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Author: Will

2 Peter 1:20 – Spirit Inspired

Posted on April 11, 2017 by Will

Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation.

Truth to Learn

The truth of the Bible is communicated by the Holy Spirit.

Behind the Words

The words translated “one’s own interpretation” are idias epiluseos. The first of these, idias, means “pertaining to a private person and not to the public.” The second one, epiluseos, is built on the root word “epiluō.” This is made up of epi, meaning “over, on, or upon” and luō, meaning “release” or “let loose.” So, quite literally, it means “let loose upon” or “release upon.” In translating to English, this word has the basic meaning of “interpretation” or “exposition.” Hence, we see that idias epiluseos refers to “a person’s own private interpretation.”

Meaning Explained

Peter starts off today’s verse with, “knowing this first,” (that is, first in importance). He has been talking about the fact that we can more firmly believe prophecies about Christ’s second coming because He has already demonstrated the veracity of the prophecies concerning His first coming. First, though, before we get carried away and try to make other prophecies mean what we want them to mean, Peter gives us some instruction on how prophecies come about.

He uses a construction that would appear awkward to us today but, I believe, for a very good reason. He literally says,

all prophetic scripture does not come into being by personal interpretation.

He wants to make sure that we understand that he is talking about all of the holy writings of Scripture. With the English translation we have, there is an exclusionary phrase (no prophecy of Scripture), but with Peter’s original writing there is an inclusionary phrase (all prophetic scripture.) It is a subtle difference, but one that is important in that what he has to say applies to all scripture.

Where most people get off track on this verse is that they apply the “interpretation” to the reader but that’s not what the verse is talking about. It is talking about the one proclaiming the prophecy, not the one reading it. What Peter is saying is that those who have proclaimed the prophecies did not give them their own meaning. Rather, as he tells us in the following verse, they were carried along in their message by the Holy Spirit of God!

And, not only were the writers of Scripture carried along by the Holy Spirit so that their writings are “inspired,” but the truths of the Scripture are now revealed to us by the Holy Spirit:

But the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as His anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true and no lie … (1 John 2:27)

Application

As you read your Bible today, ask God to open your eyes to the truth of His word. May the Holy Spirit teach you His truth as you yield to Him rather than the whims of man.

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Peter 1:19 – More Sure Foundation

Posted on April 10, 2017 by Will

And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

Truth to Learn

God’s Word regarding Christ’s second coming, delivered by the prophets of old, is made more reliable by His first coming.

Behind the Words

The words “more sure” come from the Greek word bebaios, the root of which is basis, meaning “a firm footing or foundation,” hence our English word, basis. This is the same root as the word we saw back in verse 10 where Peter told us to “make our calling and election sure.” The word in today’s verse is expressed as a comparative. Therefore, it means “firmer footing,” or “more foundational,” or “more certain.”

“Pay attention” is translated from the verb prosechō. This is a compound word made up of pros, meaning “to or toward” and echo, meaning “to have.” As a nautical term, this means “to hold a ship in a specific direction” or “to keep one’s course toward a place.” As used here it means “to apply one’s mind to something,” that is, “to give attention to.”

Meaning Explained

This is another one of those verses that has stirred up considerable debate among scholars and theologians over the centuries. It primarily centers on the phrase “word of the prophets made more certain.” The controversy comes in when we ask ourselves what two things are being compared by Peter. Is he making a comparison between the transfiguration and prophesy? Is he simply saying that the word of prophecy was very sure and could be relied on, or is Peter saying something else?

A literal translation of this passage reads, “and we have the prophetic word more firm.” It appears that what Peter is saying is, because of the coming of Jesus in his first advent, confirmed by his transfiguration, witnessed by only a few people, the words of prophecy concerning his second coming are made even more firm, more steadfast, and more believable. That is why Peter follows this phrase up with, “to which you do well to take heed.”

Peter has been talking about our need to be diligent in developing Christian character qualities, built on the firmness of our election and calling. He reminded us that we are not following fables, but the majesty of God in the flesh, which Peter and the two others had a glimpse of. The prophets have shed some light on both the first and second coming of the Messiah, and we need to take heed regarding those prophecies.

