2 Peter 3:17 17You therefore, beloved, since you know beforehand, be on guard so that you are not carried away with the deceit of lawless people and lose your own safe position.
As Peter prepares to close this letter, he gives his final exhortation: be on your guard (phylassesthe) like a good soldier. His letter has served as a warning to the readers about deceitful heretics who have lost their way. The image shows someone sneaking in to capture the readers who were unaware of the danger. Because of this letter, the readers should be aware of what to watch for. Knowing the truth would prepare them to recognize falsehood. The problem with the false teachers and prophets was more than their teaching, but also included their lifestyle. Their wrong doctrine led to wrong behavior. To the contrary, if the readers had the right doctrine, they would have a solid foundation for their ethics. The readers needed to choose the way of godliness and holiness. The world is full of corruption and deceit. We must be ever vigilant about our choices and what we allow to influence us. We must conform our worldview to God’s plan in Christ through knowing Christ.
The real danger for the readers is that they could end up following the heretics and lose their safe position (stērigmou). This term has another possible military nuance that fits this verse. It describes a person who stands strong and firm because he or she is established on God’s laws. God is the source of this strength and can establish and keep believers strong against Satan’s deception (Romans 16:25; 1 Thessalonians 3:2; 2 Thessalonians 3:3; 1 Peter 5:10; Revelation 3:2). The danger of following false teaching, speculation, or empty but convincing arguments is to fall from this security. We must be vigilant lest we fall from our relationship with and faith in Jesus. Faith can grow rock solid and secure, but it can also be weakened over time when we are not vigilant in our discipleship.