Living in Anticipation: The Call to Holiness

 

Summary

In reflecting on the passage from 2 Peter 3:10-11, the message centers on the inevitable return of the Lord and the subsequent transformation of the world through fire. This event, described as coming like a thief in the night, serves as a profound reminder of the transient nature of our earthly existence and the urgency of living a life of holiness and godliness. The apparent delay in divine judgment is not a sign of God's absence but rather a testament to His infinite mercy, allowing time for repentance and salvation.

The historical context of divine intervention, such as the flood, illustrates that God has and will again act decisively against sin. The future conflagration is not merely a physical event but a spiritual cleansing, purging the world of sin's defilement. This purification is likened to the Levitical cleansing by fire, emphasizing God's abhorrence of sin and His desire for a renewed creation.

The message challenges believers to live with an eternal perspective, recognizing that all material things will ultimately dissolve. This awareness should inspire a life distinct from worldly pursuits, characterized by holy conversation and godliness. Just as Noah lived in anticipation of the flood, Christians are called to live in anticipation of Christ's return, prioritizing spiritual over temporal concerns.

The proximity of the Lord's return should motivate believers to pursue holiness, understanding that God's presence is near and His judgment imminent. This nearness demands a life of integrity, both in our dealings with others and in our devotion to God. The call to holiness is not merely about moral behavior but encompasses a deep, transformative relationship with God, marked by sincere worship and adherence to His truth.

Ultimately, the message is a call to vigilance and readiness, urging believers to live as pilgrims and strangers in this world, with hearts set on eternal realities. The impending transformation of the world serves as a powerful reminder of the need for a life aligned with God's purposes, grounded in the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Key Takeaways:

1. Divine Patience and Mercy: God's delay in judgment is an expression of His mercy, allowing time for repentance. This patience should not be mistaken for indifference but seen as an opportunity for salvation. We are called to respond with gratitude and obedience, recognizing the urgency of turning to God. [20:11]

2. The Certainty of Divine Intervention: Historical events like the flood demonstrate God's willingness to intervene in human affairs. The future destruction by fire is a reminder of God's justice and the need for spiritual readiness. This certainty should inspire a life of holiness and godliness, anticipating the Lord's return. [03:42]

3. Living with an Eternal Perspective: The transient nature of the world calls for a focus on eternal values. Believers are encouraged to live as Noah did, distinct from the world, prioritizing spiritual over material concerns. This perspective fosters a life of integrity and devotion to God. [25:49]

4. The Call to Holiness: The nearness of the Lord's return demands a life of holiness, characterized by sincere worship and adherence to God's truth. This call extends beyond moral behavior to a transformative relationship with God, marked by genuine devotion and obedience. [30:39]

5. Vigilance and Readiness: The suddenness of the Lord's return requires constant vigilance and readiness. Believers are urged to live as pilgrims and strangers, with hearts set on eternal realities, prepared for the day when all things will be dissolved. [43:14]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - The Day of the Lord
- [00:48] - Misinterpretation of God's Patience
- [01:34] - Divine Calamities as Moral Necessities
- [03:14] - The Flood as Divine Intervention
- [04:24] - The Coming Conflagration
- [05:01] - The Complexity of Prophecy
- [07:22] - Fire as a Purifying Agent
- [09:33] - The Destruction of Human Works
- [11:51] - The Means of Prophecy Fulfillment
- [14:08] - Earth's Volcanic Nature
- [17:25] - The Imminence of the Lord's Return
- [23:37] - Practical Inferences for Holy Living
- [30:39] - The Call to Holiness
- [43:14] - Vigilance and Readiness

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- 2 Peter 3:10-11

#### Observation Questions
1. What does 2 Peter 3:10-11 say about the manner in which the day of the Lord will come? How is this significant? [00:09]
2. According to the sermon, what historical event does the apostle Peter use to illustrate God's intervention in human affairs? [03:14]
3. How does the sermon describe the future destruction by fire, and what is its purpose? [08:34]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the current state of the world and its eventual fate? [14:08]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the sermon interpret the apparent delay in divine judgment, and what does it suggest about God's character? [20:11]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest believers should live in anticipation of Christ's return, and how does this relate to Noah's experience? [24:04]
3. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between holiness and the nearness of the Lord's return? [30:39]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of divine patience and mercy in the context of the world's eventual destruction? [20:11]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the idea of living with an eternal perspective. What are some specific ways you can prioritize spiritual over material concerns in your daily life? [25:49]
2. The sermon calls for a life of holiness and godliness. What practical steps can you take to deepen your relationship with God and live a life marked by sincere worship and adherence to His truth? [30:39]
3. Consider the concept of divine patience and mercy. How can you respond with gratitude and obedience, recognizing the urgency of turning to God? [20:11]
4. The sermon emphasizes vigilance and readiness for the Lord's return. What changes can you make in your life to be more prepared for this event? [43:14]
5. How can you live as a pilgrim and stranger in this world, with your heart set on eternal realities? What might this look like in your interactions with others and in your personal priorities? [44:31]
6. Reflect on the historical examples of divine intervention mentioned in the sermon. How do these examples inspire you to live a life of holiness and godliness? [03:14]
7. The sermon suggests that the world is in a state of dissolution. How does this perspective influence your view of worldly pursuits and your commitment to God's purposes? [29:30]

Devotional

Day 1: Divine Patience as an Opportunity for Repentance
God's delay in judgment is not a sign of indifference but a profound expression of His mercy, allowing time for repentance and salvation. This patience is an opportunity for individuals to turn towards God, embracing His grace and forgiveness. The transient nature of life and the certainty of divine intervention should inspire gratitude and obedience, urging believers to live with an awareness of the urgency of turning to God. [20:11]

2 Peter 3:9 (ESV): "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."

Reflection: Consider an area in your life where you have been delaying repentance. How can you take a step towards God today, embracing His mercy and grace?


