Written in conjunction with FL, a beloved sister in the Lord, who uses the ESV and therefore some parts may contain different wordings to that used in the NKJV. Please feel free to use this as best suits the need. No permission needed.
2 Peter 1:1-2
Written to Spirit-born believers in Yeshua the Messiah (see ch. 1vs1), it is also clear that the intended original recipients included, in particular, those who Peter had written to previously (see 2 Peter 3:1). While it seems that he wanted to stir up their hearts and encourage them to continue to grow in ‘the true grace in which [they stood]’ (1 Peter 5:13; 2 Peter 3:2) and been taught – it is clear that Peter wanted to specifically warn the brethren about “the enemy within”. He reminds them the rise of false teachers would continue to be a significant characteristic of the last days, as Lord Yeshua Himself had warned His disciples of during His earthly ministry (see e.g. Matthew 24:4-5). Peter highlights some of the ways in which these would be identified and reminds the recipients of his letter of the judgment which would follow such. He also reminds them of the forthcoming judgment upon the ungodly world and even the very earth itself, encouraging them to continue in holiness, faith and expectation that God will fulfil His promise in the coming of Lord Yeshua again to rule and reign on earth and after this in the new heavens and earth. As the last days continue to unfold Peter encourages the recipients- and us as believers today – to be watchful, giving heed to the word of God through His prophets and apostles and ‘to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.’
It is believed by commentators that this letter was at least one of the last Peter wrote, reliance probably being put on verses such as 2 Peter 1:14-15, and one commentator (MacArthur) wrote the following helpful points to note concerning the background and setting of the letter:
Since the time of writing and sending of his first letter, Peter had become increasingly concerned about false teachers who were infiltrating the churches in Asia Minor. Though these false teachers had already caused rouble, Peter expected that their heretical doctrines and immoral lifestyles would result in more damage in the future. Thus, Peter, in almost last will and testament (1:13-15), wrote to warn the beloved believers in Christ about the doctrinal dangers they were facing. Peter does not explicitly say where he was when he wrote his letter, as he does in 1 Peter (1 Pet. 5:13). But the consensus seems to be that Peter wrote this letter from prison in Rome, where he was facing imminent death.
It has been said by godly brethren of old that the words of a dying faithful servant of God are important – he or she is unlikely to waste words on matters of little value. Given that this is the last we hear from the Lord’s apostle and bondservant, is it not especially important to take note, take to heart and take heed of what the Spirit of God led Peter to write in this letter – a letter preserved for the Church to this day?
Reading: 2 Peter chapters 1 -3
Q1. Consider that words Peter used to introduce himself in his previous letter ( see 1 Peter 1:1) and the words used here at 2 Peter 1:1. Share your thoughts.
Q2. Consider the additional descriptor ‘bondservant’ in Peter’s introduce.
Q2a. Why does Peter refer to himself in this way?
Q2b. Giving Scripture references, what is the biblical definition of a bondservant?
Q2c. Giving Scripture references, who are included in this term?
Q2d. What is/are the implication(s) of your answer at 2c and why?
Q3. Consider the way in which Peter addresses the recipients to this letter at the latter part of 2 Peter 1:1. In brief, what are the 3 points about the faith Peter refers to here?
Q4. At verse 2, Peter sets out a key way in which ‘grace and peace [will] be multiplied to [us]’. What is this and briefly share from Scripture examples of what this means in practice.
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2 Peter 1:3-4
(All Scripture references used below are taken from the ESV Bible)
After the salutation, Peter begins his second letter exalting the salvation of God and of Jesus the Lord by way of reminder. Peter uses deeply reaching words to describe the substance and sufficiency of our salvation before he reminds and exhorts his audience to respond to this and to continue growing in the true faith, towards Christian maturity (chapter 1).
Reading: 2 Peter 1:1-11
Q1. Read verses 3-4 slowly or even write it out. Try to see the unique way in which Peter describes the gospel, the salvation of God and find the correlations within these verses.
Q2. Looking at verse 3:
Q2a. What is the context of what Peter says here?
Q2b. How could someone experience ‘His divine power’ in their life?
