We began our study with a reminder from the Lord of what we can expect during these last days (2 Timothy 3-4:8; 2 Peter 3). As we read in 2 Timothy 3:1-5, there will be an intensity of societal degeneration and there was agreement that we are witnesses to this on a daily basis. Yet it was the admonition of 2 Peter 3:17 that caused many to examine themselves. "You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability." The Greek word for the phrase "carried away" is the same phrase that was used to describe how in Galatians 2:13 Barnabas and many other Jews were led astray by the hypocrisy of the Apostle Peter in his relationship with the Gentile Christians when he was in the presence of Jewish Christians. We were able to see that the Apostle Peter knew firsthand how easily we can lose our footing when we yield ourselves to the influence of lawlessness.
Lawlessness can be obvious in many instances and we can quickly make the decision to walk away from it and its influence. Yet, when it is masked in the words and behaviors of our family, close friends and associations, we all agreed we are challenged and surely need our Lord's wisdom.
The Lord's wisdom for us in these perilous times is to gaze upon Him who is our Hope. As the Message Bible so colorfully puts it in 2 Peter 3:11-13, "Since everything here today might well be gone tomorrow, do you see how essential it is to live a holy life? Daily expect the Day of God, eager for its arrival. The galaxies will burn up and the elements melt down that day—but we'll hardly notice. We'll be looking the other way, ready for the promised new heavens and the promised new earth, all landscaped with righteousness."
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