Welcome to Day 2447 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 18:30-36

Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script – Day 2447

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2447 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. I’m delighted to have you join me today as we continue exploring the depth and beauty of Psalm 18.

In our last episode, we reflected on Psalm 18:25-29, where David praised God’s faithfulness, justice, and strength. We saw how God is faithful to those who are faithful, how He lights our way in darkness, and how, with His strength, we can overcome any obstacle.

Today, we’ll be diving into Psalm 18:30-36 from the New Living Translation. In these verses, David continues to praise the greatness of God, focusing on His perfect way, His provision, and His empowerment for the battles of life. These verses are a powerful reminder of God’s sufficiency and how He equips us to stand firm and victorious.

So, let’s embark on today’s trek together as we uncover the wisdom and encouragement in Psalm 18:30-36.

Psalm 18:30-36 (NLT):

30 God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. 31 For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a solid rock? 32 God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect. 33 He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights. 34 He trains my hands for battle; he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow. 35 You have given me your shield of victory. Your right hand supports me; your help has made me great. 36 You have made a wide path for my feet to keep them from slipping.

God’s Perfect Way:

We begin with verse 30: “God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.”

David starts by affirming that God’s way is perfect. In a world full of uncertainty, where our plans often falter and our paths can be unclear, it’s comforting to know that God’s way is flawless. His plans are without error, and His guidance is always trustworthy. When we follow His path, we walk in a way that is right and leads to ultimate fulfillment and peace.

David also reminds us that “all the Lord’s promises prove true.” This statement is a testimony to the faithfulness of God’s Word. Throughout Scripture, we see countless promises made by God to His people—promises of protection, provision, guidance, and love. David assures us that these promises are not just empty words; they are steadfast and reliable. We can build our lives on the certainty that God will do what He has said.

Moreover, David declares that God is “a shield for all who look to him for protection.” This image of God as a shield is a recurring theme in the Psalms. A shield is a defense against attacks, a protector amid danger. When we place our trust in God, He becomes our shield, guarding us against the spiritual and physical dangers we face. This doesn’t mean that we’ll never encounter difficulties, but it does mean that God is our defender and that in Him, we find safety and refuge.

The Unique Strength of God:

Continuing with verse 31, David asks, “For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a solid rock?”

Here, David highlights the uniqueness of God. In a world where people often place their trust in various things—wealth, power, human wisdom—David points us back to the one trustworthy source of strength and stability: God Himself. There is no other god, foundation, or rock upon which we can securely build our lives. All other ground is sinking sand, but God is the solid rock, unchanging and unshakable.

This verse challenges us to evaluate where we place our trust. Are we relying on temporary and unstable things, or are we anchored in the eternal and steadfast God? David’s rhetorical question reminds us that there is no one else like the Lord—He alone is the rock that will never fail us.

God’s Empowerment for the Journey:

In verses 32-34, David shifts from describing God’s character to recounting how God equips him for the challenges he faces: “God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect. He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights. He trains my hands for battle; he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow.”

David begins by acknowledging that it is God who arms him with strength. This strength is not merely physical; it’s a comprehensive empowerment that includes mental, emotional, and spiritual fortitude. Whatever challenges David faces, he knows that his ability to overcome them comes from God. This is a crucial reminder for us as well: our strength, whether in times of trial or triumph, comes from the Lord. When we feel weak or inadequate, we can trust that God will provide the strength we need.

David also says that God “makes my way perfect.” This echoes the earlier statement about God’s way being perfect. When we align ourselves with God’s will and follow His path, He ensures that our way is made straight, that we are on the right track. This doesn’t mean that the journey will always be easy or free of obstacles, but it does mean that God is guiding us toward His perfect purposes.

Next, David uses the metaphor of being “surefooted as a deer” to describe how God enables him to stand on mountain heights. In the rugged terrain of the ancient Near East, deer were known for their agility and ability to navigate challenging, rocky landscapes with ease. David likens this to how God empowers him to navigate the high places of life—the challenges, responsibilities, and battles. With God’s help, David is not only able to survive but to thrive in the most challenging of circumstances.

Finally, David speaks of God training his hands for battle and strengthening his arm to draw a bronze bow. The image of drawing a bronze bow signifies great strength and skill, as bronze was a heavy and sturdy material. David attributes his ability to excel in battle, not to his own prowess, but to the training and strength provided by God. This teaches us that whatever skills or talents we possess, they are ultimately a gift from God. He equips us for the tasks He sets before us, whether those tasks are physical, like David’s battles, or spiritual, like the battles we face in our daily lives.

The Shield of Victory and God’s Support:

Verse 35 is particularly powerful: “You have given me your shield of victory. Your right hand supports me; your help has made me great.”

Here, David continues to acknowledge the source of his success and protection. He speaks of the “shield of victory” given to him by God. This isn’t just any shield—it’s a shield that guarantees victory. It’s a symbol of God’s promise to deliver David from his enemies and to secure his triumph in the battles he faces. This shield represents God’s active role in David’s life, ensuring that he emerges victorious, not by his own might, but by God’s intervention.

David also recognizes the support of God’s “right hand.” In Scripture, the right hand often symbolizes strength, power, and favor. David acknowledges that God’s powerful and sustaining hand has upheld him through all his trials. It’s not David’s own strength or strategy that has brought him success; it’s the sovereign support of God.

