Living in Readiness for Christ's Sudden Return
Summary
In today's message, we explored the theme of readiness for Christ's return, drawing parallels between unexpected visitors and the suddenness of the Lord's coming. Just as we might be caught off guard by a surprise visit, we are reminded that Christ will return like a thief in the night, without prior notice. This calls for a state of constant spiritual readiness, as outlined in 2 Peter 3:9-18. The passage urges us to live holy and godly lives, anticipating the new heaven and new earth promised by God.
Holiness, as described, is about setting ourselves apart for God's purposes, much like a bar of steel that gains value when crafted into something useful. Our spiritual influence is determined by our commitment to holiness. We are encouraged to live lives that are spotless and blameless, striving for peace with God. This involves confessing our sins and seeking forgiveness, maintaining a character that reflects Christ's teachings.
Peter's exhortation to be on guard against the deception of lawless men is a call to spiritual vigilance. Just as a lapse in attention can lead to a turnover in a basketball game, spiritual inattentiveness can lead us astray. We must remain focused, loving the truth, and rejecting falsehoods. Peter, who himself experienced a fall, reminds us of the importance of staying alert.
Finally, we are called to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. In a world that grows increasingly divisive, we are to become more gracious and knowledgeable of our Savior. This growth is essential for being ready when Christ returns. We must evaluate our spiritual progress and make necessary changes to align with God's will. The urgency of this readiness is underscored by the unpredictability of Christ's return, urging us to live as if He could come at any moment.
Key Takeaways:
- Unexpected Return: Just as unexpected visitors can catch us off guard, Christ's return will be sudden and without warning. This calls for a constant state of spiritual readiness, living lives that are holy and godly, set apart for God's purposes. [02:00]
- Holiness and Influence: Our commitment to holiness determines our spiritual influence. Like a bar of steel that gains value when crafted into something useful, our lives gain significance when dedicated to God's purposes. This involves living spotless and blameless lives, striving for peace with God. [09:59]
- Spiritual Vigilance: Peter's call to be on guard against deception is a reminder of the importance of spiritual vigilance. Just as a lapse in attention can lead to a turnover in a game, spiritual inattentiveness can lead us astray. We must remain focused, loving the truth, and rejecting falsehoods. [15:10]
- Growth in Grace and Knowledge: In a world that grows increasingly divisive, we are called to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. This growth is essential for being ready when Christ returns. We must evaluate our spiritual progress and make necessary changes to align with God's will. [20:58]
- Urgency of Readiness: The unpredictability of Christ's return underscores the urgency of living as if He could come at any moment. We must not fall into complacency, thinking there is plenty of time. Instead, we should strive to live lives that reflect Christ's teachings, ready for His return. [23:03]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:00] - The Suddenness of Christ's Return
- [04:23] - Living Holy and Godly Lives
- [07:15] - Fire as a Metaphor for Judgment
- [09:59] - The Call to Holiness
- [12:34] - The Value of Holiness
- [15:10] - Striving for Spotlessness
- [18:28] - Being on Guard Against Deception
- [20:58] - Growing in Grace and Knowledge
- [23:03] - The Urgency of Readiness
- [25:29] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- 2 Peter 3:9-18
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Observation Questions:
1. What metaphor does Peter use to describe the suddenness of Christ's return, and how does this relate to the concept of readiness? [02:00]
2. According to the sermon, what does it mean to live a holy and godly life, and how is this related to being ready for Christ's return? [09:59]
3. How does Peter describe the consequences of spiritual inattentiveness, and what analogy is used to illustrate this point? [15:10]
4. What does Peter encourage believers to do in order to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ? [20:58]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the metaphor of a thief in the night help us understand the urgency of being spiritually prepared for Christ's return? [02:00]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that holiness can influence our spiritual impact and readiness for Christ's return? [12:34]
3. What are the potential dangers of spiritual complacency, and how can believers guard against them according to the sermon? [15:10]
4. How does the sermon suggest believers can evaluate their spiritual growth in grace and knowledge, and why is this important? [20:58]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you were caught off guard by an unexpected event. How can this experience help you understand the importance of being spiritually ready for Christ's return? [02:00]
2. What specific steps can you take this week to live a life that is more holy and godly, as described in the sermon? Consider areas where you might need to set yourself apart for God's purposes. [09:59]
3. Identify a situation in your life where you might be spiritually inattentive. What practical actions can you take to stay focused and alert in your faith journey? [15:10]
4. How can you actively grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ in the coming month? Are there specific resources or practices you can incorporate into your daily routine? [20:58]
5. Consider the relationships in your life. How can you strive to be spotless and blameless in your interactions with others, and what steps can you take to seek peace with God and those around you? [15:10]
6. Reflect on the current state of your spiritual life. Are there areas where you have become complacent? What changes can you make to ensure you are living in readiness for Christ's return? [23:03]
7. Think of a person in your life who may be struggling with spiritual deception or falsehoods. How can you lovingly support them in seeking the truth and growing in their faith? [18:28]
Devotional
Day 1: The Suddenness of Christ's Return
In the same way that unexpected visitors can catch us off guard, the return of Christ will be sudden and without warning. This calls for a constant state of spiritual readiness, living lives that are holy and godly, set apart for God's purposes. The unpredictability of His return should motivate us to live each day as if it could be our last, ensuring that our actions and thoughts align with His teachings. We are encouraged to be vigilant, maintaining a heart that is prepared to meet the Lord at any moment. [02:00]
2 Peter 3:10-11 (ESV): "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to ensure that your life reflects a state of readiness for Christ's return?
