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, but encourage us to embark on a deeper study of God’s Word.
Peter says that some of his writings were hard to understand. This is both humbling and instructive. It reminds us that Scripture calls for meditation, prayer, and a teachable spirit. This reminds us that the Bible is more than human words. It is a God-breathed book!
We must not regard the Word of God casually, but it is to be handled with care. The misunderstanding of Scripture is more than an intellectual issue. It can become a spiritual hazard if not corrected. The word “wrest” means “to twist or distort, or force them to express what they were never intended to say.” This often happens when individuals approach the Bible with preconceived ideas. If a preacher or teacher allows pride to dominate them while standing before a congregation, then they may get off course in their message. We must be careful not to allow selfish desires to cause the mishandling of God’s Word.
This is such a serious matter because of the way it affects the listener. It can bring destruction into their life. It is one thing if someone rejects the truth and destroys their life with rebellion. It is another thing if their life is destroyed because they are unlearned and unstable. It is a sad commentary when people ruin their lives because they were never taught the right way or perhaps they were taught the wrong way. Dear reader, if you attend a good Bible-preaching church where the pastor and Sunday School teachers rightly divide the Word, then you should thank God every day. You should always pay attention in church, take notes, and say amen to what you have been taught. You are greatly blessed to have been grounded and discipled in the Word. Paul gave clear instructions in his epistles to the churches. He taught them and challenged them to go forward in their walk with God. This is why we need the church in our lives. There is always more to learn about the Bible. None of us will ever know everything there is to know about God’s Word. We need to dig deeply into the Scriptures daily to promote spiritual growth.