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:
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.
Four characteristics:
Be mindful (vs 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 -- Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
1 Corinthians 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
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 -- Psalm 119:140 Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.
Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
Psalm 19:8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
Be not ignorant (vs 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 (vs 14) -- The word “diligent” means 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 John 3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
Romans 13:11 (KJV)
11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
Beware (vs 17) -- Peter warns his readers and us to be on our guard that 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 that that they know before hand 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.