Christian Dont Forget What is Coming! Part 2
Notes
Transcript
Intro:
Don’t know your current state of mind-
How are you feeling this morning?
Maybe Health- Maybe finance- Maybe kids- Maybe Spouse- Maybe Sports- Maybe Election- And you find yourself in a bad place-
This morning- Let’s get our eyes on Eternal Truth and ask God to redirect our focus- and our Hope-
Pray-
Read-
7-13
7 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.
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. 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. 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.
Explanation:
--Reminders as we approach the fulfillment of God’s Promises-
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,
Last week we saw 2-
A Reminder of God’s Word (His Predictions and Commandments)
A Reminder of False Teachers
3. First one today - 3rd on list- A Reminder of God’s Character-
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. 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.
--In verses 8-10 Peter reminds these dear Christians and us as well- of the Character of God-
--Read verse 8 with me-
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.
--In these verses I think we are going to see 4 Attributes of God’s Character here-
A) He starts by reminding them that God is Timeless-
--Don’t overlook- (don’t let it be)
Escape Notice- Let it be concealed or unknown to you-
The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament 2990. λανθάνω lanthánō
2990. λανθάνω lanthánō; 2d aor. élathon. To lie hidden, concealed, to be unknown, used in an absolute sense in Mark 7:24 and Luke 8:47. Followed by the acc. of person, to be hidden from someone, to escape his knowledge or notice (Acts 26:26; 2 Pet. 3:5, 8). Joined with the part. of another verb, it has the force of an adv. meaning secretly, unawares (Heb. 13:2).
--Present Tense- Don’t Continuously Overlook!
--With the Lord one day is as a thousand years- and a thousand years as one day-
--Have you noticed how long it takes for things to get here?
--Seems like forever-
---Birthdays- Christmas- takes forever- how long dad?
--Will ask- alot- Ben watching tv- I want that for Christmas- Ok bud- Well unfortunately bud- 330 days.
--Sit back you got a long way-
--As humans- as finite beings- we see and understand time in a specific way-
--but God is timeless- He is outside and independent of time-
For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night.
--That is lots to put our hands around-
--And in God’s economy- one day is as a thousand years- a thousand years as one day!
--Wow-
--These False Teachers- were looking at His delay being a long time- and it was less than 30 years at this point-
--and you might be thinking- how much more for us- He isnt returning- It is 2020! How much more would we think that! but be comforted- The Holy Spirit- was not caught off guard- and knew this would serve as comfort for not only those Christians but you as well-
--and learning from the verse here- its been 2000 years! Just a couple of days!!
--and then what he says next is amazing- because He is teaching us something about the unique character of our God-
B)God is Patient- Patience of God
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.
--Peter says the Lord is not slow! (Word meaning slow or delay)
--to fulfill His promise
--He wants them to understand the overwhelming patience of God-
--Often patience is used to convey patience in circumstances and sometimes patience with difficult people-
--Well the word here-
The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament 3114. μακροθυμέω makrothuméō
3114. μακροθυμέω makrothuméō; contracted makrothumṓ, fut. makrothumḗsō, from makróthumos (n.f.), long–suffering, which is from makrós (3117), long, and thumós (2372), wrath, anger. To suffer long, be long–suffering, as opposed to hasty anger or punishment (1 Cor. 13:4; 1 Thess. 5:14; 2 Pet. 3:9), to forbear (Matt. 18:26, 29), to endure patiently as opposed to losing faith or giving up (Heb. 6:15; James 5:7, 8), to tarry, delay (Luke 18:7). Makrothuméō involves exercising understanding and patience toward persons while hupoménō (5278) involves putting up with things or circumstances.
—has to do with patience exhibited towards people- and arent we thankful- because God is patient with us!
--Isnt it comforting to know- that in Christ- we experience His patience- He is patience personified-
--but Peter’s point here- is this delay- is due to the extraordinary patience of God-
--not wishing that any should perish but that all should reach repentance.
--Peter hits this head on.