He compares these prophetic messages to a light that shines in the darkness. At night, when there is no light from the sun and very little from the moon, we use a lantern of a flashlight to see where we’re going, but it’s not the same as daylight. That’s exactly what Peter is saying. Prophecy is only a partial illumination of things to come, and it does not make all things clear, yet it does give us a glimpse of what is to come. Peter is saying that we can believe what prophecy says regarding the second coming of our Lord because of His first coming. Having perfectly satisfied many of the predictions by His coming as the Lamb, He will satisfy all the rest by His coming as the King!

Application

Will you be ready when He returns, or will you be like those religious people who completely missed His first coming? They fought against Him and conspired to kill Him because they wanted religion their way (based on their traditions) instead of salvation God’s way (based on the Word of God).

Is your foundation the Word of God, or religious traditions?

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Peter 1:18 – His Holy Presence

Posted on April 7, 2017 by Will

And we heard this voice borne out of heaven being with him on the sacred mountain.

Truth to Learn

Holiness is in the presence of God, not the location or building.

Behind the Words

The word translated “voice” is phōnē, which comes from the verb phaō, meaning “to shine.” So phōnē actually means “to audibly shine forth.” The Greek historian, Plutarch, calls it "that which brings light upon that which is thought of in the mind." So, not only did these three disciples see the shining glory of the Son of God revealed, but they also heard the revelation of the shining voice of God the Father.

The word translated “sacred” is hagios, which comes from the word hagos, meaning “an awful thing.” Not awful as we often think of it as “terrible” or “very bad,” but awful as something that fills one with awe and wonder. It is a word that has come to mean “morally pure and set-apart from sin.”

Meaning Explained

As Peter continues his description of the transfiguration of Christ, he makes three assertions in this verse. First, that he, along with James and John, heard the voice of God the Father. It was not merely an inarticulate noise; they heard His words giving glory and honor to the Son.

The second assertion that Peter makes is that the three disciples were “with Him.” Yes, they were physically with him, but there is another sense in which they were with him. They were with him in spirit through their belief in him. They were his disciples, his followers, desirous of learning more about Him. This is one of the “black and white” issues of the Scriptures. Christ, Himself, said it this way in Luke 11:23,

He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters.

You are either with Him, that is, you believe in Him, you follow Him, and you obey Him, or you are against Him. There is no middle road and no half-way Christianity. Either your faith is real or it is pretend. That’s one of the points Peter has been making throughout this chapter. We need to show our faith, let it shine forth like the voice of God, by diligently working on developing the Christian character qualities he outlined in the early verses of this chapter.

The third assertion that Peter makes in today’s verse is regarding the place where they were. He calls the mountain sacred, not because the mountain itself possessed any special moral purity, but because of the presence of the Almighty. We think of a temple or a church, particularly the “sanctuary” where church services are held, as a holy place. The very word “sanctuary” is a translation of the Greek word hagia meaning an awful (holy) place. It is not a place of holiness and awe because the physical structure possesses any holiness, but because of Whose presence is there. It is this presence of the Holy God that makes something, or someone, holy.

Application

The place where you meet on Sunday morning may be a large cathedral, a small hand-made building, or even someone’s living room. The place is not important, but the presence of God is. As you participate in your church service this week, remember that you are in a holy place because the Spirit of our Holy God is in your midst.

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Peter 1:17 – A Father Well Pleased

Posted on April 6, 2017 by Will

For having received honor and glory from God the Father such a voice was brought to him from the majestic glory, saying, "This is my Beloved Son, with him I am well pleased."

Truth to Learn

God the Father is, and has always been, pleased with His Son.

Behind the Words

The word “honor” is a translation of the Greek word timē, which also occurred back in verse 4 of this chapter. It refers to “having value.” In verse 4 it was used in reference to the promises that have been given to us and there it was translated as “precious,” i.e. very valuable. In today’s verse it is translated as “honor.” According to The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, the word honor means, “High respect, as that shown for special merit; esteem” but this doesn’t quite carry the same sense as the Greek word. It is more than respect or esteem, it is recognition of His value in the order of creation, He is preeminent, that is, the highest, most valuable, and greatest!

