2 Peter 3
2 Peter 3 - Tim Carpenter - August 25, 2024
STUDY GUIDE
Video: 2 Peter: Chapter 3 | Exiles With Hope | August 25, 2024
Summary
This sermon transcript from Second Peter Chapter 3 focuses on the importance of living a righteous life in anticipation of the second coming of Jesus. Pastor Tim emphasizes the significance of studying scripture to combat scoffers who doubt Jesus's return and to guide believers towards holy living. Pastor Tim argues that God's patience delays judgment, offering more time for repentance and spiritual growth. Referencing Paul's writings, Pastor Tim cautions against misinterpreting difficult passages and encourages seeking understanding. Ultimately, the sermon urges Christians to actively pursue spiritual maturity, preparing for the eventual, cataclysmic return of Christ and the dawn of a new heaven and earth.
Second Peter Chapter Three Study Guide
Quiz
Instructions: Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each, based on the provided excerpt from a sermon on 2 Peter chapter 3.
What is the primary reason Peter gives for writing his second letter, and what does he want to stimulate in his readers?
According to Pastor Tim, what two things can provide insight into what we value, and how do they relate to Peter's message in this chapter?
How does Pastor Tim connect the idea of recalling Scripture with stimulating wholesome thinking?
Who are the scoffers described in 2 Peter chapter 3, and what is their primary argument?
What two biblical events does Peter use to illustrate God's power and the certainty of his word?
Explain the concept of “last days” as presented by Pastor Tim, and how does this concept relate to our current time?
What reason does Peter give for God seemingly delaying his return, and what does this say about God's character?
How does Pastor Tim connect the analogy of a thief to the second coming of Christ, and what is the significance of this analogy?
What warning does Peter give about interpreting Scripture, and what kind of people does he caution against?
According to the closing verse of 2 Peter chapter 3, what should be the ultimate goal and focus of believers as they await Christ's return?
Quiz Answer Key
Peter writes his second letter as a reminder to stimulate wholesome thinking in his readers, urging them to focus on God's truth.
Pastor Tim suggests examining our schedules and our wallets as indicators of what we value. This aligns with Peter's message because it reveals where our thoughts and desires are directed, highlighting the need for aligning them with Scripture.
Pastor Tim emphasizes that recalling Scripture implies having it stored within us, allowing it to influence our thoughts and actions. This echoes Peter's call to focus on God's word for wholesome thinking.
The scoffers are those who ridicule the idea of Christ's return. They argue that everything continues as it always has since creation, implying no need for judgment or a changed life.
Peter uses the creation of the world and the flood during Noah's time. These events demonstrate that God's word holds power and he acts on his promises, reminding readers that his promise of judgment is also certain.
Pastor Tim explains that "last days" refer to any time after Jesus' ascension. Therefore, we are currently in the last days, making the message of Christ's return and the call to holy living eternally relevant.
Peter explains that God delays his return not out of slowness, but out of patience. God desires all to come to repentance and receive salvation, demonstrating his merciful and loving character.
Pastor Tim compares Christ's return to the unexpected arrival of a thief. This emphasizes the suddenness and certainty of the event, urging preparedness and righteous living rather than complacency.
Peter warns against distorting Scripture to fit personal interpretations, cautioning against being ignorant and unstable individuals who twist God's word for their own destruction.
Believers should focus on growing in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, indicating an ongoing process of spiritual development and deepening intimacy with him.
Essay Questions
Analyze Pastor Tim's use of the phrase "wholesome thinking" in relation to the message of 2 Peter chapter 3. How does engaging with Scripture, particularly in light of Christ's return, promote this kind of thinking?
Explore the connection between the scoffers' skepticism about Christ's return and their argument that "everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." What are the implications of this worldview, and how does it contrast with a biblical understanding of history and God's plan?
Pastor Tim suggests that God's patience should not be mistaken for slowness. Analyze this statement in light of 2 Peter 3:9. What does this verse reveal about God's heart and his purposes in delaying judgment?
Discuss the implications of Christ's return being likened to a thief in the night. How should this analogy impact the way Christians live their lives, and what attitudes or behaviors should it motivate?
Explain the significance of Peter's closing exhortation to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." How does this command connect with the overall message of 2 Peter chapter 3, and what does it look like for believers to actively pursue this growth?
Glossary of Key Terms
Scoffer: Someone who ridicules or mocks religious beliefs, particularly the second coming of Christ.
Last Days: Refers to the period of time between Jesus' ascension and his second coming, encompassing the present age.
Repentance: A sincere turning away from sin and toward God, acknowledging one's need for forgiveness and a changed life.
Judgment: The act of God evaluating the actions and hearts of humanity, resulting in either reward or consequence.
Cataclysmic: Describing an event that is sudden, violent, and destructive, often used in reference to end-times events.
Wholesome Thinking: Thoughts that are pure, upright, and consistent with God's truth, reflecting a mind transformed by Scripture.
Distort: To twist or misrepresent something from its intended meaning, often for personal gain or to fit a particular agenda.
Ignorant: Lacking knowledge or understanding, particularly of spiritual matters.
Unstable: Not firmly established or lacking in consistency, often swayed by false teachings or worldly influences.
Grace: Unmerited favor and love from God, given freely to humanity through Jesus Christ.
