“And as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.”
(2 Peter 3:16)
Scripture is not a collection of ancient documents, nor is it a book to be approached just to satisfy one’s intellectual curiosity. It is the living Word of God, given for instruction, correction, encouragement, and sanctification of His people. Peter’s words in this passage remind believers both of the immense value of Scripture and of the danger of approaching it carelessly.
As disciples of Christ, we should give particular attention to those portions of Scripture that most directly promote godliness and practical obedience. God, in His wisdom, directed the apostles and prophets to write those truths that He wanted to convey to His people. Scripture certainly contains history, prophecy, doctrine, and many other subjects, but its principal purpose is to reveal God, direct us in holiness, and prepare us for faithful living.
And though the books of the Bible were originally addressed to particular people in specific circumstances, God intended them for the benefit of His church in every age. Every promise, warning, instruction, rebuke, and encouragement carries significance for believers today. This truth should encourage us to approach Scripture with reverence, attention, and gratitude, realizing that it is God speaking to us directly through His Word.
Peter acknowledges that some portions of Scripture are difficult to understand. But this fact should not discourage us from being diligent students of God’s Word, for He has revealed many glorious truths clearly. At the same time, He has chosen to leave certain matters more “hidden” for His people to pursue through careful study, prayer, and dependence on the Holy Spirit for understanding.
Peter also identifies a serious danger. Unlearned and unstable individuals will twist Scripture to support their own errors and ultimately bring destruction on themselves. Instead of submitting themselves to Scripture, they attempt to make Scripture submit to their own desires and opinions.
In fact, we all have a tendency to approach God’s Word with personal preferences, assumptions, and biases. So there is a constant temptation to seek support for conclusions already formed rather than humbly receiving what God has actually said. This approach remains one of our greatest obstacles to faithful interpretation.
In light of this, let us pray for teachable hearts that approach God’s Word not as masters but as servants. The goal is not to make the Bible conform to our personal opinions but to allow His Word to reshape our thoughts, desires, convictions, and conduct.
God did not give His Word to increase knowledge. He gave it to strengthen faith, deepen hope, enlarge love, and promote holiness. Every page ultimately serves this purpose.[1] So may we seek God’s grace to always be teachable, fruitful students of His Word.
Contemplations:
- My Tendency to Read Without Truly Listening. As I think about my own approach to Scripture, I see how often I read God’s Word with familiarity rather than reverence. There are times when I read quickly, eager to finish a passage rather than carefully consider its meaning. This realization encourages me to approach the Scriptures with renewed attentiveness and humility.
- My Need for a Teachable Spirit. I know that I bring assumptions, preferences, and opinions into my study of Scripture. Sometimes I am tempted to look for confirmation of what I already believe rather than allowing God’s Word to challenge and correct me. This passage reminds me that true spiritual growth requires a teachable heart. I must continually submit my thinking to God’s truth and remain willing to be corrected whenever Scripture exposes error in my understanding.
- My Struggle with Spiritual Stability. There are seasons when my faith feels strong and settled and other times when doubts, distractions, and worldly concerns weaken my focus. Reflecting on Peter’s warning about unstable people causes me to examine my own heart. I want to be firmly rooted in God’s truth rather than easily influenced by changing opinions or circumstances.
- My Gratitude for God’s Patient Instruction. When I consider how much the Lord has taught me through His Word over the years, I am humbled by His patience. There were truths I once misunderstood, lessons I resisted, and passages I overlooked. Yet God continued to teach me faithfully. He did not abandon me because of my slowness to learn. Instead, He patiently instructed me through His Spirit and Word. Remembering this fills me with gratitude and encourages me to continue seeking His wisdom.
Prayer (Confession)
Merciful Father, I come before You confessing my many failures in relation to Your holy Word. You have graciously given the Scriptures as a lamp to my feet and a light to my path, yet I have not always approached them with the reverence, diligence, and humility they deserve.
I confess that I have often read Your Word carelessly. There have been times when I have rushed through passages without carefully considering their meaning. At other times I have neglected the Scriptures altogether, allowing other concerns to occupy my attention while the treasures of Your truth remained unopened before me.
Lord, I confess the pride that still lingers within my heart. Too often I have been tempted to measure Your Word by my own understanding rather than measuring my understanding by Your Word. Forgive me for every occasion when I have resisted correction, ignored conviction, or sought support for my own opinions rather than humbly submitting to Your truth.
I confess that I have not always given proper attention to those portions of Scripture that most directly address my conduct, attitudes, and obedience. It is easier to study what interests my mind than to embrace truths that expose my sin. Forgive me for every attempt to avoid the searching power of Your Word.
Father, I confess that my thoughts are often distracted and my attention scattered. I need Your grace to establish me more firmly in the truth. Strengthen my faith, deepen my love for Scripture, and help me receive Your Word with meekness and sincerity.
Create within me a teachable spirit. Help me approach the Scriptures with humility, prayerfulness, and dependence upon the Holy Spirit.
Thank You for continuing to instruct me despite my weaknesses and failures. Continue Your work within me that I may increasingly conform to the image of Christ through the power of Your Word.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further Scripture References for 2 Peter 3:16:
Heb. 5:11; Jer. 23:26; Psalm 56:5; Isa. 28:13
[1] William Ames, An Analytical Exposition of Both the Epistles of the Apostle Peter Illustrated by Doctrines out of Every Text and Applied by Their Uses for a Further Progress in Holiness (London: E.G. for John Rothwell .., 1641), 251-254.
