It’s Week Three of Virtual VBS for GrownUp Girls® 2017. Here are the highlights from our Facebook group. You’re welcome to join us anytime — you can go through past posts and catch up, or just jump in where we are. For links to our complete reading and scripture memory schedule, click here.
Reading Assignment: Read the book of 2 Peter straight through in a yet another translation, and then re-read 2 Peter 2:1-11.
Memory Verse: 2 Peter 1:5.
Remember as you read, underline key words and phrases, and ask the 5 Ws and an H (who, what, when…). Imagine trying to explain the significance of these verses to someone totally unfamiliar with Scripture — what do they mean? Why is this important? How does it apply to our lives today? You may want to record your thoughts in a notebook or journal.
Special Note: With this chapter in particular, ask God to use His Word as a mirror and show you what you have to learn … how you might be challenged, encouraged, comforted, or convicted by these truths. It’s really important to approach this subject with humility and reverence. Don’t let the enemy distract you by getting you to spend your study time naming names of all the OTHER people you think this passage could describe. (Let anyone who thinks she stands be careful, lest she fall… 1 Corinthians 10:12)
Journaling / Reflection Questions:
1) This week’s passage — 2 Peter 2:1-11 — describes some dark and heavy stuff. But in what ways is it reassuring? Think of how it might have encouraged the early believers who first read it… and how it encourages you!
2) How can we keep from becoming false teachers ourselves, deceived and deceiving, leading others astray?
3) How can we be discerning and hold fast to the truth without becoming Pharisees? Without condemning others or accusing true brothers and sisters of heresy (over denominational differences, for instance) ?
Wednesday in the Word (mini-post):
When I first read this passage, I was struck by the reference to Lot. I remembered his story and wondered how to reconcile 2 Peter’s description of his heart with his actions in Genesis 19.
I think at first Lot was shocked by the wickedness of the world around him. But after a while, he got used to it. Then he stopped noticing it. One day he woke up to discover that he had become a part of it — and it a part of him. This is how a “righteous man” could be “oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked” (2 Peter 3:7) and yet not be able to tear himself away from it.
“While he lingered, the men took hold of his hand and brought him out.” (Genesis 19:16)
Talk about a slippery slope… and if it could happen to him, well…
May God protect us all from the deceit of the enemy and keep us from stumbling headlong into sin… may He guide us with His Truth, keep us faithful to His Word, and give us wisdom and discernment, along with love, grace, and peace to guard our hearts in Christ Jesus.
