Second Peter 3:8-9
I. Introduction:
A. As we have learned in the context, the scoffers were questioning the return of the Lord through their own lusts and willful ignorance (II Peter 3:3-7).
- If those scoffers were able to influence the saints, it only takes a little leaven to leaven the whole lump (Galatians 5:7-9).
- If the scoffers could bring in just a little doubt, they’d accomplish having the saints fail (Romans 14:23, I Timothy 2:8, and James 1:8; 4:8).
- That hope is an anchor of the soul for saints (Hebrews 6:18-19).
- Without that hope, we’d be in sorrow as those who don’t have that hope (I Thessalonians 4:13).
- So, the Spirit of God moved Peter to write the things we will examine to reassure the saints that Jesus is coming, just not on man’s timeline.
II. Body: II Peter 3:8-9
A. The inspired answer to the scoffers starts with a simple point. Don’t be ignorant of the fact that God’s view of time is different than man’s view of time (Psalms 90:1-4).
- Peter is writing to these “beloved” saints for the second time (II Peter 3:1-2).
- To not be ignorant is as something “hid”, “hidden”, or “unawares” as translated in other verses (Mark 7:24, Luke 8:47, Acts 26:26, and Hebrews 13:2). See: Strong’s # 2990
- God is from everlasting (Psalms 93:1-2), so what is one thousand years to our eternal God?
- Trust in God’s promise of eternal life, He is no liar (Titus 1:1-3).
- The right understanding is necessary here as it is in all spiritual things (Ephesians 5:14-17).
1. Think about what was written to the hypocrites in Rome about the longsuffering of God (Romans 2:1-6).
2. Look at Paul as one who serves as a beneficiary of God being longsuffering (I Timothy 1:12-16).
D. God is not willing that any should perish (I Timothy 2:3-4).
- Jesus died, was buried, was risen, and has ascended into Heaven to bring salvation to all (Acts 10:34-43, Titus 2:11-14, and I John 4:14).
- Therefore, the Gospel of salvation is for everyone (Mark 16:15-16, Luke 24:44-47, Romans 10:12-17, and Colossians 1:5-6).
- The Gospel message is that man can repent, be converted, and be saved in the end (Acts 3:19).
III. Conclusion: Our Next Study: II Peter 3:10-14