2 Peter 3:10-13

The Coming Day of the Lord Will Come Unexpectedly (v. 10a)

A thief in the night is not seen ahead of time

There are many so-called prophets who “know the time” -> they don’t, and you don’t either!

We only know (in this instance) that it “will come” with great certainty

A thief in the night comes when those in the house are at their most comfortable, vulnerable state

Many nights have gone by without a peep, and all the earth is in a deep, unsuspecting sleep throughout the world

So much so that they have chosen to ignore all the signs that God is true and every man a liar

A thief in the night comes to do harm () -> although it is ultimately good, the wrath of God will bring immense pain Ex. 22:2-3

More on this in a moment

A thief in the night can be prepared for despite these things -> that is the point being made here for our benefit

The Coming Day of the Lord Will be Destructive (v. 10b)

Looking back at that thief analogy, the wrath of God will be nothing to scoff at -> it will be the most destructive thing to have ever happened in this universe

Once again, be reminded that the entire earth (aside from 8 people) has already been destroyed violently once

The earth will melt away with all that is in it, down to its basic building blocks

The very fabric of the universe will be done away with, and nothing will escape -> Sodom and Gomorrah, the sacrifice on Mt. Carmel, the Flood, etc. are just snippets!

If you are building on this earth, it will be utterly consumed and forgotten

The works of the earth will go with it

This is not only in reference to the physical things that will be destroyed, but this world system that is tainted by sin (, ) Rev. 18:9-1115-17

The Coming Day of the Lord Brings Us Duty (vv. 11-13)

If all works here melt away, it is clear where our efforts must be -> this adds a layer to the home of our treasures

The work of God’s kingdom is a work that outlives the earth it is done on, and it is the one thing that matters above all else () Heb. 11:39-40

It is the water we can drink of that quenches thirst forever

We have a duty to be holy, Godly people in a wicked, sinful world -> this makes a tangible impact

It is not piety for piety’s sake, but the light and salt we shine to a world that needs it -> it is a warning cry as watchmen

We have a duty to be urgent in our preparation -> seeing as how it could happen any moment and in a moment ()1 Cor. 15:50-52

Our duty is carried out with the comforting knowledge that we have an eternal, righteous, heavenly home (v. 13)

This place is guaranteed by a promise!