The danger with these Christians wasn’t lack of knowledge.
It was that trials were coming, and they might not endure those trials if they did not grow in the grace of God.
KNOWLEDGE
V. 1- 1Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle …I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder
V. 2– 2that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of £us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior,
V. 3- 3knowing this first:
V. 5- 5For this they willfully forget:
To willfully forget something, you need to have first known it
V. 8- 8But, beloved, do not forget this one thing,
ACTIONS & ATTITUDES
V. 11- 11Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,
V. 12- 12looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God,
V. 13 13Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which
righteousness dwells.
V. 14- 14Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace,
without spot and blameless;
V. 15- 15and consider
SUMMARY: since you know these things are true, you ought to act and think appropriately
WARNING
V. 17- 17You 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;
HOW TO SAFEGUARD
V. 18- 18but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
These Christians were being reminded to grow in the grace of God so that they would not fall into sin regarding things they already understood.
The danger for them wasn’t that they would fall into sin regarding something they didn’t know about.
The danger was that they would be influenced away from God, even though they knew the error of the reasoning that people were using against them.
They were not in danger because of ignorance of information.
They were in danger because it is a battle.
The scoffers were going to come, and be persuasive and energetic and accusing and mocking.
They needed God’s grace to stand up against that kind of assault.
What are the areas of life where we need the grace of God?
Things we know the truth about, and yet still might fall into sin regarding those truths?
Physical illness, accidents, etc.
1. 2 Cor. 12:9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”
What are the temptations and struggles when we are sick or injured?
Bitterness, anger, resentment, blaming others, thinking God doesn’t love you, mad at God.
You can try to deal with sickness and injury in your own strength, or in God’s grace.
We need God’s grace for illness and accidents that might happen.
2. Christian service
1 Cor. 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
3. Grace builds us up in the faith, and keeps us moving forward towards heaven
Acts 20:32 “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
4. God’s grace for using spiritual gifts
Romans 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them:
5. God’s grace for speaking the truth in love
1 Cor. 15:15 15Nevertheless, brethren, I have written more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, because of the grace given to me by God…
6. God’s grace to not be materialistic, but to be generous & moved by other people’s needs
2 Cor. 8:1-3 Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: 2that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. 3For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing,
7. God’s grace produces worship in us
Col. 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
8. 2 Cor. 6:1 We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain.
9. 2 Timothy 2:1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
How do we grow in God’s grace?
1 Peter 2:1-3
1Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, 2as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow £thereby, 3if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.