--There are going to be people who suggest that the amount of time that has gone by suggest the second coming will never take place-
--and Peter says- No! the Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise!
--but your perceived sense of God’s inactivity- is only because of His Gracious Patience-
English Standard Version Chapter 3
not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
--Here look for a quote- Shaddix or Schreiner-
--This becomes a passage systematic theologies use for material on the extent of the atonement- or on Calvinism or Arminianism-
--maybe point out- one group focuses on...... God’s Desire- neglects God’s election
--the other group focuses on God’s election and neglects God’s Desire-
--Both are true- even if we can’t understand it-
--and so it is a serious passage to discuss in light of those issues-
--but don’t miss the main point here- I have seen people completely miss the context- or thrust of this passage because they detour here- What is his main point?
Shaddix-
Before leaving this attribute of God’s mercy, we must acknowledge here another mysterious tension in which believers are called to live. Does God’s desire that not “any” should perish but that “all” should repent mean that his will is for everyone without any exception to repent? Or does it reflect his displeasure in the perishing of some even though he decrees it as such (see Ezek 18:32)?
For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord God; so turn, and live.”
We find a similar debate over the reference to “everyone” in 1 Timothy 2:4, where Paul says God “wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” As we’re all aware, many people push back on the idea that God ordains that only some will be saved, citing both Peter and Paul. Others, however, wholeheartedly embrace the idea based on other biblical texts
All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.
even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love
he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,
(e.g., John 6:37,44-45,65; 10:16,26; Acts 13:48; Rom 8:29-30; 9:1-23; Eph 1:4-5,11).1 But to debate that here is to miss the point of God’s mercy. It is better to live with the tension and mystery of the text than to swallow it up in a philosophical system that pretends to understand all of God’s ways. God’s patience and his love are not illusions, but neither do they remove his sovereignty. (Schreiner, 1 and 2 Peter, 382–83) This verse contains wonderful—yet urgent—news for those who are without Christ. God as merciful is manifested in his patience with people to repent of sin, trust Jesus to save them, and thereby avoid the eternal condemnation of God. The absence of his appearing is not the result of unfaithfulness on his part. It’s not due to some inability or inadequacy that he has. And it’s certainly not an indication that he’s not coming at all. It’s because he’s waiting . . . and he’s waiting for those who have yet to believe. The apostle Paul asked, “Or do you despise the riches of his kindness, restraint, and patience, not recognizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?” (Rom 2:4). We must plead with unbelievers not to presume on his kindness but to know that he’s being patient because he loves them and desires them to repent and trust Jesus today!
---he is clearly- saying these words to demonstrate -
--God’s delay is because of God’s patience- and His patience is towards sinners-
--It reveals the love and patience of God-
--but also demonstrates - that we should never think for a second because there has been a long delay it somehow suggest that God will not fulfill His promise to us-
But we see not only the fact that A) God is Timeless (maybe outside of Time?) B) Patient — C) but next God is Just
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.
But the Day of the Lord will come like a Thief-
The Letters of 2 Peter and Jude C. Conclusions about the Day of the Lord (3:1–13)
The point that our author is making is that God’s patience or slowness to anger and his desire that all come to repentance do not mean that the Day of the Lord is called off.
First let’s look at several passages that mention it-
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge Chapter 3
the day. Is. 2:12. Joel 1:15; 2:1, 31; 3:14. Mal. 4:5. 1 Co. 5:5. 2 Co. 1:14. Jude 6.
For the Lord of hosts has a day against all that is proud and lofty, against all that is lifted up—and it shall be brought low;
Alas for the day! For the day of the Lord is near, and as destruction from the Almighty it comes.
Blow a trumpet in Zion; sound an alarm on my holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming; it is near,
The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes.
Multitudes, multitudes, in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.
“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes.
----Macarthur 1 DOL......Macarthur on Day of the Lord....
