Standing Firm: Embracing God's Promises Amid Scoffing
Summary
In our journey through the book of Second Peter, we find ourselves in chapter 3, where Peter addresses the challenges faced by early Christians and the timeless truths that resonate with us today. The passage begins with a call to remember the teachings of the prophets and apostles, emphasizing the importance of being reminded of God's promises and truths. As we age, our memories may fade, but the need to be stirred and reminded of God's word remains crucial.
Peter warns of scoffers who will come in the last days, mocking the promise of Jesus' return and questioning the truth of God's creation and judgment. These scoffers, much like bullies, use words to intimidate and belittle believers, often gathering a following by making Christian beliefs seem ridiculous. Yet, we are called to stand firm, like the young boy with a stutter who boldly proclaimed his love for Jesus despite ridicule. Our courage in the face of scoffing can be a powerful testimony to others.
The scoffers focus on three main areas: the delay in Jesus' return, the denial of God's role in creation, and the rejection of God's judgment. They question the promise of Jesus' return, arguing that nothing has changed since the beginning of creation. However, we are reminded that God's timing is not like ours; a day is like a thousand years to Him. His delay is not due to slackness but rather His patience, desiring that none should perish but that all should come to repentance.
The scoffers also willfully forget God's creation, choosing to believe in natural processes over divine intervention. Yet, the complexity and precision of the universe testify to a Creator. We must be prepared to give an answer for our hope, doing so with gentleness and respect, understanding that our presuppositions shape our worldview.
Finally, the scoffers deny God's judgment, dismissing the historical reality of the worldwide flood. Yet, the evidence of God's past judgment serves as a warning of the judgment to come. God's patience is an opportunity for repentance, and His desire is for all to come to Him. We are called to share the love of Christ, understanding that we come to Him on His terms, through repentance and faith.
Key Takeaways:
- The Importance of Remembrance: As believers, we must continually remind ourselves of God's promises and truths. Our memories may fade, but the need to be stirred and reminded of God's word remains crucial for spiritual growth and resilience. [03:48]
- Courage in the Face of Scoffing: Like the young boy who boldly proclaimed his love for Jesus despite ridicule, we are called to stand firm against scoffers. Our courage can be a powerful testimony, showing that our faith is not shaken by mockery. [10:38]
- God's Timing and Patience: God's timing is not like ours; a day is like a thousand years to Him. His delay in returning is not due to slackness but His patience, desiring that none should perish but that all should come to repentance. [35:17]
- Creation as a Testament to God: The complexity and precision of the universe testify to a Creator. We must be prepared to give an answer for our hope, doing so with gentleness and respect, understanding that our presuppositions shape our worldview. [19:54]
- Repentance and God's Judgment: The evidence of God's past judgment serves as a warning of the judgment to come. God's patience is an opportunity for repentance, and His desire is for all to come to Him. We come to Him on His terms, through repentance and faith. [41:43]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:14] - Introduction and Prayer
- [02:40] - Scoffing and God's Patience
- [03:11] - Stirring Up Remembrance
- [05:55] - Understanding Scoffers
- [08:08] - Story of Courage
- [11:38] - Delay in Jesus' Return
- [14:18] - Creation and Willful Forgetfulness
- [19:54] - Presuppositions and Worldview
- [22:34] - Evidence of God's Creation
- [30:16] - Denial of God's Judgment
- [34:43] - God's Timing and Patience
- [37:53] - God's Will for Repentance
- [41:43] - Coming to God on His Terms
- [44:14] - Invitation and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 2 Peter 3:1-9
2. Psalm 19:1
3. Romans 1:20
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Peter emphasize about the importance of remembering the teachings of the prophets and apostles in 2 Peter 3:1-2? How does this relate to the sermon’s focus on the importance of remembrance? [03:30]
2. According to the sermon, what are the three main areas that scoffers focus on, as mentioned in 2 Peter 3:3-4? [11:22]
3. How does the sermon describe the behavior and influence of scoffers, and what analogy is used to explain their actions? [06:56]
4. What does the sermon say about God's timing and patience, and how is this reflected in 2 Peter 3:8-9? [35:17]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon interpret the scoffers' denial of God's role in creation, and what evidence does it provide to counter their claims? [14:18]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that believers can stand firm against scoffers, and what example is given to illustrate this courage? [10:38]
3. How does the sermon explain the significance of God's patience in delaying Jesus' return, and what does this reveal about God's character? [35:17]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between God's past judgments, like the flood, and the warning of future judgment? [31:04]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you needed to be reminded of God's promises. How can you make it a habit to remember and meditate on these truths regularly? [03:48]
2. Have you ever faced ridicule or mockery for your faith? How did you respond, and what can you learn from the young boy's story in the sermon about standing firm in your beliefs? [10:38]
3. God's timing is not like ours. Is there a situation in your life where you are struggling to understand God's timing? How can you trust in His patience and plan? [35:17]
4. The sermon discusses the complexity and precision of the universe as evidence of a Creator. How can you use this understanding to engage in conversations with those who may doubt God's existence? [19:54]
5. Consider the concept of repentance as discussed in the sermon. Is there an area in your life where you need to seek repentance and align yourself with God's terms? [41:43]
6. How can you prepare yourself to give an answer for your hope in Christ with gentleness and respect, as encouraged in the sermon? [20:26]
7. Reflect on the sermon’s message about God’s desire for all to come to repentance. How can you actively share the love of Christ with someone in your life who may not know Him? [38:06]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Remembrance
In the journey of faith, the act of remembering God's promises and truths is vital for spiritual growth and resilience. As time passes, our memories may fade, but the need to be stirred and reminded of God's word remains crucial. This remembrance is not just a mental exercise but a spiritual discipline that anchors us in the truth. By recalling the teachings of the prophets and apostles, believers are fortified against the challenges and doubts that may arise. The act of remembrance serves as a spiritual anchor, keeping us grounded in the faith and helping us navigate the complexities of life. [03:48]
2 Peter 1:12-13 (ESV): "Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder."
Reflection: What specific promise or truth from God's word do you need to remember today, and how can you actively remind yourself of it throughout the week?
