The Story:There are at least three senses in which we should “consider that the longsuffering of our Lord issalvation.” First, as mentioned yesterday, there is the additional time allotted to us for working out our own salvation in fear and trembling (Phil. 2.12). We must not be idle, but diligent, about the matter of growing in our relationship with the Lord, in godliness and holiness. Second, there are many opportunities God affords us for declaring His salvation to others. We are called to be His witnesses in the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1.8). Every day we can encourage a fellow believer in the salvation of the Lord and reach out to the lost with the Good News of the Kingdom. Finally, the Lord Himself continues preparing a place for us in the new heaven and new earth (Jn. 14.1-30). I’m not entirely sure what this means, but it indicates that the Lord is busy even at this time preparing a greater salvation for us in the new heaven and new earth, a salvation so great that we won’t mind having to wait just a bit longer to enjoy it.

The Structure:The respectful and appreciative mention of the Apostle Paul here should put to rest any idea of those two being rivals for leadership in the early Church, as some have supposed. Paul submitted to Peter in Jerusalem, and, in doing so, confirmed his calling to the Gentiles. And Peter submit to Paul’s hard but necessary corrective in Antioch (Gal. 2). Both men knew, loved, and respected on another, because both men lived for the salvation of the Lord in every respect.

Are you entering into the full “patience of the Lord” during this time of waiting?

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.