The New Testament writers also foresaw that day as an awesome and fearful event (2 Thess. 2:2; cf. Matt. 24:29–31). According to the book of Revelation, it will transpire in two stages: during the tribulation (Rev. 6:17) and after the millennium (Rev. 20:7–10). Afterward, God will establish the new heavens and earth (Rev. 21:1).
A deeper look into the phrase the day of the Lord reveals nineteen indisputable Old Testament references and four in the New Testament. The Old Testament prophets used the expression to describe both near historical judgments (Isa. 13:6–22; Ezek. 30:2–19; Joel 1:15; Amos 5:18–20; Zeph. 1:14–18) and distant eschatological judgments (Joel 2:30–32; 3:14; Zech. 14:1; Mal. 4:1, 5). Six times they call it “the day of doom” and four times “the day of vengeance.” The New Testament writers name it a day of “wrath,” “visitation,” and “the great day of God, the Almighty” (Rev. 16:14). These are horrifying judgments from God (cf. Joel 2:30–31; 2 Thess. 1:7–10) rendered because of the world’s overwhelming sinfulness.
Peter described the day of the Lord as arriving like a thief, meaning that it will be unexpected, without warning, and disastrous for the unprepared. The apostle Paul used the same comparison when he wrote to the Thessalonians: “For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night” (1 Thess. 5:2).
With the culmination of the final phase of the day of the Lord, the heavens will pass away with a roar—a universal upheaval that Jesus Himself predicted in the Olivet Discourse: “Heaven and earth will pass away” (Matt. 24:35). Heavens refers to the visible, physical universe of interstellar and intergalactic space. Like Christ, Peter foresaw the disintegration of the entire universe in an instant “uncreation,” not by any naturalistic scenario, but solely by God’s omnipotent intervention.
-----Macarthur 2 DOL....and then in Macarthur Study Bible....
“The Day of the Lord” is a technical term pointing to the special interventions of God in human history for judgment. It ultimately refers to the future time of judgment whereby God judges the wicked on earth and ends this world system in its present form. The OT prophets saw the final Day of the Lord as unequaled darkness and damnation, a day when the Lord would act in a climactic way to vindicate His name, destroy His enemies, reveal His glory, establish His kingdom, and destroy the world (cf. Is. 2:10–21; 13:6–22; Ezek. 18:30; Joel 1, 2; Amos 5; Obad. 15; Zech. 14; Mal. 4; 2 Thess. 1:7; 2:2). It occurs at the time of the tribulation on earth (Rev. 6:17), and again 1,000 years later at the end of the millennial kingdom before the creation of the new heavens and new earth (v. 13; Rev. 20:1–21:1).
so now that we see some references referrring to it- and have a better understanding of it- notice what Peter adds:
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.
What about this Day?
It will come like a thief-
Shaddix-
The warning that this day of God’s justice “will come like a thief” reflects the unexpected nature of the timing of Christ’s coming and the unpreparedness of people to face God’s judgment (cf. Matt 24:43; Luke 12:39). The arrival of this terrible day won’t be accompanied by any more warning than that of a midnight burglar who comes by stealth to rifle through your belongings while you sleep. Using the same image, Jesus warned his hearers to prepare for this sudden arrival:
Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.
But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into.
Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.
While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
Cole says it like this...
Just as in the days prior to the flood, the people around Noah were going on about life with no thought of impending judgment, so it will be in the day when Jesus returns (Matt. 24:37-39). People have heard that Jesus will come again in judgment.
Don’t let the day surprise you like a thief in the night!
day of the Lord will come like a thief-
Macarthur Study Bible-
“as a thief in the night”
The Day of the Lord will have a surprise arrival, sudden, unexpected, and disastrous to the unprepared (see notes on 1 Thess. 5:2).
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.
