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THE EPISTLES OF PETER LESSON 12: THEY LAUGHED AT NOAH, TOO

Scripture Reading:  II Peter 3:1-9.

Memory Verse:  “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (II Peter 3:9)

INTRODUCTION:

No one really enjoys being embarrassed by others. Have you ever thought about the scoffing and ridicule that Noah must have put up with? There are those in the world who like to make fun of all Christians. Have you ever been embarrassed because of your stand for the Lord?

Evidently there were scoffers who posed a question about why their Lord hadn’t returned. Peter accepted the challenge and cited three supernatural events to support his answer. Firstly, the creation of their universe. Secondly, the universal flood in which the world (scoffers included) perished. Thirdly, that they, too, will face judgment when the world is refined by fire.

He further points out that the delay they refer to could be to their advantage. It allows them time to tum from their wicked ways and serve the Lord. This seems to offer us a way to deal with modern-day scoffers. We are encouraged to stand our ground and offer them an alternative. This of course, is salvation through Jesus Christ. Oh, yes! Remember, they laughed at Noah, too.

LESSON QUESTIONS:

  1. What was the purpose in writing this epistle? II Peter 3:1.
  2. What method was he using to stir them up? II Peter 3:2; II Peter 1:21.
  3. Why was Peter’s warning important? II Peter 3:3; Jude 1:18. How do you think the term “last days” should be interpreted?
  4. Peter gives us an example of their mocking; could this still be used today? II Peter 3:4; Matthew 24:48-51. Can you think of other examples used against Christians?
  5. What can we do? II Timothy 2:23.
  6. What is the basic problem with those who mock? II Peter 3:5. Why are these men lacking knowledge?
  7. What form of catastrophic judgment did God once use? II Peter 3:6; Genesis 7:11, 21. During the construction of the Ark, do you think Noah faced scoffers.
  8. How will scoffers from our day be dealt with? II Peter 3:7. What does the term “perdition” mean?
  9. Unlike the scoffers, how should we regard time concerning the second coming of the Lord? II Peter 3:8; Psalm 90:4.
  10. How does God really feel about the ungodly and scoffers? II Peter 3:9; Isaiah 59:1; Ezekiel 18:23. What should be our attitude towards the scoffer?
  11. How did the Lord treat us in our time of being an unbeliever? I Timothy 1:15-17.

EXTRA-MILE QUESTION:  There is a great likeness between Noah’s day and ours. Do you believe that history often repeats itself! Explain your answer.