ETB 2 Peter 3:8-18

Session #13 - p.118 - Be Encouraged

The book starts off with several examples of waiting and possible responses to it and then asks the question:

Do you enjoy waiting, or would you rather eliminate the waiting?

What I noticed in the book’s examples was that they were all pleasurable experiences being waiting for. Those we tend to want to “hurry along.” But the unpleasant things of life, we tend to want to delay and wait for longer. Regardless of whether the event for which we wait will be pleasurable or not, our use of the time we have until it arrives can be used by the Lord to enhance our relationship with Him.

Understand the Context

In the opening verses of chapter 3, Peter noted that this was his second letter. It is reasonable to assume that 1 Peter was his initial correspondence. But many of the same problems existed, including a rejection of the Old Testament prophets and of apostolic authority. Scoffers were planting themselves in the churches and raising doubts about both Jesus’s return and impending judgment. But Peter assured his audience that Jesus was coming back and that the God who had judged the world in the past would judge it again.

Peter’s second letter is meant to shock the church into sharp thinking and alert living. The apostle wanted his readers to grasp the message of the Old Testament prophets so they could better understand key doctrinal truths, including the return of Jesus and the implications for everyone on earth. The very existence of scoffers or mockers, as well as false teachers who denied the truths of the gospel, provided all the proof one needed to see the truth of the Old Testament prophets and the validity of their teaching regarding the day of the Lord. [LifeWay Adults (2025). Explore the Bible: Adult Leader Guide, Winter 2024-'25]

The letter finishes today with reminders about God’s sovereignty and our constant need to pursue holiness. Peter reiterates the truth of Christ’s return but also the need to be “about His business” until it happens.

Today’s passage begins with some truths about God.

Explore the Text

2 Peter 3:8–10 ESV

8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.

Verse 8 is a reference to Psalm 90:4. Compared to the eternal and holy God, human beings live remarkably brief lives. That God created time—and therefore transcends time—is applied by Peter to the doctrine of Jesus’s inevitable return. When we consider that time holds no power over God and that He exists beyond its confines, the delay in Christ’s coming should not trouble us. To the omnipotent and Almighty God, “a thousand years” passes as swiftly as “one day.” Peter instructed us to anchor our faith in this timeless truth. Even though thousands of years have passed since Jesus promised to return, we should not be disheartened by the passage of that time. [ETB:ALG Win'25]

You could change the word “years” to any other time reference you want, and the statement would still be accurate. God is eternal and omnipresent, therefore all of time is present tense for Him. Time references are for our benefit to help us partially grasp His vastness. This is not part of a formula to use to calculate anything.

The Lord is not slow

Another time reference for our benefit. God is always perfect in His timing when interacting with man because He sees all of our time at once and sees the prefect most beneficial time to interact and does. It may be too slow or too fast for us, but He knows when it is best.

Faithlife Study Bible Chapter 3

Within the context of v. 9, this phrase indicates that Jesus has not returned yet because God desires that none be lost (or perish). Every day before Jesus returns is a day of grace and represents the possibility of more people turning to Him and receiving eternal life (compare

The Lord is… patient toward you

Isn’t that a glorious blessing.

Some English Bibles have the word “long-suffering” but that seems a bit misleading to me as someone who is truly patience does not see it as suffering. God is perfect in all things and in His patience, there is not suffering for Him. Peter however reminds that this is not just a general characteristic, but that the object to which God directs His patience is us.

This may be something that we need to pray for our wives and friends, that they too can have God’s patience toward us.

At the end of last week’s lessen we were told to “have mercy” on those being led away by false teachers. It may be that Peter is addressing some of those reader’s directly with this statement and hoping for their return to faith because of God’s expressed desire.

The end of the verse, however, reminds us that God’s patience is also directed towards all humans equally, not just believers. Peter highlights one of these reasons.

all should reach repentance

It is God’s desire that “all should reach repentance.”

Is that our desire too?

What trips me up is that I know that God knows that all will not “reach repentance” and that He knows the majority of people will not. But He still “desires” it for everyone.

God has the ability to righteously desire something that He knows will not happen.

What about us?

Sometimes our desire for someone to accept Christ is clouded by our expectations. We “expect” them to accept Christ in repentance but they continue to refuse and it bothers us. Our desire is correctly aligned with God’s, but the outcome goes against our desire so then we try and change it - thus overstepping God’s grace with our personal agenda.

How do we keep our desires AND expectations in line with God’s?

