Anticipation While We Wait

Introduction:

A “Big day” and why it matters

HOW DO WE PREPARE OURSELVES FOR THIS MASSIVELY IMPORTANT DAY? FIRST OFF, PETER URGES US TO BE PATIENT AS WE WAIT – AND THAT’S NOT ALWAYS EASY.

I) Patience as we Wait for the Day of the Lord (vv. 3-9)

A. We can be patient because God is consistent

i. Scoffers ‘gonna scoff (vv. 3-4)

1. The difference between sincere questions vs. sinful skepticism

2. As they’ve always been: generations hoped, but NO JESUS!

ii. But as God did before, he will do again (vv. 5-7)

1. Just as God created & judged a world of scoffers, he will do so again

2. Is it silly to keep waiting, while injustice, evil, prevail? No.

B. We can be patient because God is Graciously Patient (vv. 8-9)

i. God works outside of time (vs. 8)

1. QUOTE: Psalm 90 reminds us of our finite nature & God’s eternality

2. EXAMPLE: C.S. Lewis (A timeline on a page, God is outside of time)

3. Therefore, God is not “late”; he is outside of time

ii. Therefore, God’s delay will ensure the salvation of God’s elect (vv. 9, 15)

1. Calvinists & Arminians debate: A quota? Or more yet to be saved?

2. Calvin: the hidden will of God, but reflects God’s loving patience

SO, WE ARE TO BE PATIENT AS WE WAIT; BUT PETER ALSO WANTS US TO BE INFORMED WHILE WE WAIT.

II) Knowledge about the Day of the Lord (vv. 10-13)

A. The Cataclysm of “the Day of the Lord”

i. The consuming fire of judgment will expose all (vv. 10, 12)

1. God’s Judgment will be a purifying & cleansing fire of all creation

2. God’s judgment will be like a trial, in which the truth will finally come out

3. EXAMPLE: Genocide? Mass murder? Mercy Ministry? Motives exposed

ii. God’s judgment Empowers us (vs. 10b)

1. QUOTE: Miroslav VOlf recognizes that this liberates us

2. From major things (like genocide) to small slights: Trusting God’s judgment

B. The home where righteousness dwells (vs. 13)

i. A New Home:

1. Even today, our longings point us to a world where righteousness dwells

2. QUOTE: "[Narnia] was a deeper country: every rock and flower and blade of grass looked as if it meant more. Lewis in “The Last Battle”

ii. How to Hope For Home

1. Some of us are weary, discouraged (illness; caring for a parent etc.)

2. Not time-wise, but reality wise: “we’re close to home.”

SO, WE ARE TO BE PATIENT WHILE WE WAIT; WE ARE TO BE INFORMED WHILE WE WAIT, AND FINALLY, WE ARE TO LIVE DIFFERENTLY WHILE WE WAIT.

III) Living While We Wait for the Day of the Lord (vv. 11, 14-16)

A. We are to live as though waiting for the Day of the Lord

i. What kind of people ought we to be? (vs. 11)

1. Some – then, and through history run out the clock; others? No difference

2. So, Peter’s question is an important one

B. Character Counts: Who we are to be as we wait for the Day of the Lord

i. We are to be holy (vv. 11b, 14)

1. Sin is like contamination; Since impurity will be burned away, we too are to be pure

2. EXAMPLE: are you distinguished in how you live?

ii. We are to be Godly

1. Godliness is the pursuit of your relationship with God, in Christ

2. EXAMPLE: Will Jesus’ return be two strangers, or long-lost friends?

ii. We are at peace with Him

1. EXAMPLE: Flight 232

2. Do you realize your mortality – and have you prepared for it? (vs. 14)

Transition:

Conclusion

· “the thoughts of what I am going to … lie as a glowing Coal at my Heart.” -- Mr. Stand-fast, Pilgrim's progress.