Lastly, David says, “Your help has made me great.” This statement encapsulates the humility of David’s heart. Despite his accomplishments, he doesn’t claim greatness for himself. Instead, he attributes any greatness he has achieved to God’s help. David’s greatness is not self-made; it is God-made. This is a lesson for all of us: true greatness, true success, comes not from our own efforts alone, but from God’s help, His guidance, and His empowerment in our lives.

A Secure Path:

In verse 36, David concludes this section with a reflection on the security and stability God provides: “You have made a wide path for my feet to keep them from slipping.”

David vividly portrays how God has cleared a wide and secure path for him. The image here is of a path that is not narrow or precarious, but broad and stable, ensuring that David’s feet do not slip. This is a metaphor for the guidance and protection that God provides. In life, we often walk paths fraught with danger and uncertainty, but with God leading the way, we can walk confidently, knowing that He has prepared a secure path for us.

This verse is a reminder that when we follow God’s leading, He will not let our feet slip. He will guide us in such a way that we can move forward with assurance, even when the terrain of life is difficult. We may face challenges, but we can be surefooted, steady, and secure with God’s guidance.

Living in God’s Strength and Guidance:

As we reflect on Psalm 18:30-36, several key themes emerge that are vital for our daily walk with God:

1. The Perfection of God’s Way: God’s path is flawless, and His promises are trustworthy. When we follow His way, we can be confident that we are on the right track, and His protection surrounds us.
2. The Uniqueness of God: There is no other foundation as solid as the Lord. He is our rock, our unshakable source of strength and stability.
3. God’s Empowerment: God equips us with the strength and skill we need to face life’s challenges. Whether we are standing on the mountain heights or engaging in spiritual battles, it is God who empowers us to succeed.
4. The Shield of Victory: Our victories are not self-made; they are a result of God’s intervention and support. He gives us the shield of victory and upholds us with His mighty right hand.
5. A Secure Path: God prepares a safe and stable path for us. As we follow His guidance, He keeps our feet from slipping, ensuring we can confidently walk through life’s journey.

As we continue on our wisdom trek, let’s remember these truths and trust in the Lord’s perfect way, His unique strength, and His empowering presence in our lives. With God as our guide, we can confidently face any challenge, knowing He has made a wide path for our feet and will keep us from slipping.

Thank you for joining me on this episode of Wisdom-Trek. I pray that today’s reflection on Psalm 18:30-36 has encouraged you and strengthened your faith. Until next time, keep seeking God’s wisdom, walk in the light of God’s Word, and trust in His unfailing love.

Reflect…

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.’.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this Trek together, let us always:

1. Live Abundantly (Fully)
2. Love Unconditionally
3. Listen Intentionally
4. Learn Continuously
5. Lend to others Generously
6. Lead with Integrity
7. Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain….reminding you to’ Keep Moving Forward,’ ‘Enjoy your Journey,’ and ‘Create a Great Day…Everyday! See you next time for more daily wisdom!

Welcome to Day 2446 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday – Sanctified Dirt – I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The Bible

Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script – Day 2446

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2446 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

Today is the eighteenth lesson in our segment, Theology Thursday. Utilizing excerpts from a book titled: I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The Bible written by Hebrew Bible scholar and professor the late Dr. Michael S Heiser, we will invest a couple of years going through the entire Bible, exploring short Biblical lessons that you may not have received in Bible classes or Church.

The Bible is a wonderful book. Its pages reveal the epic story of God’s redemption of humankind and the long, bitter conflict against evil. Yet it’s also a book that seems strange to us. While God’s Word was written for us, it wasn’t written to us. Today, our lesson is, Sanctified Dirt.

Elisha’s healing of Naaman, the leper, commander of the army of the king of Syria, is a familiar story to many (2 Kgs 5:1-27). Naaman hears that Elisha, the prophet of Israel, can heal him, so he makes the trip. When the two meet, Elisha tells him rather dismissively that he needs to take a bath in the Jordan River. Naaman doesn’t take this well and prepares to go home. At the behest of some servants, he consents to dip himself in the Jordan. The simple act miraculously heals him. The display of power, so transparently without sacrifice or incantation, awakens Naaman to the fact that Yahweh of Israel is the true God. Here’s where the story usually ends in our telling, but that would result in the omission of one very odd detail—what Naaman asks to take back home.

In 2 Kings 5:15-19, the elated Naaman returns to Elisha and begs him to take payment for healing him. Elisha repeatedly refuses. Finally, before embarking on a trip to Syria, Naaman makes a strange request: to load two mules with dirt to take back with him.

Dirt? I can think of a few favors I would ask of a prophet in a receptive mood, but dirt certainly isn’t one of them. The request is so odd that it’s hard to avoid wondering if Naaman needed some other kind of therapy. Why would he ask for dirt?

But Naaman was completely in his right mind. In 2 Kings 5:17, Naaman follows the request with an explanation: “From now on, I will never again offer burnt offerings or sacrifices to any other god except the Lord.” The dirt and Naaman’s new allegiance to the God of Israel are related. Naaman was a man who had significant duties in his home country. He couldn’t stay in Israel, but he could take Israel with him. Why would he want to?

Naaman’s unusual request stems from the ancient—and biblical— conception that the earth is the locale for a cosmic turf war. Naaman wanted dirt from Israel because Israel was Yahweh’s territory. The dirt, which is Yahweh’s domain, is holy ground.

