Great Verses of the Bible: 2Peter 1:3

“I feel that God’s is leading me in this direction.”

“I don’t believe that God will condemn that.”

“I know God has led me here.”

“I feel God wants this for my life.”

“I know God wants me to be happy.”

All of these statements have one thing in common.

They are subjective in their nature. By that I mean they are influenced by one’s own personal feelings, tastes, and opinions. And they are often used to justify one’s religious beliefs and practices.

One of the great verses of the Bible reminds us that Truth is objective, not subjective. Peter expressed it this way.

“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence” (2 Peter 1:3, ESV).

If we believe the Bible, God has given us all we need spiritually and religiously. We’ve been given “all things that pertain to life and godliness.” The little word “all” says a lot. There is nothing else. There is no future revelation. No direct operation of the Holy Spirit apart from the counsels of His Word. And no “signs” that lead us in another direction away from the apostles’ doctrine.

Truth is objective. It is based on what is real. Factual. And verifiable. Spiritually speaking it is given to us by God. It is according to “His divine power.” God did not leave us in dark regarding His will for our lives. Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the apostles, like Peter, received Divine revelation. We don’t have to guess what is God’s Plan for us.

Sadly, too many in our day, even among professed Christians are dissatisfied with God’s Word. It’s not enough. They want more. They’re looking for something else. Something they feel is more exciting. More personal. More relevant to their personal needs and circumstances.

They are looking for what one writer called “the divine nudge.” As a result they are subjectively influenced by their feelings. Directed by their own intellect. And guided, not by God’s revealed will, but by their own will.

While God’s providence in our lives cannot be disputed based on the accounts of Old Testament characters like Esther and Joseph, we must not assume that all of our feelings, opinions and experiences are verified by God. Especially when they run contrary to what the Bible teaches us.

The “things that pertain to life and godliness” were divinely given by God not only for Peter’s readers, but for all future generations. His Word and Will has not changed. It’s the same now as it was then. Modern culture, scientific theories, and political correctness does not give us something new  and approved by God. Neither do our  fickle, ever-changing feelings.

When subjectivism reigns then two people can possess oppositive feelings and opinions and still be right when they spout the accepted mantra “This is where the Lord is leading me.”

Really? Are you sure? Does it harmonize with Scripture? Is it Biblically based? Can you produce book, chapter and verse for your belief?

“The knowledge of Him” that Peter speaks to is found in God’s spokesman today–Jesus Christ. We are complete in Him. And in His Word. Following our personal feelings is not following Jesus.

Finally, we can experience God’s power, bask in His glory and be assured that our thoughts, feelings and actions are pursuing a virtuous course when we are focused on His Word and guided by its counsel.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman