2 Peter 3

Peter speaks to something similar to what Zephaniah spoke to with the Israelites.

Peter saw that people think that God's forbearance shows weakness or inattention. So we are tempted to let ourselves sin. We figure God's not looking or we can repent later. We figure, "what's the harm?"

I think this is how Satan often tempts us. He certainly tempts me in this way. He tells us God doesn't care. He's coming back later, not right now. We can relax.

Peter answers then in a couple of ways. First, he says, look at the marvelous creation around you. God did it. He is still very much involved with the world he made, including you.

Then Peter mentions the judgment that came through Noah. In Noah's time the people thought God was far away. They could not see the judgment that was coming even while the ark was being built. Everyone was too busy. They never looked up. They were oblivious to what was about to happen.

Peter encourages then that God has his own speed. It may look slow to us but he knows what he is doing. God is holding off hoping we will finally repent. But there will be a judgment this time by fire.

We think of 2,000 years as a long time. Jesus still has not come back yet for his saints. But by God's measure it's not.

We must determine to be holy in our behavior, honest in our dealings. Peter says to be at peace, spotless, and blameless. Hold fast to the end. God is here.

Grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. The glory of God will be upon you.

Peter mentions that we must not distort scripture to make it mean what we want it to. I chuckle to think they were already having that problem in Peter's time. He suggests Paul uses complicated arguments. And those who distort them do so for their own selfish, sinful purposes. We let Satan tempt us. He is certainly willing to distort scripture if we are willing to listen. He is the father of lies.

Zephaniah speaks of God's judgment, it is coming though it seems to be far off. Peter speaks of the same thing. Do not think because you see sin and evil all around you and God doing nothing that he will do nothing forever. And when he is working his judgment we are not likely to even see it until it is fulfilled.

So our job is to stay faithful, do righteously and help others as we are able.