Are You Living Ready?

Introduction: Claim — You can Know with certainty whether you living ready for the day of accountability when Jesus returns. Peter gives us 4 questions, when answered, will reveal if you are “Living Ready.”

1) Why Am I Suffering?

Historical context:

Some of whom Peter is addressing comes from a wild background.

Example: In Galatia, for instance, and other areas of the Roman Empire, the vendetta was practiced. People inherited an obligation to assassinate someone who had killed a member of their clan. Murder was a common way of settling differences.

They had a implacable hatred of Rome. They would mingle with the people on festive occasions, hiding short daggers in their robes and using them to slay their enemies

The fact that we are Christians is no a guarantee that we escape the normal consequences of our misdeeds.

Examples: Abraham, David, Peter...

“Meddler”

It means to be an “overseer” in things that are really the concern of someone else.

All too often, Christians think that they have a right and a duty to impose their standards on other people.

The widespread “activism” would be rooted in meddling. People move into the political arena with an agenda and become activists for various causes.

There is without a doubt plenty of room for change: sodomy, pornography, prostitution, abortion, drugs, child abuse, etc...

Example: You never found Paul on the street with picket signs and a mega phone. Paul did it God’s way by reaching the “hearts” of man, not the external issues of man. By changing sinners to saints, he would change society.

Activism can get out of control: Abortionist have been shot by well meaning activists.

To put it simply, if we are facing persecution, let it be a result from being a Christian and not a criminal.

2) Am I Ashamed Or Glorifying God?

I would venture to say that this statement must have reminded Peter of his own denial of Christ.

Luke 22:54-62 — Peter denies Jesus 3 times.

There is one truth that fills my heart with joy, peace and excitement; Jesus is NEVER ashamed of us!

Heb 2:11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,

However, there are many times He would have every reason to be ashamed.

The Father is not ashamed to be called our God

Heb 11:16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

On the cross Jesus despised shame for us! — Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

With this heart stirring truths, can we not bear reproach for Him and not be ashamed?

Let me remind us all of a warning given — Mar 8:38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

Notice the balance of the “negative” and “positive.”

“Not be ashamed” is negative.

“Glorify God” is positive.

It takes both for there to be balanced in our witness.

3) Am I Seeking To Win The Lost?

“Them that obey not the Gospel” — Peter is talking about the ungodly and the sinner.

When a believer suffers, he experiences glory and knows that there will be greater glory in the future.

When a lost sinner causes that suffering is only filling up the measure of God’s wrath — Mat 23:29-33 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous, [30] And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. [31] Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets. [32] Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers. [33] Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?

With the business of life, it sometimes is easy to forget about the future reality of lost sinners.

We must discontinue this thinking of only ourselves and be ever minded of the lost sinner around us!

Listen, our fiery trial will be nothing compared to the “flaming fire” that will punish the lost when Jesus returns in judgement — 2Th 1:7-10 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, [8] In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: [9] Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; [10] When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.

Notice the phrase, “scarcely be saved.”

Meaning, saved with difficulty.

Example: Lot being led out of Sodom. (Gen. 19:15-26)

Most certainly God will not hesitate to judge them. Sometimes judgment overtakes them in this life.

The judgement for lost sinners is soon approaching.

4) Is My Life Committed To God?

There is a comforting decision every believer can make when enduring trials and persecution; “commit yourself to God”

The word is a banking term; it means, “to deposit for safekeeping” — 2Ti 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

A deposit into God’s bank will bring about eternal dividends on the investment.

The picture Peter is painting is that God’s children are valuable to Him.

He made you, redeemed you, lives in you, guards you and protects you.

“Committing” one’s life into God’s care is not a single action, but a constant attitude.

How does one do that? “Well doing.”

When returning good for evil, doing good in spite of suffering for it, you are committing yourself to God so He can care for you.

This involves every area of your life; every hour and min.

“as unto a faithful Creator” — Why address God that way?

God the Creator meets the needs of His people.

The Creator provides food and clothing to the persecuted and faithful Christian.

Example: Act 4:24 And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:

Noticed how they addressed God.

Conclusion: Unless your answer to these questions reveals more lacking instead of acting, you are without a doubt living with readiness for Jesus’ soon return. Are you ready?