The Story:Peter is a master in choosing just the right words. “Therefore” assumes that we agree with him about the ultimate disposition of things, as much, that is, as we can know. If we’re in that “therefore” group, a “then” follows: “be diligent.” These are the same words that Peter used in the first chapter. As his reference to the promises of God (v. 13) was meant to tie his letter back to its beginning, so this reiteration of “be diligent” recalls that lengthy exhortation to pursue the sanctified life contained in 2 Peter 1.5-11. The unspoken implication is that those who are not “being diligent” may not be in the “therefore” group. But toward what are we to be diligent? “…to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless”. That “spot and blameless” remark gets at the necessity of pursuing righteousness according to the teaching of God’s Law, which all who want to enter the Kingdom (1.11) and be great in it both do and teach (Matt. 5.17-19). The “at peace” comes as a result of walking faithfully according to the teaching of the Word of God, casting all our cares on Him, because He cares for us (1 Pet. 5.7; Phil. 4.6, 7).

The Structure:Working out our salvation is a daily calling (Phil. 2.12). We are saved by grace through faith; but we are saved to be, as it were, more fully saved each day as we “supplement” our faith with the things that pertain to salvation (Eph. 2.8-10; 2 Pet. 1.5ff.). So we have work to do each day as we wait through the corridors of time and history and look toward the coming of the Lord. Let us make sure that we are “found by Him” to be diligent in our waiting when He comes at last to take us to Himself.

On a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the highest rating, how would you assess the state of your “being diligent” at this present time? Can you seen any areas where you need to improve your diligence?

Each week’s studies in our Scriptorium column are available in a free PDF form, suitable for personal or group use. For this week’s study, “Until He Comes: 2 Peter 3.11-18,” simply click here.

T. M. Moore

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.