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:
Four characteristics:
It is extremely important in these last days to be diligent in active awareness of our Christian responsibilities. In chapter three, Peter relates four characteristics of “being” Christian.
Be mindful: (1-2)
When Peter tells us to be mindful of the words of the prophets, he is saying more than just reading or memorizing. When you are mindful of something or someone, you are aware of their presence. So, if we are to be mindful of the words of the prophets then we are to recognize that they have written or instructed about areas that we wrestle and struggle with in life. In this chapter Peter is particularly addressing the second coming of the Lord and the consummation of all things. He would be telling us to be aware of what is happening around us in the world and people and remember that God has spoken to these issues through the prophets in the past (Ro 15:4; 1 Cor 10:11). We can learn much from reading the Old Testament passages in light of the new and vice versa. This is what Peter has in mind when he writes to stir up his readers minds.
Peter speaks of scoffers and reminds us of God’s word that it will outlast the scoffers and we can take refuge and strength in God’s word (Psa 119:140; Prov 30:5; Psa 19:8).
Be no ignorant: (8)
When Peter tells us not to be ignorant he is not talking about our education in school. But, he is pointing to one particular event -- the coming of the Lord. He says, be not ignorant of this one thing – the day of the Lord will come as the Scriptures foretell. There were then, as now, people who try to say that the coming of the Lord will not occur. Peter uses a word that means, to be hid or escape notice and wants us to not be deceived by vain talkers who themselves are willingly ignorant of the Lord’s coming and His longsuffering. He has not come yet because He is waiting for souls to turn to Him – even the willingly ignorant ones. Peter refers to the historical record of the flood for our understanding and enlightenment about the future coming of the Lord. Those in Noah’s day may have said there will never be a flood, but they were wrong.
Be diligent: (14)
The word “diligent” mesons to hasten; make haste, to exert oneself. Peter is urging upon his readers the fact the Lord’s coming is nigh at hand and they are not to be slothful in their Christian walk or witnessing. We should be diligent in our upward look, our outward conduct and our daily witness. 1 Jn 3:3; 1 Thes 5:5-7; Rom 13:11
Beware: (17)
Peter warns his readers and us to be on our guard because association with those that hold such wrong doctrines and ideas can cause us to fall from our own steadfastness. Those who are willingly ignorant may have some strong arguments against the Lord’s coming, but he tells this so that they know beforehand what some of these scoffers will say and to know and be forewarned is to be forearmed with readiness to hold fast. We must also hold fast the truth of the Lord’s coming even in light of the many scoffers that try to persuade us from our faith. (1 Tim 3:5-7)