Q2c. Meditate upon ‘His divine power‘ in believers life. What can we understand about this power, according to Scripture and also as experienced in your life?
Q3. Looking at verses 3-4 now:
Q3a. What has God given us that is sufficient for believers to grow to achieve His purpose in His salvation
Q3b. What are the purpose of ‘His precious and very great promises’? What do you think are some of these great promises to help to achieve this purpose?
Q3c. Although a slight sidestep, it seems that Peter likes the word ‘precious’ and uses the word a few times in his first letter, showing through it what was most dear and precious to him. Let’s recall where Peter uses this word be encouraged by them again.
Q3d. According to Peter at verse 4, explain what the duo effects of the ‘precious and very great promises’ are?
Q3e. Carefully consider the words ‘[t]hrough them you may become partakers of the divine nature.’ What are you enabled to glean from this?
Q4. Finally, try in your own words—simply and concisely, how you would explain these precious two verses to a new believer in Jesus.
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1 Peter 1:5-11
‘Therefore…’
In last study, we particularly noted the ‘immensely reaching words’ Peter used in this letter ‘to describe the substance and sufficiency of the salvation’ of us who also ‘obtained like precious faith’ by the grace of God in and through Lord Yeshua the Messiah. Our study today begins at 2 Peter 1:5 which commences with the words, ‘But also for this very reason.’ This is the sole reason for the title of this particular study. As we have heard many times, whenever you see the word “therefore” in the Scriptures, remember to ask yourself ‘what is it there for?’ This study’s ‘therefore’ is intended to help us keep at the forefront of our mind’s eye the glorious and gracious word of God to His children from our last study. In particular:
as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (2 Peter 1:3-5)
Our passage today sets out in very definite terms the response which our Heavenly Father desires from us and is a major “signpost” in our pilgrimage as believers of the way by which we will be led into an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Yeshua the Messiah. How gracious our loving heavenly Father is who has indeed given us ‘all things’ in and through His Son Lord Yeshua. May we be encouraged to set our hearts, minds and wills more and more to know God, to know His will (His word) and to do it so that through His Holy Spirit and in Lord Yeshua we may be made fruitful to the glory of God our Father.
Reading: 2 Peter 1:1-11
Q1. Consider verse 5. Peter is about to explain to all ‘who have obtained like precious faith’ the “fertilizers” to use in their faith to assure a good and “fruitful harvest.” In what manner are believers to ‘add to [their] faith’? Explain the term(s) used in your Bible translation.
Q2. Looking at verses 5-7:
Q2a. What are the things Peter says we are to add to our faith? Please just list what these are.
Q2b. Please give the definition/explanation of each of the above in concise terms and in context of Peter’s exhortation.
Q2c. Please choose one of the many Scriptures which refers to each attribute listed above to show an example of their meaning.
Q3. Read through 2 Peter 1:2-15 and note how often Peter emphasis the words: ‘these things.’ Meditate on this. What strikes you most about this?
Q4. What is a key point at verse 8? Can you see reasons why this point may well have been the main aim of Peter writing to his recipients?
Q5. Consider v. 9. What is the danger and implication of not possessing the things which Peter mentions in verses 5-7.
Q6. At verse 10 Peter says to all ‘who have obtained like precious faith’ these words: ‘..make your call and election sure’ (NKJV) / ‘..confirm your calling and election’ (ESV). Explain as simply and clearly as possible what Peter means.
Q7. Concerning the ‘these things’ in our passage today what does Peter, the ‘bondservant and apostle of Yeshua the Messiah’ guarantee will be the result of possessing these in verses 8, 10 and 11?
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2 Peter 1:12-15
(All Scripture references used below are taken from the ESV Bible)
Christian life begins when we become ‘born again’ by the Spirit of God through repentance and faith in Lord Yeshua, but it continues with growth, with development, with progress, with maturity—using what God has provided. God has provided to us who have believed upon Messiah Yeshua His power and His precious great promises (see 2 Peter 1:1-11). Peter, therefore, exhorts believers to make every effort/give all diligence to supplementing their faith with specific qualities and traits (one leading to another), so that they will be kept from stumbling and be fruitful, looking forward to a rich entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
This is Peter’s final reminder.
