2 Peter 3
by Philip Layton
The need to be patient, watchful and ready for the day of the Lord
Discussion Questions
- Do you know people who say these things or assume that there will be no future intervention and judgement by God (vv 3, 4)?
- What is the importance of verses 15 and 16, where Peter describes Paul’s letters as being among the ‘other Scriptures’?
Share your thoughts below, or tweet about it with the #boundlessbible hashtag. Don't forget this week's Children's Challenge!
Going Deeper From 'Words of Life'
In the second chapter and here in the opening verses of chapter 3, Peter warns about false prophets. People who try to lead others astray by spreading doctrinal teaching contrary to the teaching of Christ. We are all to be on guard. From there he moves into the glorious teaching of Christ’s second coming, which will be sudden – ‘like a thief ’ (v 10). Because of this, we are all to be ready. Some greatly fear the thought of death, not wanting to leave this life.
Perhaps we have doubts about the life beyond, questioning faith and the promise of hope. Even wondering if we will ever really see loved ones again once they have died.
A new app for tablets and smartphones has been created to alleviate fear in loss of contact with our loved ones – once they have passed on. If they had a Twitter account before they died, this new app learns about the history of their tweeting patterns, then generates its own matching tweets to link to or complement perfectly those people who have died. In other words, the tweets continue from people – even after their death.
How absurd! Crazy! Yet this is what’s happening in the world. People desperately trying to make technology work for them as they struggle with their gripping fear of death. Yet we, as believers, have the assurance of God’s love; his promise of Heaven! One day, we will be together – living in Glory with our Lord Jesus Christ!
But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness (v 13).
Therefore, as Peter concludes, we are to ‘make every effort’ to live lives that are pure and holy and good. To grow in God’s grace, daily, as we live for him. Then, we can look forward to one day being with him – and those we love – through eternity.
To him be glory both now and for ever! Amen (v 18).
Beverly Ivany
Tags: 2 Peter