2 Peter: Week 8 (Wednesday 1st December 2021)

(from www.insightforliving.org.uk)

Chapter 3:1-7

The Heart Of The Matter

For as long as there has been the truth, there have been those who scoff at it. With relentless and determined zeal, these cynical mockers have taken delight in discrediting God’s messengers as well as denying God’s message. Noah had his doubters who questioned the possibility of a destructive deluge. Moses had his critics who rebelled against his leadership. Nehemiah had Tobiah and Sanballat; Paul had Alexander the coppersmith; John had Diotrephes; and Jesus had scribes and Pharisees, Roman officials, and even a scoffing thief on a nearby cross. Down through the history of the church to this present hour, there have continued to be skeptics and sinners who have stood against the presentation of God’s holy Word. In this segment of Peter’s letter, we are provided with some needed reassurance that God is just . . . that in spite of the seeming success of the scoffers, there will be a day of reckoning.

Discovering The Way

1. A Brief Review of Contrary Forces

Mockers and scoffers have been around since the beginning of faith — in the Old Testament, the New Testament, and throughout church history.

2. Strong Reassurance for the Godly (2 Peter 3:1 – 2)

We can stand up to scoffers by remembering the Word of God and remembering who spoke them.

3. Sober Warnings to the Ungodly (2 Peter 3:3 – 7)

The words of Peter remind us of something to know about the present, of something to remember from the past, and of something to count on in the future.

Starting Your Journey

Scoffers and mockers would do well to think seriously about this final reminder about God’s judgment: its coming is sure. And when it comes, it will come swiftly. Are you ready? Have you come to faith in Christ?