Peter's final words to persecuted believers emphasize counting God's patience as salvation, recognizing that His timing allows for more people to be saved and for believers to grow. Scripture requires careful study and meditation, not casual reading, as it contains life-transforming truths. We must guard against false teaching by becoming deeply familiar with God's Word. Growing in grace means understanding we are completely undeserving recipients of God's love, while growing in knowledge happens through personal engagement with Scripture. God's sovereignty gives us hope because He is never surprised by our circumstances and is already working them for our good.