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"For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the
apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of
light" (II Cor. 11: 13, 14).
Make no mistake, that lion is still very much alive and hungry for the weak in faith,
the one unlearned and unprepared by the Word. The Scriptures understood and taught by
the Holy Spirit to the faithful seeker will be the only weapon to resist this lion and we
need only to stand steadfast in our faith in the One Who has already overcome the enemy.
The Word alone can put new heart and direction into our nation. Fellowship and hymns
have their place but they will not on their own lead us to a knowledge of God, His will,
and the all sufficient means He has supplied for us to accomplish it.
"But the God of all grace, Who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus,
after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you"
(I.Pet.v.10).
Peter makes a final summary of his letter a prayer to God (the Dispenser of unmerited
favour) Who had called them to a place in that millennial age in which Jesus as the
glorified Christ will reign. Peter's prayer is:
(1)
They may be made perfect--completely fitted for a purpose. Other usage of
katartizo `perfect' by the Holy Spirit will help our understanding: Matt.xxi.16
"Out of the mouths of babes . . . . . Thou hast perfected praise" single minded
sincerity; Luke. 6: 40 "Everyone that is perfect shall be as his master" (an
idea of identity of purpose and character).
(2)
They may be stablished--made firm, confirmed. They were to be unmoved by all
the deceptive false prophets, false Christs, and false doctrines that were then
prevalent.
(3)
Strengthen you.
(4)
Settle you. The idea of being fixed on the right foundation. Contrast is shown by
Col. 1: 23 "Be not moved away from the hope of the gospel".
As with much of this valuable epistle we can find pertinent application of this prayer
to us today, having in mind however our goal set forth in the letter to the Ephesians or
that set forth by John in his gospel.
The closing verses of postscript end on a note of brotherhood and love in the gospel.