In our text, the Apostle Peter is lovingly reminding believers to remain steadfast in the midst of the ungodly skepticism of the scoffers. He sincerely reminds believers to trust the promises of God, who has never failed! II Peter 3:10-18 may be outlined as follows: I. Believers Enlightened with regard to the Day of the Lord – II Peter 3:10-13; II. Believers Engaged in Living Sanctified Lives in view of the Lord’s Coming – II Peter 3:14-18.
I. Believers Enlightened with regard to the Day of the Lord – II Peter 3:10-13
The Day of the Lord is a phrase that appears frequently in the Old Testament and it designates end-time events or any judgment of God (Isaiah 13:9; Joel 1:15; Zephaniah 1:14-18; Zechariah 14:1; Malachi 4:5). The Day of the Lord describes end-time events that begin after the rapture and culminate with the commencement of eternity. Like other biblical writers, Peter described the Day of the Lord as coming like a thief; in other words, His coming will be both surprising and catastrophic. The simile “like a thief” was used by Jesus (Matthew 24:42-44) and repeated by others (I Thess. 5:2; Rev. 3:3; 16:15).
In verse 10, the Apostle Peter depicts the destruction of the present order of things (Mark 13:31; Heb. 1:10-11; Rev. 20:11). While some have speculated that the universe began with an enormous bang, it is clear that it will certainly end that way, for the heavens will disappear with a great roar, and the elements (basic components of matter) will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. Just as God spoke the world into existence by His fiat, so He will also speak a word of judgment that will result in the destruction of this vast universe.
In light of the dissolution of the present order of things, piety should be cultivated by believers. The idea is that belief in the temporal nature of this vast universe should lead to believers living a life of dedicated piety in view of the Day of the Lord (v. 11). Even though the heavens will be destroyed by fire and the very elements will melt under an incredible heat (v. 12), we are anticipating “new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness (v. 13). This new earth will be characterized by righteousness and there will be no death, sorrow crying or pain (Rev. 21:4).
In anticipation of the Day of the Lord, as pious believers, we should eagerly be watching for the Lord as we actively practice our faith!
Having discussed I. Believers Enlightened with regard to the Day of Lord – II Peter 3:10-13, let us now discuss II. Believers Engaged in Living Sanctified Lives in view of the Lord’s Coming – II Peter 3:14-18.
II. Believers Engaged in Living Sanctified Lives in view of the Lord’s Coming
– II Peter 3:14-18
In verses 14-15, believers anticipate a better world to come, knowing that this present universe will be dissolved. Such a glorious future should motivate and spur us to live in a manner that reflects peace with God and holy living. The fact that the Lord is long-suffering will result in the salvation of some. His delay means that the unsaved are given another day to repent (II Cor. 6:2). In verse 16, Peter acknowledged that what Paul wrote was truth and that he wrote in depth. Peter is also writing on heavy or weighty truth in this grand epistle.
Finally, in verse 17-18, since the redeemed are aware of God’s judgment, they must be careful that they are not ‘led away with the error of the wicked” and fall into disobedience. Instead, Christians need to “grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord.” We are saved by grace (Romans 3:24), and God’s grace also sustains us through trying times (II Cor. 12:7-10). Even in the midst of terrible apostasy, our Lord is able to keep us from moral declension, for Jude 24 says: “Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.”
May God Bless!
Dr. Johnny Calvin Smith
