How Should We Live?

2Pet 3:10-14

God’s prophecy is certain (2Pet 3:10)

Bible, inspired Word of God, is filled with promises of Christ’s return. (over 300 in NT)

Jesus is coming back & every prophecy relating to His 2^nd coming will be fulfilled.

Still, how can we justify continuing to look for Christ’s return after all these years?

Mankind views 1,000 or even 100 years as a long time… God views it as nothing at all.

When we see time from eternity’s perspective, our temporal heartaches & suffering are nothing compared to eternal glory. (2Cor 4:17)

God’s apparent “delay” is really a manifestation of His patience, mercy, & love.

He is long suffering & does not wish that any should perish. His waiting so long is really an indication of His love... each day He tarries, He gives sinners one more day of grace

When the Gospel has been preached to all nations… then the end will come. (Mt 24:14) 

Day of the Lord… day of judgment, wrath, & destruction. (2Pet 3:10; Rev 6:17)

Christ is coming back & He’ll judge the whole world. The earth & creation as we know it will be destroyed by fire, just as the ancient world was destroyed by the flood.

Day of the Lord will be a time of destruction (Isa 13:7; Joel 1:15; 2Pet 3:10); of God’s wrath (Isa 13:13; Zeph 1:15); of God’s punishment of evil & sin (Isa 13:11);of God’s fury against nations (Isa 34:1-2; Zeph 1:14-2:3); of God’s vengeance (Isa 34:8); of darkness (Isa 34:4, 13:9-10; Joel 2:31); of fire from God (Joel 2:3, 5,10; Zeph 1:18) (Rev 8-22)

Rapture will precede the Day of the Lord (God’s wrath). (1Thes 5:9)

How should we live? (2Pet 3:10-14)

Our anticipation of heaven should make a tremendous difference in the way we live.

The Christian’s expectation & hope are NOT based upon this world.

World is doomed… any hope in this world (to fix its problems & usher in peace) is false.

Gospel is not addressed to world in general, but to men to save themselves out of this world. Message is to repent & believe in Jesus, & come out. (2Cor 6:17)

As Christian citizens, we should take appropriate action to influence our government & society… but must never put our hope in politics or social reform. Our hope is in the Lord. 

How should we react to this promise of new heaven & new earth? (Rom 8:16-18)

It should compel us to manifest a life-style that is in keeping with our future glory.

We should be increasingly detached from temporary things of earth, & increasing attached to that which is eternal & spiritual. (living godly & holy lives)

Four qualities that should mark Christians who are waiting for Christ’s return:

An eager expectation (looking for): Every Christian should eagerly look for fulfillment of Christ’s return, & new heaven & new earth to follow.

Purposeful service: As we serve God with diligence we help fulfill prophecy. As we make every effort to be holy (Heb 12:14), & strive to make mature, Christ-like disciples (not just converts) we help speed His return. (Mt 24:14) (Not human self-improvement, & not with focus to improve world thru social action & reform.)

Peaceful spirit: At peace with God, & at peace with His people. (Heb 12:14) Peace is the fruit of a mature Christian (Gal 5:22). Peacemakers will see God. (Mt 5:9) Christian who is detached from love of the world (1Jn 2:15), & attached to the eternal & spiritual, will naturally be a peacemaker with no desire to fight for fleeting fame or perishing riches.

Moral integrity: To follow Christ’s example who was without spot or blemish. (1Pet 1:19) As we look to new heaven & earth, it is natural to yearn for time of righteousness… & strive to be holy & without sin now. (2Cor 7:1; 1Jn 3:2-3) 

We can all help speed His return by preparing ourselves, by spreading the Gospel, by preaching God’s Word, by supporting worldwide missions & the work of the church.

Blessed Hope… we look forward to new heaven & new earth. (2Pet 3:13)

As children of God, we look forward to new heaven & new earth where there is no evil & sin, no disease, death, & no sorrow or suffering. Christians will be present in this new creation in glorified bodies & will reign with Christ & enjoy eternity with Him.

This is the most glorious promise in the Bible… because of it, we can look forward with confidence & hope because life has meaning not only for the present but for eternity.

The hope of new heaven & new earth & eternity with Christ enabled early church to die gladly among lions, to die rather than deny the Lord, & has been the blessed hope (Titus 2:13) that sustained many thru the ages during times of persecution & suffering. 

We too must stand on the promises of God’s Word & wait patiently for the Blessed Hope… the glorious return of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ.

Consider the following as you pray & prepare your hearts for communion

In your heart have you separated yourself from the world? (2Cor 6:17)

How much time, thought, & expectation do you give to world (TV news, etc) & how much do you think & meditate on new world to come? (and the One who is coming?)

What is your reaction to current USA condition (recession, loss of jobs, moral collapse, abortion, growing evil & violence, spread of porn, etc.)?

Are you surprised, depressed, or disappointed?

Are you pinning your faith on what USA can do to correct those problems?

You should expect nothing from this world… nor be surprised at the state it’s in.

Are you keeping your eyes on Christ… the risen, reigning, & returning King & Lord?

Are you prepared, expectant, & doing all you can to speed Christ’s return?

                                                                                                                                              09-13-09