--3 Things will happen when it comes:
and then the Heavens will pass away with a roar
First, we learn that “the heavens will pass away with a loud noise.” The word translated “loud noise” is a colorful, onomatopoeic term that can refer to the swish of an arrow through the air, the rumbling of thunder, the crackle of flames in a fire, the scream of a whip as it descends, the rushing of mighty waters, or the hissing of a serpent (M. Green, 2 Peter, 161–62). It’s as if Peter attempts to unite many horrifying properties into one in order to describe the extreme nature of the sky’s demise.
and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved
Second- And if that weren’t enough, we’re told next that “the elements will burn and be dissolved” as well. Fire as a picture of enforcing judgment is found throughout the Old Testament (e.g.,
Deut 4:24- Mal 4:1
), and it’s frequently used to describe Christ’s return in the New Testament, including here in 3:7,10,12. The “elements” could either mean the physical elements of earth (i.e., air, earth, water) or the heavenly bodies (i.e., sun, moon, stars, etc.). Regardless, these first two descriptions together unfold the utter destruction of the heavens and the elements of the world.
“and the works that are done on it will be exposed”
The third and final description reveals that not only will the physical elements of the universe be wrecked, but its wicked inhabitants will be destroyed as well. The phrase “the works on it will be disclosed” suggests that God’s judgment will end with a definitive pronouncement of a just and fair penalty on mankind’s sin. The exact meaning of “disclosed” is uncertain, but it seems to allude to the revealing of the deeds of men and women. The word suggests that both the inhabitants of the earth and their deeds will be “laid bare” (NIV) in God’s court. The whole world will pass away, and only man will be left to give an account of himself to his Creator (see Bauckham’s discussion, 2 Peter, 319–20). When Christ comes, it will be clear that God is acting with righteous judgment against sin as he said he would. People have debated whether what’s being described in 3:10 is literal or figurative. Admittedly, Peter’s language isn’t entirely clear regarding all the detail we’d like to have. After all, he is attempting to describe the indescribable! Personally, I lean toward his description here being literal for numerous reasons, the most significant of which may be the immediate context. Peter obviously uses “water” in 3:5-6 in reference to a literal event. So it would seem odd for him to switch to figurative language in verse 7, where he introduces the element (“fire”) that obviously causes the effect here in verse 10 (“burn”). But whether the description is literal or figurative, what’s certain is that the judgment of God against sin will come; and when it does, it will be purifying, awful, and devastating. Peter’s “main purpose is to lift up the eyes of his readers to the climax of history” (M. Green, 2 Peter, 161). And he wants us to know that when we see it, it will be completely fair in light of God’s holy justice (see 2 Thess 1:5-12).
Shaddix, James. Exalting Jesus in 2 Peter, Jude (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary) . B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
--------------
--God will Judge all Unrighteousness-
--Do you ever doubt it?
--People get away with wickedness- People deceive- how do they get away with it??
--Well, God is not mocked- “the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved and the works that are done on it will be exposed-
-----------------
A)God is Timeless- B)God is Patient- C)God is Just-
Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness,
D)God is Sovereign- Do you see that here?
Current Context- under which Peter writes-?
The ESV Study Bible Date
Date
Peter probably wrote this letter from Rome not too long before his martyrdom, sometime during A.D. 64–67. Elements within the letter lead many scholars to conclude that Peter wrote during a time of persecution by Rome (perhaps during the persecution by Nero, who died in A.D. 68), while Peter himself was in a Roman prison awaiting imminent execution (cf. 1:12–15). The dating of the letter, then, depends largely on the dating of Peter’s death.
maybe here...
In order for God to be capable of fulfilling his promise for the future he hast to be god of the present. He is sovereign over life and sovereign over world events and sovereign over all
--The God who is sovereign over history- moving it to its culmination-
--Is sovereign over America Right now-
--I cant pretend how you are feeling right now- half of the country is feeling elated- the other is feeling much different-
--but Christian- remember Eternal Realities-
--God is Soverign -
--Nothing takes place in this World outside of His control-
--and because He rules History- He can promise us the ultimate outcome-
Just be reminded:
Works for His glory and our Good!!
Wow!
Now........
English Standard Version Chapter 3
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.
1. Reminder of God’s Word-
2. Reminder of False Teachers-
3. Reminder of God’s Character-
4. Reminder of Call to Holiness-
--Since this is what will be.....
