Peter reminds his readers of the reason he is writing: “to stimulate you to wholesome thinking” (3:1-2). This spurring on is vitally important as we enter days that are confusing and may wonder if there will ever be a day when Jesus returns. As we begin Advent, the words of 2 Peter 3 coincide with the Advent longing for the parousia of Christ.
(2 Peter 3:1-9)
SERMON OUTLINE
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:8-9)
Remember God’s word as you look for the day (2 Peter 3:1-2)
- Remember the words by the Prophets. (Isaiah 9:6-7, 11; Jeremiah 23:5; Zechariah 14:1a, 3-5)
- Remember the words of Jesus spoken through the Apostles. (Matthew 19:28, 24:3-25; Jude 15; Revelation 22:12)
- Let these reminders stimulate you to wholesome thinking. (Philippians 4:8)
Beware of scoffers as you look for the day (2 Peter 3:3-5)
- Scoffers will come as you look for the day. They follow their selfish desires. (Jude 18-19)
- Scoffers will scoff at the promise of Jesus that He will come again.
- Scoffers will misquote, omit, belittle the word of God.
- Scoffers deliberately forget the word of God. You, however must remember.
God’s view of time is different as you look for the day
- With God, a thousand years is like a day. (Psalm 90:4)
- God is not slow in keeping His promise. Jesus will come again. (Acts 1:11; John 14:1-3)
- Wait for the Lord. (Isaiah 40:31; Matthew 25:1-13)
- Judgment is coming on that day. Destruction of the ungodly by fire. (2 Peter 3:7, 10:2; Thessalonians 1:7-10)
As you look for the day, know that God is patient and long-suffering
- God is patient and does not want anyone to perish. (2 Peter 3:8)
- God wants us to repent and be saved. (Ezekiel 18:23,32)
Making it real
- Watch and pray. (Luke 21:36)
- Praise God for His anticipated second coming. (1Peter 1:3-5)
- Hope patiently. (Romans 8:23-25)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- This weekend we continue the preaching series, “Growing in Faith: Exploring 2 Peter.” Begin your study in prayer by asking God to speak to you through His Word, and then, whether you’re on your own or with a group, read 2 Peter 3:1-9 aloud.
- Jesus is coming back again. Do you believe it? Look at these two verses that talk about the second coming of Christ as you look for the day (Acts 1:11; John 14:1-6).
- The Apostle Peter wants the believers he is writing to “recall/remember” in 2 Peter 3:2. What is it that they should recall?
- Peter states that the reminders should stimulate them to wholesome thinking. What is wholesome thinking? What should occupy their mind? (Philippians 4:8)
- Read some of the Scriptures that talk about the second coming of Christ (Revelation 22:12; 2 Peter 3:10; Acts 1:11).
- Why is the word of God important to remember as you look for the day? It helps shield us from false prophets (2 Peter). The Word of God is a lamp to our feet and light to our path (Psalm 119:105). The word of God helps keep us from sin (Psalm 119:11).
- 2 Peter 3:3-5 mentions types of people who follow their own desires. Who are they, and what are they saying?
- 2 Peter 3:5-7 references Genesis when the world and the ungodly were destroyed (Genesis 5:13, 7:11-12, 17-23). 2 Peter 3:7 states what God will use to judge the world. What is it? Who will be destroyed along with the earth? (2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; Jude 14-15). Even in judgement, God is good. His judgement is just.
- 2 Peter 3:8 mentions that we should not forget one thing. What is the one thing we should not forget?
- “With the Lord, a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years is like a day.“ What does this tell us about God, and His power over time” Read Psalm 90:4.
- God is long-suffering and patient, what does He want for us? (2 Peter 3:9; Ezekiel 18:23,32)
- Jesus showed His patience and long-suffering on the Cross. Even as people and the soldiers were scoffing at Him. Read Luke 22:63-65, 23:35, and 39-43 and behold the patience and love of God that saved a criminal and will save anyone who believes.
- As we celebrate Advent, remember the wise men/kings who looked for the birth of Christ during His first coming (Matthew 2). The star led the way. Today, the Word of God shines a light on us as we read in Psalm 119:105.
DIG DEEPER
- Memorize 2 Peter 3:8-9
- Listen to Christmas carols such as “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus,” “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence,” O, Holy Night,“ “It Came Upon The Midnight Clear,” “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” Ponder the words of the songs. See how Christ in the first Advent, fulfilled the prophesies in these songs according to Scripture, but we also see echoes of the second Advent in these songs.
- Read Matthew 24 and 25 about the second coming of Christ. Pray that you will be found in Him. Trust in Jesus that He is mighty to save.