Day 2: Standing Firm Against Scoffers
In a world where faith is often ridiculed, believers are called to stand firm against scoffers. These individuals may mock the promise of Jesus' return and question the truth of God's creation and judgment. Yet, like the young boy who boldly proclaimed his love for Jesus despite ridicule, we are called to demonstrate courage in the face of scoffing. This courage is not just about defending our beliefs but also about being a powerful testimony to others. By standing firm, we show that our faith is not shaken by mockery, and we inspire others to do the same. [10:38]
1 Peter 3:15-16 (ESV): "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame."
Reflection: Who in your life challenges your faith, and how can you respond with both courage and gentleness to their skepticism?
Day 3: Embracing God's Timing and Patience
God's timing is not like ours; a day is like a thousand years to Him. The delay in Jesus' return is not due to slackness but rather His patience, desiring that none should perish but that all should come to repentance. This understanding of divine timing challenges us to trust in God's perfect plan, even when it seems delayed. His patience is an expression of His love, giving everyone the opportunity to turn to Him. As believers, we are called to embrace this patience, trusting that God's timing is always perfect and that His plans are for our ultimate good. [35:17]
Habakkuk 2:3 (ESV): "For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you struggle with God's timing, and how can you cultivate patience and trust in His perfect plan today?
Day 4: Creation as a Testament to God
The complexity and precision of the universe testify to a Creator. While scoffers may choose to believe in natural processes over divine intervention, believers are called to be prepared to give an answer for their hope. This involves understanding that our presuppositions shape our worldview and being able to articulate the evidence of God's creation with gentleness and respect. By recognizing the divine fingerprints in creation, we are reminded of God's power and majesty, which strengthens our faith and equips us to share it with others. [19:54]
Psalm 19:1-2 (ESV): "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge."
Reflection: How can you use the beauty and complexity of creation to start a conversation about God with someone who may not believe?
Day 5: The Call to Repentance and Faith
The evidence of God's past judgment serves as a warning of the judgment to come. God's patience is an opportunity for repentance, and His desire is for all to come to Him. This call to repentance is not just about acknowledging sin but about turning towards God in faith. Believers are reminded that they come to God on His terms, through repentance and faith, and are called to share the love of Christ with others. By understanding the gravity of God's judgment and the depth of His love, we are motivated to live lives that reflect His grace and truth. [41:43]
Acts 17:30-31 (ESV): "The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead."
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you need to repent and turn back to God? How can you take a step towards genuine repentance and faith today?
Quotes
Beloved now I write to you this Second Epistle in both of which I stir up your pure Minds by way of reminder that you may be mindful of The Words which were spoken before by the holy prophets and the command of our of us the Apostles of the Lord and Savior. [00:03:23]
I want to stir up your minds I want to sit there and think about the idea that you know my mind needs stirred to be able to remember these things you know the older I get I need more stirring you know I don't remember all those things that I have been told and taught. [00:03:51]
Knowing this first that scoffers will come in the last days walking according to their own lusts and I thought about that and I looked at the whole idea of scoffers I don't use that word very often whenever you sit there and you have scoff so I said you know what the best thing to do. [00:05:58]
I heard a story that I really liked that fits in perfect here when I was up at the Helping Up Mission and one of the directors shared a story from when he was in seminary and while he was in seminary he was asked to go to a camp of middle schoolers. [00:07:59]
He goes and he go and he stands up at that time and to be able to talk this child who has been picked on by everybody else and he comes up and he says in his stuttering voice he says I know Jesus loves me and I love Jesus amen isn't that a great testimony. [00:10:16]
The scoffers are saying one where is the promise of his coming for since the fathers fell asleep all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation what are the scoffers going to attack it's going to be the delay on Jesus return now it was only 30 years. [00:12:13]
For this they willfully forget that by the word of God God the heavens were of old and the Earth standing out of water and in the water now as we look at that the ESV uses the phrase they deliberately Overlook they had it has the same idea instead of willly forget. [00:14:15]
The heavens declare the glory of God and all of these things that are here so those two things are are at opposition and we H but we each have our own presuppositions right we got to admit the presuppositions and I like what what Canam has says is you know the evolutionist presupposition. [00:18:33]
The denial of God's judgment let's go ahead and take a look at what he says here and I'm going to read starting again in verse 5 for they willfully forget that by the word of God the heavens were of old and the Earth standing out of water and in water by which that is by the water. [00:30:28]
Beloved do not forget this one thing that with the Lord a day is as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day the Lord is not slack concerning his promise as some count slackness but his longsuffering toward us not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. [00:34:50]
The Lord is not slack concerning his promises some count slackness but he is longsuffering toward us not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance you see what God's will is right here we're going to take a look at we saw that God's timing is not like ours. [00:37:51]
We are to come to Jesus as we are but we can't do it on our own terms it's his term what is his term that he has here it's found in the word repentance that we have if there is no repentance there's no remission of sins we have got to come to God and we've got to repent. [00:41:21]
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