4: Awaiting His Arrival (2 Peter 3)

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CATCH THE CONTEXT

We kicked off this series from 2 Peter called “Faithful”, 4 weeks ago. It is written by the apostle Peter who is challenging Christians to be FAITHFUL to the One who has been FAITHFUL to them.

Catch the Context: We took a 1 week break from this series, but 2 weeks ago we concluded with these words that should have left us AFRAID or FREED.

2 Peter 2:9 (NIV)

...the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.

Today we finish up this series from 2 Peter in this teaching entitled - AWAITING HIS ARRIVAL, THAT day, when Jesus will rescue the godly and punish the unrighteous.

2 Peter 3:1–2 (NIV)

Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.

As we have recognized earlier in this writing, we have the great privilege of reading from Old Testament prophets, and we have the words of our Lord and Savior Jesus, as shared through His apostles, in the New Testament writings. What is written in the Scriptures will challenge us & change us IF…we read and heed what is in there.

Are you doing that - reading the Scriptures on the regular and then living what you read?

I don’t know any growing Christians who don’t open the Scriptures and bend their beliefs and behaviors to what the Bible says. Knowing WHO Jesus is and WHAT Jesus say is the foundation for obeying Him.

2 Peter 3:3-4 (NIV)

Above 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 ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.”

The last days were not a distant time in the future for Peter and the other first century followers of Jesus. They were living in the last days - a period of time between the first and second coming of Jesus. During Pentecost Peter quoted Joel’s prophecy which stated, “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.” (Acts 2:17). “Last days” is used by several New Testament writers to refer to what was happening in their lifetime (Heb 1:2, 2 Tim 3:1).

The apostle John even writes this in 1 John 2:18: “Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour.” (1 John 2:18 NIV)

And now, of course, Peter is writing this to prepare his ancient audience for what THEY could expect soon, as they were living in “the last days.”

The first-century followers of Jesus seemed to think Jesus would physically return within their lifetime, but, He obviously had not returned when Peter wrote this letter. That was the kindling that the false teachers and enemies of Christ lit and fanned into a flame, as they made fun of Christians for believing in the return of Jesus.

And now, for us, 2000 years later, Jesus still has not returned. Could it be that we have been duped, that Jesus is NOT returning? That’s what the scoffers were saying. So, Simon Peter needs to remind them that there really IS a God...and they are NOT Him.

2 Peter 3:5-7 (NIV)

But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens came into being 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 the ungodly.

Peter is referring the creation of everything out of nothing - it is by God’s word that everything came into existence -

the heavens - everything we see in the sky and beyond - every star, planet, moon, astroid, and comet.

And it was by God’s word that the earth was formed out of water. The Scriptures declare that God caused the waters to gather while the dry ground appeared and separated them (Gen 1:9).

But God also used water, the source of life, to bring death to the ungodly during Noah’s day.

God won’t use a flood next time. Next time He will use fire to bring judgment and destruction of the ungodly.

But when will that BE?

2 Peter 3:8–9 (NIV)

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. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

This phrase about a thousand years is not coined by Simon Peter; it is used in the Psalms quoting Moses who compared the short lifespan of humans to the eternity of God’s existence. He writes:

Psalm 90:2–4 (NIV)

Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. You turn people back to dust, saying, “Return to dust, you mortals.” A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.

2 Peter 3:8–9 (NIV)

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. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Jesus isn’t late for the appointment. He will show up in the fulness of time, just as was true with His first coming (Gal 4:4). Jesus had made a promise, that Peter likely recalled in his mind: when He saw Jesus ascend into heaven, the angels said, “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11). This promise will be fulfilled.

Why hasn’t it been fulfilled yet? Jesus is patient with people - He has given generations and generations opportunity after opportunity to respond to His message. Rather than immediately strike down His enemies, God has been patient. The Scriptures are full of this kind of language about Him. God is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, kind, and abounding in love (cf. Ex. 34:6; Joel 2:13; Rom. 2:4).

He is patient because He is not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Some commentators of Calvinist persuasion (like MacArthur) say that the “you” God is being patient with only applies to those who God “elects” to salvation.

John F. MacArthur Jr., 2 Peter and Jude, MacArthur New Testament Commentary (Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2005), 123.

That is NOT my persuasion as I think that “you” applies to Peter’s audience as well as everyone else that God is being patient with - giving them time to hear and respond to the good news of Jesus. A person responds to the good news of Jesus does through repentance - turning from sin and turning to Jesus; they stop living for themselves and start living for Him.

