2 Peter 3 outline

2 Peter 3 ESV

This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles, knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.” For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God, and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures. You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

The Promise Keeper: Hope in Uncertain Times

Bible Passage: 2 Peter 3

Summary: In 2 Peter 3, the apostle Peter addresses the concerns and doubts about Christ’s return, emphasizing that God’s promises are steadfast and true despite apparent delays or challenges.

Application: This sermon can help Christians trust in God's faithfulness during times of doubt, reminding them that His timing is perfect and His promises will be fulfilled. It encourages believers to live in light of eternity, fostering hope and perseverance in their spiritual walk.

Teaching: The sermon focuses on the nature of God's promises, reinforcing the idea that God is not slow in fulfilling His promises, but rather is patient and desires all to come to repentance. It teaches about the assurance we find in faith and the call to holy living in light of future judgment.

How this passage could point to Christ: This passage points to Christ's return in glory, emphasizing that He is the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to humanity. Christ's life, death, and resurrection demonstrate God's faithfulness and serve as the ultimate assurance of His promises.

Big Idea: God's faithfulness and timing assure us that His promises will be realized, encouraging us to live righteously and with hope amidst life's uncertainties.

Recommended Study: As you prepare, consider diving into the historical context of 2 Peter to understand the urgency behind Peter's message. Use Logos to explore commentaries that focus on the promises of God, the concept of patience in divine timing, and the eschatological implications of Peter's words. Additionally, check for any lexical studies on key terms like 'promise' and 'delay' to enhance your understanding of the text's nuances.

1. Promise of Creation and Judgment

2 Peter 3:1-7

Maybe you can encourage your congregation to remember the power of God's word, which created and continues to sustain the world. Despite the scoffers doubting the promise of Christ's return, God's past faithfulness—seen in the creation and the flood—affirms that His promises are sure. This might bolster the community's confidence that God, through Christ, will fulfill His promise of judgment and restoration just as He promised in Scripture.

2. Patience, Not Delay

2 Peter 3:8-10

Perhaps this sermon point would emphasize God's perfect timing, reminding the congregation that what may seem like a delay is actually divine patience, allowing more to come to repentance. By highlighting God's desire for everyone to experience His grace through Christ, you could inspire hope and reinforce trust in His faithful nature. This encourages a watchful and holy lifestyle, anticipating the day of the Lord with patience and hope.

3. Pursuing Holiness in Hope

2 Peter 3:11-13

You could vividly portray the transformative power of expecting Christ's return, urging believers to pursue holiness and godliness. This anticipatory living reflects the enthusiastic hope of a new heaven and earth promised by God. By looking forward to His ultimate restoration plan, the congregants might be motivated to live righteous lives that mirror the future kingdom of God and the character of Christ.

4. Steadfast Waiting in Grace

2 Peter 3:14-18

Maybe you can conclude the sermon by urging the church to deepen their relationship with Christ, growing in grace and knowledge. While waiting, there is a call to be diligent and steadfast, resisting the distortions of false teachers. You can uphold this commitment to Christ as a means to stay secure in His promises until His return, offering a future-focused hope and steadfastness anchored in the truth of Jesus.