End Times (2 Peter 3:1-13)

Today, we are going to take a break from our normal studies of 1 Peter and Isaiah to look at a topic that is on the minds of many in our world, the end times. There was a recent survey done by Pew Research that included over 10,000 people. They asked them if we were living in the end times. 39% of Americans said, “Yes.” The world we are living in seems to be growing darker year by year. But does that mean that the end is near?

Today we are going to focus on this topic completely. This evening, we will dive into an overview of the primary views people have on other parts of this topic. We will define words like the tribulation, the rapture, the millennial reign of Christ, and look into the idea of Israel returning. Be sure to make it back for that. This morning, we will open up 2 Peter and look at one of the most descriptive passages in the Bible on the end of time. My intention is to provide us with a firm foundation of what the Bible says will happen, why we care, and how we should respond to this information. I don’t want to jump around this morning too much. I really wanted to look at one text and focus in on what the apostle Peter has to say on this subject to first century Christians.

I. Remember the Promise (Verses 1-4)

2 Peter is a letter written to Christians encouraging them to grow in the faith and mature to the point where they are ready for trials and suffering. In Chapter 2, he tells them that their will be false prophets coming in, attempting to destroy their faith and pull them into all kinds of lusts and defiling passions. We can relate to that. There are religious groups today that teach it is possible to be saved and live how we want to live. But in Chapter 3, he talks about one specific area of false prophecy. That’s what we are going to focus on today.

2 Peter 3:1–4 (ESV) — 1 This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, 2 that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles, 3 knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. 4 They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.”

Our first point is to remember the promise of the Lord’s return. Peter is writing with urgency, reminding us of the sacred words spoken by the prophets and the command given by Jesus through the apostles. Why does he emphasize this so much? Because he knows that in times of trial and doubt, our hearts need to cling to God’s promises. The Scriptures are not just ancient texts; they are the living Word of God, filled with assurances that fuel our faith and guide our lives.

In verses 3 and 4, Peter warns us that scoffers will arise, mocking the promise of Christ’s return. These scoffers follow their own sinful desires, challenging our faith with their doubts. They argue that life goes on as it always has, and the promise of His coming seems far-fetched. Isn’t this what we face today? The world mocks our hope, dismissing the return of Christ as a myth.

How do we respond to this? Do we have doubts? Are we afraid that our belief system is wrong? Have we studied what the prophets have said enough to feel assured? First, by immersing ourselves in Scripture. We must regularly recall the words of the prophets and the apostles. The Bible is a treasure trove of God’s promises, a constant reminder that His Word never fails. Make it a daily habit to read and meditate on Scripture. Let it shape your thoughts and fortify your faith.

Consider the words of Isaiah 65:17-19, where the prophet speaks of a future filled with hope and restoration:

Isaiah 65:17–19 (ESV) — 17 “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind. 18 But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem to be a joy, and her people to be a gladness. 19 I will rejoice in Jerusalem and be glad in my people; no more shall be heard in it the sound of weeping and the cry of distress.

This is a glimpse of the glory that awaits us, a reminder that God’s promises are rich and filled with hope.

Or consider Isaiah 35:1-4, where the prophet declares…

Isaiah 35:1–4 (ESV) — 1 The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus; 2 it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God. 3 Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. 4 Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.”

Here, Isaiah assures us of God’s salvation and the transformation of our world, urging us to stand firm in faith.

Second, stand firm in your faith. Don’t be swayed by the scoffing and doubts of the world. Remember, the same world that mocks us now is the same world that will one day bow before the King of kings. Peter encourages us to hold on to the truth, to remember that God’s promises are sure and will be fulfilled in His perfect timing.

I remember working at Stanley Steamer and riding on the van with guys who had a lot of different views about the world. I would engage in spiritual discussions with everybody, and this one guy was a scoffer. I asked him about why he is living the way he is living. I told him that he needs to be ready for a day of judgment, and he said, “I guess you believe that there was a literal flood too?” It took me by surprise. The way he said it made me feel like the flood was foolishness. But I stood my ground and said that I believe what the Bible says. God is true. I didn’t know the evidence that supported that, but I had seen Jesus and believed that God is absolutely real and true. Today, he and his family believe. Not because of anything I did. But the scoffer is no more.

