2 Peter: Lawlessness

This devotional is based on this past Sunday's sermon with the help of sermonshots.com. You can view the sermon here.

Day 1:
Grace vs. Lawlessness: Understanding the Difference

Devotional: 
Have you ever received a gift so incredible that you felt compelled to express your gratitude through your actions? God's grace works similarly in our lives. It's not about earning His love - that's already freely given. Instead, our response to His grace naturally flows from a heart transformed by His goodness. When we truly understand grace, it doesn't lead us to disregard how we live. Rather, it motivates us to live in a way that honors the incredible gift we've received. Just as a child who receives love from their parents naturally wants to please them, our relationship with God should inspire us to live righteously - not out of obligation, but out of love and gratitude.

Bible Verse: 
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." - Ephesians 2:8

Quote of the Day: 
In Christianity, what you do doesn't make you who you are. That's legalism. It reveals who you are. And if you disagree with that last part, that's lawlessness.

Reflection Question: 
How has God's grace changed the way you live? Are your actions motivated by obligation or gratitude?

Day 2: 
The Power of Choice: Two Paths Before Us

Devotional: 
Every day presents us with choices that either draw us closer to God or pull us away from Him. It's like standing at a fork in the road - one path leads to spiritual growth, while the other leads to spiritual instability. The choice might seem small in the moment, but these daily decisions shape our spiritual journey. God has already equipped us with everything we need to choose wisely. He's provided us with His Word, His Spirit, and His grace to help us stay on the right path.

Bible Verse: 
"His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness." - 2 Peter 1:3

Quote of the Day: 
You can either be carried away and lose your stability, or you can grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus, but you can't do both at the same time.

Reflection Question: 
What daily choices are you making that either strengthen or weaken your spiritual stability?

Day 3: 
Growing Through Grace

Devotional: 
Growth in our spiritual life isn't automatic - it requires intentional engagement with God's grace. Think of it like a garden: while the ability to grow comes from God, we still need to tend to our spiritual lives. This means regularly spending time in God's Word, maintaining an active prayer life, and living out our faith in practical ways. When we actively participate in what God is doing in our lives, we experience true spiritual growth. Remember, this isn't about earning God's favor, but about flourishing in the grace He's already given us.

Bible Verse: 
"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." - 2 Peter 3:17-18

Quote of the Day: 
No one grows in grace and knowledge through lawless living. God may teach you something when he brings you out of lawless living, but no one is growing through rebellion and sin.

Reflection Question: 
What specific steps are you taking to actively grow in God's grace?

Day 4:
The Patient Love of God

Devotional: 
Sometimes we might wonder why God doesn't immediately respond to sin or why Jesus hasn't returned yet. The answer is beautiful - it's because of His patient love. God's timing isn't about delay; it's about giving people opportunity for repentance. His patience shouldn't be mistaken for indifference or approval of sin. Instead, it reveals His heart of love and His desire for everyone to come to know Him. This understanding should fill us with gratitude and motivate us to make the most of the time He's given us.

Bible Verse: 
"The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance." - 2 Peter 3:9

Quote of the Day: 
Don't misinterpret God's patience to mean that accountability isn't coming. The whole reason that Jesus hasn't come back yet is because of his grace.

Reflection Question: 
How does understanding God's patience change your perspective on His timing in your life?

Day 5: 
Living Out Our True Identity

Devotional: 
Just as an apple tree naturally produces apples, our actions naturally flow from who we are in Christ. We don't behave righteously to become righteous - we behave righteously because Christ has made us righteous. This understanding liberates us from both legalism and lawlessness. We're free from the pressure of trying to earn God's love, yet we're also motivated to live in a way that reflects our new identity in Christ. Our good works don't define us; they demonstrate the transformation that God has already worked within us.

Bible Verse: 
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." - 2 Peter 1:5

Quote of the Day: 
The apple growing on a tree does not make the tree an apple tree. It reveals that it's an apple tree.

Reflection Question: 
How does your life reflect your identity as a new creation in Christ?