We will be finishing our discussion of 1 Corinthians Thursday and moving on to Jude and II Peter. Please read *all* of Jude and II Peter (only four chapters total) and be ready to discuss those books.Pick out one verse from Jude and one verse from II Peter that you find particularly interesting, important, or hard to understand, and comment below on what you find interesting, difficult, or important in those verses.
20 comments:
Chapter 1 verse 8: "He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ."
I like this passage because it is very reassuring. Paul is telling the members of the church in Corinth that no matter what happens, God will be with them and not put them through something that will force them to fall away. This was a very strong statement at the time because the Christian Church was going through some tough persecution. By saying this Paul is encouraging them to stay strong through the persecution because God will be with them giving them strength.
It is also very comforting for believers today. It gives us the same reassurance that God will be with us and keep strong no matter what we face. Our lives may not be in jeopardy, like the early Christians' were, but there are many times where we feel our faith is being tested. When we think of this passage we remember that God will be be with us and give us the strength to stay faithful to him always.
--John Rawerts
The proverb that Peter speaks about in 2:22 is a good passage; "the dog turns back to his own vomit, and the sow is washed only to wallow in the mire."
Peter spoke of the virtues that followers of the Church should follow and gave examples of how the Lord knows what is false and what is not, and how the Lord punishes those who sin and reserves judgement for everybody else.
Peter wanted the believers to be the ones who would be rewarded with the kingdom of heaven and he reminded them to practice what they preach and what they read.
He also spoke of ways people can be mis-led into the wrong faith, they can be a dog that does not distinguish from the food given to it and the slops vomited up because to the dog both would taste good and seem fulfilling.
Or they could wind up like the sow; washed clean of sin at baptism a person is then tasked with obeying the Lord. But like the sow too many, for Peter, find it easy to wallow in the mire of sin once more.
I believe that Jude was written before II Peter because of how it complements the text. I am then commenting in that order.
The verse from Jude I like is Chapter 1 verse 3. "Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
This is so today! I was going to do this but I had to change because. Jude's message is opposition is going to come and false teachers will follow but it is up to you to continue in the Christian faith.
II Peter then follows up with the same message.
In Chapter 1 verse 13-14: "Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle (body), to stir you up by putting you in rembrance; Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle (die), even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me."
Peter knows he will die soon and he reminds us of the same things we were told in Jude. Chapter 1 Verse 3 -- "According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:"
Could this be a clue to the time and traditions that are taking place around us? ?? Didn't the Catholic Church have small rooms like cells that wealthy individuals could buy where they would take care of their every need untill their death. Peter is preaching against heresy. Is there a pun in this for the Roman Catholic Church? If you have a comment on that I would like some input.
Jude uses some Old Testament stories to make his case about behavior to his fellow christians.
Enoch the seventh from Adam prophesied about these men.
Jude 1:16,"These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage."
Look at this. Enoch, even way back then, was warning us about politicians.
I also liked verse 9 because I read an interesting commentary about God hiding the body of Moses from the devil.
II Peter 2:1,"But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction."
This is just brilliant writing. These warnings are still relevant today and will continue to be so until that day.
Anyone notice that Peter starts the first book with Peter an apostle but starts the second book with Peter, a bondservant and apostle. Paul and James do this as well but Timothy does not. Why?
2 Peter 2:2-3
And many shall follow their pernicious ways: by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evill spoken of.
And through conetousness they with feigned words make merchandise of you...
This is the section of 2 Peter where he is talking about the false teachers. Peter seems to be telling his reader about one type of person to be looking out for. That there are swindlers out there just trying to make a couple bucks off the religion and anyone who listens is just the merchandise to them. He goes on to talk about their punishment after this but I think this is a warning that is definately still valid today. He's telling the reader to maybe make sure the person they are listening to is not trying to make a profit.
Jon Hepola
I choose the 2 Peter 13 &14. It states "Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you. We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death."
I really like it because it reminds us that even though being a Christian is going to be difficult you can't hate the people that hate you. In my opinion hating someone who hates you just breeds more hate. Even if people do hate you if you are loving and caring towards them, then their hate is unjustified. The verses also remind us to be down to earth. Christians are no better then the no believers.
