Pastor Brian Smith December 2, 2018
2 Peter 3:14-18 Peter’s Last Instructions
After spending so much time studying the life of the apostle Peter and his letters, I feel a bit like the first recipients may have felt. This man of God was about to die; like the apostle Paul meeting with the elders from Ephesus, later writing to Timothy: “The time has come for my departure.” However, we are fortunate, because God had led Peter to write letters so God’s word through him is preserved. It has come down through the ages intact so we can grasp what God meant to communicate for us and all the church throughout the world.
But when we reach the end of the letter, the last instructions give us a summary and incentive to pursue the lessons Peter gave us.
Dear friends, since you are looking forward to this….
Be sure we are all on the same page.
Are you looking forward to this:
God’s judgment of sin and destruction of all things?
God’s promise: new heavens, earth where righteous dwells
1 John 2:25 “This is what He promised us–even eternal life
Be energetic, but rest. Sounds like a paradox—
Hebrews 4:11, “make every effort to enter that rest.”
Energy: “make every effort, be diligent” (spoudazo)
Urgently, promptly: Hebrews 12:1 “throw off hindrances”
Why wait? Stop thinking the world system is a playground
It is a testing-ground where true faith shines in the dark
Can’t afford “wants” but have credit cards!
“Be found spotless, blameless and at peace”
Approach to this: disciplined to live by HSpirit
Fruit of the Spirit is self-control—saves us pain
Godly wisdom– “peaceable fruit of righteousness
Rest: “our Lord’s patience means salvation”—not impatient, agitate
Rest in the Lord’s timing—but we want to avoid distress
Patiently waiting forward to His promised coming
Titus 2:13, “We wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
Rest in God’s word—given through the apostles
Letters of Paul were circulated, recognized Script
Be aware of your surroundings. Instructions to all after 9-11
Respond to the threat of danger: “Be on your guard”
Spiritual kidnappers pack you off to multiply their efforts
Success is believed to be in numbers
Strong enough to influence large groups
There are lawless men who promote error
David Koresh—Branch Davidian cult
Jim Jones—Peoples Temple—Guyana, suicide
Extreme, but the devil uses subtle and extreme
Protect yourself: “grow in grace and knowledge”
Specific—“Of our Lord Jesus Christ”
Lady going through life-threatening illness: “It was Scripture and the knowledge of the Savior that sustained me.”
Imperative—you MUST continue to keep on growing
Can’t live a static Christian life—grow or fade
Are you growing in your knowledge of Jesus and your experience with Him? Ask yourself these questions:
How is Jesus meeting me in my need?
Where does Jesus fit into my plans?
How is Jesus counseling me in my situation?
What is Jesus doing to calm my fears?
Has a parent ever heard, “I didn’t talk to you about this problem because I knew what you would say!”
Be sure it is not just opinion, but counsel from the Bible.
Peter’s last instruction: Know the Savior and live by His Word!