Reading : 2Peter 1: 1-15
Q1. Consider verses 12-13 and note that the word ‘remind’/’reminder’ appears twice:
Q1a. What does Peter want to remind believers about? What is the purpose of his reminder?
Q1b. Looking at these two verses again, what can be noted and learned from Peter’s handling of the word of God, particularly as elder who shepherds the flock of God and a good teacher of God’s word? (Consider the wording carefully).
Q1c. What is the meaning of ‘stir up’ in verse13? Find an example(s) elsewhere in the Scriptures regarding this?
Q2. The reading passage today speaks to the urgency and sincerity of Peter’s reminder and verse 14 particularly highlights the reasons for this.
Q2a. Peter uses ‘a tent’ to describe his ‘body’ (see verses 13-14). This is a familiar metaphor, used by the apostle Paul to describe our human body on earth (2 Corinthians 5:1-4). Read the two passages – what do they teach us.
Q2b. Peter refers to his approaching death something which as the Lord Jesus made clear to him (verse 14). Although we cannot know what further instructions the Lord may have given Peter beyond that recorded in Scripture, where can we find a previous reference to his death and what did Lord Yeshua say to Peter at that point?
Q3. Consider Peter’s statement at verse 15. In the light of your reflections and answers to Q2. above, what does Peter’s statement at verse 15 tells us about Peter ad what can might we learn by ‘ living with our departure in mind’?
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2 Peter 1:16-21
In our last study, we considered in particular the emphasis Peter placed on the importance of keeping in mind – i.e. remembering and having a faithful record – the things highlighted in his letter, even though they ‘[knew] and [were] established in the…truth’. As he points out the glory of Yeshua the Messiah revealed to him and two other disciples in a unique way years earlier, he underlines, as it were, the importance of knowing and heeding the prophecies of Scripture. He bids them to regard these ‘as a light that shines in a dark place’ (v19) until Messiah returns – or until called Home through death if this comes sooner. In pointing to the prophetic Scriptures, Peter wants all believers in Messiah to be absolutely grounded in the trustworthiness and the certainty of Scripture and to know why. It because they are the words of God to us and for us and to all generations, as it is written e.g. ‘Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven. Your faithfulness endures to all generations’ (Psalm 119:89-90).
God has granted us a reliable and certain basis for our faith in Him – Himself. God Himself has revealed Himself by His word, His Son and His Holy Spirit and through His servants the Prophets and the chosen witnesses of His Son, Yeshua the Messiah, the Apostles He makes known to us today His truth. Let us take on board then the exhortation given by the writer of Hebrews as we read, study, feed upon and heed the Scriptures of God, which says this: ‘Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to things we have heard, lest we drift away’ (Hebrews 2:1).
May we know the grace of God helping us to continue to do so.
Reading: 2 Peter 1:1-21
Q1. Re-read verses 15 and 16.
Q1a. What reason does Peter give for wanting to take great care in ensuring that these believers would have a reminder of the things set out in his letter?
Q1b. What is a ‘fable’?
Q1c. Where else in the Scriptures is the word ‘fable’ used and what are the warnings given alongside it?
Q1d. What was it in particular that the apostles had made known to their hearers and what were their credentials?
Q2. Consider verses 17-18 and find the accounts in the Gospels to which this refers.
Q2a. What are the Scripture references?
Q2b. Share any insights gleaned from your reading and in particular, sharing the Scriptures upon which those insights were based.
Q2c. Reflect on verses 17-18 together with the account of the transfiguration of Lord Yeshua. Share in brief what you were enabled to glean.
Q3. Verse 19 has a very important exhortation – an importance which will increase as time goes on.
Q3a. Note the wording of the beginning of verse 19: ‘And so we have the prophetic word confirmed,’ (NKJV). What does Peter mean by this?
Q3b. What does Peter exhort all believers to do?
Q3c. What does it mean in practice? Use the word of God in answering this question and the ‘lessons’ the Spirit of God has worked in you and your life in Him.