Like a thief

NIV Bible Speaks Today: Notes Chapter 3

This is the precise counter-balance to what he has just argued. God will be patient, but he will come, and both the patience and the coming have been promised. There will be a day when God says, ‘There will be no more delay!’ (

God’s patience does not give us a license for indifference, but is a call to fervent faith until the day of the Lord. Jesus will return like a thief, coming when people least expect it and feel secure. Jesus used similar language to describe His return, which Peter heard (Matt. 24:42–44).

Peter’s words remind us of the danger of seeking “signs” of Jesus’s return. If Jesus is to come like a thief, no definite sign can point to the time or season. The signs in Scripture are warnings to always stay alert and to be found faithful when Jesus does come back (24:46). [ETB:ALG Win'25]

Although God’s patience can never end, this phrasing lets us know that there is a limit to its expression. At some point, not because of impatience but because “the time has come” God’s current position toward humanity and creation will change. I like the imagery one writer used in that God will never let us go, but He is going to shift His grip.

heavens will pass away with a roar

Faithlife Study Bible Chapter 3

The Greek word stoicheia can refer to the physical elements (earth, air, fire, water), the heavenly bodies (sun, moon, stars), or spiritual powers (see

I did some reading about stars again this week to remind myself of some of the facts. Astronomers reading verses 10 and 12 would have some specific imagery come to mind. Novas and white dwarfs are accurately depicted here and in Revelation. However, they would debate about the order of events because their theories (they have not seen the complete series of events themselves) say the smaller less light star would happen after the star had expanded and burnt off most of the external gases. But God can do what He wants when He wants with His universe. The astronomers would tell you that the burning up of the earth is very likely to happen when our sun does “nova” or lose enough mass that the heat overcomes the gravitational pulls and the outer surface of expands, probably out past Mercury and Venus, but not as far as Mars. Regardless, all life and water on Earth would be “burned up with a fervent heat.”

But Peter says the “heavenly bodies” plural will burn up and be dissolved. That means not just our sun, but all of them. I do not believe in the “big bang” theory for the origins of the universe, but it sure sounds like there is one at the end. Every star in the universe going nova at the same time. Science cannot fathom how that is possible because it would take a change in what they call a “constant.” But the laws of nature are only constant because God keeps them that way.

Colossians 1:17 “17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”

A tiny loosening of God’s grip on the forces of gravity is all it would take, and every star of the billions in the universe, would instantly nova.

(I use the term “nova” as a sudden increase in brightness due to a thermal expansion, instead of the more technical astronomical definition.)

2 Peter 3:11–14 ESV

11 Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, 12 waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! 13 But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. 14 Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.

Since all these things are to be dissolved

I think Peter’s reference to “these things” has less to do with the how the earth and heavens will be destroyed and more to with the uncertainty of the when they will be destroyed. It will come quickly and unexpectedly. Peter is encouraging us to be good Boy Scouts and “Be Prepared.”

What sort of people ought you to be

Excellent question to ask ourselves every day.

The return of Jesus did not just have implications for the future and the end of the world. It should have a profound influence on the lives of believers each day. The truth of His return should determine what kind of people we are and how we should live our lives. [ETB:ALG Win'25]

The apostle answers the question and restates the focus of both of his letters: holiness and godliness

Regardless of the timing of Christ’s return, this should be the pursuit of every believer at any stage of spiritual maturity.

hastening the coming of the day

Does time seem to pass more slowly when you are sitting around or when you are busy doing things?

Peter’s idea of waiting is not a passive restful one, but one of efforts and diligence, “making ready” before Christ’s return. Pastor Steve had a great illustration of this last week. He said if he knew we were coming to his house he would wear himself out - work to death - to get things ready for our arrival. Should we not do the same as we “await” Christ’s return. Let’s do everything we can to make His arrival as magnificent and as big a blessing to as many people as possible. Peter will tell us in a few verses that some of the preparation needs to be within our spiritual lives as well.

Be diligent

This pursuit is not something that is done and then set on the shelf. You may have heard of a “go bag.” It is a suitcase or other portable container that gets stocked with essentials you might need in a hurry as you “go” out the door when an “event” happens. Peter’s admonition is not like that but is to be actively pursued and watched until it arrives. It is not a passive act. We can always find ways to be more like Christ if we are willing to allow God’s Word to show us.

The book has a great line at the end the of paragraph on page 123 above the bold print.