The idea of “holy ground” is an essential element of Israelite theology. This phrase is used when Moses is in the presence of the Angel of the Lord and the God of Israel at the burning bush (Exod 3:1-5) and when Joshua meets the Angel of the Lord (Josh 5:15).- More broadly, the idea derives from Deuteronomy 32:8-9 (compare Deut 4:19-20), where we learn that when God divided up the nations at the Tower of Babel, they were allotted to “the sons of God.”- The nations of the world were, in effect, disinherited by Yahweh as His own earthly family. Immediately after Babel, Yahweh called Abraham, and the nation of Israel was created. Israel was, therefore, “Yahweh’s portion” (Deut 32:9), whereas all the other nations belong to the sons of God whom Israel was forbidden to worship. As a result, Israel was holy ground; the territory of every other nation was not. The rest of the Old Testament is the story of God’s intention to reclaim every nation on earth.

Elisha understood Naaman’s request and granted it without hesitation. He knew the request came from a sincere theological change of heart. Naaman believed, “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel.” (2 Kgs 5:15). Naaman wanted to return to his homeland with holy ground. Even though he would still have to help his aged king bow before Rimmon, Naaman wanted Elisha to know his heart belonged only to the God of Elisha.

The lessons that make up Theology Thursday on the Wisdom-Trek Podcast for the next couple of years will satisfy the statement, “I Dare You Not to Bore Me with the Bible.” I trust you’ll enjoy them—and, of course, not be bored.

Reflect…

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.’.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this Trek together, let us always:

1. Live Abundantly (Fully)
2. Love Unconditionally
3. Listen Intentionally
4. Learn Continuously
5. Lend to others Generously
6. Lead with Integrity
7. Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain….reminding you to’ Keep Moving Forward,’ ‘Enjoy your Journey,’ and ‘Create a Great Day…Everyday! See you next time for more daily wisdom!

Welcome to Day 2445 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 18:25-29

Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script – Day 2445

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2445 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. I’m excited to be on this journey with you today as we continue to explore the profound truths of God’s Word. In our last episode, we walked through Psalm 18:16-24, where David reflected on God’s deliverance, his own righteousness, and the rewards that come from living a life aligned with God’s will.

Today, we’ll dive into Psalm 18:25-29 from the New Living Translation. In these verses, David shifts his focus to God’s character and the way He interacts with people based on their hearts and actions. These verses are rich with insight into the nature of God’s justice and the encouragement that comes from walking in His light.

So, let’s lace up our hiking boots and set out on today’s trek, as we uncover the wisdom and guidance in Psalm 18:25-29.

Psalm 18:25-29 (NLT):

25 To the faithful you show yourself faithful; to those with integrity you show integrity. 26 To the pure you show yourself pure, but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd. 27 You rescue the humble, but you humiliate the proud. 28 You light a lamp for me. The Lord, my God, lights up my darkness. 29 In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall.

God’s Reciprocity:

Let’s start with verses 25 and 26: “To the faithful you show yourself faithful; to those with integrity you show integrity. To the pure you show yourself pure, but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd.”

These verses highlight a principle about God’s interaction with humanity: reciprocity. David observes that God’s dealings with people are often a reflection of their own character and behavior. To those who are faithful, God reveals His faithfulness. To those who live with integrity, God responds with integrity. And to the pure, God shows Himself pure.

This isn’t to suggest that God’s character changes based on human behavior—God is unchanging in His holiness, righteousness, and love. Instead, David emphasizes that the condition of our hearts often influences our experience of God. If we approach God with sincerity, faithfulness, and purity, we’ll experience His attributes in a way that aligns with those qualities.

But what about the crooked? David says, “To the crooked you show yourself shrewd.” Here, the word “shrewd” implies that God deals with the deceitful and wicked in a way that matches their cunning. God’s justice ensures that those who live dishonestly or with malicious intent will eventually face the consequences of their actions. In other words, God is not fooled by those who try to manipulate or deceive—He meets them on their own terms, with divine wisdom and justice.

This principle reminds us that how we live our lives profoundly impacts our relationship with God. If we seek Him with a heart full of faith and integrity, we will find Him to be faithful and just in all His ways. But if we live in a way that is crooked or deceitful, we can expect God to address us in a manner that matches our actions.

The Humble and the Proud:

Moving on to verse 27, David writes, “You rescue the humble, but you humiliate the proud.”

This verse speaks to one of the most consistent themes throughout Scripture: God’s favor toward the humble and His opposition to the proud. The Bible is filled with examples of God lifting up the humble and bringing down the arrogant. We see this in the stories of people like Joseph, Moses, and Mary, who, despite their humble circumstances, were exalted by God because of their hearts and faithfulness.

In contrast, those who are proud—those who rely on their own strength, wisdom, or status—often find themselves brought low by God’s hand. This isn’t because God delights in humiliating people, but because pride is fundamentally opposed to the spirit of dependence and trust God desires from us.

When we humble ourselves before God, we acknowledge our need for Him. We recognize that, apart from Him, we can do nothing of eternal value. This humility positions us to receive God’s grace and experience His rescue in our lives, just as David experienced it repeatedly.

But for the proud, those who refuse to acknowledge their need for God, humiliation often follows. This is not because God is unkind, but because pride sets us on a path that ultimately leads to destruction. When we trust in our abilities rather than God’s, we build our lives on a foundation that cannot stand.

David’s words here challenge us to examine our own hearts. Are we living in humility, fully aware of our dependence on God? Or are we relying on our own strength, risking the humiliation that pride inevitably brings?

