Someone once said that if you repeat a lie often enough, it becomes the truth. One reason lies are so destructive is because humans tend to believe what they hear first or what is repeated most often. That is why we should be careful which voices we allow to speak into our lives.
In 2 Peter 3, Peter warns the church that “in the last days scoffers will come” (v. 3). There would be many people treating faith in the Lord Jesus with contempt. These scoffers will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised?” (v. 4). As Christians, we believe Jesus will keep His promise to return (John 14:2–3). When Peter wrote this letter, it had been at least 30 years, and Jesus had not yet returned. This led some to mock Christians for their belief. This same criticism is often used against the church today, some 2,000 years later.
Instead of listening to scoffers, believers should pay attention to the real source of truth. Peter advises, “I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles” (v. 2). In other words, we are to saturate our minds in Scripture. This aligns with Jesus’ prayer for the disciples: “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17).
God’s Word is powerful, life-giving, authoritative, and true. It is worthy of our careful study and obedience. We need to not just understand it, but to stand under it. We should come under its authority and allow it to shape our belief, thoughts, and actions. As the Lord Jesus taught, “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4, quoting Deut. 8:3).
Go Deeper
Have you seen “scoffers” who doubt Jesus’ Second Coming? How does Scripture help us stay the course in these last days?
Pray with Us
Lord, open our eyes to see the truth that You have revealed in the Bible for us. Convict us of areas where we are not obeying Your commands. Help us stand under Your Word!
I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.2 Peter 3:2
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