December 21 - Scoffers

December 21 - Scoffers

2 Peter 3:1-18

In the last days scoffers will come, saying “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” (2 Peter 3:3-4)

This seems to be a recurring theme in the writings of Paul and Peter. Life just seems to go on and on without the promised return of Christ.

I have to tell you that the letters of Peter are two of my favorite books in the New Testament. I love the way this man thinks. He wasn’t a scholar, he was a simple fisherman, but he got it. This was the man that Jesus chose to be the foundation for His church.

He goes on to say:

But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and with water. By water also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. (2 Peter 3:5-7)

Peter knows his stuff. The scoffers brought up creation. Peter used that to teach a lesson. It was by God’s word that creation came into existence. It was by Him that water destroyed the world. It is by Him that the day of judgment will come. Never forget that the One who created the world will be the One who destroys it.

Also … don’t forget, he goes on to say, the Lord isn’t slow the way that we understand slow. The Lord chooses to take His time with this because He wants everyone to come to repentance. The Lord doesn’t pay attention to time. It doesn’t affect Him at all. He allows us the time we need to come to know Him so that everyone can be saved.

But, don’t believe for a minute that the day won’t come. It will come like a thief! The heavens will disappear, the elements destroyed and the earth laid bare. Everything will be gone.

Now … since everything is going to be destroyed, what kind of people should we be? Peter asks that question of us and then goes on to answer it.

Live holy and godly lives. Look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. Make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. His promise is a new earth, a new heaven, the home of righteousness. Live a life that is worthy of this promise!

Our Lord’s patience means salvation. And with those words, Peter acknowledges Paul’s teaching to the Thessalonians. As you study these passages, know that these two men have faced off in public, but they honored each other in their teaching of the things of God.

Peter’s final words: “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen!” (2 Peter 3:18)