Day 2: Holiness as a Source of Influence
Our commitment to holiness determines our spiritual influence. Just as a bar of steel gains value when crafted into something useful, our lives gain significance when dedicated to God's purposes. This involves living spotless and blameless lives, striving for peace with God. Holiness is not about perfection but about setting ourselves apart for God's work, allowing His light to shine through us. By confessing our sins and seeking forgiveness, we maintain a character that reflects Christ's teachings and influences those around us positively. [09:59]
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: In what ways can you dedicate your daily actions to God's purposes, and how might this influence those around you?
Day 3: The Importance of Spiritual Vigilance
Peter's call to be on guard against deception is a reminder of the importance of spiritual vigilance. Just as a lapse in attention can lead to a turnover in a game, spiritual inattentiveness can lead us astray. We must remain focused, loving the truth, and rejecting falsehoods. This vigilance requires us to be discerning, constantly evaluating the influences in our lives and ensuring they align with God's truth. By staying alert, we protect ourselves from being led astray by the deception of lawless men. [15:10]
1 Corinthians 16:13 (ESV): "Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong."
Reflection: What distractions or influences in your life might be leading you away from spiritual vigilance, and how can you address them today?
Day 4: Growing in Grace and Knowledge
In a world that grows increasingly divisive, we are called to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. This growth is essential for being ready when Christ returns. By deepening our understanding of His teachings and embodying His grace, we become more equipped to navigate the challenges of life. This growth requires intentional effort, evaluating our spiritual progress, and making necessary changes to align with God's will. As we grow, we become more effective witnesses of His love and truth. [20:58]
Colossians 1:9-10 (ESV): "And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."
Reflection: What specific areas of your spiritual life need growth, and what steps can you take to deepen your knowledge and grace in Christ?
Day 5: The Urgency of Readiness
The unpredictability of Christ's return underscores the urgency of living as if He could come at any moment. We must not fall into complacency, thinking there is plenty of time. Instead, we should strive to live lives that reflect Christ's teachings, ready for His return. This urgency calls us to evaluate our priorities, ensuring that our lives are aligned with His will and purpose. By living with this sense of urgency, we remain focused on what truly matters, preparing ourselves for the day we meet Him. [23:03]
Matthew 24:42-44 (ESV): "Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."
Reflection: How can you rearrange your daily priorities to reflect the urgency of being ready for Christ's return?
Quotes
I remember a pastor friend of mine in Texas who told about being out one day, and he happened to be in the neighborhood of one of his church members, a senior adult lady. So he thought he would stop in real quick and check on her. He knocked on her door, and she came and opened the door, and when she saw him, her eyes got that big, and she slammed the door right in his face. [00:00:46]
The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 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 in it will be laid bare. [00:03:49]
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. [00:04:23]
So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with Him. Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. [00:04:53]
His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other scriptures, to their own destruction. Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard, so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. [00:05:20]
Every time the return of Christ is spoken of in the New Testament there is a call to sober and holy living to ethical. moral behavior. And so the first instruction that Peter gives is to live holy and godly lives. Now what does that mean? Well something that is holy is set apart for sacred use. [00:10:26]
Almost every week I challenge you to give yourselves more completely to God and His purpose for your life. Now what I'm doing is asking you to be holy, to set yourself apart for sacred use. And I'm just repeating the command of God Himself. Back in Leviticus, in the book that constituted the adult Sunday school lessons this morning. [00:11:05]
We're like that $5 bar of steel. Our commitment to holiness is going to determine whether we become Christians of minimal, moderate, or significant spiritual influence. Can people see lives of holiness and godliness when they look at us? Do they see that in our experience, in our lives? Does it show? [00:12:34]
If you live a holy and godly life, you don't have to tell people, they will notice. God will be glorified. Your light will shine before men. They will see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven, as Jesus said. And when Jesus comes back, you'll be ready. [00:13:17]
We should, it says, make every effort to be blameless in regard to sin when we are called to stand before the judgment of God, to be blameless. Now we all know that we aren't perfect, that we can't live sinless lives because if we could we could earn our own salvation. But remember the gospel is opposed to earning. [00:14:24]
We've got to stay sharp and spiritually alert. Otherwise, we're susceptible to being led into error by lawless men. It says lawless men are those who disregard the law and do what they want, which leads them into error. And by their deception, they lead others into error. So Peter is saying, don't let that happen to you. [00:17:52]
The world around us is growing increasingly more hateful and vindictive as they take sides against one another. But we are supposed to grow more gracious and more knowledgeable of our Lord and Savior Jesus. So in which direction do you see yourself moving this morning? Toward the way of the world or toward... [00:20:58]
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