How can we apply the "commandment of our Lord" in daily life? Setting the context 2 Peter 3:2: “so that you may recall the words spoken previously by the holy prophets and the commandment of our Lord and Savior through your apostles.” What is “the commandment of our Lord”? - At its core: love God wholly and love neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-40). - Expressed by Jesus as a “new commandment”: “love one another” (John 13:34). - Includes every charge He entrusted to the apostles—teach, baptize, disciple, obey (Matthew 28:19-20). Why remembering matters - Protects against scoffers and spiritual drift (2 Peter 3:3-4). - Keeps hope sharp for His promised return (2 Peter 3:9-13). - Fosters holy, blameless living “while you wait” (2 Peter 3:14). Practical ways to live it out Daily rhythms • Begin each day with Scripture—read a Gospel section to hear His voice anew. • Memorize key commandments (John 14:15; 1 John 3:23) to guide split-second decisions. • Pray the commands into action: “Lord, help me love _____ today.” Relationships • Family: speak truth in love, forgive quickly (Ephesians 4:32). • Workplace: serve “as unto the Lord” (Colossians 3:23), modeling integrity. • Church: use gifts to build others up (1 Peter 4:10). Choices and conduct • Filter entertainment, speech, and spending through “Does this honor Christ?” (1 Corinthians 10:31). • Practice sacrificial generosity—time, resources, attention (Acts 20:35). • Pursue purity of heart and body, knowing He sees (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5). Witness • Keep the gospel ready on your lips (1 Peter 3:15). • Demonstrate hope through calm perseverance in trials (James 1:2-4). • Serve the needy so that deeds and words align (Matthew 5:16). Guarding against forgetfulness - Set reminders: alarms titled with verses, sticky notes, lock-screen scriptures. - Meet weekly with believers for accountability and encouragement (Hebrews 10:24-25). - Review answered prayers and faithfulness records in a journal to reinforce trust. Encouragement from other Scriptures • John 15:10: “If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love.” • 1 John 2:3-6: knowing Him is evidenced by obeying Him. • Revelation 22:7: blessing promised to those who keep the words of prophecy. Living the commandment means continually recalling His words and letting them shape every attitude, choice, and relationship until He comes. |
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