2 Peter
Chapter Three
Lesson Eight

Read 2 Peter chapter Three 

Then proceed to final Exam

2Pe 3:1 This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:

(Peter is writing to remind them of things previously spoken and written to them)

2Pe 3:2 That ye 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 Saviour:

2Pe 3:3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,       

2Pe 3:4 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 the creation.

2Pe 3:5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:

(By God's Word, the heavens and the earth were created. Read Genesis 1:3)

2Pe 3:6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:

2Pe 3:7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

(People remember that God has said He would not destroy the world with water again.  But, they forget, He has told us he will destroy it with fire next time.  He kept his word the first time, a person would have to be crazy to think He is not going to do it again)

(By God's Word, the heavens and the earth are also kept in place)

2Pe 3:8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

2Pe 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

(These verses are not giving us a time line of any kind. And it is not to be understood that a thousand years to us is like a day to God. What it is teaching is that time means nothing to God. He does not live within time. Time was created for us. Time started with us, and it will end with us. Once our life on earth is over, time is also over. Verse nine goes on to say that because God does not operate in time, His judgment being withheld is because He wants everyone to repent. Sadly, not everyone is going to, and there will come a point when God will wait no longer.)

2Pe 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

(This verse is not saying we can not know when Christ is about to return. It is simply saying we won't know the exact moment. Mark 13:32 says no man can know the "day" or the "hour", but in Luke 21:30,31 Jesus tells them that there are signs that will tell them when His return is at hand. So, we won't know the day or the hour, but we can know by many signs that the time is very near.)

2Pe 3:11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

2Pe 3:12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

2Pe 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

2Pe 3:14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

2Pe 3:15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;

2Pe 3:16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

2Pe 3:17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.

(This verse is not talking about loosing salvation. It is talking about your walk)

2Pe 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

(Here in is a finally warning to all true believers. Beware, grow in grace and the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Stay steadfast in your walk with Him, and always preach the true Gospel of Jesus Christ).