Living Today In light of the Future: 2 Peter 3:13-18

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“4 Commands Guide us to Meantime living”

2 Peter 3:13–18 ESV
But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures. You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
Today we are going to focus on 4 Main verbs:
Before we look at these verbs-
How can we be obedient to these commands?
Well, don’t lose sight of the opening of the letter- where we read about the gracious blessings that are ours in Jesus Christ!!!!
So as we move through each one- see these commands in their context!!
Be Diligent
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.
Therefore beloved-
1,8,14,15,17
since you are waiting for these-
what are these?
Future realities- second coming, judgement, New Heavens and New Earth-
be diligent to be found by him
Diligent- What does it mean to be diligent? diligent earnest or eager
Let’s see where it is used-
Diligent- TSK
2 Peter 1:5 ESV
For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge,
2 Peter 1:10 ESV
Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.
2 Peter 1:15 ESV
And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.
We saw this in chapter 1- and we see it again here- the Christian is called to pursue Christ and a life of godliness with all that they have- all of their being-
Think with me a moment about diligence-
When someone is diligent- They are alert, focused, motivated, aware of the task at hand.
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.
a) The first area of a Christian’s diligence is in regard to their personal purity-
to be found-
without spot or blemish, and at peace.
without spot-
spot-

784. ἄσπιλος áspilos; gen. aspílou, masc.–fem., neut. áspilon, adj. from the priv. a (1), without, and spílos (4696), spot. Without blemish or spot, free from spot, unblemished, pure. Spoken of Christ in 1 Pet. 1:19; of doctrine in 1 Tim. 6:14; of moral conduct in James 1:27; 2 Pet. 3:14.

In 1 Pet. 1:19, the Lord Jesus is referred to as the lamb that is ámōmon (299), without any internal blemish or sin for He was sinless in Himself, and áspilos in that He did not have any external spot or sin, for having no sin in Himself, He never sinned in relation to others. In 2 Pet. 3:14 the apostle commands that we should be diligent that we may be found without spot (áspiloi), without external sin, and amṓmētoi (298), not allowing ourselves to become sinful through evil internal attitudes and iniquity. Ámemptos (273), means one against whom there can be no blame or reproach. Although

A couple of pertinent passages here:
1 Timothy 6:14 ESV
to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,
James 1:27 ESV
Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
Spot or blemish-
1 Peter 1:19 ESV
but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.
or blemish-
The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament 298. ἀμώμητος amṓmētos

298. ἀμώμητος amṓmētos; gen. amōmḗtou, masc.–fem., neut. amṓmēton, adj. from a (1), without, and mōmáomai (3469), to censure, blame. Irreproachable, one who cannot be blamed because he is ámōmos (299), without blame (Phil. 2:15; 2 Pet. 3:14).

Look at how this word is used in Philippians 2:15-
Philippians 2:15 ESV
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,
2 Peter 2:13 ESV
suffering wrong as the wage for their wrongdoing. They count it pleasure to revel in the daytime. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions, while they feast with you.
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.
What does this look like for you this morning?
I can’t tell you- but it may involve:
Spiritual disciplines- moving towards accountability in your Christian life with brothers - guys- or with some Christian sisters ladies-
Moving from being a person who is barely noticeable at church- to one who is actively involved-
a) The first area of a Christian’s diligence deals with Purity
b) The second area of a Christian’s diligence deals with Peace-
be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, And at peace-
and at peace

(VII) Characteristic of the NT is the view of peace as the present possession of the believer. In a single case it is used by Paul of that future blessedness which is to be expected by the righteous and the Parousía or Second Coming (Rom. 2:10), but in general it denotes the state of the Christian in this present life. It is so used by Jesus in His farewell promise, “My peace I give unto you” (John 14:27). It is thus represented by Paul (Rom. 5:1; 8:6; 15:13; 2 Thess. 3:16; Col. 3:15), in which case peace acquires the technical meaning of the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, fearing nothing from God and consequently content with its earthly lot, whatever it is. This is the direct result of redemption by Christ (Eph. 2:15, 17) and consists primarily of a state of conscious reconciliation with God (Rom. 5:1), although it is often used in a broader sense to denote all the blessings which accompany and flow from that reconciliation (Rom. 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:3; 2 Thess. 3:16).

