"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT BEING CAREFUL AND ABOUT GROWING"
2nd Peter 3:17 “You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked;”
2nd Peter 3:18 “but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
Some background, application, questions and a prayer:
Peter was affirming the fact that there would be people in the last days who deny the truth of God being a God who brings judgement on the wicked. And, that this same God who once flooded the entire world will one day destroy by fire this present earth and it's heavens.
Watch out for these who deny the truth is the idea. But, Peter was also encouraging his readers to press on in their walk with the Lord and live the kind of lives they ought to live in light of what they knew was coming.
1. Be careful to not fall from your own steadfastness.
2nd Peter 3:17 “You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked;”
Peter was warning his readers.
We benefit from heeding warnings.
Warnings heeded can keep us safe.
Warnings not heeded can lead us into error.
There is error all around.
What is it?
People who deny the truth of the Bible.
Watch out for the influence these people can have on you is the idea here.
If you’re not careful you can be carried away by their lies.
If you’re not careful you can lose your own secure footing.
Pay attention and stay stable and strong is the message here.
2. Be growing in the grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
2nd Peter 3:18 “but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.”
Rather than being led away, move toward Christ and grow.
We can grow, that is God's plan for each of His children.
Peter is encouraging his readers to grow.
We can grow in two different areas.
We can grow in the grace of God.
We can grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
What a contrast of potentials.
Led away by error from your own steadfastness.
Or growing stronger in Jesus Christ.
Some Questions:
1. Do you have people in your life who deny the truth of the Bible?
2. Do these people hound you, or mock you, or try to dissuade you from your faith?
3. If so, then watch out. Take Peter's exhortation to heart.
4. Can you grow in Christ?
5. Of course you can, so can all of us if we choose to.
A Prayer:
Father, if there was ever a man who knew failure it was Peter. And out of his failure he became strong and useful to You. He knew what he was talking about. Thank You for encouraging us to be careful of those who deny you. You love them and so should we. But, we need to be careful of their influence. Thank You also that You want us to grow in Christ. We want that Lord, and please help us to be growing.
Thank You for Your grace and mercy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
