Category Archives: II Peter

Are You Ready for Christ’s Coming? (2 Peter 3)

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Scripture reading – 2 Peter 3

We conclude our study of the Second Epistle of Peter with today’s Scripture reading. In fact, the author confirms this was his second letter, writing, “This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you” (3:1). Then, Peter went on to restate his purpose for the letter, and it was to “stir up [their] pure [sincere] minds by way of remembrance” (3:1b). Thus, it behooves us to ask, “remembrance of what?”

Peter sensed, even had a foreboding, that his life and ministry were drawing to a close (1:14). With affection and a sense of urgency, the old apostle penned what would be his last letter. He had described the character and conduct of false teachers in the previous chapter, and warned believers concerning their corrupting influence (2:10-22). Knowing apostate teachers were impelling the churches with damnable heresies, Peter wanted believers to remember the things they had been taught (3:1).

Remember, and Never Forget (3:1-2)

Believers of the latter first century were urged to remember, and never forget “the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour” (3:2). There were precious, handwritten copies of the “words” and doctrines of the prophets of old (3:2a). Also, many alive at that time had firsthand knowledge of the teachings and doctrine of “the apostles of the Lord and Savior,” of whom Peter was numbered (3:2).

The Last Days, and the Judgment to Follow (3:3-7)

Understanding the “last days” began with Christ’s ascension to heaven, and will conclude with His Second Coming, Peter warned, “Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts” (3:3).

Who were those scoffers, and upon what did they heap their scorn? First, they were men who derided the promise of Christ’s return, and said, “Where is the promise of his coming?” (3:4a). They demanded, show us the promise, give us a sign Christ is coming. They went on with their derision, saying, “for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation” (3:4). Those scoffers would have men believe nothing had changed since creation, and things would continue even as they were (3:4).

Peter condemned the scoffers as foolish, wicked men. They denied God had by the power of His Word, created the universe (3:5), and by His Word destroyed the world by the flood (3:6). They were blind, and refused to believe it was the power of God’s Word that preserved and sustained the “heavens and the earth” (3:7). Indeed, it was by the will and mercies of God that the world was spared from judgment and destruction. By His Word the Lord upholds creation, and by His word He can unleash His fury and destroy everything. Yet, He has preserved the world “unto fire against [and until] the day of judgment and perdition [destruction] of ungodly men” (3:7).

Why Christ Has Not Come (3:8-9)

Peter then gave believers insight into the eternal perspective of God, as opposed to the finite, temporal view of man (3:8). While man measures the passing of time in seconds, minutes, hours, days, and years; Peter declared, “one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day” (3:8). Men scoffed in Peter’s day, “Look how many years have passed, and there is no sign of Christ’s coming!” The apostle answered those foolish men, and declared God is infinite, and for Him the passage of time is as no more than a day!

The apostle warned, “the Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (3:9).

Why has Christ not returned as He promised? For one, He “is longsuffering to us-ward” (3:9b). The Lord is patient. We tend to be impatient, and our view of fairness and justice demands immediate satisfaction. The Lord, however, is “not willing that any should perish” (3:9c). He is just, and His character demands justice. Nevertheless, He longs for sinners to be saved, and “that all should come to repentance” (3:9d).

Closing thoughts (3:10-18) – Much more might be considered in the balance of today’s Scripture reading, and I pray I might expand on this chapter in the future. In summary, I invite you to consider briefly the assurance we have of Christ’s return, and the fiery judgment that will follow (3:10). Peter instructed believers concerning their obligation to the Lord, and lifestyle choices in light of the imminent return of Christ (3:11-14).

In closing, consider three things believers should do in light of Christ’s Second Coming: Invite lost sinners to be saved (3:15-16); Beware of wicked men who would lead you spiritually astray (3:17); finally, “Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever” (3:18).

Friend, Christ is coming! Are you ready?

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Copyright © 2022 – Travis D. Smith

Heart of A Shepherd Inc is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501c3, and is a public charitable organization. Mailing address: Heart of A Shepherd Inc, 6201 Ehrlich Rd., Tampa, FL 33625. You can email HeartofAShepherdInc@gmail.com for more information on this daily devotional ministry.