Listen to several passages that offer God’s mercy to anyone and everyone to come to repentance.

Ezekiel 18:23 (NIV)

Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign Lord. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?

1 Timothy 2:3–4 (NIV)

This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

Acts 17:30–31 (NIV)

In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now He commands all people everywhere to repent. For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.”

So while God is patient, this doesn’t mean He will never judge the world and everyone who has ever lived on it.

2 Peter 3:10–12a (NIV)

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 done in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.

Are we living like He’s returning?

I bet ya that if we knew that was happening this week, we would all suddenly be able to live holy and godly lives. The temptation to sin wouldn’t be nearly as strong & we would be quick to forgive others & tell them about Jesus.

Why aren’t we doing that NOW? It’s simple, we aren’t acting like we look forward to the day of God. But we should be! What impact might we have if we started living like Jesus is returning?

What’s the part about speed its coming? Scholars mention a couple of options:

1) Jewish rabbis claimed the Messiah would come only when all the people of Israel repented and obeyed the law perfectly for one day.

Douglas J. Moo, 2 Peter, Jude, The NIV Application Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1996), 198.

2) This idea likely comes from Is 60:22 and several other Jewish authors writing before Simon Peter’s day, who note that God is that one who will speed its coming. So, believers are to look forward to the day with anticipation & excitement rather than anxiousness and fear.

Peter H. Davids, The Letters of 2 Peter and Jude, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., 2006), 290–291.

Why should Christians look forward to that day? And why should those who refuse to follow Jesus of the Scriptures be concerned?

This past week I received a text from a young lady who has been meeting with our women’s group for quite a while. Here’s what she texted me:

Hey Pastor Jackie. I'm reaching out to you, because I'm extremely overwhelmed...I've always been taught to look out for the Scripture at 1 Thess. 5:3: “While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.”

She continues: “Overwhelmed is an understatement. I'm panicking. So many questions are in my head. So many doubts.”

I called her reminded her to look back at the context as 1 Thessalonians 5 is attached to 1 Thessalonians 4.

Paul there writes of Jesus’ return and tells believers these words:

1 Thessalonians 4:15–16 (NIV)

According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.

1 Thessalonians 4:17-18 (NIV)

After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.

For Christians these should be SUPER ENCOURAGING WORDS!

Notice that there is NO TALK of being taken to heaven for 7 years while hell breaks out on Earth.

Instead, on the heels of followers of Jesus seeing and celebrating being in His Presence, there is immediate judgment for the enemies of Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 (NIV)

Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

All those “scoffers” that Peter mentioned earlier in this writing will shut their mouths and bow their knees when Jesus returns. Simon Peter continues:

2 Peter 3:12b (NIV)

That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.

The One who made all things will destroy the heavens (everything in and beyond our atmosphere) as well as all the elements with fire.

This building will BURN. Your homes will BURN. The heavens above us and the Earth below us will be obliterated and renovated and no one alive on Earth will be spared

2 Peter 3:12b-13 (NIV)

[That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.] But in keeping with His promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.

No more sin, no more lying, no more sickness, disease, or death. No more sinners! Just those who have been forever transformed by our Savior!

Oh what a day that will be! But it’s not time to circle up the wagons and retire from ministry. We have WORK to do until Jesus comes back and He’s calling us to walk in purity and passion until He returns.

2 Peter 3:14 (NIV)

So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with Him.

While the false teachers were earlier called “spots and blemishes” (2 Pet 2:13), Peter was challenging those who read this to make every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with Him. To be sure, we can’t do that in our own power, and we approach the spotless, blameless Lamb of God who places our sin on His back. He has made us spotless, blameless, and at peace with God.

People awaiting His arrival...live in purity.

Is that TRUE of YOU? Are you livin’ forgiven? OR…have you discounted the depravity of your sin - you act like your sin is NOT a big deal to God, like Jesus didn’t die for your sin?

2 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him.

The tendency for most of us is, once our family and friends know the Lord, we long for Jesus to return, but become impatient with others.

But…many of us have family and friends, and all of us have acquaintances and enemies who don’t know Jesus yet. We must remember, trust, and take our opportunities to share Jesus while we can, because...our Lord’s patience means salvation for those who don’t currently know Jesus.

If YOU aren’t a follower of Jesus, God is being patient with you. Stop taking that for granted.

People awaiting His arrival...appreciate God’s patience.

