9/14/24

2 Peter 3:16 NASB1995 as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.

Peter in this verse speaks of Paul's writings and give us several lessons.

1st. He lets us know that Paul's writings are Scripture. At the end of this verse he says, "as they do also the rest of the Scriptures. He is pointing out to his readers that they need to accept Paul's writings for what they are, (Scripture). Scripture means the Holy word of God.

2nd. Peter reveals that some things are hard to understand in Scripture. Specifically Paul's writings.

3rd. He gives a warning. The untaught, are those who have not sought to understand. Plus the unstable, these are those who fluctuate their description of scripture with the desires of their life. Peter says, they will distort scripture even to their own destruction.

This means if you follow them you will be following them to your destruction also.

As we look back to see what things they are speaking of it is the end times. He says that mockers will come following after their own lust.

So to know if the leaders are distorting scripture one way we can tell is if it is for their own desires. Does it benefit them? Do they hold themselves accountable for their sin? Are the scriptures always for their benefit?

Another way we can know Peter tells us in the next two verses. 2 Peter 3:17-18 NASB1995 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness, 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.

Seek knowledge (understanding) from Jesus Christ. However, to do this He needs to be your Lord and Savior.

Peter says do this quickly so you can have this knowledge before hand. Don't wait until you are carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness.

I am afraid this has already happened for many. However you can always turn back to God. Go to Jesus for answers instead of social media, the Internet, YouTube, and books written by people you don't know. This is why the local church is so important in God's design. In the local church you can know the undershepherd and see if his life is about God and people coming to Him or about the "undershepherd" building up himself. Peter teaches a great lesson through the power of God in Scripture.

Love Bro. Scott