2 Peter

Permanent Purity and Peace

2 Peter 3:10–14 ESV

10 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. 11 Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, 12 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! 13 But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. 14 Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.

Wait too long - It is gone

10 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.

11 Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, 12 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! 13 But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

Introduction

14 Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.

Introduction

This morning Clint preached from 2 Sam 30.

“Wait, wait for the dawn my dear

Wait till the sun gets here

And you will wait too long he will be gone

Wait, wait till the sun shines through

He explained the right response in times of crisis.

Wait till the sky is blue

Or stress.

And you will wait too long he will be gone, he will be gone

Oh, he will be gone

Our first reaction should be to turn to God - in His word.

Then we should do the right thing - as explained in His word.

Oh, he will be gone

Such good advice.

I don’t know about you but when life really throws me a curved ball,

I just want Jesus to return.

But there are many people who do not believe that He will return.

And then there are others who believe they know when Jesus will return;

Blood moon;

Ronald Weinland - 9 June 2019

previous - 2011, 2012, 2013.

Jeane Dixon - 2020

previous - 4 Feb 1962

Isaac Newton wrongly quoted - 2060 (world would definitely not end before - to calm peoples fears)

There are others who

In the 1960’s a well known philosopher wrote the following words:

These words still inspire millions of people;

Wait, wait till the signs are right

Wait till the perfect time

And you will wait too long he will be gone, he will be gone

Oh, he will be gone

“Imagine there's no heaven It's easy if you try No hell below us Above us only sky

Oh, he will be gone

Imagine all the people living for today Imagine there's no countries It isn't hard to do Nothing to kill or die for And no religion too

Imagine all the people living life in peace, you You may say I'm a dreamer But I'm not the only one I hope some day you'll join us And the world will be as one

Wait, wait till you don't doubt no more

Imagine no possessions I wonder if you can No need for greed or hunger A brotherhood of man

Imagine all the people sharing all the world, you You may say I'm a dreamer But I'm not the only one I hope some day you'll join us And the world will be as one”

(Songwriters: John Winston Lennon)

Wait, wait till you know you're sure

And you will wait too long he will be gone

Although these words have become famous and have provided very well for mr. Lennon;

And for his fellow Beatles and their extended families;

On 8 December 1980, Mr. Lennon found out that his philosophy was flawed.

You see: “The world will be as one”, has never been Gods purpose for this world.

God’s purpose for this world was a training ground - a pre-curser - to real life.

Peter writes his second letter to the church.

In this letter, Peter hastens to warn the church against false doctrine (false information regarding God - specifically Jesus)

He gets to chapter 3 where we find well known and often miss-interpreted words of advice and warning.

Peter warns against people who mock the truth.

People are specifically mocking the second coming of Jesus.

Even in Peter’s time.

In this time and age that we live in, it has been more than two thousand years since the angel made the promise of the return of Jesus ().

So we can understand people doubting this event after such a long time.

is even used as evidence against the creation story.

2 Peter 3:8 ESV

8 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.

Verse 9 leads us into what we want to understand and apply today;

2 Peter 3:9 ESV

9 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.

Verse 10 of gives us a perfect introduction to the verses to follow.

2 Peter 3:10 ESV

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.

For un-believers;

This verse also ties the previous portion to what is to follow.

For un-believers;

The “Day of the Lord” is a “day”, “period”, “timeframe” where and when unbelievers will be judged.

Nothing to look forward to if you are not a Christian.

For Christians;

We have reason to look forward to “That day”.

We can agree with the apostle John in looking forward to “That Day”.

Just check your emotions for a moment.

Day of the Lord

- Looking forward to?

- Or fearing?

The day of the Lord, that will cause our current universe to become extinct, will - according to Peter, “come like a thief in the night”.

(RSA Perspective)

It will be unexpected,

it will break into your comfort,

it will violate your privacy,

it will take away all your possessions.

Clothes, cars, homes, garden, jacuzzi, Coffee shop, TV, smartphone....

All, gone.

At that time - The Day of the Lord - the works that are done on the earth will be exposed.

Peter refers specifically to the actions of the false teachers who claim - and live - as if Jesus will never return.

They reason: “He has not returned in 2,000 years;

[insert verse “as some claim slowness”]

Therefore: “He will not return - ever”.

This day - The day of the Lord may only happen in 2000 years from today, but it WILL happen.

That is the truth.

That is true doctrine.

Jesus WILL return.

You see, the interesting fact about the truth is that there is only one truth.

We live in a time where truth has become subjective.

“Truth for you is not necessarily truth for me”.

As long as I do not expect you to believe what I believe we can co-exist.

Think about this:

The last fact, that all people on earth will learn about Jesus, is that He will return.

And He will return to take His brothers and sisters home with Him;

And He will return to judge the rebels.

