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Bible passage: Read 2 Peter 3:1-18
(1) We all know that we should live each day as if it were our final day on earth - because we never know when that will
arrive. We know that this should influence our values, our conduct, our priorities, our relationships.
Why do you think we do not tend to live like this?
(2) Peter’s vision of the Church in his letters consistently urges the church to live in the light of one day having to face the
Lord and give account, whether it be as a result of our passing or in the light of the Second Coming of Jesus.
This latter theme is the specific focus in the passage before us.
How will Jesus’ return differ from His first coming?
As we read these verses we will find this day described in different ways: the promised coming of Jesus (v4), the day of
judgment and destruction (v7), the day of the Lord (v10), the day of ‘a new heaven and a new earth’ (v13), the day of
‘salvation’ (v15).
How do you react to the thought of the Second Coming of Jesus?
(3)(Read 2 Peter 3:1-10) Notice that the intent of Peter in writing his letters and in addressing this theme, is not for idle
speculation about the future, but to stimulate ‘wholesome thinking’. What do you think he meant by that phrase?
What reasons does Peter give for people scoffing at the idea of Jesus’ return (v3-4)?
How do you react to the message of a coming ‘day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men’?
How does Peter interpret the delay in the Lord’s coming differently from the scoffers? How does this show the compassion
of God for sinners?
Look at v10. What in this verse would suggest the coming of the Lord may be described as an alarming event. Why? How
can we ensure that it is not a calamitous day for us?
(4)(Read 2 Peter 3:11-18) Whereas the tone of the first half of the chapter is sombre, with the emphasis on the day of
judgment to come, the second half has an emphasis on the wonderful things that will come to pass as a result of Lord’s
coming and the day of judgment.
What do you think a ‘new heaven and a new earth’, the home of righteousness’ would be like? Is it possible for us to
imagine what a reality untainted by sin and it’s effects could be like?
Like most children we try and visualise what heaven and being with the Lord may be like. The truth is it is easier for us to
think of what won’t be there, rather than what will be there (e.g.see Rev 21:3-5)
Back to 2 Peter 3:11-18, what does the call ‘to live holy and godly lives’ (v11) and ‘make every effort to be found
spotless, blameless and at peace with him’ (v14) actually mean to you in practical terms? Bearing in mind that we are all
flawed sinners, how can we seek to live out these commands in our everyday lives?
Perhaps today? Are we making ourselves and other people ready?
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