A Good Reference
Introduction:
I’m Pete. God loves you!
The topic today: A good reference. A good name.
What kinds of things might we learn from God in His Word, the Bible?
The Resume:
If you’ve ever had to apply for a job or apartment, you likely had to list some references. Some might even have had to list professional references, not just friends. Maybe former supervisors or coworkers or landlords. Did you know the Bible contains professional references? For instance, Paul gets a good reference from Peter. Observe this:
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. You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. 2 Peter 3:14-18 (ESV)
Jesus plainly told Peter to “feed my sheep.” (John 21:17) And Peter plainly recommends Paul and Paul’s letters (in the Epistles). Notice too, Peter mentions those who “twist” Paul’s letters in the Epistles. Do you think that hasn’t stopped? Just look at Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. At Ephesians 5:21 Paul begins with the overview subject, the outline heading if you will, which is subjecting ourselves to one another. In the very next verse he begins to expound on how that is to be done. But many take verse 21 out of context so that they don’t have to deal with the “how”. They don’t like it. There they “twist” Paul’s writing. This has, perhaps, become the norm. But Paul gets a good reference from Peter. Through inspiration of the Holy Spirit of God, Paul pens much of the Godly teaching we are given by God regarding family government, for instance. But also Paul writes on life conduct in general. Let’s accept Peter’s good reference on Paul.
A Good Name:
God has something to say about a good name in His Word. Let’s take a quick look at some of it:
A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,
and favor is better than silver or gold. Proverbs 22:1 (ESV)
His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ Matthew 25:21 (ESV) (Our “Master” being The LORD God.)
And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. Luke 12:42-44 (ESV)
When Slandered:
having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 1 Peter 3:16 (ESV)
“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Matthew 5:11 (ESV)
For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 1 Peter 2:19 (ESV)
Your Name Gift:
To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.’ Revelation 2:17 (ESV)