Section 12 – 2 Peter 3:8-10
8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9 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.
10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. (NIV)
————————————————————————————-
8 Nevertheless, do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years is like one day. 9 The Lord does not delay [as though He were unable to act] and is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is [extraordinarily] patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.
10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will vanish with a [mighty and thunderous] roar, and the [material] elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and the works that are on it will be burned up. (AMP)
Questions
● (v8) What is Peter concerned that his dear friends will forget? Why might they forget this fact about the Lord? Read Psalm 90:4. Why do we count time differently than God?
● (v9) What promise is Peter referring to in verse nine? Why might it appear God is slow in keeping his promise? What characteristic is God displaying while he delays his judgement? Why is God so patient with his judgment? Does God want people to perish? What does God want instead?
● (v10) The day of the Lord is compared to a thief coming. How are the two events similar? What will happen to the heavens, the elements, and the earth on the day of the Lord?
● How should Christians live in light of Christ’s future second coming and the judgement he will bring?
● What is something from our passage or study you are challenged to ponder further this week?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Suggested Prayer: Lord Jesus, I see the world scoffs at you. People of the world mock the fact of your future second coming and the judgment for sin that is awaiting them. You are not being hesitant or slow in keeping your promise of coming again. Instead, Lord Jesus, you are showing incredible patience with the people of this world. I understand that you do not want anyone in this world to perish, but you want all to repent of their sins and turn to you. Someday, in your perfect timing, you will come back suddenly when the world does not expect it. You will bring fire and judgment upon the earth. Help me live in a way that honors you and points others towards you Amen
Passages for reference:
Psalm 90:4
A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by,
or like a watch in the night.
Matthew 24:36-44
36 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 37 As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; 39 and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.
42 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.
The Brotherhood Mission Statement: “Discipling men of all ages in their pursuit of loving God with all their hearts, all their lives.”