RICHARD CORDER
The final words of the Apostle Peter in his second letter are both a warning and a call to spiritual growth. He wrote to followers of Christ who were scattered in different regions because of persecution. These believers faced hardship in new lands, surrounded by unfamiliar languages, customs, and non-believers. Peter reminded them that even in difficult places, God’s promises remain true, and His strength and grace are available to help them endure.
Peter’s final message in 2 Peter 3:17–18 urges Christians to be alert and steadfast. He warns, “Since you know this beforehand, beware lest you fall from your own steadfastness, being led away by the error of the wicked.” He then exhorts, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” These two commands, beware and grow, summarize what every believer must do to stay faithful in a world filled with false ideas and distractions.
A Warning Against Losing Focus
Peter’s warning was serious. Even sincere followers of Christ can be led astray if they are not careful about what they listen to, read, or believe. He had already spoken of false teachers and those who mock God’s word, denying the return of Christ. Such voices existed in Peter’s day and are still present now. They dismiss the Bible as myth and treat its truth with contempt.
When surrounded by doubt, Christians may begin to lose confidence in their faith. Peter understood that discouragement can weaken believers if they are not grounded in God’s word. That is why he called them to be alert and to hold tightly to what is true. When faith is not continually strengthened, the mind becomes open to error, and the heart can drift from its foundation.
Fellowship with other believers is important. Coming together in worship, prayer, and study helps Christians stay centred on the truth. Alone, it is easier to grow weary or confused. Together, believers are reminded of God’s promises and find strength in shared encouragement.
The Call to Grow in Grace
Peter’s second command, to grow in grace and knowledge of Christ, points to a lifelong process. Spiritual growth does not happen quickly or automatically. Just as physical strength requires discipline and practice, spiritual maturity requires daily attention to the word of God.
Reading Scripture each day nourishes the soul. It is not simply an exercise, but a meeting with God through His word. Reflecting on what is read, thinking deeply about its meaning, and applying it to daily life allows believers to grow closer to Christ. This growth comes through prayer, study, and obedience.
Peter reminded his readers that God has already given His people “everything that pertains to life and godliness” through the knowledge of Jesus Christ. His promises are described as “great and precious.” These promises sustain believers during hardship, guiding them toward holiness and trust in God.
The grace of God multiplies in the life of those who keep their hearts open to His truth. The peace that follows comes not from an absence of trouble, but from confidence in His presence and care.
Remaining Anchored in the Word
The Christian life is filled with challenges. Trials, doubt, and opposition are certain, but God’s word offers stability. Peter’s concern was that believers not become distracted by worldly philosophies or discouraged by the mockery of others. To stand firm, the believer must stay anchored in Scripture.
Beware of spiritual danger, and grow in grace. The two are connected. The Apostle Paul expressed a similar truth when he wrote that the church, united in love, “causes growth of the body for the building up of itself in love” (Ephesians 4:16). Each believer has a role in this growth, both personally and within the church community.
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 3:18
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