‘If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning.’ 2 Peter 2:20 (NIV).
Peter is referring to those who have returned to their sinful ways after learning about Christ. They may have been influenced by Christians who have shared Christ with them, but have chosen to reject the truth and return to their sinful lifestyle that keeps them separated from God. Just as ‘a dog returns to its vomit, or ‘a sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud’ (verse 22), so too does this person return to what keeps them relishing in a life that is counter intuitive to the gospel.
This person is worse off than before, because he or she has rejected the only way out of sin, the only way of salvation. Like a person sinking in quicksand who refuses to grab the rope thrown to them, the one who turns away from Christ casts aside the only means of escape.
Jesus also spoke about the difficulty of reforming or changing our ways in the gospel of Luke. He said that ‘When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, “I will return to the house I left.” When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first.’ Luke 11:24-26.
It is not enough to hear about Jesus and give up a few bad habits. We must be filled with the power and life changing force of the Holy Spirit to accomplish God’s purpose for our lives and live as changed people. It takes more than an awareness of Jesus and His teachings. Without the authentic change that comes from God’s Spirit in us, we will soon return to our sin. And our state will be worse off at the end than it was at the beginning.
Prayer:
‘Dear God, I am not living in the fullness of the life you intend. Forgive me for the habits I hold onto that keep me from you. Holy Spirit be free to do your cleansing work in my life.’
In Jesus’ Mighty Name,
AMEN!
Final Thoughts:
Where do these Scriptures find us today? Are we still living with sinful habits and behaviors that keep us separated from living for God? Perhaps we need more than a knowledge of Jesus; what we really are in need of is His Spirit transforming us from the inside out.
Be Greatly Blessed!
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