A Letter Written at the End
I appreciate your continued presence as our time together nears its end. Today, we read 2 Peter.
Scholars believe Peter is still in Rome, likely imprisoned and facing execution. Jesus had told him this would be his fate (John 21:18–19). Peter could have tried to hide, to go underground, to change his name, or to deny Jesus again. He had done so once before, in the courtyard of the high priest. But he would not do it again.
Instead, compelled by the Holy Spirit, Peter writes to remind believers in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) of the reasons for their faith and the urgency of remaining grounded in it (2 Peter 3:1). (1)
Why God Repeats Himself
As we near the end of the Bible, it is natural to ask: What comes next? It’s easy for me – I’ll read it again using the NASB translation. Will the message change? No, I trust in God to bring me new understandings.
Peter emphasizes the importance of repetition. He says he intends to remind his readers of truths they already know (2 Peter 1:12–15). This is one reason God repeats Himself throughout Scripture. We’re going to get busy. Distraction is something we experience. It is easy to forget.
The history of Israel shows us that even when God’s people know the truth, they still wander from it.
Habits That Strengthen or Weaken
The key to faithfulness is consistency — developing habits of praise and attentiveness to God’s voice. God speaks to us through His Word when we focus our hearts on Him. I know how quickly I lose that sensitivity when I abandon my daily routine.
It’s a lot like working out at the gym. When I stop going for a while, it becomes harder to start again. Not because I fear sore muscles — I enjoy that soreness. It reminds me that I still have strength. That discomfort motivates me to keep going.
But once that discipline is gone, I replace it with habits that weaken me. I grow lethargic and complacent. Only when I notice the consequences — like my clothes no longer fitting — do I realize how far I’ve drifted.
Sin Works the Same Way
Sin follows the same pattern. When we stop practicing the disciplines that glorify God, we return to lifestyles we already know are unhealthy. A few drinks with friends. A harmless flirtation at work. Before long, one small compromise multiplies.
Peter describes this vividly, comparing it to a dog returning to its vomit, or a washed pig returning to the mud (2 Peter 2:22). We may believe we are exercising freedom, but unchecked freedom becomes slavery. “People are slaves to whatever has mastered them” (2 Peter 2:19).
A Roadmap for Growth
We avoid the downward slide by maintaining the habits that led us away from it. Peter lays out a clear path for spiritual growth.
“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.”
— 2 Peter 1:5–7 (NIV)
This growth is intentional. It requires effort.
Putting Faith into Practice
This is what that looks like in my life: After attending church, I read my Bible daily. Then, I keep a journal so I can reflect on what I’m learning. When I revisit those notes, I share what God is teaching me with friends and colleagues.
All of this leads back to a deeper love for Christ.
Although it was Jesus who gave me the faith, I have (2 Peter 1:1) these disciplines are how I build spiritual strength and continue to grow.
Going Further
How will you continue to deepen your walk with Christ? You have begun well — but I encourage you to go further.
When you see a mountain from a distance, it is beautiful. When you reach its base, it becomes an obstacle. Climbing it isn’t easy. But once you reach the summit, you experience a view you never knew existed.
I pray you will continue to pursue Christ with an ever-increasing hunger to know Him more.
Tomorrow, we will read 1 John 1-3.
Footnotes
- BibleProject, “2 Peter Overview,” video and study guide, https://bibleproject.com/guides/book-of-2-peter/.