November 21, 2014
Peter - God’s Goad for True Believers
by Evans Rector
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“The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like well-driven nails,
given by one Shepherd.” (Ecclesiastes 12:11)
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Intro
In ancient times, farmers used a long stick with a pointed metal end to ‘goad’ their animals (mostly oxen) as they plowed their fields. This prodding was two-fold in purpose: (1) To redirect them if they were veering off path, and (2) To quicken their pace in the event they were going too slow or weren’t putting forth enough effort.
In his book titled, ‘So You Want to Be Like Christ? – Eight Essentials to Get You There,’ Chuck Swindoll recounts a compelling response from Tom Landry (legendary coach of the Dallas Cowboys professional football team) when asked how he was able to forge a team out of individuals so that they would win. After pausing a moment he said: “My job is to get men to do what they don’t want to do in order to achieve what they’ve always wanted to achieve.”
An interesting perspective as to how well he understood his players’ natural tendencies and areas of need. In other words, he goaded/guided men to perform at their highest potential in order to get the right result.
Faith Words
In ‘The Message’ version of the Ecclesiastes passage, it states: “The words of the wise prod us to live well. They’re like nails hammered home, holding life together. They are given by God, the one Shepherd.”
Throughout time, God has used His spoken and written Word (His Truth) to goad/guide His people towards a true relationship with Himself. As this true relationship grows, continuing ‘steps of faith’ build upon each other, equipping and preparing us to be useful for His purposes while here on earth.
Christ became our living Word when he came to earth. His primary mission was to call people into a life of righteousness through faith in Him, with the goal being a vibrant life of impact and influence for His Kingdom here, as well as an eternal life with the Father, experienced both now and forever.
In II Peter 1:1-15, Peter, who was chosen by Christ to build the church after His ascension to Heaven, wrote his final message (v. 14) to his readers, “…to those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ:” (v.1).
What do you think his focus was? Here’s how you start and build a healthy church? Here’s how you do outreach to the lost? Here’s how you help widows, orphans, and prisoners? Here’s how to plan an effective short-term mission trip? Here’s the best way to recruit for a powerful small group ministry?
Here is what he said: “And I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder…” (v.13); “…even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you.” (v.12) [An interesting side note, Paul, in writing to Timothy, stated: “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you…” (II Timothy 1:6)]
Peter was not shy. Peter was a force to be reckoned with. Peter was purposed. Peter was more concerned about being faithful to his calling than peoples’ opinions or reactions.
So here’s what Peter was reminding them of:
- You’ve been given everything (needed) pertaining to life and godliness through the true knowledge of Him (Christ) (v.3)
- You can escape the corruption that is in the world through lust because the Word empowers His divine nature in you to be an overcomer (v.4)
- Your life will not be useless or unfruitful, if you are diligently participating in the transforming work of God’s Word and His Holy Spirit on a daily basis (v.8)