Q.4 What does Peter want the readers to his letter to fully understand and be assured according to verses 20-21? In addition, find other Scriptures which clearly show the Scriptures to be the written word of God (a maximum of 3).
Q5. Why is a good understanding of Peter’s words in verse 20-21 of key importance?
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2 Peter 2:1-3
(All Scripture references used below are taken from the ESV Bible)
In our last study passage at 2 Peter1:16-21, we looked into the sureness of the apostolic testimony which makes known to us that we have a firm and reliable foundation of faith in the Scriptures as the word of God to us. As Peter brings out, this sureness is based on his eyewitness account of the life, death and resurrection of the Messiah and His majesty – Peter illustrating this majesty through a portrait of the transfiguration of Yeshua (see 2 Peter 1:16-18). Peter also affirms the authority and reliability of the prophetic words: the evidence of fulfilled prophecy, ‘[a]nd we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed’ (2 Peter 1:19) and the reliability of the prophetic word because ‘holy men of God spoke as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit’ (2 Peter 1:21).
Peter in chapter 2 of the epistle turns now to the somber and sobering truth concerning not external persecution as he wrote and warned of in his first epistle but now the matter internal opposition. Peter warns his readers – including us today that ‘… false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you…’ (2 Peter 2:1). This study considers in particular fact and the outcome for false teachers.
Reading：2 Peter 1:16-2:22
Q1. Looking at 2 Peter 2:1, where are the false teachers located and what are their work?
Q2. Still considering verse 1:
Q2a. What does the term ‘heresy’ mean?
Q2b. What do the Scriptures says about why it is destructive?
Q2c. Who do the false teachers deny and what do they actually deny?
Q3. Pondering on verse 2:
Q3a. How does it describe the morality of the false teachers?
Q3b. What is their level of popularity and what does it lead to?
Q3c. Why do you think ‘many will follow’?
Q4. At 2 Peter 1:3, Peter mentions another characteristic of false teachers.
Q4a. What is it and how will they act on it?
Q4b. Do you think we can find this in our present times, and could you give examples?
Q5. Looking at verse 1-3 again, what are the sure outcomes that Peter said of the false teachers?
Q6. Take another look at verse 1. Even though, as Peter states, there were holy ‘men of God who spoke’ ( 2 Peter1:21)…… ‘[b]ut false prophets also arose among the people’ (2 Peter 2:1). Look at some of these warnings to the false prophets recorded in the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament), for example at Deuteronomy 13:1-5; Jeremiah 23:9-40 and share your observations and reflections.
Q7. Following on from your reflections and answers to Q6, could you also share from the New Testament Scripture teachings and warnings about false prophets/teachers.
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2 Peter 2:4-10a
In today’s passage we continue in the instructions and warnings of Peter concerning the false teachers, noting particularly their doom.
The contrast between truth and falsehood can be clearly seen: the Apostles of the Lord as teachers of truth received from God the Son, Lord Yeshua the Messiah contrasted with the false teachers of lies, error and of heresies. At the time of writing the letter they were yet to be fully manifested among the recipients of his letter (note that it was addressed to the same recipients as his first epistle at 1 Peter). Peter reminds the recipients – including us – that similarly, explicitly recorded in the Hebrew Scriptures is that contrast between the Prophets of God, who faithfully prophesied the word of God by the Holy Spirit of God and that of the false prophets who prophesied lies. As we study further into this letter we will also learn more about the depravity and the deception of these false teachers.
Reading: 2 Peter 1:16-2:10a
Q1. Consider 2 Peter 2:4-9 again and note the three specific examples of God’s judgment outlined below. Find and read the Scriptures references to which these relate, note the references, explain what these Scripture passages say and share any insights gleaned.
a) angels who sinned;
b) the flood of the world of the ungodly; and
c) Sodom and Gomorrah.
Q2. Verse 9 of chapter 2 states these words, ‘…then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly…’. Read the same passage as above again (2 Peter 2:4-9) noting the two specific examples of ‘the godly’. Find and read the Scriptures reference concerning these in the context given here in Peter, note the references, explain what these Scripture passages say and share any insights gleaned.
