byVery soon, we will be wrapping up the 2nd Epistle of Peter, and today, we are beginning the study of the last chapter in the book. Wow! I’ve titled today’s study the Rise of Scoffers in the Last Days, just as Peter insisted that believers should be careful of such people. Let’s dive in.
Verses 1-2
[1] “Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), [2] that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior,” – 2 Peter 3:1-2 (NKJV)
Peter, as a way of emphasising that this was his second epistle, stated that believers in Christ should be mindful of the words spoken before (previous words of prophecy in the Old Testament). Why is he calling us to be mindful of Old Testament scripture? Because they are still relevant in our walk with God today. Have you not read Romans 15:4 (NKJV), which says,
[4] “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.”
As a Christian, don’t limit your study of scripture to only the New Testament. Otherwise, you’ll miss some revelations needed for your well-being in Christ.
Peter didn’t only call us to reconsider the words of the prophets but also those of the Apostles of Jesus Christ. His epistle, as well as the others, is very important. One primary reason I believe the writings of Jesus’ Apostles are vital is because they saw Him physically. So, they knew what they wrote, not by some imagination. See that!
As a Christian, don’t limit your study of scripture to only the New Testament. Otherwise, you’ll miss some revelations needed for your well-being in Christ.
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Verses 3-4
[3] knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, [4] and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” – 2 Peter 3:3-4 (NKJV)
Now, the reason why Peter called you and me is to keep remembering God’s Word. He knew that there would be a rise of scoffers (A “scoffer” is someone who mocks, ridicules, or scorns, often with contempt or derision, particularly towards beliefs, ideas, or people) in the last days, who walk according to their own fleshly lusts and deny the truth that Jesus will come again. Beware of such people because the carry false doctrines. Just because many things are continuing the way they were after Jesus physically left the Earth doesn’t mean God’s Word of prophecy has been annulled. Take care of your spiritual health and be mindful of what you hear.
