The Story:I can’t think of more than a handful of books that I’ve ever read more than once. There are some, but not many. I’ve gained what the author had for me, and it’s time to move on to other subjects and writers.

You can never say this about the Word of God. Peter understood that the people he was writing to were solid Christians.They were persevering through persecution, unlike certain of those to whom the book of Hebrews was written.

These people loved Jesus, although they’d never seen Him (1 Pet. 1.8); they’d separated themselvesfrom their former sinful ways of life (1 Pet. 4.3-5); and now they were enduring hardship and persecutionbecause they meant business with Jesus (1 Pet. 4.12-19). Nevertheless, Peter understood how easy it is to become distracted from seeking the Lord or diverted to another path than that to which He has called us.

In the same way, Christians need to make continuous resortto Scripture, for we can never plumb the depth of God’s Word; and we must encourage one anotherto press on in doing good and bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God (Heb. 10.24; 2 Cor. 7.1). Let us always look for ways to build one another up through encouragement, exhortation, admonition, and reminder.

The Structure:Both Jesus and Paul warned that Christians can expect to know trial and persecutionas we take up the calling of discipleship and pursue the work of reconciliation and restoration appropriate to our times. We are stronger when we work together as a community, a movementof like-minded, mutually edifying brethren, following trusted leaders who are helping us to stay grounded in the Word of God and focused on Jesus Christ.

We must never tire of being reminded of our calling and the promises of God, and we must never fail to encourage one another whenever we can. Knowing what the Lord expects of us, and drawing on the resources of His Word and Spirit, let us offer one another timely reminders of our calling in the life of faith and the mission of making all things new.

Whom can you encourage in his or her walk with the Lord today?

Each week’s studies in our Scriptorium column are available in a free PDF form, suitable for personal or group use. For this week’s study, “The Word More Sure: 2 Peter 1.12-21,” simply click here.

T. M. Moore

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.