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SOME STUDY GEMS:
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Godliness
2 Peter 1:6-7 “to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love”
We know what is self-control, perseverance, kindness and love.. but what is godliness? It is obviously not looking godly and like white washed tombstones, like Yeshua pictured the Pharisees. On the outside they look perfect, they pray, do things for people, fasting, spend hours at the Temple.. yet their hearts were evil. It is all a big show. In Matthew 23:23 Yeshua says they neglected the more important matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. So godliness is not looking like a Pharisee. The greek word for godliness/holiness is G2150 – eusebeia, what we would also call “being holy“. Yet, people are taught we cannot be holy, or godly. When you start to dress different and act different, and don’t eat pork, the world, and even christians will accuse you for trying to “be holy”. Yet, Scripture teaches that sin means “lawlessness” (click here for more on sin), so if you do want to keep the Laws, you are also accused of trying to “live holy”.
Yet, Scripture teaches in both the old and new testament – that we must strive to be holy! The commands are in Leviticus 11:44-45 by YHWH Himself, “you shall therefore be holy, for I am holy“; and in 1 Peter 1:16, the apostle Peter writes, “Be holy in all you do, for as he who called you is holy“. We see some examples of “godly” people in the new testament as well, Acts 22:12, “Then a certain Ananias, a devout G2152 man according to the law, having a good testimony with all the Jews who dwelt there”. Godly or holy in greek is G2152 – eusebēs.
False Prophets and Teachers
2 Peter 2:1-3 “But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive misconceptions.. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be corrupted. By covetousness/greed/envy they will exploit you with deceptive words..”
Did you know, “false prophets” are a big topic that are repeated all throughout the old testament, and is not just a warning for after the new testament (click here to read more on previous posts). Back in Deuteronomy 13 the chapter explains how to identify a false prophet. These people can seem very convincing, even perform miracles, have all kinds of dreams and visions, and very good with their words – but if in any way what they say or how they live, contradicts with the Laws/Torah of YHWH – then you must know they are a false prophet! This is why we can confidently know Yeshua was the True Messiah, because He kept the Laws of YHWH. What He did and say was Truth – He fulfilled many prophecies, and He gave many prophecies that also came true. So He proved Himself. Never take any prophecy, teacher or leader’s words for truth – Test them! Be very weary – this is your soul on the line! This is also why not just Yeshua, but every Apostle is also writing and warning over and over, watch out for the false prophets! They are many – they are everywhere!! Like Peter says in this verse, “MANY WILL FOLLOW THEM” – that is highly unfortunate! Where can we see today Many Groups of people blindly following words that are teaching against the Laws of YHWH?
John will repeat this topic again in 1 John 4:1, “do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of Elohim; because many false prophets have gone out into the world“
YHWH's Day
2 Peter 3:10 “But the day of YHWH will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up”
YHWH’s Day is a big topic from the old testament, and not something new Yeshua taught. Click here to see previous posts on this topic. This day, is talked about many Prophets, as a very dreadful day that no one should wish to see or experience. They all explain this day with great fire, just like Peter mentions here. Fire is representative for Judgement – click here to learn more about this topic.