God as the Light in Darkness:

Verse 28 offers a beautiful image of God’s guidance and provision: “You light a lamp for me. The Lord, my God, lights up my darkness.”

Here, David acknowledges that God is the one who brings light into his life, especially in times of darkness. The Bible often uses This metaphor of light to represent God’s guidance, truth, and presence. When we find ourselves in confusing, challenging, or seemingly hopeless situations, it’s God who lights our path and helps us see the way forward.

This verse also speaks to the personal relationship David has with God—“The Lord, my God.” This isn’t just a distant deity, but a close and personal God who is actively involved in David’s life. It’s a reminder that God’s light is not just a general truth for all people, but a specific, guiding light for each of us in our individual circumstances.

In our own lives, we all face seasons of darkness—times when we feel lost, uncertain, or overwhelmed by the challenges before us. In those moments, we can take comfort in knowing that God is our light. He is the one who will illuminate our path, guiding us through the darkness with His truth and love.

Overcoming Challenges with God’s Strength:

Finally, in verse 29, David declares, “In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall.”

This verse is a powerful testimony to the strength and victory that come from relying on God. A warrior king, David knew well the challenges of battle and the seemingly insurmountable obstacles that often stood in his way. Yet, he also knew that with God’s strength, there was no enemy too powerful and no wall too high.

David’s confidence here is not in his own abilities, but in the strength of God working through him. This is a key lesson for all of us: true victory in life’s battles comes not from our own strength, but from God’s. Whether we’re facing physical challenges, emotional struggles, or spiritual battles, we can have confidence that, with God on our side, we can overcome any obstacle.

This verse also reminds us of the importance of partnering with God in our efforts. David says, “with my God I can scale any wall.” He recognizes that it’s in partnership with God that we find success. We’re not called to sit back and wait for God to do everything for us; instead, we’re called to step out in faith, trusting that God’s strength will empower us to accomplish what we could never do on our own.

As we face the challenges in our own lives, let’s take David’s words to heart. Let’s remember that with God’s strength, we can overcome any obstacle, defeat any enemy, and accomplish more than we ever thought possible.

Living Out These Truths:

As we reflect on Psalm 18:25-29, several key truths emerge that we can apply to our daily lives:

1. Reciprocity in Our Relationship with God: The way we live—whether in faithfulness, integrity, or purity—affects how we experience God. If we seek Him with sincere hearts, we’ll find Him to be faithful and just in our lives.
2. The Importance of Humility: God favors the humble and opposes the proud. When we humble ourselves before God, we position ourselves to receive His grace and experience His rescue in our lives.
3. God as Our Light: In times of darkness and uncertainty, God is our guiding light. He will illuminate our path and help us navigate through life’s challenges with His truth and love.
4. Victory Through God’s Strength: True victory comes from relying on God’s strength, not our own. When we partner with God, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve what seems impossible.

As we journey through life, let’s strive to live in a way that reflects these truths. Let’s approach God with faithfulness, integrity, and humility, trusting that He will be our light and our strength in every situation.

Conclusion:

Thank you for joining me today on this episode of Wisdom-Trek. It’s been a privilege to walk through Psalm 18:25-29 with you and to uncover the profound wisdom contained within these verses. As you continue on your trek through life, I encourage you to hold on to these truths and to let them guide you in your daily walk with God.

Remember, God is faithful to those who are faithful; He is the light in our darkness, and He is the strength that enables us to overcome every challenge. With these truths in mind, let’s continue to seek wisdom, embrace humility, and rely on God’s strength as we navigate the path ahead.

Until next time, keep seeking wisdom, cherish each moment, and continue making a positive impact on the world around you.

Reflect…

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.’.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this Trek together, let us always:

1. Live Abundantly (Fully)
2. Love Unconditionally
3. Listen Intentionally
4. Learn Continuously
5. Lend to others Generously
6. Lead with Integrity
7. Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain….reminding you to’ Keep Moving Forward,’ ‘Enjoy your Journey,’ and ‘Create a Great Day…Everyday! See you next time for more daily wisdom!

Welcome to Day 2444 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Day 2444 – Disobedience Gone to Seed – Daily Wisdom

Putnam Church Message – 08/11/2024

Denunciation of False Teachers – Disobedience Gone To Seed – 2 Peter 2:12-22

Last week, we observed that scripture does seem to present two sides of the same God—the attributes of justice, judgment, and wrath on the one side and the attributes of mercy, salvation, and blessing on the other. The side that we are on depends on whether we have accepted God’s gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. If you miss any messages, you can watch them online on our FaceBook page or at PutnamChurch.org.

Today’s passage is 2 Peter 2:12-22, on page 1895 of your Pew Bibles. Because of the complexities of the subject matter, I will read it from the NLT for clarity of flow.

 ¹² These false teachers are like unthinking animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed. They scoff at things they do not understand, and like animals, they will be destroyed. ¹³ Their destruction is their reward for the harm they have done. They love to indulge in evil pleasures in broad daylight. They are a disgrace and a stain among you. They delight in deception^[e] even as they eat with you in your fellowship meals. ¹⁴ They commit adultery with their eyes, and their desire for sin is never satisfied. They lure unstable people into sin, and they are well trained in greed. They live under God’s curse. ¹⁵ They have wandered off the right road and followed the footsteps of Balaam son of Beor,^[f] who loved to earn money by doing wrong. ¹⁶ But Balaam was stopped from his mad course when his donkey rebuked him with a human voice.

