Page 62 - General Epistles (James through Jude) Textbook

The day of the Lord will come like a thief. This will happen not to catch people off-guard because God
already knows what is in people’s hearts. But just like the unknown coming of a thief, so, will be the day
of the Lord. When He comes, the heavens and the earth will be destroyed by fire. In light of that, Peter’s
dear friends needed to live holy and godly lives and speed (hasten [see Acts 3:19-20]) His coming.

Remember, God has already given us everything we need to live godly lives (cf. 2 Pet. 1:3). So, there was
no excuse for those dear friends not to live godly lives. There is no excuse for us today not to live godly
lives. Based on Acts, that word means repenting. If we can all repent, maybe God may reduce the
longevity of His patience and send Jesus Christ quickly. Further, they needed to make every effort to be
found 1) spotless, 2) blameless, and 3) at peace with Him. Not only is the Lord patient with unbelievers,
but also with believers until they are found spotless, blameless, and at peace with Him. This is being
confirmed also by Paul in his letters which when not careful, we may distort just like some who distort
the Old Testament Scriptures.

In concluding his stimulation to wholesome thinking, Peter concludes with two commands; 1) they
needed to be on a guard possibly against the contagious false teachers and their false teachings. This
would allow protection for themselves from pollution from false teaching. 2) They needed to continue
growing in the grace and the knowing of Jesus Christ.

Overview of 2 Peter

11.4 Let’s Practice this Lesson…

1. Between which years was 2 Peter written?

2-3. What two occasions prompted Peter to write 2 Peter?

4. What was Peter’s purpose for writing 2 Peter?

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