Q3. Consider verses 9-10 together. What does the words ‘the unjust’ and ‘despise authority’ mean?
Q4. Share another example in the Scripture where God has delivered the godly and punished the wicked. Please share insights from the example you have used and how God has used this to edify and/or strengthens you in faith towards Him.
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2 Peter 2: 10—16
(All Scripture references used below are taken from the ESV Bible)
In chapter 2, Peter warns that false prophets and teachers will arise from among believers, and, as we saw in our last study, quotes from the Old Testament to warn that the ungodly will be judged and encourage that the godly will be delivered (2 Peter 2:4-10a).
In today’s passage, we will see Peter give a strong and honest assessment of the depravity of false teachers for believers to watch out for. He talks about their attitude, which always find expression through their actions and lastly he moves to an archetype of false teacher saying, ‘[t]hey have follow the way of Balaam’ (2 Peter 2:15)!
Reading : 2 Peter 1:16–2:16
Q1. Looking at 2 Peter 2:10-11, state and explain what the attitudes are of the false teachers which Peter points out? What is the example/comparison Peter quotes in order to describe the waywardness of their attitude?
Q2. Attitudes cannot be hidden for long – they always find their expressions through actions (words and deeds)! Pondering on 2 Peter 2:12-14, find and describe the behavior/ action of the false teachers from each verse.
Q3. Relying on Scripture passages elsewhere, why might Peter have used the term ‘blots and blemishes’ (2 Peter 2:13) to describe the false teachers?
Q4. 2 Peter 2:15 seems to be a summary statement that Peter concerning the type of false prophets/teachers he refers to. Looking at verses 15-16 and also the account of Balaam in the Old Testament, what do these tell us about they have followed ‘the way of Balaam’?
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2 Peter 2:17-22
We continue to consider the detailed description of false teachers in Peter’s second epistle in concert with Jude’s strong words paralleling the warnings, exhortations and encouragements to persevere in the true faith of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah. The similarity between these are stark – as are the words we find in our passage of study today.
As the Apostle Paul prayed for the Ephesian believers, in these days of abounding spiritual deception may ‘the God of Lord Yeshua the Messiah, the Father of glory, [grant us] the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of [our] understanding being enlightened; that [we] may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power’ (Ephesians 1:17-19). May we also know ever more deeply, truly and experientially, the power of the full armour of God given to His children (Ephesians 6:10-18) and have the presence of mind to put on in this armour through the help of the Holy Spirit of God with us.
Reading: 2 Peter 1:1-2:22 & Jude
Q1. Look back on 2 Peter 2:17-18.
Q1a. How does verse 18 define Peter’s meaning in calling false teachers ‘wells without water, clouds carried by a tempest’ in verse 17? Meditate on the Scriptural answers and share and insights gleaned.
Q1b. Note verse.17 again. What will be the due portion of false teachers? Using other Scriptures explain what this means?
Q1c.. Note verse 18 again. By what means, does Peter say, false teachers allure their hearers?
Q2. The warning at 2 Peter 2:19b is stark and instructive in regard to its context (as well as on other levels). Consider this deeply and in personal reflection, consider when the Lord Yeshua has previously delivered you from such danger in connection to false doctrine (no need to share this). State what the warning of verse 19b is.
Q3. Now consider verses 19-20 together.
Q3a. What specific group is considered here as Peter further unpacks his sober warning?
Q3b. How can people become ‘overcome’ by false teachers? Use the Scriptures to state a few examples of what God has said.
Q4. Re-read verse 21 – why do you think Peter says this? What other Scripture passage(s) holds similar warnings?
Q5. Share any further insights from reading verses 20-22 together, focusing in particular on verse 22? Does the word at verse 22 disturb your inward assurance of salvation – if not, why not? (Share a maximum of 3 Scriptures in your answer.
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2 Peter 3:1-2
(All Scripture references used below are taken from the ESV Bible)
After studying the first two chapters of 2 Peter and we now come to chapter 3. Peter states at 2 Peter 3:1 that the purpose of writing both of his letters in doing so, he was ‘stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder’. So far in chapters 1 and 2, we have read and studied his reminder to pursue holiness, to beware of heresy and watch out for false teachers. Now in chapter 3, we are going to see how Peter unfolds another particularly important reminder: Live with hope—the day of the Lord will come! Hallelujah!