I choose Jude 18. It says,"How they told you there would be mockers in the last time who would walk in their own ungodly lusts."
I think that this verse could be very effective for a religion to show/prove a point that they want to. Such as they end of the world coming. Because of the times it may look like to some that many are walking in "their own ungodly lusts". If a church wanted to say that the world was ending this verse might be the convincing point.
Brian Johnson
2 Peter 2:1
This verse tells us that there were "false prophets" among the Christians.
The reason I find it interesting is that it ties into our current discussion over division in the church. Having false prophets who attract followers undoubtedly leads to some measure of division.
Jude 1:9
This verse describes Michael disputing with the devil over the body of Moses. I really did not understand what it meant, or the story behind it. I would be interested in finding out the answer.
Well a verse i found interesting in II Peter was 2:22 "Of them the proverbs are true: "A dog returns to its vomit," and "A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud."
This verse seems pretty interesting to me because it shows how that even if people say they have changed or are starting to get back on the right track, it's very easy to go back to your old ways and become dirty again like this verse seems to be saying.
In Jude 1:22-23 stands out to me. "Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them;...
This verse seems to stick out because it shows us that even though we may be good to go in the eyes of the lord we should still look at others who might be in doubt and show them the way and do not have harsh things to say about them bout try to show them the way.
Eric Bengs
Jude 1:22-23 "On those who waver, have mercy; save others by snatching them out of the fire; on others have mercy with fear, abhorring even the outer garment stained by the flesh."
These verses stood out as important because it gives a message of hope to those who have lost their way. Many of us need this encouragement when we ‘loose our way’ or wonder about the existence/power of God. I think it gives a much needed message of forgiveness, to forgive as Christ forgives and to love as Christ loves.
2 Peter 2:21 "For it would have been better for them to not have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the hold commandment handed down to them."
This verse stood out because it really drives home the importance of knowing and believing the Truth. It’s a wake up call not only to those Peter was writing for immediately, but for all of us.
Amanda Imberi
Zach Anderson
Jude 2 Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.
I this I found to be a very moving way to open any conversation, and it follows Jesus' example of saying the blessing at the beginning, as well as following II Peter. It also sums up what Christianity offers followers, and exactly what Jude will go on to say.
II Peter 3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called by his own glory and goodness.
This is very important to understanding Christianity, and the message of Jesus. It helps me understand the following verses in II Peter. This is why, Peter argues, you must follow Jesus.
II Peter Chapter 2 Verse 1: "But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there shall be among you lying teacher who shall bring in sects of perdition and deny the Lord who bought them: bringing upon themselves swift destruction."
I like this verse and find it very interesting, because in just about every part of the Bible there is someone telling people to be aware of false prophets/teachers. Watch out for the wolf in sheep's clothing. Are people really that hard headed to not get the point?
Jude Chapter 1 Verse 7: "As Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighboring cities, in like manner, having given themselves to fornication and going after other flesh, were made an example, suffering the punishment of eternal fire."
This backs up one of the oldest beliefs; if it feels good, it probably is bad for you. But I find this entire chapter quite interesting because it has many references to Jewish teaching and customs. I wonder how a pagan society would understand all of this.
Jon Adam
Joe Adam
St.Peter 2:2-6
What these verses are addressing are things such as false prophets teaching false doctrine. In 4-6 it gives examples of the judgment god brought upon peoples in the past. Such as when Lucifer decided to rebel against God and for his betrayal was sent to hell. Or in other major happenings such as Sodom and Gomorrah.
Jude 1:21- Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
This passage seems like an ultimate promise to those who are trying to find a special conviction in their lives. It speaks of mercy and eternal life bestowed upon those who seek Jesus Christ. Better yet, it offers a peaceful blessing to anyone listening to Jude.
2 Peter 1:17- For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Jesus was sent by God to fulfill the promise of bringing salvation to the world. With Jesus being subject to a painful crucifixion and the triumph over death and the forces of evil to save God's people, why wouldn't God take pride and be pleased?
