 21 For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. 22 But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: “A dog returns to his own vomit,” and, “a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.”

Commentary
Vs. 18 The Apostle Peter here sees right through the false teachers pretentious words and alluring ways. And so here Peter exposes their tactics, while warning us all not to fall into their hands. He begins by saying that when they speak great swelling words of emptiness... Not insightfulness, not usefulness, but emptiness. The word used here in this context means to be devoid of substance, to be vain, futile, empty. Because what the false teachers speak and teach is ineffectual for Christian life and living. For they are not taught, nor guided by the Holy Spirit through the Scriptures. They are only taught and guided by their own fleshly wisdom and human resources. And so for all of their verbal pomp and fanfare, their words in effect convey nothing that is of the Spirit of God, and often less of what is Biblically sound and truthful. And so when they do use the Scriptures they only manipulate them, and or taking Biblical promises out of context, they use them to allure and captivate people. Not to serve Jesus Christ's plans and purposes, rather just their own. For that is what false teachers do, they only arouse, then exploit peoples own sinful lusts and selfish desires, for their own gain. And so Peter goes on to say "...they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error."

Now the phrase "lusts of the flesh" encompasses all of ones sinful, sensual, sexual desires that are hostile to Word of God. And so in the New Testament the "lusts of the flesh" are always held as juxtaposed to fruits of the Spirit (see Gal. 5:16-21). For to live according to the lusts of the flesh is to be in love with this world, and thus at war with God (consider 1 John 2:15-17; 1 Peter 2:11). Yet that is just what the false teachers do. They live according to the lusts of their flesh, and thus they always show themselves to love this world, love money, love sexual pleasure (consider Phil 3:17-19; 2 Peter 2:10, 14-16; Jude 4). Now in contrast to them every true child of God is commanded to put away the worldly and ungodly lusts of the flesh (consider Rom 6:12; 13:14; Gal 5:24; Eph 4:22; Col 3:5; 1 Thess 4:4-8; Titus 2:11-12; 1 Peter 1:14; 2:11; 4:2; 2 Peter 2:10; 1 John 2:16). Instead we are to live richly and fully and enjoy all that has given us in the natural and Spiritual spheres by exercising all things in moderation and self control (1 Cor 6:12; 1 Tim :17-19). Rather then living by unbridled lusts and unrestrained desires. For those who submit themselves to their sinful natures truly become slaves of sin, as Jesus said (John 8:24-26). And that is why Jesus was crucified, and rose again from the dead. Not only to atone for all our sins, but also to libertate us from them (see Rom 6). Yet it is through appealing to the "lusts' of the flesh", through lewdness (asélgeia, i.e. sexual "license", the unrestrained and immoral indulgence of ones sexual passions) that the false teachers find themselves such willing and broad audiences. Because they appeal to, and seek to legitimize the sinful nature and godless desires of mankind. Undermining God's everlasting decrees about human morality, sexuality, and thus our responsibility to God and each other, that commands expressions of human sexuality be exercised by mutual consent in a monogamous heterosexual marriage (Heb 13:4). Instead they preach a "grace" that says men and women are at liberty to indulge in these, as they please, in whatever contexts they please. Even when the Scriptures clearly warn otherwise (consider Mark 9:43-50; 1 Cor 6:9-11; James 4:4). And so they only lie to their hearers when they tell them that they can live by, and for their godless lusts and passions, and still be at peace with God. For as the Apostle Paul also warns us all, to be fleshly minded is death (Rom 8:6). Both a state of ones being (Eph 2:3), as well as ones end, if one continues on in it (Rev. 22:14-15). And so their is no inner peace for the one who lives carnally. For to do so is only to be in a constant state of war with God, oneself, and others. For truly the Scriptures throughout warn us all that no one shall prevail who lives according to their own ungodly lusts and sinful desires (consider Isaiah 57:19-21). Therefore in contrast to being carnally minded which is death. Every believer is commanded to put off their old nature with it's sinful desires, and instead put on the new nature which is in accord with true righteousness and holiness, and thus live by the Spirit of God, and not by the deceitful lusts of the flesh (Eph 4:22-24).

