1. Peter began his second letter (1:1-4) by showing that God has provided special blessings for the benefit of His people. a. He has provided what we need to be "partakers of the divine nature." b. Included are "all things that pertain unto life and godliness" and "exceeding great and precious promises." 2. Peter continued (1:5-11) by showing that God has provided special responsibilities [the Christian graces] for the benefit of His people. 3. (1:12-15) Peter emphasized the importance of "always remembering these things." 4. Peter showed in 1:16-21 that the teaching of the apostles is reliable. 5. In ch.2 Peter issued a strong warning to Christians against false teachers. 6. In this lesson we are studying 3:1-9 where Peter warned against teachers who would question the Lord's return. Discussion:
I. (vs.1) PETER REVEALED HIS PURPOSE FOR WRITING HIS LETTERS
A. Peter wrote 2 letters to Christians. 1. 1 Peter 1:1-2 2. 2 Peter 1:1 B. Peter's purpose was to "stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance" (1:12-13, 15). II. (vs.2) PETER GAVE AN IMPORTANT ADMONITION
A. The admonition was for Christians to be mindful of the teachings of the prophets and the commandments of the apostles. 1. The Lord placed the apostles and prophets in the early church (Ephesians 4:11-14). 2. God revealed His will through these inspired men (Ephesians 3:1-7). 3. The apostles and prophets played an important role in the structure of the church (Ephesians 2:19-22). B. The teachings of the prophets and the commandments of the apostles are to be remembered, believed, and practiced. III. (vs.3-4) PETER WARNED AGAINST "SCOFFERS"
A. Ch.2 contains a strong warning against false teachers (2:1-2). B. After giving this strong warning, Peter identified certain "scoffers" who would question the Lord's promise to return. 1. Rather than follow the teaching of the apostles and prophets, they would be "walking after their own lusts." 2. Their teaching would be based on faulty reasoning. IV. (vs.5-6) PETER REVEALED THE MAIN PROBLEM OF THE SCOFFERS: "WILLFUL IGNORANCE"
A. Peter mentioned how God made the world (Genesis 1:1-2, 6-10). B. The world continued in this state until God caused the flood to occur (Genesis 6:3, 5-7, 17; 7:11-12). V. (vs.7-9) PETER ANSWERED THE SCOFFERS
A. (vs.7) The heavens and earth in their present state are being preserved until the judgment when Jesus returns. 1. God has appointed "a day" for judgment (Acts 17:30-31). 2. No one knows when that day will arrive (Matthew 24:36-39, 42, 44; 25:13). B. (vs.8-9) Christians must not be ignorant. 1. The reliability of God's promise is not affected by time. 2. The delay in the Lord's return illustrates how God is longsuffering. a. He does not want anyone to perish. b. He wants everyone to "come to repentance."