Reading : 2 Peter chapter 3
Q1. Consider 2 Peter 3:1. Peter illustrates his own attitude and what our attitude should be when giving a reminder within the body of Christ through his choice of the word ‘beloved’. What does the term ‘beloved’ teach us?
Q2. Looking at verse 1 again, here for the second time Peter states the purpose of writing this letter.
Q2a. What is Peter’s meaning in the words ‘sincere mind’?
Q2b. How is it related to his purpose and means?
Q3. Meditate on verses 1-2 again.
Q3a. Looking at verse 2, what does Peter want believers to recall? What is the resource and why is it important?
Q3b. State briefly in your own words and / or with Scriptures, what is the context of the remembrance Peter is speaking about in verse 2?
Q4. We can see the importance of reminders in our walk of faith in Lord Yeshua by the Spirit of God. Briefly, share or reconsider some of the reminders the Holy Spirit have brought back to you during your walk, through the Scriptures, fellow believers, people outside the faith and circumstances.
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2 Peter 3:3-9
In today’s study passage, we move closer towards the end of Peter’s letter. We see that he continues to lay out in broad terms matters of key importance concerning the end of days for this present world system by way of a reminder to the believing recipients. We also can see that Peter is careful to etch out afresh the certainty of the word of God concerning both the coming of scoffers in the last days and the coming judgment after which Yeshua the Messiah WILL come!
In these days, largely characterised by evil, darkness and growing fears in the wider world, it is not too difficult to recall what Lord Yeshua said: “The days will come when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it” (Luke 17:22). This speaks of a waiting with longing and of a sense of things being delayed. Peter elucidates this delay, very helpfully explaining one of the main reasons for it, stating this: ‘The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance’ (2 Peter 3:9) and ‘..that the longsuffering of the Lord is salvation’ at verse 15. How wonderfully awesome is the grace of God! May we not lose sight of this but rather continue to grow in this grace and the knowing of God in these perilous days so that we be enabled by the Holy Spirit to ‘press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus’ (Philippians 3:14). Amen.
Reading: 2 Peter 3
Q1. Read 2 Peter 3:3 again. Peter wants us to consider something as of the first importance in connection with the end of days, namely ‘that scoffers will come in the last days’. Of what manner does Peter say these scoffers are and can you think of a Scripture which shows what “stock” they will come from?
Q2. Reading verses 4-6 and noting verse 4 in particular:
Q2a. What is it that is being scoffed at?
Q2b. Where else in the Scripture has God pointed to this attitude as being common in the last days?
Q2c. In preaching the Gospel of salvation by grace through faith in Messiah Yeshua’s death and resurrection, can you see why the message is not complete without the telling of the second coming of Lord Yeshua? Give reasons for your answer.
Q3. Staying at verses 4-6, what is the big mistake mentioned here that scoffers forget and/or are blind to?
Q4. Peter highlights in verse 7 that in the same way that the Creation was spoken into existence by the word of God, the existence of the Earth and Heavens will be brought to an end – and that by fire at the time of ‘judgment and perdition’. Looking at verses 8-9 (also note verse15) what does Peter say is delaying this dreadful time of judgment?
Q5. Reconsider verse 9 in order to reflect more on what it says here. Share/state some Scriptures (no more than three) which speak of the promise that Peter is referring to?
Q6. Still with verse 9 in view, consider how this verse speaks of something of the nature and heart of God. Can you share other Scripture passages which reveal something of this same nature of the Father in Heaven concerning the matter of His judgment. Limit this to three Scriptures explaining the context and how it applies to what Peter is speaking of here.
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2 Peter 3:10-13
(All Scripture references used below are taken from the ESV Bible)
In our last study we saw that Peter laid out his argument in answer to the scoffers’ question of “ where is the promise of his coming?” No matter how the scoffers scoffed and deny the word of God, God will keep His promise – and without delay, according to His timing. Any perceived delay from our perspective is due to the long-suffering love of God, who allows man as much time as possible to repent. However, the truth is that He will indeed come. The same word of God that created all things and judged the world at The Flood will one day bring the judgment of fire upon the earth.