An Invitation, and A Reflection of Spiritual Maturity (2 Peter 1; 2 Peter 2)

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Scripture reading – 2 Peter 1; 2 Peter 2

Greetings from the Heart of A Shepherd: With the finish line in sight, our two-year chronological Scripture reading program is nearly over. It has been my privilege to share with you the gleanings of my own devotional time in the Word of God. Thank you for taking this journey with me!

Changes are coming to “Heart of A Shepherd” in 2023: On January 1, 2023, I will launch my own independent website (the transition for current subscribers should be seamless, and without interruption). My commitment to the faithful exposition of the Scriptures will continue unabated; however, the look and design of the new website will be fresh, and I hope appealing.

Why the change? I anticipate a growing adversarial spirit in society toward a Biblical worldview. In fact, I believe the demand for censoring “politically incorrect” views and opinions will only intensify. After experiencing the “Facebook” graveyard (I was canceled without notice, August 2020), I fear it is only a matter of time before website hosts and other social media outlets will cave to political attacks and the demand for censorship.

To protect the content and integrity of “Heart of A Shepherd,” I look forward to my own website that will host past and future devotionals and video broadcasts. You are invited to make the transition with me, and renew your commitment to the disciplines and commitment necessary for studying the Scriptures. I invite you to download the 2023-2024 Scripture reading schedule, and return with me to Genesis, the first book of the Bible.

2 Peter 1 – An Introduction

The letter known as “The Second Epistle of Peter” (titled in some Bibles, “The Second General Epistle of Peter,” (general meaning it was not addressed to a specific individual or congregation), was written by the apostle Peter. Peter was numbered among Christ’s twelve disciples, and one of three members of His inner circle (the others being James and his brother John).

After a salutation in which he identified himself as the author (1:1), Peter addressed the recipients of the epistle. With loving affection, he identified them as having “obtained like precious faith…through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (1:1). You will notice a sense of urgency in the opening verses of the first chapter. Like Paul in his second epistle to Timothy (2 Timothy 3:1), Peter was mindful he was writing to believers living “in the last days” (3:3).

The Effect of Salvation (1:3-7)

Peter called on believers to grow spiritually, and pressed them to manifest the godly qualities that should be evident in the lives of all believers (1:3-7). Challenging the followers of Christ concerning the effect of genuine salvation and sanctification (1:3-4), the apostle called on believers to strive for seven godly virtues, or manifestations of spiritual character.

Peter wrote: “giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity” (1:5-7).

Seven Virtues (1:5-7)

Understanding saving faith is the essential foundation of spiritual growth, Peter challenged believers to discipline themselves, and strive for seven spiritual virtues (1:5-7).

Virtue (moral excellence; the determination to “Do Right”); Knowledge (practical and personal knowledge of God and His Word); Temperance (self-control; having the mastery of one’s thoughts and desires; fruit of the Spirit, Galatians 5:22-23); Patience (perseverance; enduring trials); Godliness (godly in relationships, Titus 2:12); Brotherly kindness (love of the brethren; John 13:34-35; 1 John 3:10-12); and Charity (self-sacrificing, unconditional, selfless love, 1 John 3:17-18).

Closing thoughts – So much more could be gleaned from today’s reading, but I will close drawing your attention to the phrase, “these things” (1:8, 9, 10, 12, 15). Five times, Peter impressed upon his readers the necessity of “these things” being “in you, and abound” (1:8). He warned, if you lack “these things” you are spiritually blind (1:9). Peter urged, by doing “these things, ye shall never fall” (1:10). He asserted, “I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things” (1:12). Lastly, writing of his imminent death, Peter wrote, “I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance” (1:15).

What were the “things” the apostle impressed upon believers living in the “last days”?  Answer: The seven virtues that define sincere faith, and sanctification: Virtue; Knowledge; Temperance; Patience; Godliness; Brotherly kindness; and Charity (1:5-7).

Are those “things” evident in your life?

* You can become a regular subscriber of the Heart of a Shepherd daily devotionals, and have them sent directly to your email address. Please enter your email address in the box to the right (if using a computer) or at the bottom (if using a cell phone).

Copyright © 2022 – Travis D. Smith

Heart of A Shepherd Inc is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501c3, and is a public charitable organization. Mailing address: Heart of A Shepherd Inc, 6201 Ehrlich Rd., Tampa, FL 33625. You can email HeartofAShepherdInc@gmail.com for more information on this daily devotional ministry.