Previously in our study of Second Peter we learned that God’s timeline is perfect, that to Him a day is as a thousand years. We read about scoffers and know to expect them to appear along our spiritual walk toward God’s kingdom. We can also rely on the word of God as ultimate truth as we await the second coming according to God’s everlasting patience.
As we conclude Second Peter we are now presented with a prophecy, that of the day of the Lord.
“10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.” (2 Peter 3:10)
Described with great detail, the end times will feature destruction beyond imagination. Also known as “The Lord’s Coming” this catastrophic event is at the root of the creation of a new earth and new heavens.
Calling on believers to live holy and godly lives, Peter invites his readers to speed the day of the Lord through faith and spreading the gospel.
“11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.” (2 Peter 3:11-12)
Using His divine limitless power, through fire, God will recreate the earth and heavens giving way to a new, righteous earth where God’s children live in perfect harmony for all eternity.
“13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.” (2 Peter 3:13)
Peter then invites his audience to make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with God. It is important to note the emphasis in this verse is not to achieve perfection, which is impossible since we are sinful beings, but to strive for perfection with great passion for the word of God and for the great sacrifice made by His son Jesus Christ as He shed His blood on the cross.
“14 So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.” (2 Peter 3:14)
Reminding us that God is indeed patient, Peter refers to the inspirational value of Paul’s writings praising him for his works in spite of the difficulty in reading Paul’s interpretation of the end times.
“15 Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. 16 He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.” (2 Peter 3:15-16)
In the following verse Peter calls on believers to be on guard as we await the day of the Lord. The apostle also warns that those who know Christ should not let themselves be carried away by the ways of the wicked.
“17 Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position.” (2 Peter 3:17)
Peter clearly warns his readers that their secure position is ultimately at risk. So is our position as believers, as disciples of Jesus Christ. To know Him is the beginning of a new life, to ignore His word brings forth grave consequences.
Apostasy is a reality taught by Peter and the other apostles, one that is at odds with discipleship. To avoid the fall from our secure position we are called to grow in Christ, to grow in reverent love according to the word of God.
“18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18)
Praise our Lord indeed! Go out and preach His divine perfect word to all those who will listen. Through faith believers are saved, through works we are sanctified in His holy name.
According to scripture found in this epistle, we are to strive toward a blameless, spotless life in the likeness of Jesus Christ. We are to rely on God’s patience, on His divine plan. We are to expect scoffers and the Lord’s return. Finally we are to stand guard and protect our secure position through spiritual growth as we are sanctified through works in the name of the Lord. 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 endure through trials,
Allow us to recognize and stray from 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 spread your gospel to one and all
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
