Question on 2 Peter 3

[Murph]

I have an issue with the SS lesson for this Sunday...Here is my question.

Is Peter talking about the second coming or the end of the universe?

[veterinarian]

I have always thought that Peter was talking about both the second coming and the end of the world.

For instance:

I have always believed that verses 1-6 refer to the beginning of the earth up to Jesus' return:

(2 Peter 3:1) This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:
(2 Peter 3:2) That ye 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 Saviour:
(2 Peter 3:3) Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
(2 Peter 3:4) 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 the creation.
(2 Peter 3:5) For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:
(2 Peter 3:6) Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:

[veterinarian]

Verse 7 talks about the heavens and the earth burning with fire, and the judgement of those men who do not belong to God.

(2 Peter 3:7) But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

[veterinarian]

I really do not know about the rest of this chapter's verses. It appears, to me, that they apply to both Jesus' return and the end of the world/universe.

That is just a quick opinion on my part. I have to work for a bit; hopefully some others will have more (and better) comments than mine.

[Murph]

thanks Donna. Tha's pretty much how I was reading Chapter 3...

The SS lesson reads like it all has to do with the Second Coming, but there is alot between the Second Coming and when God blows things up and starts over again...

[veterinarian]

Nov 21, 2012 12:45:26 GMT -6 Murph said:

The SS lesson reads like it all has to do with the Second Coming, but there is alot between the Second Coming and when God blows things up and starts over again...

This is what I think is our "take home message":

(2 Peter 3:11) Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

I believe that Peter is telling us to look at our actions, thoughts, and words as we keep in mind that the things in this world are going to disappear.

What happens during Jesus' second coming, to the end of the world, is important. But these things are not important enough to keep us from being Christians.

[Murph]

Indeed...Peter is saying what happens to the end of the world should have a direct effect on our behavior...

I just have problems when the writer of a SS lesson gets something so obvious wrong...the writer says it is all about the second coming...it isn't.

If you are going to teach a Bible lesson...then get it as right as you can...

[veterinarian]

Nov 21, 2012 15:36:07 GMT -6 Murph said:

Indeed...Peter is saying what happens to the end of the world should have a direct effect on our behavior...

I just have problems when the writer of a SS lesson gets something so obvious wrong...the writer says it is all about the second coming...it isn't.

If you are going to teach a Bible lesson...then get it as right as you can...

I can't recall the verse(s), but I remember that harsh judgement is promised to those who mislead anyone through wrong teaching.

That is always in the back of my mind when I teach.

[Deleted]

"My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation" (James 3:1).

[veterinarian]

Nov 21, 2012 17:35:19 GMT -6 @bbb said:

"My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation" (James 3:1).

That is the verse. Thank you.