When we think of peace in the New Testament-
A)Believers have experienced peace with God
B)Called to experience the peace of God- to allow it to rule and reign in their lives-
C)Called to be at peace with one another-
D)Should be at peace when the world around them seems to be falling apart-
We have to consider it 2 different ways:
A) Peace with God-
Romans 5:1 ESV
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
B) Peace of God-
Colossians 3:15–16 ESV
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
C) Peace with others
Romans 14:19 ESV
So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.
Ephesians 4:3 ESV
eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
D) Peace or “settledness even in chaos”
Philippians 4:7 ESV
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Shaddix writes,
The fact that we’re headed for life with Christ in eternity demands daily conduct that is conducive for such. Without the hope that life is going somewhere, there’s nothing left to live for; but if we have that hope, there’s everything to live for! Look at everything you’re doing and not doing in your life today, and then ask, “Does this reflect the life that I’ll have in eternity?” If not, pause from reading this book right now, repent, and correct your course!”
2. Consider God’s Patience
and be a Vessel-
As you look at others-
Count-
2233. ἡγέομαι hēgéomai; contracted hēgoúmai, fut. hēgḗsomai, mid. deponent of ágō (71), to lead. To lead or go before, go first, lead the way. The perf. hḗgēmai (Acts 26:2; Phil. 3:7 with pres. meaning). In the NT:
2 Peter 3:15 ESV
And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him,
What is he speaking of here?
Peter seems to be restating what he has just shared in verse 9-
2 Peter 3:9 ESV
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.
God’s Delay is a demonstration of His marvelous patience-
But considering the context- Peter seems to use this remarkable statement about our Lords gracious patience as a challenge and motivation to the believers-
One thought here- is that as Christians live diligent- in purity of holiness- walking in the peace of Christ- they become vessels through which God’s patience is seen and realized- in personal redemptive stories-
As a child of Christ- are you living as a vessel of His gracious patience towards sinners- and are you looking for opportunities evangelistically to share of His goodness, grace, and forgiveness?
----- Holiness leading to Evangelism- Some examples of this pattern even in Paul- A)
Philippians 2:15 ESV
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,
B)
Colossians 4:6 ESV
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
Peter has moved from a call to diligence in holiness- and then followed it with consideration of the Lords patience and salvation-
Look back at His First Letter - I think you can see this emphasis here...
C)
1 Peter 2:11–13 ESV
Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme,
In his first letter- he doesn’t lose sight of holiness- and how God works redemptively through their lives as vessels! Could possibly be exactly what he is doing here!
As you live lives of holiness- without spot or blemish- living in the peace of Christ- you will be enabled to see God’s patience with sinners- You will have eyes to see the lost- and a heartbeat to see them come to the Faith!
PETER AND PAUL ON PATIENCE
Peter then speaks of Paul when he writes,
“just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, 16 as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures.”
It wasn’t just Peter that spoke of this but Paul as well!
Where does Paul speak about God’s patience in regards to salvation?
Paul speaks about the patience of God as it relates to salvation over in Romans chapter 2-
Romans 2:4 ESV
Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?
And this is very personal to him, Notice how he speaks of God’s patience in regards to his personal testimony! (next one)This was so personal for Paul. He saw himself as a vessel through which God’s patience could be seen in such a way as to bring God glory in the lives of others!
1 Timothy 1:16 ESV
But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.
Paul as well as Timothy wrote about the extraordinary patience of God-
Both saw His patience as a pivotal part of Gracious salvation- that would be used by God for others--
Paul not only spoke about the patience of God- but he wrote words that while difficult were often twisted- notice how he words this here.. this leads us to the third key command here....
So - Be Diligent in Holiness- Consider God’s Patience-
But Thirdly
3) Keep Watch (Be Established)
A) Don’t be Carried Away-
First part of this illustrates danger of false teachers- in how they deal with Paul and the Word of God-
2 Peter 3:16 ESV
as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures.
hard to understand-
Can we all relate here? Wow- there are many things hard to understand- What is your attitude towards those things? Do you have a humble meek heart? or do you twist these difficult words?
which the
ignorant
and
unstable
twist
Continuously Twist- (present active indicative) distort- wrench pervert
Don’t twist what God’s Word says to make it more convenient or easier to deal with- Our attitude ought always to be- Lord help me to receive your truth- no matter how difficult it may be- Teach me your ways!
And Peter says they do this sadly- tragically- ultimately- “to their own destruction”
to their own destruction- or RUIN
So we see it here in 2:3; but also its found a little earlier in this chapter back in verse 7- (3:7)
----------------------------------
2 Peter 3:16 ESV
as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures.
as they do the other Scriptures-
other-