So, my dear friends, let us remember the promise. Let us immerse ourselves in Scripture and stand firm in our faith. When the world scoffs, we will cling to the truth, knowing that our hope in Christ’s return is not in vain. His promises are our anchor, and His return is our blessed hope.

II. Understand God's Timing (Verses 5-9)

2 Peter 3:5–9 (ESV) — 5 For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God, 6 and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. 7 But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. 8 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. 9 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.

Peter is reminding us of God’s sovereign power over creation and history. The scoffers deliberately ignore the fact that God has intervened in the world before, with the creation of the world and the flood during Noah’s time. These events demonstrate that God’s word is powerful and effective, and His promises will be fulfilled. Just as He once judged the world with water, He will judge it again, this time with fire.

Understanding God's timing requires us to recognize that He operates beyond our human understanding of time. Let’s read verses 8 and 9: “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.”

God’s timing is different from ours. To Him, a day is like a thousand years and a thousand years are like a day. This means that what seems like a delay to us is actually God’s perfect timing. He is not slow in keeping His promise, but rather, He is patient. His delay is an act of mercy, giving more people the opportunity to repent and turn to Him.

We might wonder why God is taking so long to fulfill His promise of Christ’s return. But we must understand that His delay is driven by His love and desire for all to come to repentance. Every moment He waits is another moment for someone to turn away from sin and find salvation.

Imagine you’re waiting for a friend who is running late. At first, you might feel frustrated, but then you realize they were delayed because they stopped to help someone in need. In the same way, God’s delay is purposeful, filled with opportunities for grace and salvation.

Let's bring this closer to home. Think about someone in your life who has not yet come to faith. Maybe it's a family member, a friend, or a coworker. God’s patience is for their sake. Every day that Christ’s return seems delayed is another day for us to share the gospel, to pray for those who are lost, and to demonstrate God’s love through our actions.

God's past acts of judgment and salvation, like the flood in Noah's time, remind us of His sovereignty and faithfulness. He created the world with His word, and He will bring about its renewal in His perfect timing. His timing is not a sign of slowness or indifference, but of His great mercy and desire for all to come to repentance.

In your moments of doubt and impatience, remember that God is at work, even when it seems like nothing is happening. Trust in His perfect timing and use this time wisely. Reach out to those around you, share the hope of Christ, and live in a way that reflects His love and grace.

So, as we wait for the Lord’s return, let’s not be discouraged by the apparent delay. Instead, let’s understand it as an expression of God’s mercy and a call to action. Let’s live with urgency, sharing the gospel and embodying God’s love, knowing that His timing is perfect and His promises are sure.

III. The Certainty of the Day of the Lord (Verse 10)

2 Peter 3:10 (ESV) — 10 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.

Moving to our third point, we need to grasp the certainty and the suddenness of the Day of the Lord. Peter paints a vivid and startling picture of the Day of the Lord. He describes it as coming "like a thief," emphasizing its unexpected and sudden nature. A thief doesn’t announce his arrival; he comes when you least expect it. This is how the return of Christ will be. It will be sudden, and it will catch many by surprise.

Peter goes on to describe the dramatic events of that day: 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. This imagery signifies the complete and total transformation of the current world order. The heavens and earth as we know them will be radically changed, and all the works done on earth will be exposed.

The certainty of this event should profoundly impact the way we live our lives. Knowing that Christ will return unexpectedly should lead us to live in a state of readiness and vigilance. We cannot afford to be complacent or distracted by the cares of this world. Instead, we must be prepared, living in a way that honors God and reflects our hope in His return.

Let me share an analogy. Imagine you are preparing for a major exam. You know the date, but the exact time of the exam could be at any moment within that day. How would you prepare? Would you spend your time leisurely, assuming you have plenty of time, or would you be ready at every moment, fully prepared for when the exam begins? In the same way, we must be spiritually ready for the return of Christ, living each day with a sense of urgency and purpose.

This certainty of the Day of the Lord also brings comfort and hope. While the imagery of destruction and fire might seem frightening, it ultimately points to the establishment of God’s righteous kingdom. Everything that is corrupt, sinful, and broken will be removed, and what will remain is a new creation where righteousness dwells.

Knowing that the Day of the Lord is certain and will come unexpectedly calls us to examine our lives. Are we living in a way that reflects our belief in His return? Are we investing our time and resources in things that have eternal value, or are we caught up in the temporary pursuits of this world?

