2nd Peter 3:11-18 DILIGENCE IN LIFE AND SERVICE
When we know what is going to happen in the future, people are motivated to concentrate on what is important. Warnings given about an approaching storm, a potential earthquake or a tsunami with potential of causing a great disaster, make wise people pay attention and take steps for reaching safety themselves and those around them. Such a warning supersedes all other things in which we are engaged. In view of the temporary nature of even the material universe that is around us which will all be destroyed; our way of life should be holy and the things in which we are involved should be done in a way that is consistent with the mind of God. He is patiently waiting for the last of the elect to come to repentance. We should be different enough from ungodly people that they are attracted to our Savior.
The expectation of our Lord's return motivates us to be different in conduct and also in our witness for the Lord. The urgency of the matter stirs us to "hasten the coming" by earnestly seeking the lost with the Gospel. Expectancy can be contagious and when God's people are living as strangers and pilgrims in eager anticipation (looking) for our Lord, then those with whom we come in contact may also look beyond today. It is important for us to remember that we can make a difference and at the same time not think that God cannot take action without us. We are commissioned to call people to repent and believe the Gospel. If we are actively engaged in this work, we will not be ashamed when He comes.
In the atmosphere there are a number of "elements" that we cannot see which are contained, and will be loosed. Oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen when they are unloosed can be devastating in their effect. The development of hydrogen and nitrogen bombs has concerned the whole world. If they are unloosed, elements melt. God does not "uncreate" what He created, but the process of disintegration of matter will be speeded up to cleanse and renew that which has been polluted by man. What He has promised will be fulfilled. Of that we can be sure. He has promised to return and the work of dealing with the effects of sin, and the fullness of redemption that makes possible a new heavens and earth will be completed. Righteousness will prevail and will remain forever.
At the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, we will meet Him "in peace" if in diligence we are watching for Him, living as we should and involved in that which will not make us ashamed. Those who respond to false teachers and their doctrine will have "spots and blemishes" passed on to them from those apostates. When we are expecting our Lord, we will be separated from those people, and will be "found of Him in peace." Six times Peter used the word "beloved" to testify of the deep concern of His shepherd heart.
The Lord's patience is why people are still being saved in spite of the wickedness of this age. The offer of salvation still stands because He is "not willing that any should perish." Paul's writing and Peter's writing were not at odds with each other. Paul was concerned with making sure that salvation by grace alone was clearly understood. Peter emphasized the life and service of believers. These are not contradictory but complimentary teachings. It is the same today when some people "study" the Bible. They think the "law" contradicts "grace." Some teach that the church is an extension of Israel, and others say that faith and works condemn each other. This what is meant when they "wrest" the scriptures to say what they think rather than what God says.
The scriptures must be accepted for what they are, the word of God, and as they are written, not by what we think. Paul's writing was accepted even in Peter's day on the same level as other scriptures that were accepted as "inspired by God." To twist what is written to suit one's opinion leads to the "destruction" (damnation) of that person. Rejection of eternal life as it is presented in the scriptures results in eternal death. The false doctrines being taught by many today have infiltrated into churches that once held to the truth of God. When we follow the word of God, we testify to the saving grace of our Lord. Consequently, we commit ourselves to live holy and godly lives and to resist the false teachers and their teaching.
Those to whom Peter was addressing this letter were not the untaught or unlearned, but lest they be caught up in "the error of the wicked," he tells them to "beware" of what could happen. Warnings are given to believers to be separated from the error of those who are lawless and without restraint. Those who are "wicked" speak against those in authority who teach and practice the word of God. They promise a freedom to the immature believers that is simply lawlessness. The way to be preserved from falling from the steadfastness that characterizes people of faith is to be established in the truth of God.
Commitment on the part of believers to the doctrines taught in the Bible, enables us to "grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." It is by grace we are saved, by grace we have spiritual strength and by grace we endure suffering. Grace enables to praise the Lord when we find life difficult. It gives us the wisdom to give what is appropriate when it is the Lord's will to give. God's Himself gives grace to the humble and to those who ask for grace to help in time of need. Growing in grace often occurs when we are going through times of great need and are not able in ourselves to meet that need.
Growing in knowledge does not just mean we are good students of the scriptures. The knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ indicates we have come to know Him better personally and can understand what He means when we read His written word. A believer is a whole person when he or she is born again. We do not add bits and pieces onto what we are in Christ. Rather we grow as when one develops from the inside as we mature in grace and knowledge. There is a spiritual balance that is nurtured by the fellowship we have in a local assembly of God's people. The checks and balances of fellowship with others, helps keep a balance in our personal life.
It is important that growing both in grace and knowledge is kept active in our lives. In the epistle of 1st Peter, "grace" is emphasized by being spoken of eight times. In 2nd Peter the emphasis is on "knowledge that is mentioned six times. Growth in doctrine and practice keeps the appropriate balance in our lives so we can bring glory to our Lord in life now as well as in the future. It is imperative that we keep separated from the error that is taught by false teachers and the sin that accompanies their false teaching. Those who have compromised the truth of God are busy and can be found almost everywhere we go. The message of the Gospel demands our commitment in these days of emergency. It is urgent that we guard the truth we are called to proclaim. When we grow in grace and knowledge, we will glorify our Lord, seek to win the lost and strengthen the Lord's people.
CONTAGIOUS EXPECTANCY "When is He coming, will He be here soon?" Are words from a child in a waiting room Anticipating the arrival of a loved One to come And together the family will be able to go home.
The others will quietly put down their book When the child speaks - and they too will look At the clock and out the window hoping to see Their loved One who's coming with expectancy.
A promise can be counted on when you know the Person If the waiting time seems long, there is a reason For the One waited for with expectancy to appear All we know is His coming is very near.
Those in trouble or in pain live daily in the hope That at His coming all they have endured will stop Expectancy for His coming is very contagious When we talk together of the One who has saved us.
In spite of all that we see happening around Let us all with expectancy of seeing Him be found My attitude and actions can affect other's lives So that with joy we will meet Him when He arrives.
"Father in heaven, it would be a wonderful day if this is when He returns. Whatever service is best for me in which to be engaged this day, may Thy servant give to each task the full commitment it deserves. May I be able to pass on to the Lord's people I meet, some "contagious expectancy." When I speak to the young people tonight, please fill Thy servant with simple words of truth to give light to their souls. May they and their families know why they should repent and come to Christ and how to avail themselves of Thy great gift of eternal life. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."