Be Firm & Steadfast 2 Peter 3:14-18 Lesson 20 We have come to the end of Peter s epistles. He has instructed us on many topics including holiness, hope, Christian disciplines, suffering and submission. He has also exposed false teachers and faithfully warned us to beware of the times we live in. The essential thing he wants us to walk away with is summed up in one powerful word: GROW. Grow in grace and grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (v. 18). Peter s heart is for each and every believer to grow in such a way that they not only shine for Jesus in this dark world but that they would also stand firm and steadfast. First of all, what is grace? Grace is God s unmerited favor poured out upon His children. It cannot be earned or inherited and it is certainly not something we deserve. It is a free gift given to all God s children. There is nothing that can ever compare to this gift as it cost Jesus His very life. Our part is to freely receive it, live by it and freely give it to others. As we walk with the Lord, we will continue to grow in this amazing grace. Not only should we grow in grace, but we must grow in the knowledge of our Lord. When we feed on the Word, we grow and become very stable children of God and nothing can shake us from our firm foundation. This knowledge causes us to know and trust our Savior more. There is a sense of urgency in Peter s letters because of the presence of false teachers. He was well aware that ignorant Christians could be easily seduced and caused to fall into the fatal traps of these deceivers. That is why it is not enough to just grow in grace. We must also grow in knowledge. These two aspects working together make us well equipped and ready not only to face the challenges of this life but to grow through them. As we reach the end of this study, may each of us realize it is really only the beginning of our growing in Christ! May God help us to stay faithful in His Word and in the fellowship of His saints. 1
Open your Bible and begin with a word of prayer This Week s Scripture: 2 Peter 3:14-18 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; 15 and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, 16 as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures. 17 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; 18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. NKJV This Week s Memory Verse: 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. 2 Peter 3:17 1. To understand this last passage of 2 Peter, we must read the scripture from last week. Specifically, we need to review verses 10-13 of chapter 3. According to these verses, what is going to happen that we are to look forward to? a. In looking forward to these things, how are we to be found by Him (v. 14b)? b. Living up to this standard can be difficult for many to accomplish. How does 1 John 1:7 encourage us in this endeavor? c. What does this promise mean to you? 2
2. In verse 15 of this week s scripture, Peter speaks of the Apostle Paul and his letters to the people encouraging righteous living. What did Paul say about this subject in the following verses? It is appalling to think of a power so strong that it can annihilate with the irresistible force of its grinding heel; but it is inspiring to consider an Almightiness that transforms the works of evil into the hand-maidens of righteousness and converts the sinner into the saint. And it is this latter power which eternal Love possesses and exhibits. He persistently dwells in the sinner until the sinner wakes up in His likeness and is satisfied with it. Charles H. Brent (1862-1929) a. Colossians 3:5: b. Philippians 4:8-9: c. Ephesians 4:31-32: d. Romans 12:2: e. Which of the above passages encourages you the most to pursue this path of righteousness? 3
Holiness is the habit of being of one mind with God, according as we find His mind described in Scripture. It is the habit of agreeing in God's judgment, hating what He hates, loving what He loves, and measuring everything in this world by the standard of His Word. J.C. Ryle (1816-1900) 3. What warning does verse 17 of this week s scripture give? To be steadfast means to be resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering, loyal, faithful, committed, devoted, dedicated, and reliable. 4. What additional information do the following verses give us about being steadfast? a. 1 Corinthians 15:58: b. James 1:2-4: c. James 1:12: d. Hebrews 6:19: e. What or who do we need to be anchored to in order to hold fast? 5. Peter wraps up his two books with an encouragement in verse 18. What does he ask of us in this verse? a. What are a few of the most memorable lessons you have learned about growing in Christ through this year s Women s Bible Study? 4
Reflect and Respond What has touched your heart and encouraged your spiritual growth during this week s study? Result In what practical ways can you apply what you have learned this week? 5
Thoughts & Prayers 6