¹⁷ These people are as useless as dried-up springs or as mist blown away by the wind. They are doomed to blackest darkness. ¹⁸ They brag about themselves with empty, foolish boasting. With an appeal to twisted sexual desires, they lure back into sin those who have barely escaped from a lifestyle of deception. ¹⁹ They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves of sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you. ²⁰ And when people escape from the wickedness of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and then get tangled up and enslaved by sin again, they are worse off than before. ²¹ It would be better if they had never known the way to righteousness than to know it and then reject the command they were given to live a holy life. ²² They prove the truth of this proverb: “A dog returns to its vomit.”^[g] And another says, “A washed pig returns to the mud.”

Why does Peter delve so deeply into these depths of depravity? Remember that Peter wrote this letter to remind believers of the source of sound teaching, |to encourage diligence in the faith, |and to strengthen biblical foundations of beliefs and practices. To encourage the positive, Peter sets it against the black backdrop of the negative. In Chapter 1, he described the useful and fruitful image of a growing believer in brilliant hues and pointed to their hope through embracing God’s Word as their standard of unfailing truth. In chapter 2, he describes the useless and fruitless unbelievers in dark, drab colors, pointing to their future judgment for rejecting God’s Word and God’s Son and leading others astray.

-2:12-14 —

These following few verses present a desperate portrait of animal appetites taking complete charge of human beings. When these subhuman impulses take control, the result is self-condemnation and destruction.

When God created Adam and Eve and placed them in the Garden of Eden, He gave them authority over all the animals His earthly creation (Gen. 1:26-27). This dominion over the earthly creation is part of what it meant for humans to be imagers of God. Adam and Eve were responsible to tend and caring for the Garden of Eden. Yet, they listened to his deceptive words of the evil one, (in Hebrew, he is called the Nacash, which is better translated as ‘the shining one’ rather than the serpent). Because of this, they surrendered their position (Gen. 3). Ever since that tragic choice, humans have continued to abandon their place of dignity over creation in exchange for behavior that put them on par with the very beasts they were meant to govern.

Instead of being divinely endowed with superior reason, they become, as Peter says, “like unthinking animals.” Instead of exercising dominion, they act like “creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed.” Instead of submitting to God and allowing His divine power to lift them up to a place of dignity and glory, they mock and revile things they don’t understand. With their animalistic mentality, a corrupt morality follows. Such people are constantly on the prowl for fornication or adultery. They size up every situation for unseen opportunities to sin. They greedily bite at every baited hook, unconcerned about the disastrous consequences.

Like carnivorous predators, they hunt for naive, weak, and unstable victims to devour. Peter says, “they are well trained in greed.” They are masters at tricking, extorting, stealing, and blackmailing. They know how to tug at the heartstrings and sound so sincere. Jesus described such monstrous humans well: “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves.” (Matt. 7:15). It’s no wonder Peter says of these false teachers, “They live under God’s curse.” (2 Pet. 2:14)!

–2:15-17 —

Although they knew God’s straight way, the false teachers veered off to cut their own paths through the wilderness of wickedness. Instead of following Christ, the true Prophet, they followed in the footsteps of Balaam, the ideal false prophet. Peter alludes to this Old Testament figure to illustrate a hireling prophet who peddled his gift (see Num. 22-24; 31:1-16). That man loved money, and because of his greed, he led Israel into sin. He was eloquent, but used his giftedness to fulfill his own lusts rather than faithfully represent the truth. In the same way, the false teachers in Peter’s day were leading people astray by persuasive false prophecy for personal gain.

False prophets today are no different. Every modern-day Balaam has their price. They may appear in it for the ministry, but it doesn’t take long to realize they’re in it for the money. When the price is right, make no mistake; they exchange principles for profit.

This reminds me of the story of a crooked bank officer who approached a junior clerk and whispered to him one quiet afternoon, “Hey, if I gave you $25,000, would you help me, well, let’s just say ‘fix’ the books? You know, make a few lucrative adjustments?”

The clerk responded, “Yeah, I suppose I could do that for $25,000.”

His boss leaned in. “Would you do it for $ 100?”

Insulted, the clerk replied, “No way! What do you think I am? A common thief?’

The bank officer answered, “We’ve already established that. Now we’re just negotiating the price.”

The point of this story is that every fake has a price. Lacking integrity, the impostor will do anything to feed the greed. Peter says they “loved to earn money by doing wrong” (2:15). But too often, these false prophets forget that though their exploits can be profitable in the short term, the wages of wickedness will ultimately be met with the wages of sin is death (Rom. 6:23). God miraculously rebuked Balaam himself through a donkey, a sign of the depths of his animalistic madness. Joshua 13:22 includes a brief note in its description of the conquest of the Promised Land that illustrates the ultimate end of false prophets who find themselves on the wrong side when judgment finally falls: The Israelites had also killed Balaam son of Beor, who used magic to tell the future. The wages of sin is death.

Peter uses three vivid word pictures to describe such apostates (2 Pet. 2:17). First, “as useless as dried-up springs,” they appear to have something refreshing to offer, but when you get close, you realize it’s just a spiritually barren mirage. Second, they are “mist blown away by the wind.” Typically, storms drive rain clouds bursting with water to nourish crops and prevent drought. But apostates deceive people with thunderous claims and flashy appeal— bringing with them not spiritually nourishing doctrine but only useless mists. Third, they may claim to lead people into the light through their “enlightening” teachings, but those who follow them end up in the same place as the false prophets: “doomed to blackest darkness.”

