2 Peter 3

Introduction

Taking a break from “Keep Watch”

Brooks tackled a tough passage

Ch. 3 leads us back into “Keep Watch” well

4 misconceptions that I think we know aren’t true in our minds, but can feel are true in our hearts

Read 2 Peter 3

Explanation

This life isn’t going to last forever; God will come to judge us all. (v. 1-7)

Christians

We know this, but lose sight of it.

[Odysseus and the lotus-eaters]

We get lulled to sleep if we’re not consuming the Word.

Sometimes God has to shake us up to wake us up.

Non-Christians

It’s not enough to be headed in the right direction.

[ever missed a flight? friends in Phoenix almost missing…it’s not enough to be headed towards the gate]

John 10:9 — I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved.

Luke 13:24 — Make every effort to enter…because…once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’

God’s delayed return isn’t a big mistake; it’s part of a big mission. (v. 8-9)

The earth is not yet filled with the glory of the Lord. God isn’t slow-moving, we’re just short-sighted

When you go through suffering and long for heaven, do you think missions?

I know in the midst of suffering it’s difficult to wonder where God is.

What kind of love could see all Jesus has done for us and imagine seeing him face to face, having every tear wiped away, and still say “not yet”?

1) a love for the people of the world

2) a love for the things of the world

Which one are you?

Peter uses fire in light of the OT. For Christians, it shouldn’t strike fear, it should give great hope.

It’s not about hitting the reset button (like the flood), it’s about re-creation. Peter wants us to think about heaven, but not for the reason we might expect.

Thinking about heaven isn’t just about alleviating suffering; it’s also about addressing sanctification. (v. 10-13)

i.e. // It’s not just for trials, but for temptations too.

It might seem counterintuitive but it’s not — actually the false teaching of God not returning would lead us to say “eat, drink, and be merry”

2 reasons thinking about heaven helps us address sanctification

1) It helps us live as who we are in Christ.

2 ) It helps us invite others into who they could be in Christ.

Word for “lives” is “anastrophen” // Peter often uses it with evangelistic thought

1 Peter 1:11-12, 3:1-2, 3:15-16

Following Jesus isn’t about being perfect; it is about persevering. (v. 14-18)

Just another way of saying what Neil said a few weeks back.

Could be forgiven for letting v. 14 make you panic about your goodness

Matt. 5:48 — Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. The point is that we never could be perfect! That’s why we need Jesus.

So how do we make sure we’re found blameless? We persevere in following Jesus.

The focus is really on verse 17

Luke 8:15 — …by persevering produce a crop.

Neil referenced views on losing salvation, I think no based on John 6, either way it’s about persevering

It’s not how good your batting average is, it’s whether you finish playing the game

Exhortation

Non-Christians

Faith is not just direction—it involves a decision.

Make the decision today.

Seth was baptized last week and you can be too.

Christians

Have you been lulled to sleep? Maybe you’ve stopped attending to your sanctification? Receive prayer for renewed diligence in holiness and perseverance

Maybe you’re well away that this world isn’t home, and you need a reminder of the certainty of God’s return and the hope that awaits us. Cast your burdens on him.