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; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. — 2 Peter 3:17-18, NKJV
Men, Peter had started chapter 3 in vs1 stating the importance of reminding the people of the prophets’ words and the commandments in a world of false teachers. Peter ends telling his readers to beware, that they do not fall from their steadfastness. He tells them to be on guard that they do not get led astray by these false teachers and deceivers. He goes on to say, don’t lose your grasp on the truth but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Again, from Ch. 1, as we grow in grace and virtue, we are to add knowledge, self-control, perseverance, Godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. With these qualities we can stand together against the schemes of the enemy and of false teachers as we wait on our patient and loving Lord’s return.
It’s easy in our time to get led astray. We have our many distractions. Some good and others which aren’t bad on their own. We have false teachers everywhere. Truth is considered relative, facts are tools of manipulation. We are a confused and divided people and it’s getting worse. Peter would also tell us to remain steadfast. To grow in knowledge and so on. Take care to understand what you say you believe. Don’t be swept away by the changing winds of culture. Be rooted in the rock of His Word instead of sand. Take care what you worship. If your day revolves around sports scores and touchdowns, you may have a false worship problem. If your job takes top priority for you daily focus, you may need a reorientation into The Lord. Whose are you?
Move forward men, identifying the tools the enemy uses to distract us from His will for our lives. If youth travel ball is taking away family time in the Word, rethink it. If your job won’t allow time to be husband, Dad, priest of your home, down size. The Lord is our God and nothing else. Beware of false teachers and false worship. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.
Vance Durrance
