2 Peter 3:10-18

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Living Godly Lives

When is the day of the Lord? What will happen during the day of the Lord?
What is meant by an eschatological chart?
List the coming events on God’s eschatological chart.
On which portion of the day of the Lord does Peter concentrate in 2 Peter 3:10-18?
Why does God reveal this information to us about the future?
Define hermeneutics and tell why such a study is important.

The day of the Lord is in the future when the present heavens and earth will be destroyed by fire and all the ungodly will be judged.
It is a graphic depiction, a timetable of future events planned by God.
The next event on God’s calendar is the rapture of the church (that is, the Lord’s return for His church, which could take place at any time), then, in order after the rapture of the church, the seven-year tribulation period, then the millennial kingdom of Christ (the Lord’s return to this earth to set up His earthly kingdom, which will last for a thousand years), then the rebellion where Satan will deceive many (but Satan will be defeated and will be consigned to hell forever), then the present heavens and earth will be destroyed by fire and the final judgment of unbelievers will take place at the great white throne judgment), then the day of God, wherein righteousness dwells forever in the new heavens and a new earth.
The end time portion of the day of the Lord, when the present heavens and earth will pass away by fire.
So believers will be diligent, live godly lives and avoid certain pitfalls in the present time.
Hermeneutics is the study of correct interpretation of scripture. Such study is vital in understanding the word of God.

Refer to 2 Peter 3:14. Notice the “therefore,” in view of the coming day of the Lord and the importance of these end time events, to be diligent to live godly lives. Use the time remaining wisely and lead others to the saving faith. Remember, God’s longsuffering and patience is so that people can come to salvation.
Beware the pitfalls while believers wait for the Lord’s return. The pitfall of interpreting scriptures that are not easy to understand is that the untaught and unstable people twist them to make them say what they want them to say. It is important for believers to know the principles of interpreting scripture (hermeneutics). How well do you know and practice hermeneutics?
Refer to 2 Peter 3:17-18 and Acts 20:28-31. Another pitfall that believers should be aware of is that some wolves are not easy to detect. It is all too easy to be led away by the error of unprincipled or lawless or wicked men. It happens. For example, there are Christians who are sucked in to the “prosperity gospel.” False teachers use scripture and a mixture of truth and error so that they are not always easy to detect. The key to protection for us is found in 2 Peter 3:18, “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Are you growing daily in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ? Are you on a steady diet of the word of God?

Being rebuked by a fellow believer is hard to take. Some rebukes are unfair and unfounded, but some rebukes are right on. Rebukes can help you grow and mature. Accepting rebukes will help you to grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord and it will bring glory to God.

“The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night…therefore, consider what manner of persons you ought to be in holy conduct and godliness.” 2 Peter 3:10-11
“…looking for and hastening the coming of the day of the God…according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” 2 Peter 3:13
“…consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation.” 2 Peter 3:15
“…beware lest you fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked.” 2 Peter 3:17
“…grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever.” 2 Peter 3:18