3062. λοιπός loipós; fem. loipḗ, neut. loipón (3063), adj. from leípō (3007), to leave, lack. Something remaining, in the pl., the remaining ones (Matt. 25:11; Acts 2:37; Rom. 1:13; 2 Cor. 12:13; 2 Pet. 3:16). Used in an absolute sense with the def. art., hoi loipoí, the rest, the others (Matt. 22:6; Mark 16:13; Luke 18:9; Rom. 11:7; Rev. 2:24; Sept.: Josh. 13:27; 17:2). In the neut. pl. acc. with the art., tá loipá (Mark 4:19; 1 Cor. 11:34; Sept.: 2 Kgs. 1:18).

Paul and Scriptures!!
There are huge implications as to what Peter says here-
Paul’s writings- are collected- copied- circulated Scripture here at this point in the New Testament-
There is a body of writings accepted as Scripture- and Paul’s writings are included among them-
Does Peter see his writings as included here?
Scripture is God given- Reliable- Authoritative- Measuring Stick against all of the “heresy”-
Remember Jude?
Jude 3 ESV
Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.
2 Peter 3:17 ESV
You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability.
-----
Now he is in the Watch yourself section- other is introductory!!
---------
You therefore...
In light of all this...
beloved-
Used this over and over in book and in chapter-
knowing this beforehand...
take care
Main verb
Watch, keep watch, watch, guard, keep-
that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people
carried away- to lead or carry away
Exodus 14:6- good visual of this...

6 So he made ready his chariot and took his army with him, 7 and took six hundred chosen chariots and all the other chariots of Egypt with officers over all of them.

Error of Lawless People
To this point we have seen these teachers referred to as....
false teachers- scoffers- lawless people
B) Don’t Lose your own Stability-
and lose your own stability-
and lose
your own stability- (to be established- to be firm-steadfast!
The very first week we looked at the charge Jesus gave Peter- back in Luke 22 :31-32
Luke 22:31 ESV
“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat,
Luke 22:32 ESV
but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”
A Theme we see him mention throughout the letter. The first one was back in 2 Peter 1-
2 Peter 1:10 ESV
Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.
And then he brings up this same theme over in 2 Peter 2
2 Peter 2:14 ESV
They have eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin. They entice unsteady souls. They have hearts trained in greed. Accursed children!
And now yet one more time- We see Peter’s concern for the believers to be Established-
2 Peter 3:18 ESV
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
Had opportunity- to sit down with former professor- (preaching through 2 Peter- ) and we were talking about the progressive nature of the Church- counseling school in Chattanooga- he couldn’t do it anymore- he spoke of the fleshly appeal false teaching has to that which is comfortable (money)- and often that which is sexual- in order to be protected against it- by God’s grace we have to be established in the Truth!
1-Be Diligent in Holiness - Consider 2-God’s Patience- Keep Watch-
3- Grow in Grace and Knowledge
4. Grow in Grace and Knowledge
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
How do we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?
It is pivotal that we understand not only what this means, but how we are to obey it.
Grow-

