S – The Lord does not delay his promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.

 2 Peter 3:9 CSB

O – Commentary:

The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise. The words “is … slow” translate bradynei (“hesitate, linger, delay”), used only here in the New Testament. Again Peter gave a divine-human comparison (cf. v. 8). God’s so-called “tardiness” as viewed by some people (as some understand slowness) is only a delay with respect to their time schedules, not His. In fact God’s time schedule is modified by patience, a major attribute of the heavenly Father (cf. v. 15; Rom. 2:4; 9:22).

The words not wanting (mē boulomenos) anyone to perish do not express a decree, as if God has willed everyone to be saved. Universal salvation is not taught in the Bible. Instead those words describe God’s wishes or desires; He longs that all would be saved (cf. 1 Tim. 2:4) but knows that many reject Him.

 Kenneth O. Gangel, “2 Peter,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 876.

A – The Bible says God will come again to judge all of mankind and is delaying his return due his own patience.  It is fascinating that the one who holds time and knows all things is actually attributed with patience.  As he has given us a free will to choose him, he wants to give every opportunity for people to make that choice.  That is a strong love and desire for relationship.

R – Heavenly Father, you are the one, True God.  Thank you for providing a way for relationship with you.  We pray for people to repent and come into a relationship with you.  We are grateful you were patient enough to wait for us.

S – Above all, you know this: No prophecy of Scripture comes from the prophet’s own interpretation, ²¹ because no prophecy ever came by the will of man; instead, men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

2 Peter 1:20–21 CSB

O – Commentary:

The prophecies did not originate with the prophets themselves. The word epilyseōs (“interpretation,” lit., “unloosing”) and the word ginetai (“came about”) favor the fourth view. The Scriptures did not stem merely from the prophets themselves; their writings came from God. Verse 20, then, speaks not of interpretation, but of revelation, the source of the Scriptures.

1:21. This verse also supports the view that Peter wrote in verse 20 about prophecies being born of God, not originating from the prophets themselves. Prophecy came not from the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

As the authors of Scripture wrote their prophecies, they were impelled or borne along by God’s Spirit. What they wrote was thus inspired by God (2 Tim. 3:16). “Borne along” or “carried along” translates the word pheromenoi. Luke used this word in referring to a sailing vessel carried along by the wind (Acts 27:15, 17). The Scriptures’ human authors were controlled by the divine Author, the Holy Spirit. Yet they were consciously involved in the process; they were neither taking dictation nor writing in a state of ecstasy. No wonder believers have a word of prophecy which is certain. And no wonder a Christian’s nurture must depend on the Scriptures. They are the very words of God Himself!

 Kenneth O. Gangel, “2 Peter,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 869.

A – This gives a foundational explanation of the inspiration and execution of writing the scriptures for all to receive.  The Bible has endured since its inception and will going forward.  We confidently use them as the foundation of our faith and knowledge of the character, will and purposes of God.

R – Heavenly Father, you are the Word.  Thank you for giving us the Bible as our foundation for our understanding of you. It also lays out how to enjoy a relationship with you.  We are grateful for the word of God in our lives.

S – Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time, ⁷ casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you. ⁸ Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour

1 Peter 5:6–8 CSB

O – Peter challenges the believers to lower their view of themselves in relationship with God.  He has a plan and purpose that will be accomplished in His timing.  Humility also leads to an awareness of the enemy’s schemes as he comes against us.

A – In golf, the worst thing you can say is “I have it all figured out.”  You will most likely go out and shoot a bad score the next time.  Such is true in our Christian walk.  It isn’t an equation or puzzle to solve – it is a living relationship with God.  Humility recognizes He is God and we are not.  We have the victory over the devil but we shouldn’t be cocky in ourselves.  God is our source.  Humility, faith, awareness and the presence of the Holy Spirit are key ingredients to a solid walk with God.

R – Heavenly Father, we worship and surrender to you.  Help us maintain a level of humility and confidence that is pleasing to you.  We are your children and rely on your Holy Spirit to be present with today.  

S – The end of all things is near; therefore, be alert and sober-minded for prayer. ⁸ Above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins.

1 Peter 4:7–8 CSB

O – Peter is exhorting us to be aware and self controlled in our disciplines so when we pray our lives align with our conversation with God.  Our love for others needs to be consistent and aware so we can accept others sins as forgivable. 

A – Two strong parts of our Christian faith is prayer and love for others.  The intentionality of each is so important if we want to have a vibrant walk with God.  Since God’s word doesn’t put boundaries on us in our behavior to grow in him, the concepts of awareness and self control keep us in His will.  Loving others when they cross their boundaries allows us to see them through the lens of grace and not judgement.

R – Heavenly Father, you are the one, true God.  Empower us to walk with awareness and self control today.  We know we are going to sin and make mistakes.  Thank you for your grace and mercy as we see our sin and ask for your forgiveness.  Give us the courage to extend that same forgiveness to others.

S – Finally, all of you be like-minded and sympathetic, love one another, and be compassionate and humble, ⁹ not paying back evil for evil or insult for insult but, on the contrary, giving a blessing, since you were called for this, so that you may inherit a blessing. 

1 Peter 3:8–9 CSB

O – Peter exhorts the believers to be in unity, loving each other with a foundation of humility and grace.  They should bless others instead of trying to hurt those who offended them. 

A – There are many principles in these statements that are foundational.  Peter challenges us to bring them together in a daily expression.  Each can stand on their own but when brought together cohesively, their power is multiplied.  

R – Heavenly Father, you are gracious and merciful.  You gave us Christ as a human expression of your character.  Empower us today to walk in the same way he did.  Help us to see other as you see them.

