Introduction
Comment on what we have learned from 2 Peter thus far: how God is preparing a perfect future kingdom for his people, how Christ has made it possible for us to be part of that kingdom, how the promises of God have the power to change us, and how false teachers deny these realities.
Having affirmed some of the key lessons, explain how we often find it hard to wait for things, especially things that we really look forward to. For example, children waiting for a birthday or parents waiting for the arrival of a new baby. Also consider how a long wait can sometimes make us think that the expected event will never happen. Relate this waiting to the questions and objections raised by the false teachers. They are tired of waiting and no longer think that Christ will return. We know that this is because they want to indulge their sinful desires. Explain how Peter will now answer this question/objection, encouraging believers to trust God to know what is best and keep waiting for Christ’s return.
The patience of the Lord
Explain how the Lord is not bound by time as we are.
Consider making it clear that 2 Peter 3:8 does not relate to the days of creation. Peter is thus not telling us that each day of creation is equivalent to 1,000 years.
Explain why there has been (and likely will continue to be) a delay before Christ returns.
Explain why the patience of the Lord is such good news.
Apply: how should we respond to God’s patience?
Sudden judgment when Christ returns
Explain that patience does not mean judgment will never come.
Explain that Christ will return suddenly, like a thief in the night and that no one knows when this will be.
Apply: teach believers that they must not be taken in by false teachers and prophets who claim they know when Christ will return. No one does and anyone who claims to know is lying (cf. Matthew 24:36).
Explain how Christ’s return will result in big transformation and all deeds will be exposed.
Explain that it will be too late to repent when Christ returns. We must be reconciled to him before he comes or we will meet him in judgment and not salvation.
Apply: let us use our time wisely as we wait for Christ’s return.
Conclusion
Waiting is hard. We want sin and suffering to come to an end. We find it hard to deny ourselves and look to Christ. We must, however, keep persevering as believers, not thinking that a delay means judgment will never happen. No, God’s judgment is delayed because he is patient and wants sinners to come to repentance. Praise God for his mercy, thank God that there is forgiveness in Christ for all sinners, no matter when we come to him.
8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.