2 Peter 3:17 KJV [17] “Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.”      Peter is closing this epistle by encouraging the brethren to remain steadfast. The message was much needed then, and it is still important today. We are seeing many people fall by the wayside in these last days. Many have changed course and left the old-time way. Some people make fun of phrases like “the old-fashioned way” or “old-time religion.” They find reasons to distance themselves from it …

2 Peter 3:16 KJV [16] “as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.”      Paul’s writings flooded the world with light. His epistles are rich with doctrine, instruction, correction, and encouragement. They unfold the mysteries of grace, justification, sanctification, and the church. Yet Peter reminds us that these truths are not always easily grasped. Some passages stretch the mind and require spiritual discernment. This should not discourage us, …

2 Peter 3:15 KJV [15] “And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;”      George Muller began to pray for a group of five acquaintances. After five years, one of them came to Christ. In ten years, two more of them were saved. He prayed for twenty-five years, and the fourth man was converted. For the fifth, he prayed until his death, and this friend came to Christ a few months afterward. For this latter friend, Muller had prayed almost …

2 Peter 3:14 KJV [14] “Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.”      Peter is now bringing the believer’s thoughts back down to earth. He uses the word “wherefore,” connecting it directly to the hope described in the previous passage. Hope in the Scriptures is never passive. It always carries with it the idea of strong assurance. We have a hope that is steadfast and sure. We are looking for the blessed hope of our Lord’s return.       These saints were facing difficult …