--How should it affect your life?
--How should this affect your holiness and your godliness???
--How ought you to live?
Reminds me of Romans 12:2- Logical response
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness,
holiness
The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament 40. ἅγιος hágios
II) Consecrated, devoted, sacred, holy, meaning set apart from a common to a sacred use; spoken of places, temples, cities, the priesthood, men (Matt. 4:5; 7:6; 24:15; 27:53; Acts 6:13; 7:33; Rom. 11:16, of firstfruit); of a male opening the womb (Luke 2:23); of apostles (Eph. 3:5); of prophets (Luke 1:70; Acts 3:21; 2 Pet. 1:21); of angels (Matt. 25:31).
godliness-
The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament 2150. εὐσέβεια eusébeia
2150. εὐσέβεια eusébeia; gen. eusebeías, fem. noun from eusebḗs (2152), devout, godly. Devotion, piety toward God (Acts 3:12; 1 Tim. 2:2; 2 Pet. 1:6, 7). Godliness or the whole of true religion, so named because piety toward God is the foundation and principal part of it (1 Tim. 4:7, 8; 6:6, see Matt. 22:37, 38; Heb. 11:6). Although eusébeia in the NT is translated “godliness” (1 Tim. 2:2; 3:16; 4:7, 8; 6:3, 5, 6, 11; 2 Tim. 3:5; Titus 1:1; 2 Pet. 1:3, 6, 7; 3:11), the word “God” is not in it. Only in 1 Tim. 2:10 is it theosébeia (2317), where the word Theós (2316), God, occurs as a prefix instead of eú, good or well.
Peter addressed this in his first letter to them-
Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance,
but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,
since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
The Letters of 2 Peter and Jude C. Conclusions about the Day of the Lord (3:1–13)
The “scoffers” are living lives run by their desires; those who look forward to the Day of the Lord ought to live lives that are “holy and godly.” That holiness does not mean religious acts, but rather a lifestyle (the word for “lives” is the term for “lifestyle” that appears thirteen times in the NT) that reflects the character of God as seen in 1 Pet 1:15–16
----So What do we see......A.....
1. Reminder of God’s Word-
2. Reminder of False Teachers-
3. Reminder of God’s Character-
4. Reminder of Call to Holiness-
5. Reminder of Future Restoration!
Layer upon Layer- Already speaking about these future realities- but wow he really adds the cherry on the top so to speak here...
now this is critical- look at 12-
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.
Overview Here.... (on this point)
--Future, Future, Future......
--Coming of the Day of God-
--But According to His Promise-
--We are Waiting for New Heavens and a New Earth-
--in Which Righteousness Dwells! (Present Active)
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!
Waiting-
The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament 4328. προσδοκάω prosdokáō
4328. προσδοκάω prosdokáō; contracted prosdokṓ, fut. prosdokḗsō, from prós (4314), unto or for, and dokáō (n.f.), to look for. Expect, wait or look for (Matt. 11:3; 24:50; Luke 1:21; 3:15; 7:19, 20; 8:40; 12:46; Acts 10:24; 28:6; 2 Pet. 3:12–14; Sept.: Ps. 119:166). In the sense of hope (Acts 27:33); with the inf. (Acts 3:5).
Hastening-
The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament 4692. σπεύδω speúdō
4692. σπεύδω speúdō; fut. speúsō. Trans., to urge on, hasten. In the NT, intrans., to urge oneself on, hasten, make haste, in respect simply to time (Acts 22:18), and thus differing from spoudázō, which involves diligence, earnestness, zeal. With the inf. (Acts 20:16). In Luke 2:16, as a part. with a verb of motion, used adv. and meaning hastily, quickly. See Luke 19:5, 6; Sept.: Gen. 45:9; Ex. 34:8; Josh. 8:19. With an acc., meaning to hasten after something, to await with eager desire (2 Pet. 3:12; see Sept.: Is. 16:5).
