Clear and Firm!

Many see the Word of God . . . few understand the depth!

At the end of Peter's life he writes two letters that include a number of warnings. Last March (2015) our Bible Nugget focused on the word "twist" and the torture rack used in Roman prisons. Today we want to focus on two other words, ignorant and unstable.

2 Peter 3:16 says, as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures.
The people who ultimately distort the Word of God are listed as ignorant and unstable people.

• 276 ἀμαθής (amathēs), ές (es): adj.; ≡ Str 261—LN 27.24 uneducated, hence, implied as ignorant or stupid (2Pe 3:16+)Swanson, J. (1997). Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains: Greek (New Testament) (electronic ed.). Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
• 31.79 ἀστήρικτος, ον: pertaining to the tendency to change and waver in one’s views and attitudes—‘unstable.’ δελεάζοντες ψυχὰς ἀστηρίκτους ‘leading astray unstable persons’ 2 Pe 2:14.Louw, J. P., & Nida, E. A. (1996). Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament: based on semantic domains (electronic ed. of the 2nd edition., Vol. 1, p. 375). New York: United Bible Societies.
• John MacArthur states, 3:16 untaught and unstable distort. In Peter’s day (as today), there was a proliferation of foolish and hurtful perverting of apostolic teaching about the future (cf. vv. 3, 4; 2Th 2:1–5; 3:6–12). the rest of the Scriptures. This is one of the most clear-cut statements in the Bible to affirm that the writings of Paul are Scripture. Peter’s testimony is that Paul wrote Scripture, but the false teachers distorted it. The NT apostles were aware that they spoke and wrote the Word of God (1Th 2:13) as surely as did the OT prophets. Peter realized that the NT writers brought the divine truth that completed the Bible (1Pe 1:10–12). to their own destruction. The fact that distorting Paul’s writings leads to eternal damnation proves that Paul’s writings were inspired of God. MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2006). The MacArthur study Bible: New American Standard Bible. (2 Pe 3:16). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

When I studied this scripture lately I began to realize the number of people in our world who believe they are educated and firm in their beliefs but who change their mind with the wind. They change positions on principles as often as they change shirts. They remind me of a small reptile that changes color instantly when they are introduced to a new environment. They blend in with the surroundings.

Study the Word of God well so that you are educated and clear about the message that comes from God. Unfortunately our world is full of people saying one thing and doing another. They want to twist the Word out of its natural position so it will give the message they value so much.

​
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (2 Pe 3:16). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
Copyright © Danny Sartin. All Rights Reserved.
Bible Nuggets are written for pastors, youth leaders and missionaries who desire to go deeper still in God’s Word. 
Re-Prints: Deeper Still Missions devotionals are protected by international copyright laws. To request reprint permission contact the offices of DSM. Permission is granted and encouraged to forward this post in its entirety to others without making any changes or deletions.