Verses 1-7
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Stay mindful of what the Word says. Don't ever think that you know enough. You need to hear the same truths over and over again. This is for your safety (Philippians 3:1).
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The world, on the other hand, has grown forgetful over time. As we get closer to the end, more people will mock the Word and deny that there will be an end or that Jesus will return at all. In our flawed human perspective, so much time has passed. The end is definitely still happening.
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They forget that Noah's flood is proof that God judges the world, and He will do so again.
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Verses 8-9
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God exists outside of time. He sees the past, present, and future all the same. For this reason, even a thousand years could be compared to "yesterday when it is past" (Psalm 90:4). He is patient enough to see a thousand years as a mere moment, and yet for knowledge of the future He is urgent enough to see even 24 hours in a day as containing a thousand years worth of opportunity. We ought to do the same. Be patient for the results of actions and with the passing of time, and also be urgent enough with your actions that you view one day as having the potential of one-thousand years of time. For there is more opportunity in a day than most could possibly imagine.
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Regarding the end, God is not being lazy. He is waiting before the end must come so that more people can come to salvation.
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Be patient for the final day!
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Verses 10-15
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Everything in the physical world will be destroyed by the fire of God.
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Knowing this, don't become attached to physical things nor seek the pleasures of the world(1 Corinthians 7:29-31). Focus on living a holy life, staying far away from sin, and urgently working to do what will bring more people to salvation.
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Live as though the days are fleeting (Ephesians 5:15-16), knowing that the end could come at any time; and when it does, we will not have the same opportunity. Take the opportunity now, while you still can! (John 9:4).
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Verses 16-18
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And knowing that the Bible is easily twisted by people, be careful to avoid the same.
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People who are untaught and unstable tend to twist the Word. To avoid twisting the Word yourself:
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(1) Get teaching from wise believers with godly character, and...
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(2) Live a stable life; don't be tossed around with emotion, feeling, or circumstance, or you will be easily tricked.
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Focus on the grace and knowledge of Christ and His walk. Don't meddle in doctrines or matters that cause you to lose your focus on the person of Jesus.
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When people stray from focusing on Jesus, they get deceived (Colossians 2:18-19).
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