V. 1 God will judge the living and the dead through Jesus Christ (Acts 10:42; 1 Peter 4:5). Those who know how all people in this world will be judged before God and how history will conclude should be alert and examine their daily life. V. 8 God is the righteous Judge. God’s judgment makes the way of the wicked perish, but accepts the way of the righteous (Ps. 1:6). God never forgets the efforts and devotion of His people. He gives the crown of righteousness, symbolizing victory and glory, to all believers who have longed for his return and have struggled against evil in the world. What struggles do I have today because of my faith in God? Fight the good fight, with the crown of righteousness in sight, which God has prepared for me as God awaits my victory.
What lesson is God teaching me?
Vv. 2,5 Because the word of God alone makes us wise for salvation, we have to carry out the ministry of teaching the word in season and out of season. For this task, we need endurance and fine teaching. Vv. 3,4 In the last days, people will not put up with Bible study that teaches sound doctrine but will want to spend time with teachers who say what their itching ears want to hear and validate their own desires. Avoid Bible study that only puts a positive spin on your own desires, without any effort to correct your faults against Biblical standards.
Please let me act as one of the Lord’s people, longing for the second coming of the Lord.
