Make Every Effort
- Cornerstone Church
- 11 minutes ago
- 4 min read
This week, we will be finishing the last of the writings of Peter, which is called Second Peter. Then on to the small letter of Jude, only 1 chapter. After that, we’ll read the letters of John, which Cornerstone began in 2025 during the Gathering time. It is important to remember that Peter was a fisherman before called to be a disciple. He was impulsive and brash at times. Jesus rebuked him by telling him directly, “Get behind me, Satan. You are a hindrance to me because you’re not thinking about God’s concerns but human concerns.” In the Garden of Gethsemane, he first fell asleep on the Lord and then cut off one of the Romans' ears after they came to arrest Jesus. He promised to die for Jesus, then denied the Lord 3 times. Finally, Peter was confronted by Paul for separating himself from Gentiles after pressure from a group of legalistic Jews. Needless to say, Peter did not have it all together all the time. However, the one thing that he had more than anything else was the Lord Jesus’ promises and restoration. The letter of 2 Peter addresses false teachers and the promise of the coming of the Lord Jesus. Near the end of the letter, Peter endorses the Apostle Paul’s writings. Jude was a quick letter for believers to contend for the faith against false teachers who had infiltrated the church. One thing to look for in Jude is a “triad” or group of 3. Jude uses those throughout the letter. 1 John is also written to address false teaching. Read through this week, contrasting genuine belief in Jesus and that lifestyle versus false teaching masquerading as from the Lord Jesus. That is the Big Picture.
Each week, as you take in the Bible, find some friends to talk it out. You can follow this simple guide to help. First, R.E.A.D. and P.R.A.Y. on your own. Then, meet with friends to share what you've learned.
R - Repeated words
E - Examine and mark
A - Ask what you learn about God
D - Do if there is anything to do
P - Praise
R - Repent
A - Ask
Week 50
Bible Reading Plan
Daily Prayer Plan
START IT.
We're reading the Bible together in 2025 to see how Love Shows Up from the Old Testament and into the New Testament. How do we understand so many stories and lessons through the entire Bible while trying to stick to the "sacred timeline"? The answer is the big picture. If we get the big picture, we get the story the Bible is trying to tell. From Sunday's message or The Big Picture Bible Reading Plan this week in the books of 2 Peter, Jude, and 1 John, what is impacting you the most? How has praying daily through the Psalms impacted you? Was there a word, phrase, Bible verse, or theme that impacted you?
R.E.A.D. - Repeated words. Examine & mark. Ask what I learn about God? Do.
STUDY IT.
Read 2 Peter 2:1-2 and Jude 1:4. Who are these people, and who are these people among? How did they get there, according to Jude 1:4?
Read 2 Peter 2:17 and Jude 1:12-13. What do these descriptions communicate about false teachers? (HINT 2 Peter 2:19)
Read 2 Peter 3:1-3. What is the purpose of 2 Peter? Read Jude 1:3. What is the purpose of the letter of Jude?
Read 2 Peter 3:2-7 and Jude 1:17-19. Who will be there in the end times, and what will they be doing and saying?
Read 2 Peter 3:14, 17-18 and Jude 1:20-23. What are the Do’s for the believer until the Lord Jesus comes back?
SHARE IT.
Read Ephesians 4:1-3. In the context of these verses, what does “making every effort” look like for you this week? Is there an area of your life that comes to mind?
Read 2 Peter 1:3-8. In the context of these verses, what does “making every effort” look like for you this week? Is there an area of your life that comes to mind?
Read 2 Peter 3:10-14. In the context of these verses, what does “making every effort” look like for you this week? Is there an area of your life that comes to mind?
Read 2 Peter 2:9. How might God’s ultimate rescue of the righteous and judgment of the wicked in the end comfort you this week?
Read John 21:15-19. Are there any regrets that you carry that you need to let go of in repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus’ ability to restore you?
FINAL THOUGHT
Every reference that includes a “make every effort” clause is preceded with a “therefore” make every effort. The “therefore” is the reason to then “make every effort.” This is not an encouragement to try harder so that you can be acceptable to others, yourself, and/or to God. The “therefore” is so important. Let's go through the references for today. First, 14 For this reason I kneel before the Father 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. 4:1 Therefore…3 making every effort…” Ephesians 3:14-4:3. Second, “His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 By these he has given us very great and precious promises, so that through them you may share in the divine nature, escaping the corruption that is in the world because of evil desire. 5 For this very reason, make every effort…” 2 Peter 1:3-5. Lastly, “But based on his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. Therefore, dear friends, while you wait for these things, make every effort…” 2 Peter 3:13-14. Notice they all are rooted in the Lord Jesus’ victory over sin, death, and the world, both now and ultimately at His return. Perhaps you have strayed into sin, or perhaps you have been tempted to look at your own efforts as a basis for your salvation. Turn from those things, and the same Lord Jesus who restored Peter will restore you.
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