So, while we wait - what should we do?

That should be the logical question.

I am assuming that you are eagerly awaiting the return of Jesus.

If you are not sure on which side of “That Day” you find yourself -

If you are not sure that you are a Christian -

Listen to the benefit of living this life in preparation for eternal life;

And listen for the benefit of knowing and following Jesus - in this life - and into eternity.

The question we want to answer is:

What kind of Person should I be, while I wait for Jesus to return?

- While I wait for “That Day”.

That is the question that Peter answers.

The main point here is not the most spectacular roaring end of the universe.

“What about in the mean time” is the main point.

(Decision making in the Hattingh household - big and small issues)

In stead of elaborating on “When is what going to happen?”

The big question that Peter answers is: “What should you BE?”

While you wait with eager anticipation for the next big event in the history of God and man”

Peter gives us three life lessons that helps us BE what we should be while waiting for the coming of the Lord;

Peter points to a perfect plan to prevent pathetic posturing and to prepare for post present penalty or prize.

He says that Christians who wait for Jesus to return should:

1. Have a Permanent Plan

2. They Practice Planned Purity

3. They Apply Principles of Peace

3.

Motto: I Live for Permanent Purity and Peace

1. Permanent Plan

2 Peter 3:11–13 ESV

11 Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, 12 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! 13 But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

Living this life - not knowing Jesus - is like a vegan vampire - sucking on a cucumber.

Life makes no sense unless there is a purpose.

And this life can not be the main event because everything in this life is going to be destroyed by the One who created it all.

What sort of people; what sort of person aught you to be - while you wait for Jesus to return?

John Stott wrote in his book “The Living Church”:

John Stott writes in his book “Living Church”:

I have a dream of a church which is an expectant church –

whose members can never settle down in material affluence or comfort, because they remember that they are strangers and pilgrims on earth,

which is all the more faithful and active because it is waiting and looking for its Lord to return,

which keeps the flame of the Christian hope burning brightly in a dark, despairing world,

which on the day of Christ will not shrink from him in shame, but rise up joyfully to meet him.

I have a dream of an expectant church.”

When Jesus left earth more than 2000 years ago, He encouraged His disciples by sending an angel to tell them:

Acts 1:11 ESV

11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

““Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” ()

Do you believe this promise?

And, do you believe Peter when he says that Jesus will come, and He will come unexpectedly?

This means that you will not know when it is going to happen.

You will not know 6 seconds, or 6 hours, or 6 days, or 6 month, or 6 years before he returns.

You will not know 6 hours before He returns;

You will not know 6 days before he returns.

You will not know 6 months before He returns;

You will not know 6 years before he returns.

And if you think you do, and if you believe the false teachers who try and convince you that they know;

you play in the same room as the false teachers who believe that Jesus will never return.

Believing THAT - Jesus will not return - and believing that you can know WHEN Jesus will return - is the same sin.

It is equally false.

The sin is in both cases, that you make God out to be a liar.

“He lied when He said that Jesus will return”;

Or, God lied when He said that no one will know when Jesus will return.

How does that help us wait - expectantly - for the return of Jesus?

By God’s grace, because we have been saved, we are able to live in this life, knowing that we are eternal.

This life, then, is part of eternity.

But - This life is not the main event.

Death is merely a doorway into the rest of eternity.

That is why we, who are Christians, can do our best to be good witnesses of who Jesus is and what Jesus says in THIS life.

When Jesus said to John in - “…“Behold, I am making all things new.” He was not only talking about the universe.

He also included people.

God is in the business of making new.

What kind of person should you be, before Jesus comes for you?

You should be a person who has a permanent plan.

No earthly plan that you can make - is for ever.

Business?

Relationship?

Knowledge?

New House?

Health?

CT Studd wrote this poem:

“Two little lines I heard one day,

Traveling along life’s busy way;

Bringing conviction to my heart,

And from my mind would not depart;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one,

Soon will its fleeting hours be done;

Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet,

And stand before His Judgement seat;

Only one life,’twill soon be past,

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice,

Gently pleads for a better choice

Bidding me selfish aims to leave,

And to God’s holy will to cleave;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years,

Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;

Each with its clays I must fulfill,

living for self or in His will;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore,

When Satan would a victory score;

When self would seek to have its way,

Then help me Lord with joy to say;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep,

In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;

Faithful and true what e’er the strife,

Pleasing Thee in my daily life;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervour burn,

And from the world now let me turn;

Living for Thee, and Thee alone,

Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;

Only one life, 'twill soon be past,

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one,

Now let me say,”Thy will be done”;

And when at last I’ll hear the call,

I know I’ll say “twas worth it all”;

Only one life,’twill soon be past,

Only what’s done for Christ will last. ”

— extra stanza —

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

And when I am dying, how happy I’ll be,

If the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee.”

