2 Peter 3
1 John Chapter 3 unfolds with a focus on how, as children of God, our identity and status should be manifested in daily life. This chapter can be divided into three main parts. First, verses 1-3 emphasize that we have been clothed in the status of “children of God” within the love of God. Next, verses 4-10 explain the differences between sin and righteousness, and between the children of God and the children of the devil, stating that believers should not continue to live in sin. Finally verses 11-24 place the theme of loving one another at the center, and also mention how this love should be carried out in a concrete way.
1verseThis is now, beloved, the second letter that I have written to you; and in both of them I stir up your sincere mind by reminding you
2versethat you should remember the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets and the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior,
3verseknowing this first, that in the last days mockers will come, walking after their own lusts
4verseand saying, “Where is the promise of his coming? For, from the day that the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.”
5verseFor they willfully forget that there were heavens from of old, and an earth formed out of water and amid water by the word of God,
6verseby which means the world that existed then, being overflowed with water, perished.
7verseBut the heavens that exist now and the earth, by the same word have been stored up for fire, being reserved against the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.
8verseBut don’t forget this one thing, beloved, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
9verseThe Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some count slowness; but he is patient with us, not wishing that anyone should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
10verseBut the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fervent heat; and the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.
11verseTherefore, since all these things will be destroyed like this, what kind of people ought you to be in holy living and godliness,
12verselooking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of God, which will cause the burning heavens to be dissolved, and the elements will melt with fervent heat?
13verseBut, according to his promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.
14verseTherefore, beloved, seeing that you look for these things, be diligent to be found in peace, without defect and blameless in his sight.
15verseRegard the patience of our Lord as salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also, according to the wisdom given to him, wrote to you,
16verseas also in all of his letters, speaking in them of these things. In those, there are some things that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unsettled twist, as they also do to the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.
17verseYou therefore, beloved, knowing these things beforehand, beware, lest being carried away with the error of the wicked, you fall from your own steadfastness.
18verseBut grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.
Key Message and Symbols
The core theme of this chapter is “the love of God” and “the practice of love”. Becoming children of God is entirely due to God’s grace and love (verse 1), and this shows that this identity is not a mere title, but should be revealed through an attitude and actions in life. Committing sin means moving away from God’s will, and a life of continually practicing sin cannot reflect the character of a child of God (verses 6-9). In this context, “love one another” Jesus’ commandment (verse 11) is emphasized as the essence of a believer’s life. Love should not be expressed only in words; it must be shown through actions and sincerity (verse 18). Through this, we can know that we will live in a proper relationship with God.
Points for Reflection
- How am I accepting and living out the identity of “children of God”?
- In my life, what standard do I use as the basis for judging between sin and holiness?
- Is the love I practice confined to words, or is it shown through actions?
Apply It to Yourself
- Take a look at whether gratitude for the love of God is being revealed in my everyday life.
- Even amid endless competition and comparison, remember the status of being “a child,” and develop an attitude of showing mercy to yourself and others.
- Try to love your neighbor in a concrete way, even through small acts.
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This is the last chapter of 2 Peter.