Peter wrote to remind them of ” these things” — things they already knew, things upon which they already stood firm (2Pet. 1:12). Things which Peter very much wanted them to be able to recall at any time (1:15). Things essential for grace and peace to be multiplied (1:2). Things needful for usefulness and fruitfulness (1:8). Things, though spoken by men were not of men — things from God by the Holy Spirit (1:20-21).

But things which could be twisted by false teachers (2:1). Things which could be derided by scoffers (3:3). Things which could be distorted, sowing doubt as to whether or not the power of God was sufficient to fulfill the promises of God (3:4). Things which, unless error were guarded against, could be undermined, thus undermining their foundation (3:17).

And so, Peter concludes his second letter with one final exhortation. A final command to obey to ensure they would always stand fast in “these things.”

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.

(2Peter 3:18 CSB)

But grow. How’s that for a command to obey? Chew on that for a bit.

Short and sweet and simple.

But a gimme? Nope. It’s gonna take “every effort” (1:5, 1:10, 3:14). But worth the effort? I’m thinkin’ . . .

Continually moving forward is effective preventative maintenance for falling back. Persistent progress in seeking what is true, a great countermeasure against being fooled by what is false. Increasing, a sure way to avoid eroding. Adding, helpful when you want to stay away from atrophying. So, says Peter, “Grow!”

Grow in “these things.” Grow in the knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord (1:2). Grow in supplementing your faith (1:5-7). Grow in making your “calling and election” sure (1:10). Grow in your familiarity of the prophetic word (1:19). Grow in your understanding of the apostolic word (3:2). Grow in the hard-to-understand stuff of Paul’s word (3:15-16).

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

Whatever you do, grow!

Like I said, simple. But the laziness of the flesh and the lies of the enemy would redirect our “every effort” into a million other things instead of advancing in “these things.”

So be on your guard (3:17) . . . and grow!

Grow in the grace of Jesus. Grow in the knowledge of Jesus. Grow for the glory of Jesus.

Amen?