Let us turn out attention to the last section of study in II Peter.  We have presented 13 different studies from this great little epistle.  Peter has tried to put us in ‘remembrance’ of some things less we become ‘apostate’ in our faith. Let us be assured the one who has been born from above has no possibility of falling from grace.

Our text of Chapter 3, verses 15-18 says, “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; 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. 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 steadfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”  It is in this text that we have “The Final Words To The Beloved”.

In verses 15-16 we have ‘A Final Word About Scripture’.  In these verses Peter brings up the writings of Paul (Vs. 15) and the epistles of Paul (Vs. 16).  Peter speaks of the “…account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation;” in Paul’s writings.  The word ‘account’ is that which has a commanding authority.  Paul’s writings have authority not because they are the words of Paul but the words of God.  They are the inspired (God breathed) words of our Lord.  He speaks of our Lord being ‘longsuffering’ in His work of salvation.  The word means long-spirited and long-tempered.  Surely in the conversion of Paul himself he could write volumes about God’s longsuffering with him prior to his conversion.   I could certainly write volumes of what He put up with in my life prior to being born from above.

In these verses Peter gives some words to describe the writings of Paul.  I feel none of these are words of criticism but words coming from a heart of love for the truths Paul wrote.  Peter called Paul ‘our beloved brother’.  O what a name of deep endearment.  Peter said Paul’s writings were words of ‘wisdom’.  The word is ‘Sophia’ which is spiritual wisdom that comes only from above. (James 3:17)  Peter said that Paul’s writings were “…hard to be understood,” This phrase means to perceive or put together in the mind.  Peter said if one is uninstructed, unstable, or restless, he may have a temptation to twist the truths Paul gave us.  Peter said to be careful in twisting Paul’s writings as it could lead to our utter loss and perishing ruin.  Paul’s writings will need long periods of study and meditation for understanding.

In verse 17 Peter gives ‘A Final Word About Steadfastness’.  He warns those who “…know these things…”  He speaks here of the truths of scripture.  Peter is bringing down the blow of the hammer of Bible truth less we fall away.  If we don’t hold these truths close to our hearts we could fall away from our own steadfastness.  Peter uses the words “…your own…”  We will not fall away from the Lord’s position of steadfastness.  If you hold the Word of God loosely you will find your steadfastness was of your own fleshly doings.

O how the true believer in the Word is made both steadfast, sure, and unmovable always abounding in the work of the Lord.

In verse 18 Peter fives us ‘A Final Word About Sanctification’.  Peter encourages us to “…grow in grace,” The word, ‘grow’ means to increase or become greater as a plant with much fruit.  The growth comes from our contact with grace.  Grace is God giving us what we don’t deserve.  He is the God of all grace.  He tells us to grow in ‘knowledge’.  The word indicates a deep relationship between the person knowing and the object to be known.  After thinking of his own growth, Peter puts his pen down and breaks out in a doxology of praise when he says, “To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”  Remember this.  It would be impossible for one to fall away from the faith while giving our Lord and Saviour all the glory both now and forever!