2 Peter: Faith In A Skeptical World Sample

An important part of protecting the believers is informing them of the dangers that exist. As we noted in an earlier study, to be forewarned is to be forearmed. Peter can safely assume now, at the end of his letter, that the believers ‘already know’ (v. 17) the dangers posed by mockers and twisters of God’s word. He tells them accordingly to ‘be on your guard’ (v. 17) to avoid two tragedies: being ‘carried away by the error of lawless men’, and falling from their secure position of confidence in Christ (v. 17). 

How are they to be on their guard? How are they to become further established in the truth (1:12)? Peter tells them to grow in two key areas – ‘in the grace and knowledge of ... Jesus Christ’ (v. 18). 

Perhaps you have not given much thought to that lovely phrase, ‘grow in the grace’ of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Grow in the grace of Jesus! The grace of Christ can be the air that you breathe, the soil for your nourishment, the song that you sing, the thought that you rise with in the morning, and your last thought in the evening. May it shape the way you approach God, your spouse, children, grandchildren, as well as the tired, depraved, lonely world around you. May the grace of the One who rules (as Lord, v. 18) and rescues (as Saviour, v. 18) motivate you, sustain you, and shape you in your service of Him. Legalism is deadening, as is ministry which relies on mere duty to inspire, manipulate and enforce action. But if we grow in the grace of Jesus Christ we cannot help but be enlivened before God and others (as in 1:5–11)

The second trait of a Christian, already highlighted throughout 2 Peter, is knowledge. We are to grow in the grace, and the knowledge, of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. How might we do this? We will surely grow to appreciate Christ more deeply as we study both Testaments; as we devote time to sharing our heart with Him in prayer; as we learn of Jesus through the witness and ministry of other believers; as we read Christian biographies to see Jesus’ work in the lives of brethren who have gone before us; as we sing songs that attribute the honour and glory that is truly His. 

What a privilege it is to be given these commands, and what a privilege it is to pursue them. Some pursue wealth, prestige, a name for themselves, a higher place on some ladder or other, but Christians are freed up from such vain pursuits to pursue Christ Himself. We thrive as we ‘grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ’ (v. 18). 

Reflection

As we conclude this study of 2 Peter, may we always share Peter's desire that all glory be given to the One who is worthy of it – 'To him be glory both now and for ever! Amen' (v.18).