The word “glory” is from the Greek word doxan, which refers to “glory, dignity, or honor.” There is a subtle but distinct difference in these two words that Peter used (glory and honor). The first refers to His worth as a being and the second refers to recognition for what He has done.

The word translated “Majestic” is from the Greek word megaloprepēs, which is a compound made up of megas, meaning “great or big” and a form of prepō, meaning “that which is right or proper.” In English, this word implies something “resplendent, glorious, magnificent, or majestic.”

Meaning Explained

Peter has just talked about his eyewitness account of the transfiguration of Christ on the mountaintop. In today’s verse he recounts some of the details of that event. Before we talk about his details, however, let’s look at the word translated “transfigured” from Matthew 17:2. It is the Greek word metamorphoō, which is a compound word made up of meta, which means “a change of place or condition” and morphoō, which means “to form.” So Matthew is telling us that he didn’t simply change appearance, he actually changed in form on that mountaintop.

In today’s verse Peter tells us that Jesus Christ received “honor and glory from God the Father.” He then tells us how glory and honor were bestowed on Jesus. There was an audible voice carried forth from the majestic (or magnificent) glory saying, “This is my son – the beloved, with whom I was well pleased” (literal translation). Jesus received glory in that God the Father referred to Him as “my Son” (the Son of God), and He received honor from God the Father when He proclaimed, “with him I was well pleased.” This does not mean that the Father is no longer pleased with the Son. Rather, it means that He has been pleased with the Son of God since eternity past.

Application

Although we will never attain the same position as Jesus (i.e. we will never be God), we who have accepted Christ as Savior have had His righteousness bestowed upon us and we have been adopted into the same family. And, if we are faithful and diligent in our efforts for Him during this life, we may someday hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”

Is that what you want to hear from your Heavenly Father? I know I do!

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Peter 1:16 – His Majestic Return

Posted on April 5, 2017 by Will

Fore not following cleverly devised fables, we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, having been eyewitnesses of his majesty.

Truth to Learn

Christ’s glorious return is not a wishful, made-up story. It is a promise from Christ himself, attested to by angels.

Behind the Words

“Following” is from the Greek word exakoloutheō, which is a compound word made up of ek, meaning “out” but used here as an intensifier and akoloutheō, meaning “to follow.” This word has the meaning of “to follow carefully, to pursue, or to precisely copy.”

The words “cleverly devised” come from a form of the Greek word sophidzō, meaning “to make wise” or “to devise skillfully.” It refers to something that is carefully crafted with the skill of a wise master craftsman.

The word “fables” is translated from muthos, from which we get our English word myth. This Greek word means, “that which is fabricated by the mind in contrast to reality.”

“Power” is translated from dunamis, from which we get our English word dynamite. Although our English word “power” implies strength in action, this Greek word literally means “possessing great ability.”

The word translated “majesty” is megaleiotēs, which is based on the word megas, meaning “great” or “big.” In this form it means “greatness.”

Meaning Explained

One of the foundational truths, characteristic of Peter’s ministry, is the fact that Jesus Christ will return soon. This is a doctrine that was preached by all the apostles and is one that was ridiculed by detractors of Christianity from the very beginning. In response to this opposition and by way of emphasizing the points he has been making since the beginning of this letter, Peter now offers evidence of why he believes so strongly that Christ will, indeed, return again soon.

He opens this verse saying that he and the others have not been carefully following cleverly crafted stories, or myths. That is, the stories of Christ’s resurrection and His coming again are not made-up at all. Peter’s belief in Christ’s return is based on personal experience (he saw Jesus’ glory) and the promise from our Savior that He would return.

Peter says that they did not make up these stories; instead, he says that “they had been eyewitnesses ….” He is referring to the time when he actually experienced the majesty of Jesus Christ when He was transformed before him on the mountain top.

Because Peter had personally experienced this event, the majesty and glorious splendor of the Savior, he was absolutely convinced of Christ’s promised return. He tells us that this return will not simply be a casual experience any more than the one that he witnessed. Peter refers to it as, “the power and coming or our Lord.” In fact, Christ’s return will be with such a demonstration of power that no one will be able to deny it.

