2 Peter 3:14-18

Response to God’s Return

“Seeing that you look for such things” -> after teaching us the importance and reality of the coming of Christ, it is simply understood that we are now looking for these things

Once again, we see a call to great diligence -> diligence takes effort that is thorough and meticulous

Our diligence is to be found without spot or blemish before God -> we take great care to be thoroughly holy (2 Tim. 3:16-17)

Not that we would be strong in some areas in weak in others with contentment, but that we would be completely representative of our God who is coming

As we discussed last week, this is necessary of a child of God to be a productive servant (cannot be salt without savor)

We also must regard the patience of God to be the salvation of others -> our suffering in waiting is for a glorious cause!

If Christ can suffer to the extent He did for the benefit of mankind, we can suffer a bit longer in waiting on His return for the benefit of mankind

Though it is fruitless and vain to heap treasures on this earth, our time spent here is precious and needful

Beware

We have been given the sure word of God, consistent across many authors, through many cultures, over the span of many years and generations, and confirmed by God

This sure word is thorough, interpreted by the Spirit, made readily available to us, and warns us of doctrinal dangers that are all around us

False teachers will twist and distort these true and validated teachings to give them the appearance of truth

The appearance of truth without the substance of truth is falsehood, and that leads to destruction (2 Tim. 3:1-9)

Don’t be led away by wicked/lawless/unprincipled false teachers -> let the word taught supersede the one speaking the words

Grow in Grace and Knowledge

The best weapon and armor we have to protect ourselves from false teaching is growing in the grace and knowledge of the Lord (2 Tim. 3:10-17)

The grace of God is everything to us, for without it we would have nothing, including the word of God

It is our duty to use and be good stewards of God’s grace, understanding that the end is near -> growing in grace results in ministering according to that grace (1 Pet. 4:7-11)

Without knowledge of God, we have no guide or direction

The importance of your lifelong and continual growth in the knowledge of God cannot be stressed enough

Without the grace and knowledge of God, we are nothing and have nothing -> treasure and grow in it!