2 Peter 3:10-14
Words Of Truth

Words Of Truth


"That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth..." (Proverbs 22:21).

Second Peter 3:10-14


I. Introduction:

A. This context is about answering the scoffers that questioned the promise of the return of Christ (II Peter 3:1-9).

  1. Prior to that, the Sadducees said there was no resurrection (Matthew 22:23).
  2. There were some in Corinth that said that too (I Corinthians 15:12).
B. There were other first century false teachings and concerns too.

  1. There were false messages spread about Christ coming soon to the churches (II Thessalonians 2:1-3).
  2. There was the error being taught that Jesus had already come (II Timothy 2:14-18).
  3. There was the fear that those who died in the flesh had no hope when Christ returned (I Thessalonians 4:13-18).
  4. What we will look at in this lesson clarifies a lot of these questions.

II. Body: II Peter 3:10-14

A. Jesus will come as a thief in the night (I Thessalonians 5:1-11).

  1. The point is to always be ready (Matthew 24:42-44).
  2. As we see with Jesus teaching about the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13).
B. The sky, the earth, and the elements will be destroyed (Hebrews 1:8-12).

  1. Jesus said the heaven and earth are going to pass away (Matthew 24:35-36).
  2. It is simple, the things which are seen are temporal (II Corinthians 4:18-5:1).
  3. So, what about Scriptures such as Ecclesiastes 1:4?

  1. Do your word study on the Hebrew “עֹלָם    עוֹלָם”: “that is, the vanishing point; generally time out of mind (past or future), that is, (practically) eternity; frequentative adverbially (especially with prepositional prefix) always: - always (-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, [n-]) ever (-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world (+ without end)” (Strong’s # 5769).
  2. Was the temple literally forever (I Kings 9:3; cf. II Chronicles 36:14-21)?
  3. Were Aaron and his sons literally to offer burnt offerings to the Lord forever (Leviticus 6:19-22; Hebrews 7:11-28 and Hebrews 10:1-18)?
C. With all things earthly being temporary, the question is posed about what manner of persons one ought to be in light of that (I John 2:15-17).

  1. In Peter’s first letter he made some points that easily connects to this one in this letter (I Peter 4:1-5).
  2. When Jesus returns there will be judgment (Acts 10:36-42 and II Timothy 4:1) and that judgment will have eternal consequences (Matthew 25:31-46 and John 5:26-29).
D. Looking for and eagerly awaiting the final return of Christ (Titus 2:11-14).

  1. Looking for a new heavens and earth is simply about looking for a new dwelling place with the old being destroyed (I Peter 1:3-5).
  2. Be careful with the the language of the new heaven and earth. Such has been used in other contexts NOT talking about the judgment (i.e. Isaiah 65:17-25).
E. How to behave in light of the coming Judgment…

  1. Be diligent to be found of Him in peace (Colossians 3:15 and I Peter 3:8-12).
  2. Be diligent to be found of Him without spot (I Timothy 6:14 and James 1:26-27; cf. I Peter 1:18-19).
  3. Be diligent to be found of Him blameless (Ephesians 1:3-4 and Philippians 2:14-16).

III. Conclusion: Our Next Study: II Peter 3:15-18