Application

Do you believe Christ’s return will be soon? Will you be ready when He does? Are you ready right now?

It could be today!

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Peter 1:15 – Eternal Retirement Plan

Posted on April 4, 2017 by Will

And I will be diligent to cause you to always have remembrance of these things after my departure.

Truth to Learn

God has a job for us to be doing until we take our last breath.

Behind the Words

The expression “will be diligent” is translated from the word spoudadzō, which is from the same root as the word translated “diligent” back in verse 5 and again in verse 10. This word refers to speed, earnestness, diligence, or zeal. It is used in today’s verse in the future, active, indicative tense, indicating continual earnestness in the future.

The word, “departure” is translated from the Greek word exodon, from which we get our English word exodus, meaning “to exit” or “to leave.” Peter is once again making a reference to his departure from this life to his eternal life with our Lord. This same word was used by Luke in his description of events on the mount of transfiguration where Moses and Elijah appeared and talked with Jesus about his coming death:

who appeared in glory and spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. (Luke 9:31)

Meaning Explained

There is something remarkable in the simplicity of this verse. Peter has already made a couple of references to the fact that he is going to die soon (physically), and he makes reference to it again in this verse. Yet he is neither without hope nor purpose. The race is nearly done for him and he is not easing up at all. Instead, he is ever mindful that he still has work to do and he has found a way to continue that work even after his departure.

Here is a demonstration of true love. In his final days in this life, Peter is more concerned about what he can still do to help other Christians than he is about himself. He even wants to leave something behind which will continue to edify Christians after he is gone.

He has spent the better part of this chapter urging us all to continue to work hard at developing Christian character. Peter knows the importance of not slacking in this endeavor, and he is leading by example. This is not some kind of theological positioning by Peter, nor is he simply pontificating. This is the real deal to him. He is so convinced of his position in Christ, he is so aware of what his God has done for him, that he will not ease up until the race is finished.

Peter says that he, himself, “will be diligent” to do these things. Peter’s mind was fixed on the work that God had called him to do. He is not looking to retire until he dies, and he is not looking to ease up until his departure. He even wants his work to continue on after his departure.

Application

Are you busy right now working for our Lord, or are you working for yourself? Do you even know what God wants you to be doing? If not, then get on your knees and ask Him.

Then, let us all be like Peter, continually working our hardest for God and His glory, right up until we take our last breath! Then, we shall be ushered into the presence of the King, arrayed in our finest, prepared to cast our crowns at His feet because He is worthy!

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Peter 1:14 – The Final Doorway

Posted on April 3, 2017 by Will

because I know that I will soon lay aside my tabernacle, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me.

Truth to Learn

Life here on earth is short and only temporary. What we do during this time, however, will have eternal consequences.

Behind the Words

Eidō is the word translated “I know.” It means “to see” or “to know.” It is expressed in the perfect tense indicating past completed action with an ongoing effect, but the emphasis is on the effect.

The expression “lay it aside” comes from the Greek word apothesis, which is a compound word made up of apo, meaning “from” or “away from” and a form of tithemi, which means “to lay something down” or “to put something in the proper place.” It is the word that is used to express the removing of one’s clothes and laying them down or putting them away. It expresses a calm, casual experience.

The word “tabernacle” appeared in the previous verse and, in the Greek text, also appears in this verse, though it has been translated as the word “it” in some translations. A literal translation of the first half of this verse would be:

having known that soon is the laying aside of my tabernacle

Tabernacle is a word that is often misunderstood today. Because of its reputation for great acoustics, the Mormon Tabernacle, a huge, massive structure built expressly for public performances, is what is often thought of when we hear this word. However, that’s not at all what this word means. It comes from the Greek word skēnōmatos, which refers to “a tent.” It is the word from which we get our English word “skin.” A skēnōmatos is a small flimsy structure that is used in a transient nature as a temporary dwelling place. Similarly, our earthly body is not permanent nor something for us to use in a public display to draw attention to ourselves. It is, rather, a flimsy, temporary dwelling place for our soul.

