20For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. 21For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. 22What the true proverb says has happened to them: "The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire."
- What comes to mind from the phrase "the way of righteousness"?
- How is righteousness related to commandments and to knowledge of Christ?
- What has happened to the people this passage is about?
- Why would anyone want to return to their spiritual dirt?
- How is this a warning to you?
What delightful images! I have dogs and my parents used to raise pigs; so the picture is very clear to me. When it would be my job to feed the pigs, I was very careful to walk on the path to the feeding trough. If I strayed from the way to the trough, I would be in ... well, I would not like where I would be. When I truly came to know what Jesus had done for me, I committed to following Him along the way of righteousness. I have slipped into the mud more times than I like to think of, but I have gotten back on the path through the help of God and my brothers and sisters in Christ. Satan continues to lie to me that the mud is cool on hot summer days and that I would be better there. I've seen a pig pen. I've fallen in a pig pen. I know that the way of righteousness is best.
No comments:
Post a Comment