Closing his letter, II Peter 3:17-18

Peter has certainly packed a lot into his two letters, hasn't he? We've camped here in I Peter and II Peter for a while, and personally, I've learned a lot! I've been reminded of a lot that I already knew, as well, and as Peter told his readers, it's good to be reminded!

He's finishing up his letter, and we have these last two verses to focus on:

Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. (II Peter 3:17-18)

It's a great finish, isn't it?
Upbeat.
Positive.
As believers, all of us should aim at finishing well. Perseverance is a huge theme in the New Testament. Remember Jesus' parable of the sower? One of the lessons we learn there is that it's easy to BEGIN well. Let's check the passage in Luke 8, and refresh our memories....
We'll wait for you here while you look it up.
(Humming)
Oh! You're back?
The seed on the rocky ground sprang up quickly, didn't it? And the seed on the thorny ground seemed like it was doing well for a time. But here's the thing: neither one of them persevered. Neither one brought forth fruit. Only the seed on the good soil bore fruit with perseverance.
Jesus was talking about our lives in the midst of persecution, false prophets, and lawless behavior (sounds like our world today, no?) when He said:

But he who endures to the end shall be saved. (Matthew 24:13, NKJV)

Being steadfast.
Persevering.
I don't guess there are many in Christian history who can match the accomplishments of the apostle Paul. But when he neared the end of his earthly life, he didn't talk about his many accomplishments. Instead, he talked about perseverance.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (II Timothy 4:7, NKJV)

In Paul's letters, he often emphasizes the need for us to be steadfast, especially when we encounter trials.

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. (I Corinthians 15:58)

 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. (Galatians 6:9, NKJV)

The writer of Hebrews tells us to "run with endurance the race that is set before us" (Hebrews 12:1), and John promises in Revelation that overcomers will receive a crown of victory.

So, as Peter finishes his letter, he's concerned about the false teachers that were plaguing the early church, and he is exhorting his readers to persevere.
Aah, that is sometimes easier said than done.
Does he give us any instructions on just HOW to do this?
You didn't think he'd leave us without some clues, did you?
He gives us three important concepts that will help us to remain steadfast in the faith.
We see that he tells us to guard ourselves from spiritual error -- that will help us to grow in our relationship with Christ; and then we can glorify Him with our lives.
Hmmmm, wonder if Peter was one of the first Baptist preachers? They often use the "three-concepts-that-begin-with-the-same-letter" outlines for their sermons! (Grin)
Check out those verses! Those words are there!
And we will study them this week!
Hope you will study along with us.....