Living with the End in Mind – A Study of 2 Peter 2

"Living with the end in mind"

II. Introduction

A. Purpose of Peter’s Letter (v.1-2)

B. Reminder to Think Wholesomely and Remember God’s Word

II. The Reality of Scoffers and the Last Days (v.3–7)

A. The Rise of Scoffers (v.3–4)

B. Their Willful Ignorance of God’s Past Judgment (v.5–6)

C. Future Judgment Reserved by God’s Word (v.7)

III. God’s Patience and Perspective on Time (v.8–9)

A. God’s Timelessness (v.8)

B. His Desire for Repentance, Not Perishing (v.9)

IV. The Coming Day of the Lord (v.10)

A. Suddenness and Totality of the Day

B. Cosmic and Earthly Judgment by Fire

V. Living in Light of Eternity (v.11–13)

A. The Call to Holy and Godly Living (v.11)

B. Eager Expectation of God’s Day (v.12)

C. The Promise of a New Heaven and New Earth (v.13)

D. Cross-references: Isaiah 65:17, 66:22; Revelation 21:1–5

VI. Practical Exhortations for Believers (v.14–16)

A. Be Diligent: Spotless, Blameless, at Peace (v.14)

B. Understand God’s Patience as Salvation (v.15)

C. Paul’s Writings and the Danger of Misinterpretation (v.16)

VII. Final Warnings and Encouragement (v.17–18)

A. Be on Guard Against Error (v.17)

B. Grow in Grace and Knowledge of Jesus Christ (v.18)

C. Doxology: To Him Be the Glory

VIII. Discussion Questions

How should we handle scoffers? Should we be surprised?

How does the knowledge of judgment and renewal shape our spiritual life?

How does God’s patience motivate our evangelism?

What does it mean to be secure in Christ but still be on guard?

VIV. Additional Scriptures

Ecclesiastes 12:13–14, Isaiah 40:8, Matthew 24:42, Luke 12:35–40, John 14:3, Colossians 3:1–4, Philippians 3:20–21, 1 Thessalonians 5:2–6, Titus 2:11–13, Hebrews 10:23–25, Revelation 22:12