The Day of the Lord Will Come
Notes
Transcript
There seems to be a fascination with the idea of the end of the world, especially among Christians. Here is just a small sampling of the predictions that have been made.
The Shakers, a Christian sect founded in 18th century England, predicted the world would end in 1792 and then in 1794.
William Miller, a Baptist preacher, predicted Christ would return on Mar. 21, 1844.
From 1966 on, Jehovah's Witnesses published articles which stated that the fall of 1975 would be 6000 years since man's creation, and suggested that Armageddon could be finished by then.
In late 1976 on his 700 Club TV program, Pat Robertson predicted that the end of the world would come in 1982.
Jerry Falwell predicted God making judgement on the world on Jan. 1, 2000.
In his 1990 book The New Millennium, Pat Robertson suggests April 29, 2007 as the day of Earth's destruction.
Polls conducted in 2012 across 20 countries found over 14% of people believe the world will end in their lifetime, with 22% in the US.
In light of all these failed predictions it’s no wonder that most people don’t expect the return of Christ to happen in their lifetime, if at all. Peter is addressing the same problem in his day.
First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.
First of all – same as what he said about Scripture coming from God. Knowledge of God and His word are of first importance.
Last days
Last days
Peter had previously taught them about the second coming of Jesus.
Time of God’s judgment
Time between the first and second coming of Christ
End of the age
Scoffers
The false teachers questioned or denied His return.. Their lives were controlled or directed by their own desires in general rather than by God.
Where is this coming – It’s been about 30 years since Christ’s resurrection and ascension. Questioning God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promise.
Everything goes on as it has since the beginning – nothing ever changes. Questioning God’s power to do anything.
They forget
The world was destroyed once by water – God has judged the world once already.
The same word reserves the present world for fire
Isaiah 29:6 the LORD Almighty will come with thunder and earthquake and great noise, with windstorm and tempest and flames of a devouring fire.
being kept for the day of judgment and destruction – waiting for the right time
“I brought you into this world and I can take you out”
God is patient
Time is not the same for God as it is for us
Psalm 90:4 For a thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.
Opportunity for unbelievers to repent
Testing of believers in the face of contempt and hostility
The day will come
The day will come
Day of the Lord – second coming, end of the age
“The great day of the Lord is near— near and coming quickly. Listen! The cry on the day of the Lord will be bitter, the shouting of the warrior there. That day will be a day of wrath, a day of distress and anguish, a day of trouble and ruin, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness, a day of trumpet and battle cry against the fortified cities and against the corner towers. I will bring distress on the people and they will walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the Lord. Their blood will be poured out like dust and their entrails like filth. Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to save them on the day of the Lord’s wrath. In the fire of his jealousy the whole world will be consumed, for he will make a sudden end of all who live in the earth.”
Like a thief
Unexpectedly – If you knew when a thief was going to try to break in you’d be prepared.
Peter goes on to ask his readers and us, in the light of this coming judgment how should we live?
Imagine going to check in at a fancy hotel and staying there for a week. You eat all your meals at the hotel’s very nice restaurant, occasionally you order room service, perhaps you make some long distance calls, and use some of the other services offered. When the time comes to check out and you’re presented the bill would you say, “I never thought of that.” In the same way, when the time comes for us to check out of this life will there be a bill waiting to be paid that we’ve never considered?