“You therefore, beloved…take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your 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
It never ceases to amaze me how timeless God’s word is! The apostle Peter wrote the above words some 1,950 years ago, but they sound like he wrote them today.
Peter concludes his second letter with these words after stating that in the last days “scoffers” will come following their “own sinful desires” (v.3). That “the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed” (v.10). And then he says, “Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness…” (v.11).
In summary, Peter is saying that as we wait for Jesus to come (physically reappear) on the Last Day, we need to be careful so we do not get carried away with the ways of the world. So that we do not get lost in the things of this world. But more importantly, so that we do not lose our “stability.”
Peter’s point is this: we need to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” not to merely “know” the answers. Not to merely “win” an argument. But so that we don’t lose our “stability”. So that we don’t lose the stability found in Jesus’ blessings.
Stability such as – knowing who God is and that He is for us. Stability such as – knowing who we are as His baptized children. Stability such as – knowing the purpose of life. Stability such as – knowing where life is heading. Stability such as – knowing that we have life both now and forevermore in Jesus!
Toward the goal of “grow(ing) in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” I encourage you to consider and mark your calendars with the following in mind…
September 4 – Confirmation classes begin for students in grades 5-8. This is also open to non-members.
September 8 – A new year of Sunday School begins for ages 4 years – adult. (If you haven’t attended adult Bible study for a long time, I encourage you to check it out. Attendance does not require “knowing all the answers” but assumes you want to be encouraged in Jesus) 🙂
September 15 – Youth Group Kickoff (5th – 12th grade) at Smith Creek Recreation Area beginning at 5:30 pm. Youth families please watch for an email that will give you an opportunity to think about possible youth events beforehand.
Monthly High School Nights – Depending upon interest and participation, I am giving prayerful consideration to offering this again. (Feedback is welcome here).
Men’s Group Bible Study – A number of comments have been expressed recently about the possibility of starting this (which I am thankful for). Men, please watch for an info gathering sheet at church that will seek to determine the level of interest; and possible frequency, time and day of gathering along with type of study.
Looking forward to growing in the grace and knowledge (and stability) of our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ with you.
Pastor Tuma