Why Do People Twist Scripture? | 2 Peter 3:14–16

Welcome to The Daily.

HEADS UP:

We are going to fly through 2 Peter 3 this week, and then Jude, which is a one-chapter letter in the same Journal. But our next study is Esther. I have titled this one, FOR SUCH A TIME: Courage When God Seems Silent. Grab the Esther Journal now. If you are a Project23 donor giving $35/month or more, do not purchase one; we have already sent this to you in the mail.

Our text today is 2 Peter 3:14-16:

Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures. — 2 Peter 3:14-16

Peter now turns our attention back to the present.

While we wait, we should be diligent to live without spot or blemish and at peace with God. We should also recognize that every additional day before Christ returns is another expression of his saving patience.

He reminds us that Paul taught the same truth in his letters. Then he makes an honest admission: some things Paul wrote are hard to understand.

The problem is not that every part of Scripture is equally simple. Some passages require careful study and help from other believers. The problem comes when ignorant and unstable people twist difficult passages to make them say what they want. And there are plenty of these people today. I can think of a long list of liberal theologians who do this from pulpits today.

But there is a difference between struggling to understand Scripture and manipulating Scripture. One approaches the Bible asking, “What does God mean?” The other asks, “How can I make this support what I have already decided?”

I have caught myself approaching a text hoping it will validate a conclusion I have already made. Instead of allowing Scripture to examine me, I am tempted to search for a verse that agrees with me. That is when I need to slow down, read the context, and let God’s Word correct me.

We twist Scripture when we isolate a verse from its surrounding passage, ignore the author’s meaning, or use biblical language to justify our desires. We can also distort the Bible by emphasizing only the verses we like while avoiding the ones that confront us.

Peter’s warning is severe because distorted Scripture does real damage. A misused verse can excuse sin, control people, create false hope, or lead someone away from Christ. Difficulty should produce humility, not contrived fiction.

Do not force the Bible to agree with you. Let it correct you. The Bible becomes dangerous in the hands of someone determined to make it agree with them.

DO THIS:

Before quoting or sharing a Bible verse today, read the entire paragraph around it. Then ask: Am I receiving what this passage says, or trying to make it support what I already believe?

ASK THIS:

1. Why are difficult passages especially vulnerable to distortion?
2. Have you ever used a verse without considering its original context?
3. What habits can help you handle Scripture with greater humility and care?

PRAY THIS:

Lord, give me humility and wisdom to understand your Word faithfully and the courage to let it correct what I already believe. Amen

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