Welcome to the Bible study on the book of 2 Peter, chapter 3.

Verses 1-2: “This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of our LORD and SAVIOUR through your apostles.”

In these verses, Peter emphasizes the importance of remembering the teachings of the prophets and the commandments of JESUS. This serves as a reminder for believers to stay grounded in the truth and to not be swayed by false teachings or distractions.

Verses 3-4: “First of all you must understand this, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own passions and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.'”

Here, Peter warns about the coming of scoffers in the last days who will mock the promise of CHRIST’S return. These individuals will be driven by their own desires and will question the faith of believers. Peter is preparing his audience to be aware of these challenges and to stand firm in their belief in CHRIST’S return.

Verses 5-7: “For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the Word of GOD, and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.”

Peter recounts the story of the flood during the time of Noah as an example of GOD’S judgment and the destruction of the ungodly. He also introduces the concept of the end times, where the world will be destroyed by fire, emphasizing the importance of living a godly life in preparation for that day.

Verses 8-10: “But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the LORD one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The LORD is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the LORD will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.”

Peter addresses the delay in the fulfillment of CHRIST’S promise to return, reassuring believers that GOD’S timing is not the same as human timing. He emphasizes that this delay is a display of GOD’S patience and mercy, giving people time to repent and turn to Him. However, Peter warns that the day of the LORD will come unexpectedly, and the world as we know it will pass away.

Verses 11-13: “Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of GOD, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! But according to His promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.”

Peter encourages believers to live lives of holiness and godliness, eagerly waiting for the day of GOD. He emphasizes the promise of new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness will dwell. This serves as a motivation for believers to persevere in their faith and to continue living in accordance with GOD’S divine will.

Verses 14-16: “Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by Him without spot or blemish, and at peace. And count the patience of our LORD as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures.”

Peter urges believers to be diligent in their conduct, aiming to be found without spot or blemish at the coming of the LORD. He also acknowledges the wisdom of Paul’s writings, while cautioning against misinterpretation and manipulation of scripture by the ignorant and unstable.

Verses 17-18: “You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our LORD and SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.”

In conclusion, Peter emphasizes the importance of standing firm in the face of false teachings and remaining stable in one’s faith. He encourages believers to continue growing in the grace and knowledge of JESUS CHRIST, ultimately giving glory to Him.

Let us Pray:

Dear LORD, Almighty HEAVENLY FATHER, We come before You with humble and grateful hearts, seeking Your wisdom and guidance. As we meditate on the words of 2 Peter 3, we are reminded of Your patience and mercy towards us. We are humbled by Your perfect, divine timing and Your promise of a new heaven and a new earth. Dear LORD almighty HEAVENLY FATHER, help us to live in a way that honors you, knowing that the day of Your promised return will come like a thief in the night. Give us the strength to be diligent, blameless, and at peace with You. Help us to grow in the grace and knowledge of You while we study Your marvelous righteous Word. We pray for those who have yet to come to know You, that they may experience Your loving kindness and turn from their ways. May our hearts be filled with compassion for those who are lost and in need of Your salvation. As we wait for the day of Your return, may we be found without spot or blemish, living lives that are holy and godly. Keep us steadfast in our faith, knowing with a trustworthy, peacefully understanding that Your promises are true and that You are faithful to fulfill them. We thank you dear LORD, almighty HEAVENLY FATHER, for your marvelous, righteous Word, for the hope it provides, and for the peace that surpasses all understanding. May we be steadfast in our faith, looking forward to the day when we will dwell in your glorious presence for eternity. We pray this throughout the mighty, glorious, fulfilling name of JESUS CHRIST. Amen!

Much LoVe, JoY, Peace and Blessings to You, through JESUS CHRIST, our LORD, SAVIOUR and REDEEMER