2 Peter 3:1-18

Remember the Word of the Lord. (Verses 1-2)

2 Peter 3:1–2 NASB95

This is now, beloved, the second letter I am writing to you in which I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, that you should remember the words spoken beforehand by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior spoken by your apostles.

The Word is our guide.

Our starting point.

We cant assume it.

Its not enough to say “I’m biblical.”

Do you do what the Bible says?

Peter is reminding us that we have a standard by which to live.

Example (Egalitarianism)

Remember that Christ will return in his timing for His people (Verses 3-9)

2 Peter 3:3–4 NASB95

Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.”

2 Peter 3:

Regardless of mocking.

Scoffing at judgment. (Not a place you want to be)

They mock that nothing like that has ever happened before. Except for the fact that it has.

2 peter 3:5-6

2 Peter 3:5–6 NASB95

For when they maintain this, it escapes their notice that by the word of God the heavens existed long ago and the earth was formed out of water and by water, through which the world at that time was destroyed, being flooded with water.

Creation

He Separated and gathered the waters. verse 5

Flood ()

He did it then. It will come that sudden next time.

Next time it is to be destroyed by fire.

2 Peter 3:7 NASB95

But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.

By the same word, he will destroy the earth one day with fire.

We believe that Christ’s return is immanent.

God’s purposes hold the fire back.

God will end it all in his time. He isn’t slow or late.

2 peter

2 Peter 3:8 NASB95

But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day.

Time is different for God than with men.

Psalm 90:4 NASB95

For a thousand years in Your sight Are like yesterday when it passes by, Or as a watch in the night.

He ain’t late. What are we waiting for? Verse 9 tells us.

2 Peter 3:9 NASB95

The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.

What promise?

We are waiting for God to bring his bride to salvation.

He promises to save His people.

And he will save his people.

He desires that not one of His people die in their sins. That’s what verse 9 means.

He is waiting for the last of his bride to come to faith.

Revelation 13:8 NASB95

All who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain.

We see this idea mentioned in the parable of the wheat and tares.

Matthew 13:24–30 NASB95

Jesus presented another parable to them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field. “But while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went away. “But when the wheat sprouted and bore grain, then the tares became evident also. “The slaves of the landowner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’ “And he said to them, ‘An enemy has done this!’ The slaves said to him, ‘Do you want us, then, to go and gather them up?’ “But he said, ‘No; for while you are gathering up the tares, you may uproot the wheat with them. ‘Allow both to grow together until the harvest; and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather up the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them up; but gather the wheat into my barn.” ’ ”

2 Peter 3:10 NASB95

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up.

Remember that We have the promise of something better. (Verses 10-13)

Live holy

Desire His coming.

Hasten (Explain) Eagerly Long for His coming.

Last verses of the Bible

Revelation 22:20–21 NASB95

He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.

Long for the new and better heavens and earth.

H

Remember to Guard and Grow. (Verses 14-18)