Annie Merkel
2 Peter 2:17 "These are waterless springs and mists driven by a storm; for them the nether gloom of darkness has been reserved."
Who is he talking about? Who is going to be in darkness? The children? I just do not know who he is talking about here, which is why I find this very confusing.
Jude 1 "Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James, To those who are called, beloved in GOd the Father and kept for Jesus Christ."
I am not very smart in the names of all the people in the bible. So who is James? Jude is the brother of James, but who is he? I just do not recall a James. For Jude to start by claiming she is the brother of James, that tells me this must be of some importance. I just do not know who James is and why this is important.
Jude Chapter 1 verse 18: for they told you, in the last time there will be scoffers who will live according to their own godless desires.
I think this verse is a good verse because it tells us that over time people will not be with God and will speak falseley about him. In times that we live in now it seems like people are speaking false information about God everywhere you look.
I will stick with a similar verse in II Peter, II Peter verse 1: There were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will introduce destructive heresies and even deny the Master who ransomed them, bringing swift destruction on themselves.
This verse is very similar in meaning to the one I chose from Jude, it is telling us that there will be false prophets now who will speak of heresies and try to get people all riled up over nothing. I think a great example of this is The Da Vinci Code. I thought the book/movie was very interesting but I knew it wasn't true, many people watched that and believe it is true.
4For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;
5And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;
6And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;
7And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:
8(For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)
9The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
These verses show that God is going to punish the un-virtuous but there is still hope if you are believing in him. He has the power to deliver people out of destruction. Such as Lot and Noah. It also shows that if evil ways proceed it will happen because that is what God does. He doesn't play around. If he is able to do this to his angels. He is able to do it all the time. So people better be good.
Brett Newton
2 Peter 3:18
"But grow in the grace of knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
This passage explains to us what we are here on earth to do, grow. In all areas of our life we require growth to improve. This gives us detailed thought on how to grow up the christian way, through Jesus. Simply put, but very complicated into putting these thoughts and ways of life into action.
Jude 1:18
"build yourself up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. "
Message in receiving eternal life that allows us to understand how important it is to give ourselves and our lives here on earth to Christ. It reminds us that earth is just a short term place and in order to fullfill what is to come, we must live through Christ.
Jude chapter 1 verse 20
I think that this verse is important because the book of Jude has been warning of those who will do evil, filthy dreamers, ungodly men, mockers, and men of ungodly lust who will use flattering words to lead men astray and accomplish their own selfish ends. Jude chapter 1:20 admonishes us to build ourselves up in the faith. The faith will be our shield and our protection against these evils which will damn our souls. We are warned be prayerful and be strong in the faith.
II Peter 3:10
I think this verse is important, because Peter has told of all the terrible things that man will do. There will be false prophets and teachers who will attempt to lure us astray. After scaring and warning the believers, he admonishes them to be watchful. The Lord will return and he will judge and everybody will get what they have coming. He has said he will return and he keeps his promises. I like verse ten, because I remember my minister using this verse many times in his sermons. "The Lord will come as a thief in the night". Our minister would say thay we should ever be watchful our words, thoughts and deeds and we need to be spiritually ready because we know not the time that the Lord will return.
2 Peter 1: 9-11
" Anyone who lacks them is blind and shortsighted, forgetful of the cleansing of his past sins. Therefore brothers, be all the more eager to make your call and election firm, for, in doing so, you will never stumble. For, in this way, entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ will be richly provided to you."
This shows how strongly Peter feels about God's promise to the people. That in dying on the cross, everyone else was saved, and to follow in the life of Jesus Christ. He says that the way to enter the kingdom of heaven is to follow the path that Jesus has made for them.
Sam Merkel
Jude 1:21- Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
This is important to me because it shows me that if you stay right and if you mean well, then God will be mercyfull onto you. If you look towards God for forgivness that he will show it towards you. If a person can live a good life than that person can live a life with Jesus for eternity.
II Peter 2:1,"But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction."
This shows how people that believed that they new the word of God were false prophets. By trying to recruit more people to follow them, it showed the strength of the people who didn't follow them and stuck with their beliefs.
Post a Comment