- Lesson Three in the Connect360 unit “Find Us Faithful: Standing Firm in Our Faith” focuses on 2 Peter 1:8-11
Two words in this verse, calling and choice, are the subject of a great deal of discussion, debate and even dissension among Baptists and Protestants in general.
That being the case, we must look at verse 10 within the original purpose of Peter’s writing— to counter false teachers and to bring understanding regarding the coming of Christ.
Believers in that day, as well as our day, need to verify their claim that they are indeed called and chosen.
But notice what this verse doesn’t say. The early believers were not instructed to observe the people around them and try to separate them into the saved and the unsaved (sheep and goats).
That could be a tempting adventure, especially considering the number of false teachers within their midst.
Yet, these brothers are to be “all the more diligent to make certain about his calling and choosing you!”
The verse begins in a plural sense (brothers) but quickly becomes personal (you). When she was only 4 years old, my granddaughter had a cap with the initials TCOYMYOB on the front.
I could not figure out what they stood for, so she finally told me. Take care of yourself, mind your own business!
While the Christian life is certainly not intended to be lived solo, making sure of your relationship to God is both personal and primary.
Our calling and choosing comes from God. Then we must respond, and further, walk in a manner worthy of that calling (Ephesians 4:1).
A real estate transaction requires carefully prepared documents to ensure that all the particulars are correct and that all parties receive a fair and just settlement.
Realtors, closing agents, and even attorneys read each word to verify the accuracy of the transaction before the contract is executed. The I’s are dotted, and the T’s are crossed with care.
Peter challenged his readers to have this same kind of diligence in knowing their relationship with Christ is settled and secure. One preacher exclaimed, “Be sure you know who you know so you can know that you know!”
When you fly with a commercial airline, you receive instructions from the flight attendant to put your oxygen mask on first in case of emergency. Then you are ready to help your children and loved ones with you on the plane.
Likewise, once we are assured of our calling and choosing, then we are ready to support others as they endeavor to walk in a worthy manner. We must be assured of our relationship with God—that is paramount!
Notice the promise for the faithful practice of godly virtues. You will never stumble.
While the useless and unfruitful block the path, your steps will be counted, measured, steady and sure.
You will not fall behind as you march with God’s army. You will not be tripped up by false teachers or those who want to see you fail.
The encouragement of your inward assurance leads you to the fruitful practice of blessing others.
To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here.
We seek to connect God’s story and God’s people around the world. To learn more about God’s story, click here.
Send comments and feedback to Eric Black, our editor. For comments to be published, please specify “letter to the editor.” Maximum length for publication is 300 words.