7 Feb - 2 Peter 2

Today’s reading in the Tattoo Church Reading Plan is 2 Peter 2. Here are some thoughts:

1. Peter really lays into “false teachers” in this chapter. 
2. In verse 19 Peter says that a person is “a slave to whatever has mastered” them. 
3. In the closing section of this chapter Peter talks about people who have tried to follow Jesus but then went back to living for themselves in the lifestyle they had before. Peter says it would have been better not to have known the truth at all then to know it and then turn back from it.

Peter spends most of his time talking about “false teachers.” If he spent so long talking about it then it must have been a big problem for his audience. Furthermore, it must be something that God takes very seriously as well. God hates when someone intentionally teaches people the wrong thing and claim they are serving God. Just look at the accounts in the Bible where Jesus interacts with religious leaders (The books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John). Jesus saved some of his harshest words for religious leaders. Today there are unfortunately a lot of examples of leaders in churches who have abused their position to take advantage of people or to make it more difficult to find God. For that we are sorry and we know it breaks the heart of God. Here at Tattoo Church we take our responsibility very seriously and strive to lead well and grow up leaders to do the same.

A very important take away for all of us are the closing words. Peter says that we are slaves to anything that has control over us. When you read that what do you think of? Drugs? Alcohol? Sex? Porn? These can be vices but also other things like food, money, a relationship, or even being excessively concerned with your self image. The bottom line is anything that you allow to control you becomes your master. As people who follow Jesus we know our master should be God. Anything that takes that place is wrong.

What about you, do you let anything control your life? your thoughts? your actions? Think about the closing words Peter wrote. Have you abandoned your faith and went back to your old lifestyle? Maybe not completely but have you in any area? If so God is ready to welcome you back. What steps will you take to grow closer to God this week?