We want to watch for that day of the Lord, but we also want to live in light of it. Peter’s question should ring through our minds and hearts as well, “What kind of people ought you to be?” (3:11).
(2 Peter 3:10-13)
SERMON OUTLINE
“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. 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.” (2 Peter 3:10-13)
What We Can Know About the Day of the Lord (10 & 12b)
- It Will Happen (Zephaniah 1:14)
- It Will Happen Sudden and Unexpectedly (Matthew 24:42-44)
- It Will Involve the Destruction of the Earth and Everything in It (Isaiah 13:9)
- It Will Lead to the New Heaven and New Earth (Isaiah 65:17)
How Should We Respond to these Truths?
- Live Holy Lives (Righteous Conduct)
- holy is to be separate from all that is common, unclean, and mundane.
- Believers are called to be holy as the Father is holy (Leviticus 11:44; 1 Peter 1:16)
- Live Godly Lives (Righteous Motivation)
- godly is to live to please our God (2 Peter 1:3, 6, 7; 2:9)
- Anticipate the Coming of That Day With Eagerness
- προσδοκάω (to look for, expect) is used three times in three verses (2 Peter 3:12-14)
Jonathan Edwards’ Resolutions
- Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.
- Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if I expected it would not be above an hour, before I should hear the last trump.
- Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to act as I can think I should do, if I had already seen the happiness of heaven, and hell torments.
- Can you affirm these resolutions for your own life? Will you?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Have you ever had to “escape” your house or workplace because of an impending disaster?
- Would it make a difference to you if you were to receive a warning about some impending danger? Tornado, Bridge Out, House on Fire, etc.
- “The Day of the Lord” is a huge concept and will be a huge event! What does the Bible say about it? (see: Joel 1:15, 2:10-11, 2:30-31, Amos 5:18-20, Isaiah 2:11, Malachi 4:1, Hebrews 4:13)
- What most stands out to you from those passages?
- How should knowing that the earth is temporary affect how we live in it today?
- What should you do while you are waiting for these things Peter describes to happen?
- What practical things about your life would be different if you lived like that? Based on other scriptures you’ve read, what will the new heaven and earth be like?
- Why do you think a new heaven and earth is necessary?
- God’s judgment is certain. We know it’s certain, first, because Jesus said so. And the apostles and prophets said so. The Bible is clear about it. We also have the historical examples such as the flood. Now, how does that make you feel? Is it terrifying? Is it comforting? Is it both? And why?
- Spend time reading and praying through scripture passages that remind you of the hope and promises we have for our eternity with God in the new heaven and new earth. Let them be both comforting to you and motivating to you to live in light of the Day of the Lord!