Patient Hope aka Hope in the Day of the Lord
2 Peter 3:3-15a, 18 or 3:1-15a
International Sunday School Lesson
May 26, 2013
Commentary
By
Jed Greenough
In this the final lesson of a series of writings by Peter to Christians, we see again the reminders to them in their role as Christians. That understanding of today’s scripture's readers as being Christians just like you and me is critical. These were not people that Peter was trying to convert.
In this, Peter’s second letter, which we know according to 3:1 because he wrote “both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking.” Peter wants them to recall the words of the prophets and the command given by Christ (3:2).
What, you might ask, given all that they said, is he talking about? Well, as I do so often I will refer you to Matthew 24. There you will see in today’s “scoffers” those who Christ warned would deceive and therefore increase the nearer the end.
Certainly Peter is referring to these “scoffers” as existing in his day and he thought the end was near. For us today obviously the end is much closer and as we must know the number of “scoffers” has grown mightily. So if this letter was important to the Christian then how much more important is it for you today. Notice I said you because that is what Peter says in verse 9.
In this verse 9 we read, “He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” You might ask the question if I have come to repentance what is God being patient about with me?
From my point of thinking the answer lies both within this verse 9 and verse 12’s, “as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.” As we know we Christians have a command and commission---remember Peter mentions it in verse 2.
Jesus said these two things which tie this all together:
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40
And…
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. Matthew 28:19a
I firmly believe Peter is telling us here we can speed or hasten Christ’s return (verse 12) and that God is being patient with us (verse 9) both relate to our sharing the gospel and bringing salvation to people. But eventually, as Peter describes in detail, the end to God’s patience and the end of the age will come. What will you do to bring about the fullness of the gentiles (Romans 11:25)?
For Discussion:
1. Discuss scoffers
2. Discuss how they serve as deceivers
3. Discuss God’s patience
4. Discuss the end of God’s patience
5. Discuss verse 7
6. Have people discuss ways that the unconfident might be able to grow in their ability to share the gospel
7. Discuss how your class as a unit might share the gospel
Upcoming Lessons
6-2-13: Worship and Respond aka Holy, Holy, Holy Isaiah 6:1-8
6-9-13: Worship with Thanksgiving aka Give Thanks Isaiah 12
6-16-13: Worship with Meaning aka Meaningless Worship Isaiah 29:9-16
6-23-13: Worship in the New Creation aka The Glorious New Creation Isaiah 65:17-25 or 65:17-21, 23-25
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved
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