In the passage of study today, Peter states this certainty of the coming of the day of the Lord and both challenges and encourages believers to respond in the correct way. In light of all he shares in his epistle concerning the last days, Peter asks us all: ‘what sort of people ought you to be’ (2 Peter 3:11).
Reading : 2 Peter 3
Q1. Looking at 2 Peter 3:10, consider deeply the truth we find here: no matter how the scoffers can deny and scoff, ‘ But the day of the Lord will come.’
Q1a. How does Peter describe ‘the day of the Lord’ and what is the nature of it? (See also verse 12)
Q1b. How was the phrase ‘the day of the Lord’ used in the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) and also in the New Testament Scriptures? (Additional thought: this is a great ‘springboard’ for a deeper, standalone personal study on ‘the day of the LORD’ both in the Old & New Testaments).
Q2. Consider the words beginning at verse 11, ‘Since all these things are thus to be dissolved’. As concerning the prophetic word of the certainty of these events, we are told how scoffers’ generally response. What, however, should be the response of believers in Messiah. Take time to consider and reflect upon Peter’s heartfelt and earnest challenge and encouragement to us in his question: ‘what sort of people ought you to be?
Q2.a What are your thoughts on this?
Q2.b Considering verses 11b-12a, what is Peter’s teaching on this question for reflection? State the different aspects he mentions and explain each.
Q3. Note the words, [b]ut according to his promise…’ at verse 13 together with the big contrast and wonderful twist to what was described in verse 10. This promise belongs to those who are saved by grace through faith in the finished work of Jesus the Messiah and, by His grace, endure to the end.
Q3a. What does ‘according to his promise’ teach us?
Q3b. What is the promise here?
Q3c. Which other Scriptures mention about this promise?
‘But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and the new us in which righteousness dwells.’ May this be our statement as we continue to live this life as a pilgrim and seeking to be the sort of people He wants us to be, as Peter reminded us in chapter 1.
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2 Peter 3:14-18
As we come to the end of Peter’s epistle, in which we have been reminded in this final chapter in particular, of some sobering truths about the coming ‘day of the LORD’, may we be enabled to see the will of God for His children as set out in today’s passage clearly and walk in its light. As Peter also reminds the recipients of his letter of the love of God for them, again calling them ‘beloved’ (see verse 14, also note 2 Peter 3:1, 8, 15 and 17) let us take courage in our Lord Yeshua to purpose in our hearts to continue to ‘grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ’ (2 Peter 3:18) and so take hold of ‘grace and peace [which will] be multiplied to [us]’ as we do so (2 Peter1:2).
Reading: 2 Peter 3
Q1. Note the word ‘[t]therefore’ at the beginning of verse 14 (NKJV). Once again, what is that word there for?
Q2. In light of your answer above, what does Peter say our attitude should be concerning the ‘these things’ he refers to and what does he remind us ‘be diligent’ about this time?
Q3. ‘[A]nd consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation…..’ (v.15). Do as Peter exhorts and ‘consider’ these words specifically. Share from your meditations on the Lord, according to His word, that which is beneficial for edification, exhortation and encouragement
Q4. Consider the remainder of verse 15 through to verse16. What can we learn from this concerning the Apostle Paul and his writings?
Q5. Re-read verses 14-18. Peter is clear in this passage on what we are to be careful to avoid and what are to pursue in light of the coming ‘day of the Lord’ (2 Peter 3:10). What are these and what are some things which will help us to keep his instructions? (Particularly review 1 & 2 Peter and include what you have found particularly instructive in your answer to the last part of this question).
Peter ends his epistle by giving and pointing to the glory of Lord Yeshua the Messiah and Saviour. May our lives ever more do the same and may we be among those who strive to help others to do the same, by God’s grace, through the power of the Holy Spirit, according with the will and word of God, in and through Yeshua the Messiah.
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