There's a Great Day Coming!
Text: 2 Pet. 3:7-11
Introduction
Throughout 2 Peter, and indeed throughout the Bible, we have repeated promises of the coming of Jesus. The OT and NT are filled with such promises--1845 OT references, 17 OT books give prominence to this theme. 318 NT reference, 1/30 of all NT verses. 23 of the 27 NT books focus on this great truth in one way of another.
Illus: preacher was preaching on this theme: Behold, I am coming. Eventually, fell off stage into lap of prim, proper lady. Apologized profusely. I should have been ready, she said. You've been telling me you were coming for the last 5 minutes.
God has been telling us of the second coming of Jesus for at least 2000 years, and even longer through the OT prophets. Jesus Christ told us of his coming before he left this earth.
Peter makes this clear.
1. There is a day appointed when earth will be destroyed by fire.
2. This will be a day of judgment.
3. This will be a day of destruction for the ungodly.
Many choose to deliberately ignore this great truth, but it is a truth to remember. An event to avoid. A destiny to anticipate. In this chapter we read about (1) Denial, 3-5; (2) Destruction, 5-7; (3) Delay, 8-9; (4) Destiny, 10-12; and (5) Diligence, 11-18. We will look at these 5 themes under only two headings.
I. Jesus is coming.
A. Some deny His coming, 1-5
- A. The commands and words of the Bible are sure
- B. Scoffers will come, consistent with prophecies of the past
- C. These scoffers are worldly, they are the essence of denying Christ.
- D. These are willfully ignorant.
B. The Bible affirms his coming.
- A. Christ will come again, v. 4
- B. God demonstrates his presence on earth even today, 4b
- C. Remain in hope, do not be deceived into thinking that because he has not come that he will not come.
- D. There is much confusion in the world today because the Bible uses the concept of Jesus' coming in various ways. Jesus came as a human being. Jesus is said to come in judgment, as to the churches of Revelation. But the great truth is that Jesus is coming again.
II. A Day of Judgment is coming.
A day of judgment is certain (Eccl. 12:13,14; Heb. 9:27; Acts 10:42; 17:31)
It will be a great day for those who are prepared. It will be a day of destruction for those who are not prepared.
A. Destruction is sure, 5-7
- A. The flood
- B. The promise of fire.
- C. Certain judgment against ungodliness.
- D. Earth is destined for destruction, 3:7a
- E. Since God exists, there is judgment and eternity, 3:7b
B. God's delay is evidence of his mercy, 8-9
- A. Vs. 8 is often misunderstood, with regard to time references.
- B. The promises are still certain.
- C. God desires salvation for all, cf. Also v. 15.
C. That dreadful day of destiny is sure, 10-12
- A. But it will yet be unexpected
- B. The destruction of the earth
- C. Dissolved with fervent heat
Conclusion
When that day comes, we will be part of the greatest crowd ever assembled.
- All must appear, 2 Cor. 5:10.
- All who have ever lived.
- You and your family will be there.
- When that day comes, the greatest, fairest, best judge will preside.
- The Lord is the righteous judge, 2 Tim. 4:8
- There may not be justice in our court system, but in that day, all will be fair.
- All will stand on their own record, books opened.
- All will receive justice, not mercy.
- When that day comes, the Bible will matter.
- The books were opened and another book, Rev. 20:12
- The words of Jesus, Jn 12:48
- The Bible will be unchanged, Mt. 24:35.
- When that day comes, there will be both rejoicing and dread.
- There will be separation.
- The importance of following Jesus will be clear.
- Only Jesus can cover our record with his blood.
- Only Jesus can provide the basis for mercy, not justice.
- Today every person can choose to stand with the Lord and be saved.
- When that day comes, the most important verdict of any person's life will be rendered.
- When that day comes, the destiny will be final, eternal, forever.
- Everlasting punishment, eternal life, Mt. 25:46
- Come ye blessed, depart from me
- The verdict will announce the eternal destiny of all who have ever lived.
Give diligence therefore, 11-18
A. V. 11, holiness, godliness, become a certain kind of person
B. V. 13, righteousness
C. V. 14, peace, spotless, blameless
D. V. 15-18, grace and knowledge: wisdom (15), requires effort (16), caution (17), we can still fall (18).
E. I want to be with Christ and all the redeemed of the earth. I want to meet those led to Christ here. I want you to go with me. I want to see you there. Will you give diligence?
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Last updated March 20, 2005.