837. αὐξάνω auxánō; fut. auxḗsō, aor. ēúxēsa, aor. pass. ēuxḗthēn. To grow, increase, to augment (1 Cor. 3:7; Eph. 2:21; Col. 2:19). Used both trans. and intrans. To grow, increase, add to something.

grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ-
grace
and knowledge
of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

Grow (auxanō) means “to advance, or increase in the sphere of.” We are to grow in grace through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

There is a sense only God can grow us-
1 Corinthians 3:6 ESV
I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.
but because we are now indwelt with the Spirit of God- we are called to grow up into Christ-
Philippians 2:12 ESV
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,
But all through the Scripture there are different ways we are to respond to the grace of God- Let’s quickly look at a few:
DON’T RECEIVE IT IN VAIN...
2 Corinthians 6:1 ESV
Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain.
DON’T NULLIFY IT....
Galatians 2:21 ESV
I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.
BE STRENGTHENED BY IT....
2 Timothy 2:1 ESV
You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus,
SET YOUR HOPE FULLY ON IT....
1 Peter 1:13 ESV
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.
STAND FIRM IN IT....
1 Peter 5:12 ESV
By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.
this is very similar-
we are to grow in the grace of God-
but this is linked to something specific- notice again how Macarthur put it....

We are to grow in grace through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

1 Peter 2:1–2 ESV
So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—
How do we grow in grace?
Here is how Bible Knowledge Commentary looks at it:

To grow in … grace is not subjective, based merely on experience and emotional happenings. It is objectively related to Peter’s key word knowledge (cf. 1:2–3, 5–6, 8, 20 [“understand”]; 2:20–21 [twice in v. 21]; 3:3). This is not just any knowledge; it is knowledge about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (cf. 1:1–2, 11; 2:20). The verb “grow” is a present imperative, which could be rendered “be continually growing.” Believers are to grow “in grace,” that is, in the sphere of God’s unmerited favor, and in the exercise of spiritual graces which Peter spoke of in 1:5–7. This process of spiritual growth begins by knowing Christ initially in regeneration (cf. John 17:3) and it continues in one’s deepening relationship with Him (Eph. 4:15; Phil. 3:10; 1 Peter 2:2). Both are necessary. Without the initial knowledge there is no opportunity for growth. But if there is only that initial knowledge, the struggling new believer forgets “that he has been cleansed from his past sins” (2 Peter 1:9).

We abide and stay in the Word- in fact- let’s let Peter tell us how we grow-
Another passage that relates to I Peter 2:1 is over in Colossians-
Colossians 1:10 ESV
so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;
We grow in this grace through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ-
How do we grow?? he has told us hasn’t he?
We follow the heartbeat of Chapter 1:1-4
We depend and trust in the promises of God
We grow in the virtues we see in Chapter 1:5-7

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

and look at how he ends it up---
of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ- “To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
We see a statement of His Deity- and we see a reference to His glory-
Remember the opening?
2 Peter 1:2 ESV
May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
Same formula- Statement of His Deity- Reference to His glory!
2 Peter 1:3–4 ESV
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 yet again- we see what?
A Future reminder- and a...
glimpse of what is to come-
What have we seen is coming just from these last few verses?
Second coming of Christ
Day of the Lord
New Heavens and New Earth!!!
2 Peter 3:18 ESV
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
Both now and to the Day of Eternity!
So how do we live in the meantime?
Living Today in Light of the Future!
involves:
1. Be Diligent in Holiness -
2. Consider God’s Patience-
3. Keep Watch! (Don’t be carried away- Don’t lose your stability!
4.. Grow in Grace and Knowledge
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