Meaning Explained

Peter knew that the time of his death was drawing near. The type of death he should die was prophesied by Christ some 30 years earlier (John 21:18,19). On the surface it seems that this is all Peter has to say in today’s verse. But, as is often the case with Scripture, if we are in a hurry when we read, we dash right past some nuggets on the way. This nugget is what Peter refers to as his tent or his tabernacle. He knows that this body is temporary and the time spent in it is fleeting. But he is ready to calmly and confidently lay it aside and walk into eternity. He’s not looking at death, he’s looking at eternity with Christ.

One day in the future we too will put off this temporary dwelling place as we pass through the gates that lead from this life to eternity. It is both an end and a beginning, the end of our time on this earth and the beginning of glory in the presence of the Lord. When we walk through that door, we will be able to look back and see whether it has been a life of service (the production of eternal rewards) or a life of emptiness (time wasted that could have been used for God’s glory), which Solomon called “vanity.”

Application

When you reach death’s door will you be ready to calmly lay aside this tabernacle and head into eternity? Or will you finally realize that you could have done much more if your focus had been on God instead of yourself?

It’s not too late! We still have time left, so let’s get to work for God and for His glory!

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Peter 1:13 – Late Life Refresher

Posted on March 31, 2017 by Will

I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly tent to stir you up with a reminder.

Truth to Learn

We need to keep encouraging each other to stay the course because we haven’t much time left.

Behind the Words

“I consider” is translated from hēgeomai, which is a form of ago, meaning “to lead.” Metaphorically, this word refers to “leading out with the mind.” Therefore, it is interpreted as, “to esteem, consider, regard, or reckon.”

The word “right” comes from the Greek word dikaion, which refers to that which is “proper, right, or appropriate”

The word translated “stir … up” is diegeirō, which means “to arouse, to wake up fully, or to stir up.”

Meaning Explained

Peter is aware that he is being rather forceful in his admonition to us all regarding the necessity of Christian growth and maturity. He has used very strong words to urge us on in this regard, but he is not apologetic regarding his words. He says that it is right for him to do this. He believes that he has a responsibility to be constantly reminding us all that we need to be continually working on becoming more mature in our Christian experience.

Specifically, Peter feels that he is obliged to stir up our memory. We all have a tendency to get lazy and careless regarding our walk with the Lord, and Peter feels compelled, as we all should, to grab us by the shoulder and wake us up. He does so by reminding us of those things that we already know. Anyone who has ever studied a foreign language knows how critical it is to constantly review the basic principles until they become second nature. Only after we know the basics without thinking about them can we continue on to the next level with confidence.

Peter also knows that his time on this earth is coming to an end, and he feels a necessity to do as much as he can in the time he has left. When we were young, we had our whole lives ahead of us, and there was not much of a sense of urgency to do what we knew we should be doing. As we got older, we realized that time is passing us by, and time that has passed cannot be made up. As we recognize God’s calling on our life and realize how much He has done for us, we feel more compelled to work hard for Him in the things He expects from us. As the end of life approaches, we become acutely aware that this life is transient, and only what is done for God has any real lasting value.

That’s where Peter is right now. He wants to make the most of his remaining days by constantly reminding us to work hard for the One who has given His life for us.

Application

Let our ears not be deaf!

Let our minds not be cloudy!

Let us not be caught asleep on the watch!

Rather, let us purpose in our hearts to wake up and work diligently, for the time is fleeting, our life is short, and He is coming soon!

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Peter 1:12 – Continual Refresher Courses

Posted on March 30, 2017 by Will

So I will always remind you of these things, though having known them and having been firmly established in the truth you now have.

Truth to Learn

We need to be continually learning and refreshing our knowledge of God through His Word.

Behind the Words

“Having known” comes from a form of the Greek word eidō, meaning “to see,” that is, “to perceive.” As such, it is also used to express perception in the form of experiential knowledge. Hence, it is often translated as “to know.” It is expressed here as a perfect active participle, which implies past continual accumulated action. We could actually translate the meaning as, “having already perceived and come to understand …”

He then says that we have also been “established” which is from the Greek word stēridzō, meaning “to be firmly set in place” or “to be grounded.” This verb is also a perfect participle, but is in the passive voice (something done to us).

