Chapter Summary

Return of the Lord and the Day of Jehovah. Christ's return to be generally denied.

Discussion Questions for 2 Peter, Chapter 3

1. Peter refers to the words "previously spoken by the holy prophets and the command of our Lord and Savior given through your apostles" (verse 2, CSB). Do you believe Peter is mentioning those who wrote God's Word in the Old Testament (prophets) and the New Testament (apostles)? Why or why not?
2. According to verse 3-4, what is a common way that doubters scoff at the Christian faith? Why would this be?
3. Peter's reminds believers that scoffers do not consider how God destroyed the world with a flood (cf. verses 5-6). According to verse 7, how will God destroy the world in the future? Why do you believe God will act in this manner?
4. What do you think this statement means: "With the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day" (verse 8, CSB)?
5. According to verse 9, why has it taken so long for Jesus to return? What does this say about God's nature?
6. Theologians sometimes speak of the "immenence" of Christ's return, meaning that He could return unexpectedly at any moment. Do you believe that idea is reflected in the phrase "the day of the Lord" (verse 10, CSB). What do you believe the day of the Lord refers to?
7. According to verse 10, what will happen on the day of the Lord? What do you believe Peter means when he writes, "The earth and the works on it will be disclosed" (CSB)?
8. What impact should the coming judgment of the earth have on our behavior as Christians, according to verses 11-12? Why should the Second Coming affect how we live today?
9. According to verse 13, is the destruction of the earth the end of our existence? What are we waiting for to happen? How does this give you hope for the future?
10. Until Jesus returns, Peter says we should "make every effort to be found without spot or blemish in his sight, at peace" (verse 14, CSB). What difference does holy living make in our lives?

Key Words/Phrase

Day of the Lord, v. 10.

Characters

God, Christ, Peter.

Strong Verse(s)

3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 18.