-2:18-19 —

Peter makes the point that the impressive words of the false teachers don’t point us to the truth. They point us to the teacher. We are wise to be suspicious of those who are too smooth, too polished, too attractive. Those are telltale signs that they promise more than they deliver. Be especially wary of preachers, teachers, and, yes, leaders in industry or politics who constantly put down other ministers of the gospel or others in their field and try to make themselves look like the best—or even the only— source of truth. (only tator)

Though they promise freedom, their lifestyles they lure back into sin (2:18). False teachers love to flaunt their freedom. To them, it means the liberty to sin as much as they want, unrestrained by truth, unafraid of repercussions in this life or the life to come. Please don’t misunderstand. I’m a teacher of grace. And I believe Christ has set us free from the Law and delivered us from man-made legalism. But the grace and mercy of God were never meant to provide us with a license to sin nor deliver us into the bondage of legalism. As Paul says in Romans 6:1-2, Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? ² Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? The false teachers, ripping the doctrine of grace from its larger context of truth, distorted the Christian faith into an unrecognizable monstrosity. In the words of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, they offered “cheap grace”!

-2:20-22 —

Throughout his description of the false teachers, Peter has hinted at the future judgments they would reap because of their actions (2:1, 3, 9, 12-13, 17, 19). In the last few verses of this chapter, Peter focuses on the state of those who, having known the way of righteousness through Christ, have nevertheless turned their backs on it and have gone their own way.

The false teachers Peter has in mind were not merely confused Christians, doubting Thomases, or backslidden believers. These were false professors —people who appeared for a time |to be authentic |but were, in fact, like counterfeit bills amidst a pocketful of the real thing. They could pass themselves off as true Christians, but their words and deeds eventually gave them away.

Peter said these false teachers know our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2:20). By their fruit, however, we can discern that they didn’t have an actual saving knowledge of Christ that genuinely transformed their lives, or somewhere along the way, they chose to reject Jesus who saved them. Peter describes the kind of fruitful saving knowledge of Christ in other parts of this letter:

May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord. (1:2)

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. (1:3)

The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1:8)

In these passages, we see the results of the true saving knowledge of Christ —grace and peace multiplied, life and godliness granted, fruitful and useful virtues increasing. This doesn’t mean that every day, every week, or even every month of a believer’s life will be a bountiful harvest of quality spiritual fruit. But it does mean that the personal knowledge of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior will result in the bearing of fruit over the lifetime of a believer. It’s helpful to remember that fruit-bearing is seasonal. Peter writes to believers, assuming they all need encouragement in their spiritual growth to regain or remain fruitful and useful (1:8).

Peter has in mind the same kind of people Jesus referred to when he said that Satan would sow “weeds among the wheat”—deceptive look-alikes that become evident only as the genuine wheat bears its grain (Matt. 13:25-26). These are also the caliber of false teachers John described as “antichrists.” These people left our churches, but they never really belonged with us; otherwise they would have stayed with us. When they left, it proved that they did not belong with us. (1 Jn. 2:18-19). This doesn’t mean that true believers can lose their salvation. Just the opposite! It means that false believers never had salvation, or they chose to reject Jesus Christ as their savior, which they once professed.

These people were intellectually aware of the truth but had never allowed it to transform their hearts. As a result, they were in a worse condition than those who had never heard (2 Pet. 2:20-21)! They knew enough about the Christian faith to conduct themselves in genuine ways. Eventually, however, their cloaks of deception fell away, and their malicious intentions became apparent to everybody. How did it become obvious?

Returning to his earlier analogy of false teachers who conduct themselves like “unthinking animals” (2:12), Peter likens their behavior to dogs and pigs. In Peter’s day, dogs were regarded as unclean animals that ran in packs, wild and vicious. Don’t think of the pampered, well-groomed pets of our day. Think of scavenging beasts no more appealing than giant rats. Peter says these false teachers who turn their backs on the truth are, A dog returns to its vomit. (2:22; quoting Prov. 26:11). He also says they are like A washed pig returns to the mud. There’s just something in the nature of animals to act like animals. No matter how well you treat or pretty them up, their instincts kick in, and their true natures as beasts will be revealed.

In this way, Peter makes the stunning argument that ignorance of the truth is better than apostasy from it. How can he say that? I can think of three reasons. First, somebody who is ignorant of the truth can be won to the Lord, but somebody who has rejected it is seldom open to correction and change. They think they’ve “been there, done that.” It’s not impossible, but removing the baggage, clearing the confusion, and helping them unlearn what they have chosen to believe is problematic.

Second, those who are ignorant of the truth don’t have the influence over others that the “learned” have. Those who think they know it all teach as if they do. They influence others and lead them astray. In fact, in my experience, the most damaging critics of Christianity are those who claim to have been believers, but were suddenly “enlightened” by a different religion—or by no religion at all. The testimonies of apostates can be very influential and highly persuasive.