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!
the coming day of God-
Some commentators equate the day of God with the “day of the Lord,” but they are not synonymous expressions. The day of God refers to the eternal state when God will have permanently subdued all of His enemies (cf. Ps. 110:1; Acts 2:33–35; 1 Cor. 15:28; Phil. 2:10–11; 3:21; Heb. 10:13). However, the “day of the Lord,” as discussed in the previous chapter of this volume, refers to the final, tumultuous events accompanying the last judgment of unbelievers. While Christians are certainly eager for the day of God, their attitude toward the turmoil that precedes it is more sober. The apostle John’s vision experience, in which he ate the little book and found it sweet to taste but bitter to swallow (Rev. 10:9–10), dramatically illustrates those dual feelings. The little book represents the coming judgment—sweet to believers because of the day of God, but bitter because of the “day of the Lord.””
“because of which the Heavens will be set on fire and dissolved”
“and the Heavenly Bodies will melt as they burn-”
2 Peter and Jude: The MacArthur New Testament Commentary Eternal Perspective
If believers are looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, such eager anticipation precludes being worried about it or afraid of it. Instead, as Paul wrote to Titus, they will be joyfully “looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus” (Titus 2:13; cf. 2 Tim. 4:8; Rev. 22:20).
Looking for expresses an attitude of expectancy, an outlook on life that watchfully waits for the Lord’s arrival. Peter’s use of hastening only strengthens that concept. Rather than fearing the world’s impending demise, Christians long for it, knowing they have everything to hope for and nothing to fear from the Father who loves them (1 John 4:18). Thus, like Paul, they can readily say maranatha, “Lord, come!” (1 Cor. 16:22; cf. 1 John 2:28; Rev. 22:20).
The coming translates the familiar term parousia, which literally means “the presence.” In the New Testament it does not primarily describe a place or event. Instead, the term emphasizes the personal, bodily arrival of Jesus Christ.
Some commentators equate the day of God with the “day of the Lord,” but they are not synonymous expressions. The day of God refers to the eternal state when God will have permanently subdued all of His enemies (cf. Ps. 110:1; Acts 2:33–35; 1 Cor. 15:28; Phil. 2:10–11; 3:21; Heb. 10:13). However, the “day of the Lord,” as discussed in the previous chapter of this volume, refers to the final, tumultuous events accompanying the last judgment of unbelievers. While Christians are certainly eager for the day of God, their attitude toward the turmoil that precedes it is more sober. The apostle John’s vision experience, in which he ate the little book and found it sweet to taste but bitter to swallow (Rev. 10:9–10), dramatically illustrates those dual feelings. The little book represents the coming judgment—sweet to believers because of the day of God, but bitter because of the “day of the Lord.”
But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
--“But according to His Promise”
--“we are waiting-”
--for new Heavens and New Earth in which Righteousness Dwells!
We are to Wait-
We are to Hasten-
New Heavens and New Earth-
Thomas Schreiner.....
A)God promises a new world for believers, a transformed world, a new heavens and a new earth.
B)The coming of Christ is inseparable from the arrival of the day of God and the new heavens and new earth.
C)The promise of a new heavens and new earth reaches back to Isaiah (65:17; 66:22),
“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind.
“For as the new heavens and the new earth that I make shall remain before me, says the Lord, so shall your offspring and your name remain.
D)In Peter, therefore, we see two themes juxtaposed. On one hand, the old world will be destroyed, and on the other, there will be a new heavens and new earth—a new universe created by God.
E)Revelation teaches us that the new heavens and new earth will become a reality with the coming of the New Jerusalem (Rev 21:1–22:5).
F)At the same time we are told that “every island fled away and the mountains could not be found” (Rev 16:20). And, “Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them” (Rev 20:11). The first verse of Revelation 21 brings both themes together, “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea” (Rev 21:1; cf. Matt 19:28).
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.
G)Did Peter teach that the old heavens and earth will be annihilated and that God will create something brand new?94 Or is the idea that God will purify the old world and create out of the same elements a new one? It is difficult to be sure, and we would do well to be cautious in postulating how God will fulfill his promises.
