Spotless, Blameless, and at Peace
Pastor Philip's sermon Sunday as he closed out 2 Peter was very interesting. I am always intrigued by passages in Scripture that give us lists of attributes to aspire to. I was particularly drawn to the list in verse 14. What it literally says in Greek is:
14 wherefore, beloved, these things waiting for, be diligent, spotless and unblameable, by Him to be found in peace,
I liked Pastor Philip's exposition on it and I wanted to add a perspective.
Spotless - This is a word only used four times in the New Testament. In James 1:27, it says that one aspect of pure religion is to remain "unspotted" from the world. Same word. Pastor Philip explained how it related to the Passover Lamb in the Torah. The word carries with it the idea of internal, personal holiness. It is the righteousness that results from my deliberate actions to obey Christ.
Blameless - This word is only used twice in the New Testament. The word means "cannot be censured." There are multiple passages where we are told to live our lives in such a way that others cannot find fault in us. Like Daniel and the lion's den, the only thing they can find fault in is how well we follow Yahweh. Being blameless is the outward expression of our inward holiness.
Peace - Peter is a Jew. Greek is a second language to him. As he was writing this word, he must have been thinking of the Hebrew word for peace, "shalom." In Hebrew culture, it wasn't just about lack of hostilities. It was about complete restoraion of relationship. In its ultimate form, it meant a complete return to the relationship that people had with God in the Garden. I don't believe this is saying, "peace with God" as much as "God's peace among each other." The ultimate expression of this, according to Jesus, is how we love those in the family of God. "Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." Not your great theology. Not your quiet times. Not how often you attend church. No, the practical ways you show love to other followers of Jesus. This is so important that it is repeated several times by Jesus and then over and over in the writings of John. True peace is expressed love, and the ultimate expression of love is shown among the family of Christ.
SO...Peter tells us to work diligently to change our inner selves so that we may be without blame outwardly and the world will see the love we show each other. That is something to work for!
SONGS FOR SUNDAY
Just a caveat for this week. Since it is his last Sunday before heading off to the army, Mikey asked if he could choose the songs for this week. There are some we haven't done since I've been leading, but each one is special to him and his journey with Christ. We pray they minister to you as they have ministered to him over these many years.
All Creatures of Our God and King
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhycL4h64_s
10,000 Reasons
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3K3roEF36k
In Christ Alone
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjR_A2pGPrY
Moving Forward
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u21jwyJaVB4
Lead Me to the Cross