1. THE DAY OF THE LORD
Lesson 12 for June 17, 2017

2. The last chapter of Peter’s letter is focused on a key moment of Christian history: The Second Coming of Christ.
The line of authority. 2 Peter 3:1-2.
Doubt. 2 Peter 3:3-4.
Waiting. 2 Peter 3:5-10.
The danger in waiting. 2 Peter 3:11-13.
How to live waiting. 2 Peter 3:14-18.

3. THE COMMANDMENTS OF JESUS
THE LINE OF AUTHORITY
“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 3:2)
2 Peter 3:1-2
Peter introduces the basis of our belief in the Second Coming. He explains which is the foundation of true authority that we are prepared to reject the tales of false teachers and we accept the truth of that event.
THE HOLY PROPHETS
The Old Testament is an authorized source of information that cannot be rejected.
THE COMMANDMENTS OF JESUS
Most of the New Testament (the writings of the apostles) was already known and accepted by the Church at Peter’s time (v ).
THE OLD TESTAMENT
THE NEW TESTAMENT

4. DOUBT
“knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 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)
2 Peter 3:3-4
Those scoffers live according to their own desires. They are governed by their passions and cannot feel the burning desire of the coming of He who is flawless. Therefore, they deny the Second Coming of Jesus.
Nevertheless, part of their statement seems to be true. Isn’t true that time goes by, people die and everything seems like remaining the same?
That’s why it’s so important to trust the authorized source of information that assures the promise of the Second Coming.

5. “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night.”
WAITING
“But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” (2 Peter 3:8)
2 Peter 3:5-10
“For a thousand years in Your sight are like yesterday when it is past, and like a watch in the night.” (Psalm 90:4)
Has everything remained the same since Creation?
No. The Flood is an example of great changes that have happened on Earth because of the evil behavior of humans.
God destroyed Earth with water, and He has prepared fire to destroy it again (v. 5-6).
Why does He take so long to do so?
There is no delay from God’s perspective (v. 8).
He is patient with us, so He gives us more time to repent (v. 9).
“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night.”
(2 Peter 3:10)

6. THE DANGER IN WAITING 2 Peter 3:11-13
“Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God…” (2 Peter 3:11-12)
2 Peter 3:11-13
How is the Second Coming related to our daily life?
Waiting may lead us to dangerous attitudes:
Announcing dates. Those dates bring revival to the believers’ community, but discourage and doubt emerge after the announced date.
Thinking the Coming is too far away. Our morals may loosen up and we may stop waiting (Matthew 24:43-51).
Therefore, Peter encourages us to hasten the coming of Jesus by using our energy to preach the Gospel and live a holy life.

7. HOW TO LIVE WAITING
“Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless.” (2 Peter 3:14)
2 Peter 3:14-18
Peter closes his letter with three warnings for us:
Live in peace with God by the works of Christ (v ).
Don’t look for excuses for sinning in the writings of the prophets or the letters of Paul (v ).
Don’t be influenced by “the error of the wicked”, but grow in grace and in knowing Jesus Christ.

8. “The end of all things is at hand
“The end of all things is at hand. What we have done must not be allowed to place the period to our work. The Captain of our salvation says, ‘Advance. The night cometh, in which no man can work.’ Constantly we are to increase in usefulness. Our lives are always to be under the power of Christ. Our lamps are to be kept burning brightly... He who places himself where God can enlighten him, advances, as it were, from the partial obscurity of dawn to the full radiance of noonday.
We must put to the stretch every spiritual nerve and muscle... God... does not desire you to remain novices. He wants you to reach the very highest round of the ladder, and then step from it into the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”
E.G.W. (Our Father Cares, April 18)