2 Peter 3:1-7

Remember the Prophets’ and Apostles’ Words (vv. 1-2)

This is a continuation of 2 Pet. 1:15-21 -> chapter 2 was a description of the false teachers that they distinguished themselves from

Seeing they are in no way like those, Peter continues his thought and calls to remembrance the word of God

The apostles are not only validated by the prophets, but they are a continuation of them

There is a long, unbroken continuity of merit to the word of God that is confirmed through undeniable means (fulfillment of prophecy)

When we are mindful of God’s word, we cannot help but be mindful of the return of the Lord

All of history is culminating to one event: the return of the Messiah to reign in His creation

We go through so much of the day as though this is some myth -> it should change every step we take at every moment (more on this later in the chapter)

It radically altered all the examples we have in scripture who genuinely trusted the Lord

We are only able to alter our lives around the truth of God’s return when we remember the word of God with deep and frequent meditation (Col. 3:16)

Scoffers in the Last Days (vv. 3-4)

The overwhelming proof of the future return of Christ will not stop others from being skeptical -> in fact, we can count on their skepticism!

Their skepticism cannot weaken our faith, just as their hostility cannot either -> if it does not come, we are doing something wrong

They walk according to their own lusts -> just like their teachers, this is a very visible sign of one who is not a worshipper of God

The world should find your actions strange in light of Christ’s return (1 Pet. 4:1-5)

They, like we used to be, are controlled by the flesh while God’s people are given power over their flesh by the Spirit

They mock God, targeting the long duration in which God has not returned

This was already a concern in Peter’s day -> remember that they had been waiting since David (really Eden) for a promise not yet totally fulfilled

As we will come to find out, this is not a very convincing argument on their behalf!

Their Ignorance (vv. 5-7)

The world has forgotten the display of God’s wrath in the flood -> this should be a reminder of the coming of the Lord

They have done this despite the physical sign God shows us every time it’s rainy

The rainbow is a reminder that God is as much a God of wrath as He is of love -> sin is paid for, either by Himself or you!

They even using it as a banner for their reprobate minds

The wrath of God is not a mater of “if” -> He has already destroyed this place once!

He has proven that He is not bluffing -> just like in that day, mankind refuses to believe it

They say that history proves God will not return, but all it does is prove that His wrath is intense on rebellion

To make matters worse, they are willingly ignorant of this -> in their hard-heartedness, they choose to continue in unbelief despite the proof

Much like Pharaoh!