Meaning Explained

Peter begins this verse with another connective word, “So.” He told us that we need to develop the Christian character qualities of faith, morality, knowledge and understanding, self-control, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. He said that in developing these we become fruitful, we maintain our spiritual vision, and we become stabilized on the foundation. And, he told us that developing these will cause us to receive a splendid entrance into the presence of the King. Therefore, Peter is compelled to continually remind us of these truths.

Obviously, he thinks that there is great importance in developing these qualities. That is why he has used such strong language in urging us to work hard on them and why he gives such evidence of their effect on us. Therefore, he tells his readers, he personally will not be negligent in constantly reminding them (and us) of these things. It is not that Peter thinks we have not yet learned what he has told us. In fact, he makes it clear that he knows that these truths have already been learned.

In other words, Peter is saying that he believes his readers have already worked hard at developing these character qualities in themselves, having perceived their importance, and having become firmly established, not in the past but “in the truth you now have.” There is some disagreement as to exactly what Peter is referring to by this expression. Either it refers to all the truth that has been learned from God’s holy Word, or it is a specific reference to the gospel truth, the truth in which we were saved. Whichever it is, Peter wants to make sure that it is constantly taught and re-taught so that we will be firmly grounded in it.

It is incumbent on us all, not just preachers, to constantly remind each other of the importance of things that we have already learned. Not so much because we forget, but because the cares of this life, the things of the world, and our own sin nature cloud our memory and distract us from our mission.

Application

Let us never get to the point where we think we know all there is to know about living a victorious Christian life. No matter how much we know about the Bible and our faith, we can always learn more. We all need continual refresher courses in living a life committed to our faith and submitted to our God.

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Peter 1:11 – Heavenly Homecoming

Posted on March 29, 2017 by Will

for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.

Truth to Learn

Our entrance into heaven will be affected by the way we spend our life here on the earth.

Behind the Words

Peter starts off this verse with the Greek words houtōs gar, which are connective words meaning, “for in this way.” In other words, “having built these character qualities upon the foundation of our calling and election …”

The next two Greek words are wonderfully descriptive. Although they are the next two words in the Greek text, they are translated at the end of this verse. They are, plousios, meaning “abundantly” or “copiously,” almost to the point of being excessive, and epichorēgeō, which is a compound word made up of epi, meaning “above” or “over” and choregeō, meaning “to furnish, to supply, or to outfit.” Hence, we will be lavishly outfitted or “dressed” for a very spectacular event: our entrance into the eternal kingdom

Meaning Explained

Peter has been exhorting us to work diligently to build the previously mentioned Christian character qualities upon the foundation of our calling and election. He said that in doing this, we will never lose our salvation. Peter now tells us that there will be a future benefit to us as well if we develop these character qualities.

Scripture tells us that immediately after the rapture of the church, when Christ returns with the departed saints and unites us all with our heavenly bodies, we will appear before the Bema Seat (judgment seat) of Christ. This is the believers’ judgment where we will receive rewards in the form of crowns for the things we have done in this life. The next thing after the Bema Seat Judgment will be the introduction of the saints to the great King of Kings. Peter is here giving us a glimpse of this “entrance into the eternal kingdom.”

We will be lavishly outfitted for our entrance into the eternal kingdom and our presentation to the God of all creation. Peter refers to it as “the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” This will be our celebratory homecoming event. It is likely that this will also be our opportunity to cast our crowns at His feet proclaiming, “You are worthy, O Lord!”

But, let us not lose focus on what Peter is saying in the midst of all this pomp and circumstance. The point he is making in this verse is that what we do on this earth with the life (both the physical life and the spiritual life) we have been freely given will have a dramatic future effect on us that is worthy of note.

Some will be ushered into the eternal kingdom with the smell of smoke clinging to them as all their earthly works have been burned-up because they were self-serving instead of God-serving. Others will be ushered into the kingdom lavishly adorned because they have spent their time of sojourning here on this earth in the humble service of their Lord and Savior. These are those who lived this life for the glory of God rather than for their own glory.

Application

How will you be dressed when you are ushered into the kingdom and appear face-to-face before the one who gave his all for you? Will you smell of smoke, or will you be richly adorned with a crown to cast at His feet?

In God's service, for His glory,