The Apostle Peter—one of Jesus’ closest friends and first disciples—knows his time is short. He is living in Rome, and Peter knows that the authorities have it out for him. With his days numbered, Peter decides to send out one, final letter to the churches he’s been leading. And, in the words of the Emergency Broadcasting System? “This letter is not a test.” Peter is writing about matters of spiritual and physical life and death—matters of eternal importance. The message of 2 Peter is one of urgency and vigilance for followers of Jesus. And when we study this letter we see that Peter’s final warning is not just applicable to the churches of Asia Minor 2,000 years ago…it’s a well-timed warning to us today.

When the stakes are high? The preparation must meet the moment. Peter goes to great lengths to let his audience know: “This is not a test. The stakes in life couldn’t be higher.” That means that followers of Jesus must be making every effort to invest in faith—to build on their walk with Jesus. Without that solid footing? Chances are we could fall for anything.

Scriptures

2 Peter 1:1-11