Pursue Holiness
Wait Patiently for Jesus’ Return
The Patience of Our Loving and Gracious God, Part 1
2 Peter 3:1-10

Eschatology is the doctrine of end times.

1 Peter 2:22 He (Jesus) committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Thomas Schreiner: Many object that a desire that is not decreed is nonsense and theological double-talk. I would reply that such a view is rooted in biblical exegesis, that the Scriptures themselves, if accepted as a harmonious whole, compel us to make such distinctions. Such complexity is not all that surprising since God is an infinite and complex being, one who exceeds our understanding. In other words, such exegesis is not a rationalistic expedient, but an acknowledgement of the mystery and depth of God’s revelation.

Denton White, pastor of Holy Ghost Lutheran Church, Buffalo, NY: You remember what it was like as a child or a teenager and you heard adults speaking about matters that were way beyond your ability to understand fully, and especially beyond your ability to enter the conversation, but you knew it was important and you were privileged to be able to hear what was being said.

Isaac Mooneyham, pastor of Wake Chapel Church, Fuquay-Varina: Nobody ever got away with sin – but watch the way God deals with people based on whether there is knowledge or ignorance. He hits those who know, square in the face.

Application from 2 Peter 3:1-10

1. By God’s Word, the world was created, sinners are saved, and unbelieving sinners will be judged - we best stay close to God’s Word! 2 Peter 3:5; 1 Peter 1:23-25; Revelation 19:11-16

2. Scoffers gonna scoff - trust in God and walk in holiness

3. God is patiently waiting for sinners to repent - preach the gospel so that all might know of his gracious love

Hebrews 11:3: By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.

1 Peter 1:22: Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, 23 since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; 24 for

“All flesh is like grass
   and all its glory like the flower of grass.
The grass withers,
   and the flower falls,        
25 but the word of the Lord remains forever."
And this word is the good news that was preached to you.