Day 2: The Certainty of God's Justice
Historical events like the flood serve as reminders of God's willingness to intervene in human affairs, demonstrating His justice and the need for spiritual readiness. The future destruction by fire is not just a physical event but a spiritual cleansing, emphasizing the importance of living a life of holiness and godliness. This certainty should inspire believers to anticipate the Lord's return with a heart prepared for His justice. [03:42]

Nahum 1:3 (ESV): "The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and the Lord will by no means clear the guilty. His way is in whirlwind and storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet."

Reflection: Reflect on how you can prepare your heart for God's justice. What steps can you take today to align your life with His holiness and righteousness?


Day 3: Embracing an Eternal Perspective
The transient nature of the world calls for a focus on eternal values, encouraging believers to live distinct from worldly pursuits. Just as Noah lived in anticipation of the flood, Christians are called to prioritize spiritual over material concerns, fostering a life of integrity and devotion to God. This eternal perspective helps believers navigate life with a focus on what truly matters. [25:49]

Colossians 3:2-3 (ESV): "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."

Reflection: Identify one material concern that has been consuming your thoughts. How can you shift your focus to prioritize spiritual values today?


Day 4: The Transformative Call to Holiness
The nearness of the Lord's return demands a life of holiness, characterized by sincere worship and adherence to God's truth. This call extends beyond moral behavior to a transformative relationship with God, marked by genuine devotion and obedience. Believers are encouraged to cultivate a deep, transformative relationship with God, living in anticipation of His return. [30:39]

1 Peter 1:15-16 (ESV): "But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'"

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can deepen your relationship with God? How can you pursue holiness in this area today?


Day 5: Vigilance and Readiness for the Lord's Return
The suddenness of the Lord's return requires constant vigilance and readiness, urging believers to live as pilgrims and strangers in this world. With hearts set on eternal realities, believers are called to be prepared for the day when all things will be dissolved, living with a focus on God's purposes and the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ. [43:14]

1 Thessalonians 5:2-4 (ESV): "For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, 'There is peace and security,' then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape."

Reflection: How can you cultivate a heart of vigilance and readiness for the Lord's return? What practical steps can you take today to live as a pilgrim and stranger in this world?

Quotes

Men have frequently inferred liberty to sin from the apparent absence of God from the world, because the Lord in His infinite long suffering has suffered transgression to go for a while unpunished. Therefore they have wickedly said, how does God know the Almighty does not regard us? He will neither interfere to punish men nor to reward them whether they break or keep His commandments. [00:40:32]

The apostle then tells the scoffer that there will be another into position airlong, instead of water, fire shall be the instrument of destruction. God's mill grinds slowly, but it grinds to powder. Justice loiters to commune with mercy, but it speedily makes up for its lingering. Long is the blow withheld but when it falls it cuts to the soul. [00:220:31]

The former destruction of the world by water was in consequence of sin and was a declaration of God's wrath against it. It did not happen as an accident or occur without design. Man sinned, was warned, and sinned again until God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth. [00:459:91]

We gather also from our text that this fire will burn up all the works existing upon the earth. Everything which man has constructed shall perish. We have heard architects speak of building for eternity. Aha, they have built but for an hour, and their noblest fabrics will disappear like children's castles of sand upon the sea beach. [00:573:60]

The whole world shall become one molten mass again, and this terrestrial firmament shall cease to be. The heaven shall vanish away like smoke and the earth shall wax old like a garment. God has impressed nature with His seal today but He will melt it down, and then as we hope will pour out the molten matter and stamp upon it a yet more lovely image. [00:678:48]

It is well for us to remind you again that the long time which has intervened since Peter foretold the destruction of the world by fire is to be understood in the sense of infinite mercy. We are not to interpret it according to the wicked suggestion of unbelief, for the Lord will surely be revealed in flaming fire. [00:1189:44]

Although we read of the world being burned with fire we are not told that it will be annihilated thereby. We know that nothing has been annihilated yet, no fire has yet been able to destroy a single atom of matter. There is upon the face of the earth at this moment just as much matter as when God created it. [00:1271:28]

The apostle has drawn practical inferences, seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in all holy conversation and godliness? What does he mean by this? What connection can there be between the burning of the globe and holy conversation and godliness? [00:1409:76]

Now our life ought to be like that of Noah. Look around on the beauties of nature and when you enjoy them say to yourself all these are to be dissolved and to melt with fervent heat. Look up into the clear blue and think that yonder sky itself shall shrivel like a scroll and be rolled up like a garment that has seen its better days. [00:1546:08]

The nearness of the Lord is suggested by the fact that the world is to be destroyed according to His word suggests holiness. The sinner finds a reason for sin when he says God is not here everything goes on in the ordinary way God does not care what men do. No says the apostle, He is not away, He is here. [00:1715:919]

The motive for holiness becomes stronger still if the thought is not merely that I shall die, but that all these things around me shall be dissolved, that breezy down, that towering hill, yonder lofty trees and this overhanging cliff, these rich meadows, the ripening harvest, all, all will in a moment be on a blaze. [00:2380:88]

The evanescence of all things around us suggests our looking away to eternal things. I saw yesterday with much solemnity of mind the spot where the bishop of Winchester met with sudden death. A cross is cut in the turf to mark the place, the spot is in the midst of the most lovely scenery conceivable. [00:2288:24]

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Transcript
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