BE ENCOURAGED
2 Peter 3:8–18
In our cultural experience, we have many issues about which we need encouragement, such as the economy or personal family issues. But for the most part in America, we do not experience persecution as Peter’s readers did. Peter encouraged persecuted believers with a message of hope in the context of ridicule by scoffers.
Christ’s Certain Return (8–10)
The scoffers rejected the message about the Second Coming and the teachings about God’s judgment in verses 6–7. They blamed God for negligence because Jesus had not returned, and they accused God of not being able to fulfill His promise. The truth is, God’s calendar is different from human calendars. God is long-suffering. In God’s calendar, one day is like a thousand years.
The delay of the return of Jesus is explained by God’s patience with humanity because He does not want any to perish. He desires all humans to come to repentance. When the Day of the Lord comes, the earth will be renewed and purified through a judgment of fire. Christ’s return will be like a thief in the night.
A thief does not announce his coming. As Peter describes the events, the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements on earth will burn. What do these verses reveal about the Lord’s nature and purpose?
Holy Living (11–14)
In light of the Second Coming, God’s people should be people of holy conduct and godliness, living lifestyles of reverence and devoutness that please God. When the Day of the Lord occurs, the heavens will be dissolved with fire and the elements will melt with heat. God’s people, however, are waiting for a new heavens and a new earth where righteousness dwells. Would you be ashamed of your lifestyle if Jesus were to come today? Christian, live a godly life as you anticipate the Day of the Lord.
We should pray, “Maranatha,” which is a term Paul uses in 1 Corinthians 16:22 that means “Our Lord, come!” In the meantime, Christians should put forth spiritual effort to be found “without spot or blemish in His sight” and at peace. What spiritual disciplines do you observe to enable you to be ready for the return of Christ?
What can believers do to identify and overcome obstacles to holy living?
Stand Firm (15–18)
Peter commanded his readers to count the patience of our Lord as salvation just as Paul shared divine wisdom about the Second Coming. Perhaps this is a reference to 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18, which describes the Second Coming. Paul commanded believers to encourage or challenge each other with these Scriptures. Peter then described individuals characterized by a lack of teaching who distort the Scriptures.
Untaught and unstable people will twist these Scriptures to their own destruction as they do the rest of the Scriptures. Standing firm entails being on guard in order that false teachers will not lead believers from stability. Peter commanded believers to grow in their knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
How should the promise of Jesus’ return affect believers’ daily lives?
By Mark Rathel
Pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in DeFuniak Springs, Florida