H)Thiede points out that the debate is a very old one, with Justin Martyr and Minucius Felix endorsing annihilation, whereas Irenaeus and Origen argued for purification and renovation.96 In either case, it seems that we can fairly say that the future world is physical, that a new universe will be born. Believers “are looking forward” (prosdokōmen) to this world, to the day of God (3:12), to the fulfillment of God’s promises.
I)In that future world righteousness will dwell (cf. Isa 32:16, LXX).97 The righteousness here is God’s righteousness (cf. 1:1), which fills the future world with his glory and beauty. And Peter had clarified throughout the letter that only the righteous will participate in that world. The antinomian teachers will be excluded, as will all their disciples.
J)Only those who heeded Peter’s message will inherit the promises and enjoy the new world. We should remind ourselves that no notion of works righteousness is involved here, for as Peter had already taught (1:3–4), those who live righteously have been transformed by God himself. They do what is right as a consequence of God’s gracious work in their lives.
The Letters of 2 Peter and Jude C. Conclusions about the Day of the Lord (3:1–13)
Romans picks up this need, stating in Rom 8:21 that “the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.” Salvation is for all of creation, according to Paul. Many commentators think that this renewal is what Jesus is speaking about when he speaks of “the renewal of all things” (or “the rebirth”/“regeneration”) in Matt 19:28. But it is Revelation that uses the terminology found in Isaiah and 2 Peter, “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea” (Rev 21:1). John’s symbolic presentation is stating that the forces of chaos (i.e., the sea in OT thought) have been decisively defeated and the heavens and earth have been decisively renewed (in Revelation there are powers of evil in the heavens as well as on earth, e.g., in Revelation 12). The picture is that of a new city (as opposed to the evil cities of Genesis and, for that matter, the rest of Revelation), which is symbolically presented as the holy of holies (i.e., cubical), a new Garden of Eden with a new river and the tree of life, which is now freely available. In other words, eschatology returns to protology, but this time there will be no fall. The plan of God in Genesis comes to fulfillment in Revelation: humanity rules the fruitful earth in full communion with God.
Close:
Review:
1. Reminder of God’s Word-
2. Reminder of False Teachers-
3. Reminder of God’s Character-
4. Reminder of Call to Holiness-
5. Reminder of Future Restoration!
Where are you at this morning?
How are you processing life- how are you processing your thoughts- are you fearful? are you angry? are you in turmoil?
Be encouraged!
Nothing that has happened in 2020- or will happen in 2021- jeopardizes these realities for the Child of God-
Christ will Return-
We have a glorious Future-
It is not in jeopardy-
based on Who is in Leadership-
not in jeopardy based on our circumstances-
not in jeopardy for a second-
1. Reminder of God’s Word- It predictions and commands point to future realities
2. Reminder of False Teachers- they will scoff and mock all that God has done and will do
3. Reminder of God’s Character- He is Timeless- Patient- Just- and Soverign
4. Reminder of Call to Holiness- In light of what is to come- live set apart unto Christ-
5. Reminder of Future Restoration!
There is Hope- A New Heavens and New Earth awaits those who are united with Christ!
For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.
Going back to our opening verse, we find that this is exactly the point that Paul was trying to make to a wavering people who had begun to listen to an other spirit and had become confused. The word translated to “yea” in the original Greek means “sure“, and the word translated to “amen” means “firm“. In other words, all God’s promises (or words for that matter) are sure and firm. They are unchanging, unwavering, and unmoveble. He will do what He says He will do. Whether in blessing or in judgement, His word will not return void. That does not release is from the conditions He has set out for abstaining His promises, in fact it binds us to them, but likewise, nether does it leave any room for doubt in His faithfulness. For the sake of His Name, He will fulfill His promises, for they are sure and firm because He is faithful and true, therefor we can say yes and amen!
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--Sure, Firm, They are unchanging, unwavering, and unmoveble
--and we saw that word promise- right away in this letter...
Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:
May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,
by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.
---and its as we trust these promises- we walk in His grace and holiness-
---Christian Don’t Forget What is Coming!
Best Title?
Maybe press on-
His Glory-
Our Good-
working towards a New Heaven and a New Earth-
will not go on forever; the end is coming.
3:8–10 The Lord’s Patience Determines the Timing of His Return. The Lord’s perspective on time is different from that of humans. It is not that God is slow in fulfilling his promise, but rather that he is patient.
3:8–9 Beloved (cf. note on v. 1) introduces a new paragraph. Peter explains that the delay of the second coming is not a long time from God’s perspective. He then explains further that the delay is also because God is patient, and he has not quickly brought the present period of history to an end because he does not wish that any should perish (see note on 1 Tim. 2:4; cf. also Rom. 2:4). Though Christians long for Christ’s return and the defeat of all evil, as long as the present period of history lasts, an opportunity remains for people to turn to God in faith.
3:10 the day of the Lord. God’s judgment will not be delayed forever (see note on vv. 8–9). When Christ returns it will be sudden, without warning, like the strike of a thief. The heavens (the sky) will pass away (cf. Ps. 102:25–26; Heb. 1:10–12; Rev. 6:14) and the heavenly bodies (stars, etc.) will be burned up and dissolved. There will be no place to hide (cf. Rev. 6:15–16), for the earth and every person’s works on the earth will be exposed (Gk. heurethēsetai, lit., “will be found,” a divine passive meaning “found by God”) to God’s judgment. Some translations read “will be burned up” (Gk. katakaēsetai) because some Greek manuscripts have this wording (instead of Gk. heurethēsetai). But the earliest and most reliable manuscripts have “will be found” (Gk. heurethēsetai), indicating with this reading that the annihilation of the earth is not taught in this passage. Scholars have debated whether the NT speaks of an annihilation of the present cosmos and the creation of a new universe, or whether it indicates the transformation of the present cosmos, including the earth. The latter seems more likely in light of: (1) the preferred reading of this passage (see above); (2) Rom. 8:18–25; (3) many OT prophecies about the renewal of the earth; (4) Christ’s resurrection body being in continuity with his earthly body; and (5) the fact that Christ’s resurrection body is a pattern for the resurrection bodies of Christians (1 Cor. 15:12–58). God seems always to renew, not destroy and recreate, parts of his creation that are marred by sin. See note on Rev. 21:1–8.
3:11–13 Living Effectively in View of the Lord’s Return. Peter concludes his treatment of the Lord’s return by turning the discussion once again to Christian lifestyle. The second coming should be a motivation to live a holy life.
3:11 The people of God ought to live in holiness and godliness, to avoid the punishment coming to the ungodly and to devote themselves to things that will last beyond the judgment.
3:12 Hastening (Gk. speudō, “hurry [by extra effort]”) the coming of the day of God suggests that, by living holy lives, Christians can actually affect the time of the Lord’s return. That does not mean, of course, that the Lord has not foreknown and foreordained when Jesus will return (cf. Matt. 24:36; Acts 17:31). But when God set that day, he also ordained that it would happen after all of his purposes for saving believers and building his kingdom in this present age had been accomplished, and those purposes are accomplished when he works through his human agents to bring them about. Therefore, from a human perspective, when Christians share the gospel with others, and pray (cf. Matt. 6:10), and advance the kingdom of God in other ways, they do “hasten” the fulfillment of God’s purposes, including Christ’s return.
3:13 The hope of Christians ultimately depends, though, not on their works (cf. note on v. 12) but on God’s promise. Their hope is not in the destruction of the wicked and their works, even though that is a necessary part of God’s final judgment. Their hope is in the promise that God will bring about a new heavens and a new earth (see Isa. 65:17; 66:22; Rev. 21:1–22:5), which will be the eternal abode of the righteous. “New” could mean “newly created” but probably means “renewed, made new” (see notes on Rom. 8:20–21; 2 Pet. 3:10).