For again the false teachers "allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error." And so though those who leave the world and come into the church community have escaped (in one sense) from those still in the world living by it's erroneous ways and sin laden ideals; and thus still living in error; they are not immune to being pulled back into the world. For Satan's ministers are not just found in the world, sadly they are in the church as well (consider 2 Cor 11:13-15). And so not until one comes into that absolutely critical, soul saving, life changing relationship with God by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ does He change them and set them free. Transferring us from the powers of darkness and into the Kingdom of the Son of his love (Col 1:13). Giving us a new mind, a new heart, and by default new desires, because we are now indwelt by Him through the Holy Spirit who makes us new creations In Christ (2 Cor 5:17). Therefore not until one is transformed by Holy Spirit new-birth by faith in Jesus do they have any Spirit resources to resist the sinful desires of their flesh, or overcome the schemes of the devil. For though one is in the church community, (which is a great place to be), they maybe still outside of House of faith, that is the Body of Christ, where every believer truly belongs and forever resides. And so they are very vulnerable to Satan's schemes and attacks through his ministers. Because they do not have Holy Spirit union with God, and thus they do not have the mind of Christ, nor the Spiritual discernment to know what is of God, and what is not (1 Cor 2:13-16).
Their old nature is still as active as it ever was, and thus they can be lured away from the truth of Gospel by false teachers, who always appeal to carnal nature of mankind. Whether through covetousness and greed, as is often the case nowadays, or through the lusts of the flesh and lewdness. The effect is the same, they inevitably lead people away from the truth of the Gospel, and back into their old sins or lifestyles (consider 2 Cor 11:19-21).

Vs. 19 "While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage."

Here the Apostle Peter is warning that though the false teachers promise their hearers liberty; yet they themselves are only slaves of corruption (i.e. depravity). Now not only are they slaves to their sins, it might also be said they are slaves of all that is perishing. And so everything that is worldly and sensual and temporary these they find themselves coveting and in bondage too, while everything immortal and everlasting they miss and miss-represent. And so the Apostle Peter goes onto warn "for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage." Most translations render this as the false teachers enslavement to their own corruption. While the NKJ here seems to be warning that those who heed the false teachers doctrine and lifestyles, rather than finding liberty, are only going to be brought back into bondage by them. As the greater context is indicating.

Vs. 20-22 20 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 in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. 21 For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. 22 But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: “A dog returns to his own vomit,” and, “a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.”

The Apostle Peters warning in verse twenty rings throughout the ages of the Gospel's preaching. For the knowledge of God our Father through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ does indeed free one from the pollutions of this world, if they believe Him and obey Him. Now the phrase "pollutions of the world" is referencing all that is morally and Spiritually corrupt in the eyes of God. In Revelations 18:1-6 the pollutions of the world are represented as originating in spiritual Babylon. Therefore we as believers are commanded to come out and be separate from it, lest we share in her sins and receive of her plagues. Similarly in 2 Cor 6:14-7:1 we are commanded not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers lest we be pulled into their sins and lifestyles. And so we are commanded not to touch what is unclean, but rather we are to come out and be separate from all the moral and spiritual pollutions of this world, that God might receive us as His sons and daughters. Again in Ephesians 5:11 we are commanded to have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. Therefore for every believer in the Lord Jesus Christ there must be a strong renunciation in ones life of all that is morally and Spiritually corrupt (2 Cor 4:2). For there are no spectators in the Lord Jesus Christ's church. Your either all in, or all out (consider Matt 12:30). Now if your not all in, then you truly are susceptible to what the Apostle Peter is warning about here. For in escaping the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, does not guarantee anything until you come into that personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and are committed to Him in discipleship. For to fail to make the foundational step of faith by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ crucified and risen from the dead is to fail in discipleship. And so to have true knowledge of God, and yet become entangled in the pollutions of the world again, and be overcome by them, is the worse fate of all. For the latter end is worse than the beginning, Because God has so richly provided for us all the way of escape from sin, death, and judgment by faith in His Son Jesus Christ (John 3:16). Therefore the Apostle Peter does not mince words here. If someone loves their sins more than the Lord Jesus and returns to them, "...it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. 22 But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: “A dog returns to his own vomit,” and, “a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.” vs. 21-22

Scripture Citations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982

Note: this is a draft version