S – He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree; so that, having died to sins, we might live for righteousness. By his wounds^, you have been healed.

1 Peter 2:24 CSB

O – Commentary:

God was justly judging our sins which His Son bore (cf. 2 Cor. 5:21). In the Greek the words “our sins” are near the beginning of the verse and thus stand out emphatically, while He Himself stresses Christ’s personal involvement. His death makes it possible for believers to be free from both the penalty and the power of sin and to live for Him: so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness (cf. Rom. 6:2, 13). Christ suffered so it would be possible for Christians to follow His example, both in suffering and in righteous living. Peter made a general reference to salvation: by His wounds you have been healed (Isa. 53:5). This does not refer to physical healing for the verb’s past tense indicates completed action, the “healing” is an accomplished fact. The reference is to salvation. Christ’s suffering (lit., “wound”; mōlōpi, “stripe left by a lash,” referred to Jesus’ scourging) and death accomplished “healing,” the salvation of every individual who trusts Him as his Savior

 Roger M. Raymer, “1 Peter,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 848.

A – Our sin, our penalty, His death, His sacrifice, our victory.  Then emphasized by words  saying “It is accomplished already.”  We are ensured salvation when we accept the work of the cross and recognize that Jesus is our savior.  In accepting that gift of salvation, it opens up healing in our minds, bodies and areas that are wounded from life’s challenges, words said over us and spiritual battles.

R – Heavenly Father, you are our Savior.  Thank you for the work of the cross that heals us spiritually and physically.  We invite your Holy Spirit to continue the work in our minds and bodies that allows us to live in freedom and grace today.

S – Though you have not seen him, you love him; though not seeing him now, you believe in him, and you rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy, ⁹ because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls

1 Peter 1:8–9 CSB

O – Peter tells those who have not seen Jesus that even though they have not seen Jesus in person, they believe in him with joy.  They have faith in someone they have only heard about which develops faith leading to salvation.

A – We are the same as these people – we have never seen Jesus.  All we have is the Bible which tells stories and teachings about him.  And still, we believe in him.  It can look foolish to an outsider.  Personally, there truth of who God, Jesus and Holy Spirit is overwhelming and it is foolish not to believe in Him.  That is faith.  My life is better living a life of faith in God and what Jesus did on the cross.  The character of God, his purpose for my life and his love for me convinces me that my faith where it should be.

R – Heavenly Father, you are the one and only God.  Thank you for our relationship today.  I am in total trust in Christ’s sacrifice for my salvation and relationship with you.  I desire to grow in my faith today so I can know you more intimately.  I invite your Holy Spirit to lead me in my thoughts, words and actions today.

– Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect. ¹⁷

James 5:16–17 CSB

O – Commentary:

therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other. A mutual concern for one another is the way to combat discouragement and downfall. The cure is in personal confession and prayerful concern. The healing (that you may be healed) is not bodily healing but healing of the soul (iathēte; cf. Matt. 13:15; Heb. 12:13; 1 Peter 2:24). It is the powerful and effective … prayer of a righteous person that brings the needed cure from God. This of course relates to the closing two verses of James’ letter.

 J. Ronald Blue, “James,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 835.

A – We need each other to work through the daily challenges.  Left alone, all we have is our one perspective and faith.  In community, we have other wisdom, encouragement, and insights to approach the things we face.  It also invites their gifts and talents into the challenge that we face together.

R – Heavenly Father, you are the Creator of all things.  Thank you for the gift of others to walk with in our journey with you.  Help us to walk humbly and help each other.  We are better together.

S – Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ⁸ Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded

James 4:7–8 CSB

O – Commentary

The point is that a person who lives by God’s values (in this case, his way of peace) is no part of *Satan’s *kingdom (in contrast to the religious-sounding revolutionaries)…Double-minded” again alludes to the general ancient contempt for hypocrisy: one must act from either God’s peaceful wisdom or the devil’s hateful wisdom (3:13–18; 4:4

 Craig S. Keener, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament, Second Edition (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic: An Imprint of InterVarsity Press, 2014), 679.

A – In spiritual warfare, we fight from a place of victory that Christ achieved when he went to the cross and was resurrected.  He has already won the battle.  Yet, we do have a part to play in moving away from the thoughts, actions and words that are evil.  They do not help us grow in our relationship with God.  We can’t play in both camps – we must choose God if we are going to walk out that victory.

R – Heavenly Father, you are the Alpha and the Omega.   Thank you for providing us the victory over the devil when Jesus went to the cross.  Give us the strength to make choices that will help us grow closer to you and put distance to those things that will draw us away from you .

S – And the tongue is a fire. The tongue, a world of unrighteousness, is placed among our members. It stains the whole body, sets the course of life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. 

James 3:6 CSB

O – Commentary:

The tongue acts as an agent of the whole unrighteous world which is opposed to God (1:27; 4:4). • for it is set on fire by hell itself: Or for it will burn in hell (Greek Gehenna). Gehenna is the place of eternal punishment (Matt 5:22, 30; 23:15), in contrast to Hades, the abode of the dead (Luke 16:23; Acts 2:31). The reference to hell is an allusion to the devil (4:7; Matt 5:22; John 8:44) as the ultimate source of evil speech

 New Living Translation Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2008), Jas 3:6.

A – There is a spiritual battle for our words.  The devil cannot make us say anything.  Yet, he barrages our mind and thoughts continuously with accusations, lies and temptations.  The more we allow that, our words will follow our minds.   We need to take authority over any wicked thought and remove it.  Then, we should allow God’s word and truth shape our minds and thoughts.

R- Heavenly Father, we worship and surrender to you.  Thank you for guarding our hearts and minds as we seek you.  We must do our part so you can do your part.