How Do You Stay Spiritually Stable? | 2 Peter 3:17–18

Welcome to The Daily.

HEADS UP:

We are going to fly through 2 Peter 3 this week, and then Jude, which is a one-chapter letter in the same Journal. But our next study is Esther. I have titled this one, FOR SUCH A TIME: Courage When God Seems Silent. Grab the Esther Journal now. If you are a Project23 donor giving $35/month or more, do not purchase one; we have already sent this to you in the mail.

Our text today is 2 Peter 3:17-18:

You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. — 2 Peter 3:17-18

Peter closes his letter with both a warning and a command.

The warning is clear: Take care that you are not carried away by error.

Deception has movement. It slowly pulls people away from truth until they lose their spiritual stability. This rarely happens all at once. It begins when we stop paying attention, loosen our grip on Scripture, tolerate compromise, or follow voices that tell us what we want to hear.

That is why Peter tells us to stay alert.

But staying alert does not mean becoming obsessed with every false teacher, cultural lie, or theological error. Peter gives us a better defense:

“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

You stay spiritually stable by continuing to grow closer to Jesus.

Grace keeps you from trusting your own performance. Knowledge keeps you anchored in the truth about Christ. Together, they form a faith that is humble, discerning, and difficult to deceive.

After decades of studying and teaching Scripture, I am still not finished growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus. The more I learn, the more I recognize how much I still need him. Spiritual maturity is not reaching a point where we no longer need correction, reminders, or deeper dependence. It is becoming increasingly willing to receive them.

Peter’s final command also summarizes the entire letter.

In Chapter 1, he taught us to grow in truth by developing godly character and paying attention to God’s Word.

In Chapter 2, he taught us to guard the truth by recognizing false teachers, corrupt motives, and empty promises.

In Chapter 3, he taught us to get ready for the King by remembering Christ’s return, living holy lives, and handling Scripture carefully.

Grow in grace.

Guard the truth.

Get ready for the King.

Spiritual stability is not standing still. It is continuing to grow while the world attempts to carry you away.

So do not assume yesterday’s growth will sustain tomorrow’s faithfulness. Keep opening the Word. Keep confessing sin. Keep receiving grace. Keep learning Christ. Keep walking with believers who will tell you the truth.

DO THIS:

Choose one specific practice that will help you grow in Christ over the next thirty days: daily Scripture reading, prayer, confession, accountability, worship, or serving others. Write down when and how you will practice it, then tell one person who can encourage you to follow through.

ASK THIS:

1. What influence is most likely to carry you away from spiritual stability?
2. Where do you most need to grow in the grace or knowledge of Jesus?
3. What consistent practice will help you remain alert and anchored during the next thirty days?

PRAY THIS:

Jesus, keep me anchored in your truth and help me continually grow in your grace and knowledge so that my life brings glory to you. Amen

PLAY THIS:

All Glory Be to Christ