The theme of 2nd Peter is the great need for personal spiritual growth in a time when false teachers and teachings were infiltrating the early church (2Pe 1:5 with 2Pe 3:18). Key words/phrases relevant to spiritual growth are “grace and peace,” which can be “multiplied” as we grow in the “knowledge” of our Lord, and exercise due “diligence” in the practice of spiritual “love.” As a method of instruction, Peter emphasizes the necessity of reminder and repetition (2Pe 1:12-13, 2Pe 1:15, 2Pe 3:1-2).
Gene Cunningham - May 23, 2000
Living Sacrifice 02
A sense of urgency is important (Rom 12:1-2, Ecc 3:1-8) because time is short and ordered. God's plan appointed our time and it's comprehensive. There's a right thing to do at any time. God has planned these things. Sometimes God is planting spiritual seed, but other times uprooting -- plowing up the ground of our soul (Ecc 3:2b). An appropriate time for emotion (Ecc 3:4, 1Co 13:11). A time to pick up stones and time to use them -- example David (Ecc 3:5a). Don't be hypocritical (Ecc 3:5b, Rom 12:9). There's a time to keep silent and to speak (Ecc 3:7). Example is when someone is being slandered -- we should speak up. Time is fleeting (Psa 90:12). Failure to manage time with a sense of urgency (Jam 4:13-15). Don't let a sense of urgency turn into haste. (1) dangers in haste -- "haste makes waste" (Psa 31:22, Psa 116:11). "He who trusts in Him will not make haste" (Isa 28:16); (2) God has established four limits for us (Job 14:5): space, matter, intellect, time. (3) When we make haste we violate the limits (e.g. time) hurry casues accidents. (4) When you're in a hurry, you pay the highest price for common things. Ask God to show you the pace you should have for your life.
Scripture References: Ecclesiastes 3:7, Job 14:5, Romans 12:1-2, Romans 12:9, Isaiah 28:16, Ecclesiastes 3:5, Psalms 116:11, Ecclesiastes 3:5, Psalms 31:22, Ecclesiastes 3:4, James 4:13-15, Ecclesiastes 3:2, Psalms 90:12, Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
From Series: "Living Sacrifice (1995)"
Romans 12 and specifically Rom 12:1-2 is a pivot point between the doctrinal section and application of the book. This series methodically uses this passage to outline aspects or doctrines of the christian life -- God's provision and our prospect. Our lives can be acceptable to God if we progress on the path He intends. Living Sacrifice presents 12 doctrines: (1) redeeming time; (2) standing (positional truth); (3) self-presentation - availability; (4) approval; (5) service; (6) provision; (7) spiritual warfare; (8) conformity; (9) spiritual advance; (10) renewal; (11) divine guidance; (12) abundant life.