Living with Hope: Embracing God's Eternal Perspective

 

Summary

In 2 Peter 3:8-13, we are reminded of the profound truth that God's timing is not like ours. With the Lord, a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. This passage challenges us to live with an eternal perspective, focusing not on the temporal but on the eternal promise of new heavens and a new earth where righteousness dwells. Peter addresses the skepticism and impatience of those who doubt the second coming of Christ, emphasizing that God's delay is not slowness but patience, giving everyone the opportunity to repent.

The early church faced confusion and doubt as they awaited Christ's return, a sentiment that resonates with us today. We are called to live in holiness and godliness, anticipating the day of the Lord, which will come like a thief in the night. This anticipation should not lead to complacency but to active preparation, living lives that reflect the hope we have in Christ.

God's plan is sovereign and unchangeable, yet He enters our world, inviting us to repentance and salvation. This divine patience is a testament to His love, even for those who may never turn to Him. We are urged to share the gospel with all, not knowing who the elect are, but trusting in God's perfect plan.

The promise of a new creation is not just a distant hope but a reality that shapes our present lives. We are to look forward to the new heavens and new earth, a place of immeasurable beauty and peace, free from pain and sorrow. This hope should inspire us to live as citizens of this future kingdom, embodying the values of holiness and godliness.

As we navigate the challenges of this world, we are reminded that our ultimate home is not here. We are pilgrims, journeying towards a glorious future. The call to hasten the coming of the Lord through evangelism and prayer is a reminder of our role in God's redemptive plan. In the end, the trials and sacrifices of this life are worth it, for the best is yet to come.

Key Takeaways:

- God's Timing and Patience: God's timing is perfect, and His delay in Christ's return is an expression of His patience, giving everyone the opportunity to repent. This challenges us to trust in His timing and remain faithful, even when it seems like He is slow to act. [02:16]

- Living with an Eternal Perspective: We are called to live with our eyes fixed on the eternal promise of new heavens and a new earth. This perspective should shape our daily lives, encouraging us to live in holiness and godliness as we await Christ's return. [03:02]

- The Sovereignty of God's Plan: God's plan is sovereign and unchangeable, yet He invites us into a relationship with Him, offering salvation to all. This divine patience and love should inspire us to share the gospel with everyone, trusting in His perfect plan. [18:03]

- The Hope of New Creation: The promise of a new creation is a reality that shapes our present lives. We are to look forward to a future where righteousness dwells, inspiring us to live as citizens of this future kingdom, embodying holiness and godliness. [31:38]

- Our Role in God's Redemptive Plan: We are called to hasten the coming of the Lord through evangelism and prayer, participating in God's redemptive plan. This reminds us of our responsibility to share the hope we have in Christ with the world. [38:02]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:51] - Context of 2 Peter 3
- [02:16] - God's Timing and Patience
- [03:02] - Living in Holiness and Godliness
- [04:00] - The End is in Sight
- [05:38] - Challenges of Early Christians
- [07:17] - Vigilance in Waiting
- [08:59] - The Delay and Its Purpose
- [10:30] - Theological Tensions
- [12:23] - The Patience of God
- [14:01] - Questioning God's Timing
- [15:33] - God's Sovereign Plan
- [18:03] - The Inexorable Plan of God
- [21:19] - God's Desire for Salvation
- [25:38] - The Plan of God
- [27:51] - The New Heavens and New Earth
- [31:38] - The Hope of New Creation
- [34:43] - Living in Anticipation
- [38:02] - Hastening the Day of the Lord
- [39:57] - The Joy of Being a Christian

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- 2 Peter 3:8-13

---

Observation Questions:

1. What does Peter mean when he says, "With the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day"? How does this perspective challenge our understanding of time? [02:16]

2. According to the sermon, what were some of the challenges faced by the early church as they awaited Christ's return? [05:38]

3. How does Peter describe the coming of the day of the Lord, and what imagery does he use to convey its suddenness? [03:02]

4. What is the significance of the promise of "new heavens and a new earth" in Peter's message? How does this promise shape the way believers are encouraged to live? [31:38]

---

Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of God's timing and patience, as described in the sermon, affect our understanding of unanswered prayers or delayed hopes? [12:23]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that living with an eternal perspective can influence our daily decisions and priorities? [04:00]

3. How does the sermon address the tension between God's sovereign plan and His desire for all to come to repentance? What insights does this provide into God's character? [18:03]

4. What role does evangelism play in "hastening the coming of the day of the Lord," according to the sermon? How does this challenge our approach to sharing the gospel? [38:02]

---

Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt impatient with God's timing. How can the understanding of God's patience and perfect timing help you trust Him more in similar situations? [12:23]

2. The sermon encourages believers to live with an eternal perspective. What practical steps can you take this week to focus more on eternal values rather than temporary concerns? [04:00]

3. How can you actively prepare for the day of the Lord in your daily life? What changes might you need to make to live in holiness and godliness? [03:02]

4. Consider someone in your life who may not know Christ. How can you share the hope of the gospel with them this week, trusting in God's sovereign plan? [18:03]

5. The sermon speaks of the promise of a new creation. How does this hope impact your view of current world events and personal challenges? [31:38]

6. In what ways can you participate in God's redemptive plan through prayer and evangelism? Identify one specific action you can take this week to contribute to this mission. [38:02]

7. How does the assurance of a future where righteousness dwells inspire you to embody those values in your community today? What specific actions can you take to reflect this hope? [31:38]

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting in God's Perfect Timing
God's timing is not like ours; it is perfect and purposeful. In 2 Peter 3:8-13, we are reminded that with the Lord, a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. This challenges us to trust in His timing, even when it seems like He is slow to act. God's delay in Christ's return is an expression of His patience, giving everyone the opportunity to repent. This divine patience is a testament to His love, urging us to remain faithful and trust in His perfect plan. As we navigate life's uncertainties, we are called to rest in the assurance that God's timing is always right. [02:16]

"But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 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." (2 Peter 3:8-9, ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life do you struggle to trust God's timing? How can you actively choose to trust Him today, even when the wait seems long?


