A Tale of Two Mindsets

By Roderick Breem

In 2 Peter the Apostle Peter is exhorting believers not to be discouraged that the Lord hadn’t returned yet. They had no idea it wouldn’t be in their lifetime. In Chapter 3 he starts off by saying:

“Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder).” (v.1)

The Greek word for “stir” there is fascinating. It is diegeirō, meaning “A. to wake up, awaken, arouse (from sleep), B. of the sea, which begins to be agitated, to rise.” Peter is saying he is awakening and arousing their pure minds by way of reminder. A reminder of what? Let’s find out.

Paul continues: “that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of [a]us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior, knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.’” (vv. 2-4)

Notice how he said “that you be mindful…” Notice the words so far that deal with the mind. He said he was stirring up their “pure minds” and now he is exhorting them “to be mindful” of the words of the prophets. They had to have their pure minds stirred and to be mindful because some were casting doubt saying “Where is the promise of His coming?”

Peter continues and makes a distinction between those with godly and ungodly mindsets. “For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water.” (v.5)

“They willfully forget.” In other words, they deliberately close their eyes. They block their ears from hearing. Do you see the distinction between the two mindsets? The first has a pure mind that is stirred and awakened by the reminder of God’s promise. The second willfully forget the promise of God.

Now, those that willfully forget become what Peter called “scoffers.” The modern translation would be mockers. Since they deliberately closed their spiritual eyes and ears they now despise those that continue to hold on to the promises of God.

Which mindset do you see yourself as? When you hear the promise of God are you stirred and awakened? Or do you mock on the inside or even through your words?

Father, we want to completely be in the camp of those who are stirred and awakened by your promises. Root out in us anything that causes us to willfully forget Your promises. In Jesus’ name.