Denouncing Evil Motives

Written By Betty Predmore

2 PETER 2: 1-21

(November 27)

While 1 Peter was written just before Nero started persecuting the Christians, 2 Peter was written about three years later, when the persecution was very intense. This was meant to be a letter that put focus on the internal problems of the church, especially the false teachers. They were causing believers to doubt their faith and turn away from the gospel. Peter wanted to denounce the evil motives of these false teachers and reaffirm the truths of Christianity ... that scripture has authority, that faith is the primary component, and that believers can be certain of the return of Christ.

Peter wrote this knowing he would die soon. Jesus had already prepared Peter for the kind of death he would endure. When the time came for his crucifixion, Peter requested to be crucified upside down, because he didn't feel worthy to be crucified in the same exact way as Jesus.

"For we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the powerful coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." (verse 16) Peter assures the believers that the Old Testament prophets were truly writing messages from God. He then adds himself and the other apostles to the same category as they also proclaimed the truth of God.

Peter wanted them to know (and us as well) that the Bible is not a collection of tall tales or someone's viewpoint on God. It is the very word of God, spoken through his chosen people to the people of the world. How can Peter be so sure? He was an eyewitness to much, and God inspired him, giving him words to combat the false teachings. It was simple, really ... if their words didn't line up with the Bible, then their message wasn't from God. The same is still true today.

Why did Peter call Christ the "Morning Star" in verse 19? He said this because Christ will shine upon his return, bright in his full glory just like the morning star. As we wait for that day to come, we can use the Bible as a light and the Holy Spirit as a way to illuminate those words, guiding us to the truth. And when we are firm in the truth, we can denounce the evil motives of those who come against God and his word.

Betty Predmore

Betty Predmore is a writer, blogger, speaker and ministry leaders. She is the founder of Mom-Sense, Inc., a ministry designed for mentorship, connection and service to women of all life circumstances. Through this ministry, women are encouraged and supported with scripture and life application. Mom-Sense helps women overcome life struggles through small group classes with biblical curriculum, individual counseling, bible studies, and other areas of support.

Betty also directs the Imperial Valley Life Center, which is a non-profit faith-based pro life women’s resource center. She has a passion for saving the unborn and supporting mothers through pregnancy and motherhood.

Betty loves to speak at events, sharing the love of Jesus with other women. She does this through practical life application mingled with God’s word, and sprinkled with humor. Having experienced a broken home, divorce, abuse, grief, single motherhood, blended families, and adoption, she uses the broken places and movement of God in her own life to share His word in an inspiring way. She enjoys sharing her blogs on social media as a way of reaching out on a broader spectrum. Betty has many speaking topics which can be found on her website: www.bettypredmore.com

As an author, she has had the opportunity to impact women and reach deep into their hearts with her words of inspiration and encouragement. Through Pondering Virtue and Whispered Grace, she has created wonderful tools for the woman who is seeking direction in her spiritual walk.

Betty serves on the writing team of A Wife Like Me, and is also a contributor to Moms Encouraging Moms and Gift of Thorns. Her blogs have appeared in several magazine publications throughout the years including Southern Faith Magazine, Purposeful Life, and Aspiring Woman Magazine.

While Betty thrives on her ministry opportunities, her greatest blessings come from being a wife to Jim and a mama to their wonderful collection of children, who bring joy, laughter, and an occasional tear to her days.


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