4. The last
chapter of
Peter’s letter is
focused on a
key moment of
Christian
history: The
Second
Coming of
Christ.
5. 2Peter3:1-2
“that you may be mindful of the words which
were spoken before by the holy prophets, and
of the commandment of us, the apostles of
the Lord and Savior.” (2 Peter 3:2)
Peter introduces the basis of our belief in the Second Coming. He explains
which is the foundation of true authority that we are prepared to reject the
tales of false teachers and we accept the truth of that event.
THE HOLY PROPHETS
• The Old Testament is an
authorized source of
information that cannot
be rejected.
THE COMMANDMENTS
OF JESUS
• Most of the New
Testament (the writings
of the apostles) was
already known and
accepted by the Church
at Peter’s time (v. 15-16).
THEOLDTESTAMENT
THENEWTESTAMENT
6. 2Peter3:3-4
“knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking
according to their own lusts, and saying, ‘Where is the promise of
His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as
they were from the beginning of creation.’” (2 Peter 3:3-4)
Those scoffers live according to their own
desires. They are governed by their passions
and cannot feel the burning desire of the
coming of He who is flawless. Therefore,
they deny the Second Coming of Jesus.
Nevertheless, part of their statement seems
to be true. Isn’t true that time goes by,
people die and everything seems like
remaining the same?
That’s why it’s so important to trust the
authorized source of information that
assures the promise of the Second Coming.
7. 2Peter3:5-10
“But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day
is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” (2 Peter 3:8)
“For a thousand years in Your sight are like yesterday when it is
past, and like a watch in the night.” (Psalm 90:4)
Has everything remained the same since
Creation?
No. The Flood is an example of great changes
that have happened on Earth because of the
evil behavior of humans.
God destroyed Earth with water, and He has
prepared fire to destroy it again (v. 5-6).
Why does He take so long to do so?
1) There is no delay from God’s
perspective (v. 8).
2) He is patient with us, so He gives us
more time to repent (v. 9).
“But the day of the Lord will
come as a thief in the night.”
(2 Peter 3:10)
8. 2Peter3:11-13
“Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner
of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking
for and hastening the coming of the day of God…” (2 Peter 3:11-12)
How is the Second Coming related to our daily life?
Waiting may lead us to dangerous attitudes:
Announcing dates. Those dates bring revival
to the believers’ community, but discourage
and doubt emerge after the announced
date.
Thinking the Coming is too far away. Our
morals may loosen up and we may stop
waiting (Matthew 24:43-51).
Therefore, Peter encourages us to hasten the coming
of Jesus by using our energy to preach the Gospel and
live a holy life.
9. HOW TO LIVE WAITING2Peter3:14-18
“Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these
things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace,
without spot and blameless.” (2 Peter 3:14)
Peter closes his letter with three
warnings for us:
1. Live in peace with God by the
works of Christ (v. 14-15).
2. Don’t look for excuses for sinning
in the writings of the prophets or
the letters of Paul (v. 15-16).
3. Don’t be influenced by “the error
of the wicked”, but grow in grace
and in knowing Jesus Christ.
10. “The end of all things is at hand. What we have done
must not be allowed to place the period to our work.
The Captain of our salvation says, ‘Advance. The
night cometh, in which no man can work.’
Constantly we are to increase in usefulness. Our lives
are always to be under the power of Christ. Our
lamps are to be kept burning brightly... He who
places himself where God can enlighten him,
advances, as it were, from the partial obscurity of
dawn to the full radiance of noonday.
We must put to the stretch every spiritual nerve and
muscle... God... does not desire you to remain novices.
He wants you to reach the very highest round of the
ladder, and then step from it into the kingdom of our
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”
E.G.W. (Our Father Cares, April 18)