(C.T Studd)

So, having a permanent plan for your life means to live every day asking:

“Is what I am doing, today, good for the Good News about Jesus, or not?”

“Is what I am planing, today, good for the Good News about Jesus, or not?”

Because only those things in this life that is done for Christ - will have eternal value.

Knowing that “The day of the Lord” WILL come, should motivate us to be more effective in how we live.

It should motivate us to invite more people into the Kingdom;

So that more people will face “The day of the Lord” with joy and not with fear.

Then:

2. Practice Planned Purity

2 Peter 3:14a ESV

14 Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.

2 Peter 3:14 ESV

Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.

“14 Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish…”

Now, we know that no person is without sin. Only Jesus is without sin.

So, what does it mean then that we should be found without “spot or blemish”?

On the one hand it means that because of what Jesus did, we ARE without “spot or blemish”.

There is however a more practical interpretation for this advice.

We are to do whatever we can to be good witnesses of the Grace of God.

Some appear spotless and blameless.

Others display Spots and Blemishes.

All have spots and blemishes.

Philippians 2:14–15 ESV

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,

Phil 2:

We carry the Name of Jesus and should live lives that shines a pure light on Him and honour Him.

We should continually wash off the spots and repair the blemishes.

God commands it here through Peter.

Sounds like a spiritual face lift.

Philippians 4:8 ESV

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

- “8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

This sounds like hard work.

It sounds as if we should be stressed and that we should strain to be this - without “spot or blemish” - kind of people.

Yes it is hard work - but it is worthwhile work.

- It is rewarding work.

- It is blessed work.

Paul writes to pastor Titus.

Titus is a pastor of a difficult church.

Paul encourages Titus by saying that people should make an effort - put in hard work.

They should work hard at “good works”.

Titus 3:8 ESV

The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.

The word translated here as “works” is “an assigned task”.

It is a job to be done.

Mark 13:34 ESV

It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake.

God calls Christians to be “workers for the Kingdom”.

And - it is hard work;

[aeroplane on an island - no pilot - flying instruction manual - to escape]

“I don’t want to be a Christian any longer - it is hard work”.

Really?

Yes, being a Christian - a real Christian is hard work;

Because our natural reaction is to work on getting more spots and blemishes.

But, God provides.

That is why Peter next says that we should have personal peace.

3.Apply Personal Principles of Peace

2 Peter 3:14 ESV

Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.

Apply Personal Principles of Peace

“14 Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these (the day of the Lord and everything that happens around that day), be diligent (hard working) to be found by him ... at peace.”

Be found by Jesus, at His return to be “at peace”.

This is the most difficult “to be”.

This is the most challenging “must have” kind of people we ought to be while we wait for Jesus to return.

But it is the most excellent proof against the false teachers claim and it is the most excellent testimony for the Christian.

Being “at peace”, in this world is not common.

You are supposed to worry.

The perception and expectation is that the more you worry (less peace)

- the more serious you are about the situation.

If you do not worry, then you clearly do not understand the importance of this situation.

Can you then be trusted to do your best?

Peter’s advice is the opposite.

Do not stress - be at peace.

Galatians 1:3 ESV

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,

- “3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,”

- “22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,….”

Philippians 4:6–7 ESV

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

- “13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near.”

[John Stott advice; I will not take myself so seriously]

Applying a Personal Plan of Peace means that we experience more and more peace with Christians, with other people, with God and with our circumstances.

If this is your experience, then you are probably a Christian.

If not, you have to at least ask - whether you are a Christian or not.

You must want to be a Christian, because Christians live towards a life of permanent purity and peace.

Closing

The day of the Lord WILL come.

He may come on the clouds when everyone will see Him

Or ...

He may come sooner for you:

- in your sleep,

- while you are driving in your car,

- or having dinner with friends,

- or drifting away on an overdose of morphine,

- or in the bang of a 9mm pistol.

He WILL come, and He WILL come for you.

Will you be ready?

Or will you decide again today to wait a little longer?

Dare you say, “I will wait until I have more proof, or

I will wait until I have enjoyed life some more”.

“The times are not right yet for Jesus to return. There is more time - I will decide later”.

You may be offered salvation and repentance today.

If you have not yet met Jesus as saviour and Lord, today is the right day.

To those of us who are Christian,

Maybe you have become cold and you know that you can be better at being an effective witness for the Coming Lord Jesus,

Then

Join me and decide today to be more ready to meet Jesus today, should the Father decide to send Him tomorrow.

Join me and let us live the motto of: “Permanent Purity and Peace”

Wait - too long - and your opportunity will be gone.

Once Jesus returns - all Christians will permanently be pure.

Once Jesus returns - all Christians will permanently have peace.

Amen