3:3-4 "In the last days (before Jesus returns) scoffers will come." The scoffers were already among them when Peter wrote this letter. They talk as though Jesus is not really coming back. Remember, this letter was written 30-35 years after Jesus ascended to heaven. People expected Him to return within a very short time. The longer it took the easier it was for people to have doubts about Jesus and His promises. The scoffers say that everything still goes on in the world just like it always has. They imply that there's no judgment coming.
v. 5-7 Peter says the scoffers "deliberately forget" that long ago God's word made the heavens and the earth. "The earth was formed out of water and by water." It was by these waters that it was later "deluged" by the flood in Noah's time. In other words, God has brought judgment before but the scoffers have decided to forget about that. It was God's word that brought the flood and "by that same word" the heavens and earth "are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men." God's word is good. He will do what He says He will do, even if it takes a very long time.
v. 8-9 What seems like a long to man is only a short time to the Lord. A day for the Lord seems like 1,000 years to a man. The point is, "the Lord is not slow in keeping His promise" to return and judge the world. He is patient and giving people ample time to repent of their wickedness.
v. 10 But make no mistake, the day of the Lord's judgment will come. It will come suddenly and unexpectedly like a thief suddenly breaks into a house. When He returns, Peter says, the heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be burned up. In class we talked about how it may have been difficult for the first century readers to grasp how it would be possible to destroy the earth in this way. Today we read Peter's description and think about how a global nuclear war would have the power to burn up the earth. This sort of destruction is quite feasible. It's a sobering thought that the world as we know it will eventually be destroyed by fire, however, we know there will be a new heaven and new earth after this one is gone.
v. 11-13 In light of the fact that everything will one day be destroyed Peter poses the question, "What kind of people ought you to be?" He doesn't ask what they should do to stop this from happening, or what supplies they should stockpile, or where they should plan to go to escape the destruction. Instead he tells them to "live holy and godly lives." Rather than dreading the coming destruction of the earth they are to look forward to it. The alternate translation of verse 12 in the NIV that I mentioned in class is, "as you wait eagerly for the day of God to come." The "day of God" will bring destruction by fire but the believers are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, "the home of righteousness." This home of righteousness will be their permanent home. The believers are looking well beyond the destruction. That's why they can look forward to the future instead of dreading it.
v. 14-16 Since they are looking forward to this they need to "make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with Him." The Lord's patience, (the fact that the Lord seems to be taking a long time to return) means salvation for more people. There is time for people to repent and turn to Him. Paul also wrote about these things. Peter says, "He writes the same way in all his letters." Peter has read Paul's letters and refers to them as Scriptures. Paul's letters are difficult to understand and some "ignorant and unstable people distort" his letters "to their own destruction."
v. 17-18 Peter closes this letter by telling the readers to be on their guard against false teachers. They are already in a secure position in their faith in Christ and must be careful that they are "not carried away by the error of lawless men." Being carried away like this will hinder their spiritual growth. He wants them to grow in both the grace and the knowledge of their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Glory to Him forever. Amen.
That's it for Peter's letters. Next time we will begin reading Genesis.
Remember, we have moved to Hutchins Hall #402 and can still Skype from there.