Is that TRUE of you? Do you recognize and demonstrate that God is patient with people - that the reason Jesus hasn’t returned today - is because there are more people who need the salvation that Jesus offers?

Peter continues about Paul’s letters...

2 Peter 3:16 (NIV)

He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.

I’m glad to know other people sometimes struggled to understand what Paul wrote! Same for me!

But, Peter did not dismiss or distort the Scriptures because just because he struggled to understand or submit to what they say we should obey.

People awaiting His arrival...trust the Scriptures.

Is that TRUE of YOU? Are you trusting or twisting the Scriptures? Are you obeying all that is written OR are you practicing Bible buffet where you take what you like and leave what you don’t like?

And now we read the last words from Peter’s pen before he is crucified.

2 Peter 3:17-18 (NIV)

Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

People awaiting His arrival...are guarded & growing.

Is that TRUE of YOU? Are you guarding your mind from what is false & growing in the grace & knowledge of Jesus? Or...are you allowing what is false to keep you from growing in truth?

How much time are you spending in the Scripture versus social media, TV, and movies? How much time are you spending with godly people who speak the truth versus those who don’t?

Our Faithful King empowers and expects us to be faithful to Him, that our lives would bring Him glory both now and forever - amen!

A preacher named Martyn Lloyd-Jones had a businessman in his congregation named William Thomas. Thomas was a salesman was at a bar where he overheard this conversation:

“Yes,” said one man to the other, “I was there last Sunday night, and that preacher said nobody was hopeless. He said there was hope for everybody.”

Thomas suddenly felt completely sobered and said to himself, “If there’s hope for everybody, there’s hope for me. I’m going to that chapel myself to see what that man says.”

That first Sunday he walked to the opened gate of the railings that fenced the church building, stood for some minutes, and then, his nerve failing him, turned and went home.

He waited for the next Sunday evening to arrive, and somehow he reached the chapel only to hear singing. Faced with the realization that he was late, he once more turned away and went home.

The third Sunday evening came, and William Thomas was once again at the gate, wondering nervously what he should do next when one of the members of the congregation welcomed him with the words, “Are you coming in? Come and sit with me.”

That night William Thomas passed from condemnation to life. He found, as Mrs. Lloyd-Jones tells us, that “he could understand the things that were being said, and he believed the gospel and his heart was flooded with a great peace. Old things had passed away; old things had become new.”*

But, just imagine what the end would have been like for William Thomas if the Lord had said after that first week, “Well, I think I’m done now. I’ll return in judgment today.” What would it be like for you? How many times have you come under the hearing of God’s Word? How many years have you silently wondered whether or not you should make a fresh start with God?

*Iain Murray, D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones: The First Forty Years (Southampton, UK: Camelot Press, 1983), pp. 220, 223.

Stop waiting to respond and start living like you’re Awaiting His Arrival.

If you want to talk more about that, please call YOUR STAFF

or YOUR DEACONS.

PRAY

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discussionquestions Take some time to discuss these questions with your family, friends, or group.

What challenged or encouraged you most from today’s teaching? Explain your answer.

Why do you think the war between Ukraine & Russia as well as inflating prices in the U.S. cause so many to be afraid?

Read Acts 2:17, Hebrews 1:2, 2 Timothy 3:1, and 1 John 2:18. Have you ever thought about “the last days” as being something that we ARE in, because that has been the case since the time of Jesus’ death, burial, resurrection, and ascension? If not, why not?

Read 2 Peter 3:3-7. What was Peter’s response and reminder to scoffers?

Read 2 Peter 3:8-9. According to Peter, why hasn’t Jesus returned yet? Read Exodus 34:6, Joel 2:13, Romans 2:4, Ezekiel 18:23, 1 Timothy 2:3-4, and Acts 17:30-31 and dive deep to discuss God’s patience, kindness, compassion, and desire for all to be saved.

Read 2 Peter 3:10-15 and 1 Thessalonians 4:15-5:3. Discuss the difference between the FUTURE HOPE and expected earthly lifestyle for the follower of Jesus compared to the FUTURE HOPELESSNESS for those who refuse to follow Jesus while living on Earth.

Read 2 Peter 3:16-18 and discuss 1) how some distort the Scriptures 2) how Christians can guard themselves from being “carried away” and instead grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus.

Share prayer needs. Continue to pray for the Supreme Court decision that could overturn Roe v. Wade. Pray for our governing leaders and spiritual leaders. Pray for Ukraine.