Third, in the final judgment, the severity of punishment will be less for the ignorant than for the apostates. The Bible states that those who die without having a proper saving knowledge of Christ will be condemned to eternal separation from God. But according to Jesus’ parable in Luke 12:41-48, there will be a lesser degree of punishment for those who never knew Him than those who were exposed to the truth but turned away from Him. Jesus said,

“And a servant who knows what the master wants, but isn’t prepared and doesn’t carry out those instructions, will be severely punished. ⁴⁸ But someone who does not know, and then does something wrong, will be punished only lightly. When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required. (Luke 12:47-48)

At this point, in Peter’s second letter, we reach the bottom of a deep, dark pit. Peter has thoroughly examined the problem of doctrinal compromise, addressing the critical question, “What should I expect from false prophets?” He has warned us that false prophets are coming (2:1-3). He also provides a reminder that those false teachers will bring judgment upon themselves (2:21-22). Yet, amid this gloomy chapter, he has injected a promise that God will rescue the righteous from wrath (2:9). In light of his no-holds-barred attack on false prophets, Peter calls for diligence to avoid their deceptive doctrines and alluring lifestyles. He then urges his readers to look forward to the hope of deliverance at Christ’s return.

APPLICATION: 2 PETER 2:12-22 – Bulletin

We Need A Dose of Discernment

There’s a Persian proverb that goes like this:

• He who knows not, and knows not that he knows not is a fool; shun him.
• He who knows not, and knows that he knows not, is a child; teach him.
• He who knows, and knows not that he knows, is asleep; wake him.
• He who knows, and knows that he knows, is wise; follow him.

I’ve learned the true meaning of those lines over the years. I’ve discovered that all four “types” can be found on every campus, in any business, in all neighborhoods, and within every church. They don’t wear badges marked “Fool,” “Child,” “Asleep,” or “Wise.” And you’ll never have somebody walk up to you, shake your hand, and say, “Hi, I’m Guthrie. I’m a fool.” Chances are, the last thing we want you to discover is the deep-down truth that “he knows not that he knows not.”

Then how in the world are we to know whom to shun, teach, awaken, or follow? First, the answer in a word is discernment—skill and accuracy in reading character and the ability to detect and identify the real truth— to see beneath the surface, read between the lines, and sense by intuition that something is incorrect. Hebrews 5:14 identifies discernment as a mark of maturity. Solid food is for those who are mature and who through training, have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong. Discernment gives a person the proper frame of reference, a definite line separating good and evil. It acts as an umpire in life and blows the whistle on the phony. It’s as particular as a pathologist peering into a microscope. Discernment doesn’t fall for fakes, flirt with phonies, dance with deceivers, or kiss counterfeits goodnight. Instead, discernment would relax alone at night with the Good Book rather than mess around with the gullible gang. The reason? Because it’s from that Book that discernment learns to distinguish the fools from the children and the sleeping from the wise.

You remember the disciple John. He’s the man known for his tender love for Jesus. He wrote, Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world. (1 Jn. 4:1). In today’s talk (Eph. 6:16), In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Lack of discernment spawns and invites more heresy than we are ready to believe. One of the survival tactics when facing the “fiery arrows of the devil” is to ensure we have cinched up the belt of truth rather tightly around our waists.

Second, Peter reminds us with vivid words that false teachers are on the prowl. The moment they find a chink in the armor of the unsuspecting believer, their hidden stiletto of heresy will strike. To keep your discernment high, Go to your Knees. James 1:5 promises wisdom to those who ask for it. Go to the Word. Psalm 119:98-100 offers insight beyond any earthly source. Go to the Wise. Discernment is better caught than taught. Stay close to those seasoned saints, the proven men and women overflowing with wisdom.

Next week, we will continue the letter of 2 Peter in the section Anticipation of Christ Return, in a message titled ‘A Warning to Skeptics and Sinners.’ Invest time reading 2 Peter 3:1-7 for next week’s message.

Welcome to Day 2443 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 18:16-24

Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script – Day 2443

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2443 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. Today, we’re continuing our journey through Psalm 18. We’ll be focusing on verses 16 through 24 from the New Living Translation.

David reflects on God’s deliverance, righteousness, and faithfulness in these verses. They offer us valuable insights into the character of God and the way He interacts with those who love and obey Him. So, let’s embark on this trek together, uncovering the timeless wisdom contained within these powerful words.

Psalm 18:16-24 (NLT):

16 He reached down from heaven and rescued me; he drew me out of deep waters. 17 He rescued me from my powerful enemies, from those who hated me and were too strong for me. 18 They attacked me at a moment when I was in distress, but the Lord supported me. 19 He led me to a place of safety; he rescued me because he delights in me. 20 The Lord rewarded me for doing right; he restored me because of my innocence. 21 For I have kept the ways of the Lord; I have not turned from my God to follow evil. 22 I have followed all his regulations; I have never abandoned his decrees. 23 I am blameless before God; I have kept myself from sin. 24 The Lord rewarded me for doing right. He has seen my innocence.

God’s Rescue and Deliverance:

Let’s begin with verses 16 through 18. David writes, “He reached down from heaven and rescued me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemies, from those who hated me and were too strong for me. They attacked me at a moment when I was in distress, but the Lord supported me.”

In these verses, we see a vivid depiction of God’s intervention in David’s life. The imagery of being drawn out of deep waters suggests a situation of overwhelming danger and helplessness. David acknowledges that his enemies were too strong for him, but it was God who rescued him. This rescue wasn’t just a casual or distant act—God “reached down from heaven.” This personal involvement shows God’s deep care and commitment to those who trust Him.

David’s enemies attacked him when he was most vulnerable, “at a moment when I was in distress.” But even in his weakest state, David found strength in the Lord’s support. This is a powerful reminder that no matter how desperate our situation may seem, God is always present to support and deliver us.

