Since You Know These Things…

Before you start todays devotional, ask the Lord to use it to grow you up in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Because it’s so easy to forget what we learn about God in His Word, as he wraps up his second letter, Peter reminds us to remember that in the last days, scoffers will dominate the scene. Look around; you’ll see them everywhere these days.

People, even church members and pastors will walk “according to their own lusts,” not even attempting to follow God’s Word. They’ve got heart trouble. They’ll doubt the promise of Jesus’ return. They’ll say, “Well, where is He?” They’ll scoff at our hope. They will point to history and say, “Look! Nothing’s changed! Peter will say, “That’s where you’re wrong. If you think nothing has happened in the past, let me tell you about it!”

Peter looks back and presents a three-in-one world. In the past was a world where people willingly forgot (vv. 5-6). They intentionally forgot that once our world overflowed with water and everyone perished.

Peter then presents the world that is—we live in this world (vs. 7). Our world is “preserved by the same word [God’s Word] … reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.” Our earth carries within it its own judgment.

But God isn’t in a hurry to judge. This judgment on the earth and heavens will occur during the Day of the Lord when the Lord Jesus returns at the end of the Tribulation and establishes His kingdom here. Even if the Rapture should occur tomorrow, it would still be 1,007 years before this destruction.

Why wait? Because God is longsuffering; He is patient; He’s not rushing things. After all, He has eternity behind Him and eternity ahead of Him. In the meantime, He gives people everywhere an opportunity to turn to Him. This is why we need to get God’s Word out. It’s the only thing that can change hearts and lives.

Given what has happened in the past and what God will do in the future, Peter asks how that should impact how we live now. Certainly, we need to live with urgency. What am I doing to get out the Word of God?

Finally, Peter talks about the world that will be (vs. 13). Even though the earth will dissolve doesn’t mean God is through with it. According to God’s promise, we’ll have a new heaven and new earth to look forward to.

Given that we now know this earth has a finish line, Peter reminds us to remember how important a godly life is here and now. Do your goals reflect what pleases the Lord? What is the objective of your life? Is it to live for God? If you live for God, all secondary issues will take care of themselves.

Peter wraps up his final letter with a warning. Since you know these things, be on your guard. Don’t let yourself be fooled by deceivers. Don’t be lazy, not learning God’s Word for yourself. It’s the only way to keep what you believe and know to be true in your mind. If you have a comprehensive knowledge of Scripture and apply it to your own life, you will be a steadfast Christian.

True knowledge of God is not some obscure formula, rite, or ritual. It is to know Jesus Christ as He is revealed to us in the Word of God. This is the secret of life and Christian living (see John 17:3).

Notice how Peter uses the name—“our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” How precious the Lord Jesus had become to this rough, old fisherman! Peter obeyed Him as Lord, loved Him as Savior, adored Him as the greatest human, and worshipped Jesus Christ as the mighty anointed Son of God.

Peter concludes his swan song with this eulogy of praise: “To Him be the glory now and forever. Amen.”

1. What does it tell us about people that this world’s future judgment is certain?

2. What does it tell us about God that He is patient in His judgment?

3. Why do we need Peter’s warning to be on our guard?

Additional Resources

Listen to Dr. J. Vernon McGee's complete teachings on 2 Peter 3:1-7, 13, 2 Peter 3:5-10 and 2 Peter 3:8-18.

For a deeper study of 2 Peter, download the 2 Peter Bible Companion for free!