Moving from doom to prophecy, the third chapter of Second Peter targets scoffers that delight in mocking the Lord’s return.
In this chapter Peter mentions this is his second letter to his audience, the church scattered throughout Asia Minor.
The apostle returns to his exhortation referring to his readers as “dear friends” or “beloved”.
“1 Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking.” (2 Peter 3:1)
This verse seemingly refers to 1 Peter however, it is likely the apostle is writing about a first letter that is lost to us since 1 Peter was not targeted at the same readers.
Hopeful 2 Peter will be positively stimulating to his audience, the apostle invites us to continue to embrace wholesome thinking according to the word and the ways of the Lord.
Peter calls on his readers to rely on the words spoken by the holy prophets and that of the apostles of Jesus Christ. Brought on by the Holy Spirit, the words of the prophets are those of both old and new testament seers.
“2 I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.” (2 Peter 3:2)
On behalf of the Lord, the apostles, also speaking from the Holy Spirit that dwells within them give out commands found throughout the new testament. These commands are to be used as guidelines by all believers in Jesus Christ.
Peter then warns us about scoffing to come as the time of Jesus’ return draws near. Looking to justify their lustful lifestyle scoffers use the delay of Christ’ second coming as a motivation to continue their stroll down a debauched path that leads to hell.
“3 First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4 They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” (2 Peter 3:3-4)
Scoffers are people who may have once believed, without patience or non-believers seeking justification for their actions.
Skeptics that blaspheme against the word of God too often forget to acknowledge the magnitude of the earth’s creation and that of the flood that destroyed other scoffers.
“5 But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. 6 By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed.” (2 Peter 3:5-6)
Peter testifies that the word of God is at the root of all creation and the coming destruction of scoffers through the ultimate fire that is God’s judgment.
“7 By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.” (2 Peter 3:7)
The apostle reminds us that God does not abide by the same concept of time known by man. To us two thousand years since Christ’ promise seem an eternity however when compared to eternity, the past two millenniums cannot even measure up to a spec of sand along a beach that stretches forever.
“8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.” (2 Peter 3:8)
God’s timing, much like His divine plan is perfect. While scoffers gloat as they point out the fact God’s promise of His return has not yet come to pass, the same brood of vipers fail to recognize God’s patience is in deed a blessing to those not yet born again.
“9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)
God almighty is waiting until everyone has heard the good news, until each lost sheep has heard its shepherd cry out for it to be found. The delay in Christ’ second coming is based on the fact God does not want anyone to perish as cited by Peter.
As disciples of Jesus Christ we are called to spread the good news and share the gospel to all those who will listen throughout the earth. Be certain your works are in tune with your faith for the coming of the Lord is at hand as God carefully watches our every step with patient love and eternal power. Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Peter,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we ignore scoffers,
Allow us to recognize and stray from their blasphemous attempts at deception,
Fill our hearts Lord with your love, your kindness, with your wisdom,
Guide us to abide by your word as we endure through battles against evil
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