God’s Delight and Reward:

Moving on to verse 19, David writes, “He led me to a place of safety; he rescued me because he delights in me.” This verse is incredibly encouraging. David recognizes that God’s deliverance wasn’t just an act of duty—it was motivated by delight. God takes pleasure in rescuing and protecting those He loves.

This idea of God delighting in us is a profound one. Often, we think of God’s actions as driven by His righteousness or His justice, which they are. But here, David emphasizes God’s delight. This is not the delight of a detached deity, but of a loving Father who cares deeply for His children. God’s delight in us leads to our safety and well-being.

Verses 20 through 23continue this theme of God’s reward: “The Lord rewarded me for doing right; he restored me because of my innocence. For I have kept the ways of the Lord; I have not turned from my God to follow evil. I have followed all his regulations; I have never abandoned his decrees. I am blameless before God; I have kept myself from sin. The Lord rewarded me for doing right. He has seen my innocence.”

Living in Righteousness:

In these verses, David reflects on his own righteousness and integrity. He speaks of being rewarded by God for doing what is right and maintaining his innocence. David’s words reveal a heart that is committed to living according to God’s ways.

David’s claim to righteousness might seem bold, but it’s essential to understand the context. He’s not claiming to be sinless in an absolute sense; instead, he’s declaring his faithfulness to God’s covenant. David has made it his aim to follow God’s commands and live in a way that pleases Him. He’s describing the kind of life that seeks to honor God in every action and decision.

This passage challenges us to examine our own lives. Are we, like David, striving to keep the ways of the Lord? Are we committed to following His regulations and decrees? David’s life wasn’t perfect—he made mistakes, as we all do. But his heart was devoted to God, and he sought to live in a way that was blameless before Him.

David’s reward for his righteousness wasn’t just a matter of divine obligation. It was a reflection of God’s character. God honors those who honor Him. He rewards those who seek to live in obedience to His Word. And just as David experienced restoration and blessing because of his commitment to righteousness, we too can trust that God sees our efforts and will reward our faithfulness.

The Relationship Between Obedience and Blessing:

David’s testimony in these verses underscores the relationship between obedience and blessing. When we align our lives with God’s commands, we position ourselves to receive His blessings. This doesn’t mean life will be free of challenges—David’s life certainly wasn’t. But it does mean that God will walk with us, support us, and ultimately reward our efforts to live righteously.

It’s also important to note that David’s righteousness was not self-generated. God’s grace empowered his ability to keep God’s commands and live blamelessly. This reminds us that we, too, rely on God’s grace and strength to live in a way that honors Him.

Reflecting on these verses, we should be encouraged to pursue righteousness with all our hearts. Our obedience to God is not in vain. He sees our efforts, knows our hearts, and Blesses those who seek to walk in His ways.

Trusting in God’s Faithfulness:

In the final verse 24 of this passage, David emphasizes that “The Lord rewarded me for doing right. He has seen my innocence.” David’s confidence in God’s faithfulness is evident here. He knows that God is just and will always act in accordance with His character.

This verse reminds us that God is not blind to our struggles or our efforts. He sees everything we go through and everything we do. God takes notice when we choose to live in righteousness, even when it’s difficult. And in His perfect timing, He rewards our faithfulness.

David’s words also encourage us to trust in God’s judgment. Sometimes, it might seem like our efforts go unnoticed or unappreciated. But God sees the bigger picture. He knows the right time to reward us, and His rewards are always worth the wait.

Applying These Lessons:

So, how do we apply the lessons from Psalm 18:16-24 to our own lives? Here are a few key takeaways:

1. Trust in God’s Deliverance: Just as God reached down to rescue David, He is ready to rescue us in our times of need. We can trust that He will support us, even when we feel overwhelmed by life’s challenges.
2. Delight in God’s Delight: Remember that God delights in you. He doesn’t just tolerate you—He takes pleasure in you. Let this truth encourage you to seek His protection and guidance with confidence.
3. Pursue Righteousness: David’s commitment to living according to God’s ways was the foundation of his relationship with God. Make it your aim to live in a way that honors God, knowing that He sees your efforts and will reward you in due time.
4. Rely on God’s Grace: Recognize that your ability to live righteously comes from God’s grace. Depend on His strength to help you follow His commands and keep yourself from sin.
5. Trust in God’s Faithfulness: God is faithful to reward those who seek to live in obedience to Him. Trust that He sees your heart and will bless you for your faithfulness.

Conclusion:

As we wrap up today’s episode of Wisdom-Trek, let’s take these lessons from Psalm 18 to heart. Trust in God’s deliverance, delight in His love for you, pursue righteousness with all your heart, rely on His grace, and trust in His faithfulness. These truths will guide you on your journey of faith and bring you closer to the heart of God.

Thank you for joining me today on Wisdom-Trek. It’s always a privilege to explore the depths of God’s Word with you. As you continue on your trek through life, remember that God is with you every step of the way, supporting, guiding, and delighting in you.

Until next time, keep seeking God’s wisdom, cherish each moment, and continue making a positive impact on the world around you.

Reflect…

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.’.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this Trek together, let us always:

1. Live Abundantly (Fully)
2. Love Unconditionally
3. Listen Intentionally
4. Learn Continuously
5. Lend to others Generously
6. Lead with Integrity
7. Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain….reminding you to’ Keep Moving Forward,’ ‘Enjoy your Journey,’ and ‘Create a Great Day…Everyday! See you next time for more daily wisdom!