Day 2: Living with an Eternal Perspective
We are called to live with our eyes fixed on the eternal promise of new heavens and a new earth. This perspective should shape our daily lives, encouraging us to live in holiness and godliness as we await Christ's return. The early church faced confusion and doubt as they awaited Christ's return, a sentiment that resonates with us today. However, this anticipation should not lead to complacency but to active preparation, living lives that reflect the hope we have in Christ. By focusing on the eternal, we can navigate the challenges of this world with a sense of purpose and hope. [03:02]

"For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come." (Hebrews 13:14, ESV)

Reflection: How can you shift your focus from temporary concerns to eternal promises in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to live with an eternal perspective today?


Day 3: Embracing God's Sovereign Plan
God's plan is sovereign and unchangeable, yet He invites us into a relationship with Him, offering salvation to all. This divine patience and love should inspire us to share the gospel with everyone, trusting in His perfect plan. We are reminded that God's desire is for all to come to repentance, and His patience is an expression of His love, even for those who may never turn to Him. As we participate in God's redemptive plan, we are called to trust in His sovereignty and share the hope we have in Christ with the world. [18:03]

"Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.'" (Isaiah 46:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear about the hope of Christ? How can you intentionally share the gospel with them this week, trusting in God's sovereign plan?


Day 4: The Hope of New Creation
The promise of a new creation is a reality that shapes our present lives. We are to look forward to a future where righteousness dwells, inspiring us to live as citizens of this future kingdom, embodying holiness and godliness. This hope is not just a distant dream but a present reality that influences how we live today. As we anticipate the new heavens and new earth, we are called to live in a way that reflects the values of this future kingdom, bringing a glimpse of God's kingdom to earth. [31:38]

"But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells." (2 Peter 3:13, ESV)

Reflection: How does the promise of a new creation influence your actions and decisions today? What changes can you make to live more fully as a citizen of God's future kingdom?


Day 5: Participating in God's Redemptive Plan
We are called to hasten the coming of the Lord through evangelism and prayer, participating in God's redemptive plan. This reminds us of our responsibility to share the hope we have in Christ with the world. As pilgrims journeying towards a glorious future, we are urged to actively engage in God's mission, knowing that our efforts are part of His greater plan. The trials and sacrifices of this life are worth it, for the best is yet to come. [38:02]

"And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." (Matthew 24:14, ESV)

Reflection: What specific steps can you take to participate in God's redemptive plan today? How can you use your unique gifts and opportunities to share the gospel with those around you?

Quotes


But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 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. [00:02:11]

And that pretty much sums up how Christians ought to live their lives, not focusing on the things of this world, but on the things that are to come, on the end, and in the language of Peter reflecting language from the prophet Isaiah, "the new heavens and the new earth." [00:04:01]

And Peter would recall Jesus Himself in the so-called "Olivet Discourse" in Matthew 24 and 25, "Keep watch because you do not know when the day of the Lord will come. But understand this, if the owner of the house had known what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have had his house broken into. [00:07:08]

God is never late. Now, He appears late to us. When you have been praying for something for years and years and years, maybe for the conversion of a prodigal son or daughter, maybe for a cure for an illness. And months and years and decades go by, and you think to yourself, "God is late," "Something has held Him up," "He is slow." [00:11:45]

What we do know is this, that He has a plan. It is a plan that is certain. It is a plan that cannot be broken. Isn't that the bubble in which we find tranquility and peace? When there's a storm all around us, and we are inside that bubble of the plan of God, and there is calm and there is peace and there is harmony and there is hope and there is certainty, but outside of it, there is chaos and uncertainty. [00:15:42]

And yet, in the world of space and time, He calls and He woos and He draws. John Murray, the late great John Murray, former professor of systematic theology at Westminster Seminary in the forties and fifties and early sixties. He once wrote that there is a will to the realization of what He has not decretively willed, a pleasure towards which He has not been pleased to decree. [00:21:19]

There is a love in the heart of Almighty God, even for those who may never be saved. A love that says to you and to me, we must have a similar love because we don't know who the elect and non-elect are. So, we must take the gospel, not to the elect, that's hyper-Calvinism. That'll get you locked in a prison that you can never get out. [00:22:54]

The world is longing for it, groaning for it. Climate change, goodness, I can't even go there, but even if there's a modicum of truth about it, it is evidence that this world is groaning and travailing in birth, waiting for the renewal of all things. It's crying out to you that this is not your home, and this cannot last forever. [00:31:14]

It will be a place of immeasurable beauty. There will be no pain or sorrow or fears or death. Satan will be cast into the bottomless pit, and he will never trouble you again. What should we make of all of this; this timing of God and this plan of God? And Peter says in verses 13 and 14, he says, "You should look for it." [00:34:31]

Are you looking for it? Are you preparing for it? And how do you prepare? In holiness and godliness, Peter says. By living your lives out and out as Christians. Live in preparation for the world to come. This world is not my home. Yes, I can improve it. I can exercise dominion over it. I can be a good citizen, and Christians should be the very best of citizens. [00:37:12]

He will come when all His elect are gathered in. So, you must preach and evangelize, and never stop, and give glory to God, and pray with earnestness. "When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound and time shall be no more, and the morning breaks eternal bright and fair, when the saved of earth shall gather over on

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Mar 23, 2023. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?