March 31
Deliverance From Temptation
The Christian's Daily Treasury"The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation."—2 Peter 2:9.
PETER had his trials and afflictions; he had much to endure from the united hostility of spiritual enemies against the empire of grace in his heart: he was, therefore, well able to speak on this subject. In this passage we are led to view Christians in three ways:—
THEIR PECULIAR CHARACTER. "The godly." They are so called,
Because they are born of God. They are the subjects of a new creation; they have new principles, new desires, and new affections implanted in them; and the saving change they have experienced has been effected by God.
Because they are made like God. When this new birth takes place, they are made partakers of the Divine nature, and conformed to the Divine image. They resemble God, not only as a picture does the original, in the external lineaments, but as a child does the father; being of the same nature, and, as it were, one body with him.
Because they live to God. This naturally follows, for to this end were they born again. Where the image of Christ is impressed on the soul, the example of Christ will be copied in the life.
THEIR VARIED TRIALS. The apostle here alludes to the temptations of the godly; and from how many sources do they spring! Our treacherous hearts deceive us; Satan suggests a thousand things to perplex the mind; there are outward objects; these often flatter and fascinate; there are strong temptations to lose sight of the high distinctions and obligations of the Christian character, and imbibe a worldly spirit. By all these God is trying his people.
THEIR DIVINE SUPPORTS. "The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations." Can he know their trials without relieving them? Their final deliverance may be argued from his knowledge, his word of promise, his love, his purposes, his honor, and his grace. All this is very consolatory to the Christian; but how terrific is the latter clause of the verse:—"The Lord knoweth how to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished." The one is like the serene and azure sky that bespeaks fair weather; the other resembles the thunder-cloud that precedes the desolating storm.