When Jesus returns, He longs to see Himself in us. (p. Page 123). [ETB:PSG Win'25]

I would add to that He has that longing today as well. That’s a great thought to come back to when temptations arise. Jesus wants to see Himself in us. We should do all we can to make His desire come to fruition as much as possible.

Ask: What can believers do to identify and overcome obstacles to holy living?

Ask: What effect does the return of Christ have on your pursuit of holiness?

If we walk in holiness as we wait for Jesus’s return, we will have peace. The peace that believers have is not an emotional tranquility or absence of outside pressure. Rather, it is the peace of knowing that they have been reconciled with God (Rom. 5:1) and that He is in control of their destiny. This is the peace that Jesus promised (John 16:33) and that Paul included when He spoke of the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). [ETB:ALG Win'25]

Transition: Peter ended his letter with both a warning about those who misrepresent the Scriptures and encouragement for believers to grow in their faith.

2 Peter 3:15–16 ESV

15 And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, 16 as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures.

count patience of our Lord as salvation

You could write that phrase as “The Lord’s patience leads to salvation.” When the New Testament translates a word as “salvation”, it could be a reference to 3 different words in the English: Justification, our initial acceptance of Christ’s redeeming work. Sanctification, the Spirit’s continuing work in our lives to transform us into Christlikeness. Glorification, the final removal of all of sin’s taint from us for all of eternity.

Which salvation do you think Peter is referencing here?

The leader’s guide seems to think it is the first one and references it back to God’s desire for all the come to repentance and giving more opportunities for people to come to faith. I am of the opinion that in this case it is not an “either/or” but a “both/and” statement, maybe even an “all of the above.” None of us would deny that it God had to be patient with us for us to finally come to Him in faith for justification. It may take even more of it to continue showing us how we need to change and forgive us as often as we need.

Beloved brother Paul… his letters… other Scriptures

Peter and Paul’s relationship in Galatians did not start off this amiably, but God has worked in them both and they recognize God’s hand in their work. Peter elevates Paul’s letter to this same region of Asia as also being of God and equal to the ancient prophets’ writings.

Do you remember any relationships that you had that started off not the best but ended up being blessed greatly by God?

2 Peter 3:17–18 ESV

17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

Take care, take heed, be on your guard. Peter’s closing statements remind us that there is an enemy constantly trying to pull us away from our faith, he mentions briefly the current tactic being used, false teachers. But he also reminds us of the armor and weaponry to confront these attacks.

Grow in grace… knowledge… of Jesus Christ.

Peter wrapped up this letter where he began: the grace of God in Christ. By its very nature, grace is a gift from the Lord (see Eph. 2:8-9). Yet, it is a gift that we are encouraged to nurture in our lives. We grow in our knowledge of the Savior, and He receives abundant glory as we point others to Him. [ETB:ALG Win'25]

It always and forever will come back to this. We can never exhaust or reach the limits of this pursuit. It can take up all of our time and efforts if we let it, and one day, when the final “salvation” is obtained it is all we will do for the rest of eternity. I eagerly anticipate that day.

Apply the Text

I am going to close our study in Peter with the same call to pursue holiness from a devotional I read this past week.

Holiness Day by Day: Transformational Thoughts for Your Spiritual Journey Week 21 / Friday: Growing in Faithfulness (Revelation 2:10)

For growing in faithfulness, the first step is to acknowledge the biblical standard. Faithfulness entails absolute honesty, utter dependability, and unswerving loyalty. It’s to be like Daniel: neither corrupt nor negligent. Develop convictions consistent with this standard based on the Word of God, and plan to memorize one or more verses on the topic of faithfulness.

Second, evaluate your life with the aid of the Holy Spirit and perhaps a spouse or close friend. Do you seek to be scrupulously honest? Can others depend on you even when it’s costly? Will you stick by your friend when he’s in difficulty, and confront him in love when he’s wrong?

Where you see a specific need in your life for faithfulness, make that both a matter of prayer for the aid of the Holy Spirit and the object of concrete actions on your part. Remember that your working and His working are coextensive. You cannot become a faithful person merely by trying. There’s a divine dimension. But it’s also true that you won’t become a faithful person without trying. This is something we must do, even though it’s at the same time the fruit of the Spirit.

Pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your provision of Scripture to guide and encourage us in our journey toward spiritual maturity. Help us to live in expectation of Christ’s return, while actively devoting ourselves to holy living until that time. Be with our pastors and leaders to continue to show us Your Word faithfully and accurately. Guard us, and those under our care, from false teachers and influences. Lord, show us how and where we can grow to be more like Your Son every day.