Charles Spurgeon Commentary 2 Peter 3:17-18

"Ye therefore, beloved, knowing [these things] beforehand, beware lest, being carried away with the error of the wicked, ye fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him [be] the glory both now and for ever. Amen." — 2 Peter 3:17-18 (ASV)

You therefore, beloved, since you know these things beforehand, beware lest you also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. But grow in grace—

The only way to prevent falling is to grow; the tree that grows will not fall over.

You therefore, beloved, seeing you know these things before, beware lest you also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

I should like to point out to young Christians, and to all Christian people, how Peter finishes this Epistle, first with a warning and then with counsel. He says, "Beware lest you be led away," and then he adds a "but"—"but grow in grace." If you go into a plantation at a certain time of the year, you may see a great number of trees that have no leaves on them; how are you to know which are alive, and which are not?

Well, you would soon know if you could look at their roots. If a tree has been growing, if its roots have taken hold of the soil, you may pull it, but you will not stir it. There it stands; and, in like manner, growth in grace brings fixity in grace. You who have faith, pray God that you may have growing faith. A living faith is a growing faith, and a growing faith is a living faith. Pray, therefore, that you may "grow in grace."