The certainty of Christ’s return should lead us to a life of holiness and godliness. It should motivate us to live with integrity, love, and compassion, knowing that our actions have eternal significance. Let’s strive to live each day in a way that honors God, eagerly anticipating the fulfillment of His promises.

In your daily walk, remember that the Day of the Lord is coming. It is a sure and certain event that will bring both judgment and renewal. Let this truth shape your actions, your priorities, and your relationships. Live in readiness, with your eyes fixed on Jesus, knowing that His return is imminent and that His promises are true.

So, as we contemplate the certainty of the Day of the Lord, let’s commit ourselves to a life of readiness and holiness. Let’s live with the urgency and purpose that comes from knowing that our Lord is returning. And let’s find comfort in the promise that when He comes, He will make all things new, establishing His kingdom where righteousness dwells.

IV. Live Holy and Godly Lives (Verses 11-13)

As we move to our fourth point, let’s focus on the practical application of this truth in our daily lives.

2 Peter 3:11–13 (ESV) — 11 Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, 12 waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! 13 But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

Peter’s message is clear: in light of the impending dissolution of all things, we are called to live lives of holiness and godliness. The reality of Christ’s return and the coming judgment should profoundly impact our conduct and character.

First, let's talk about holiness and godliness. Holiness involves being set apart for God, living in a way that reflects His character and purity. Godliness is about living a life that is reverent and devout, seeking to honor God in all we do. This means that our thoughts, words, and actions should be aligned with God’s will. It’s not just about avoiding sin, but actively pursuing righteousness and reflecting Christ in every aspect of our lives.

Peter also mentions waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God. How can we hasten the day of God? By living in a way that advances His kingdom. This includes evangelism, sharing the gospel with others, and living out our faith in such a compelling way that it draws others to Christ. Our lives should be a testimony to the transformative power of the gospel, making the most of every opportunity to point others to Jesus.

Consider the promise in verse 13: “But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” This promise should fill us with hope and anticipation. The current world is marred by sin and brokenness, but God has promised a new creation where righteousness dwells. This future reality should shape our present behavior. We should live now as citizens of that coming kingdom, embodying its values and priorities.

Let's reflect on practical ways to live holy and godly lives:

1. Personal Holiness: This involves daily time in God’s Word and prayer, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us from the inside out. It means examining our hearts and motives, repenting of sin, and striving to grow in Christlikeness.

2. Relational Holiness: This means loving others as Christ loved us. It involves forgiveness, compassion, and integrity in our relationships. We are called to be peacemakers, to serve others selflessly, and to be witnesses of God’s love.

3. Vocational Holiness: This means living out our faith in our workplaces, schools, and communities. It’s about being honest, diligent, and ethical in all we do, working as if for the Lord and not for human masters.

4. Missional Holiness: This involves actively participating in God’s mission to redeem and restore the world. It means sharing the gospel, supporting missions, and being involved in our local church’s outreach efforts.

So, my friends, as we anticipate the return of Christ and the new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells, let’s commit ourselves to lives of holiness and godliness. Let’s allow the reality of God’s promises to shape our actions, attitudes, and relationships. Let’s be diligent in living out our faith, sharing the gospel, and advancing God’s kingdom. And let’s do all of this with hope and joy, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Live each day in a way that reflects the coming reality of God’s kingdom. Be set apart for His purposes, honor Him in all you do, and eagerly await the fulfillment of His promises.

Overview and Application: Why This Matters to Us

As we reflect on the profound truths of 2 Peter 3:1-13, we must ask ourselves: Why do we care about this? What impact will this have on our lives? Let's bring this down to earth and see how these truths can transform our everyday living.

1. Understanding the Urgency of Our Faith

The first reason we should care about this passage is because it underscores the urgency of our faith. Peter warns us that scoffers will come, and the Day of the Lord will arrive like a thief in the night. This isn't just a theological concept to ponder; it’s a reality that demands our immediate attention. Knowing that Christ’s return is imminent should drive us to live with a sense of purpose and urgency. We don't have time to be complacent or distracted. Every day is an opportunity to grow in faith, to share the gospel, and to live out the love of Christ.

2. Embracing God's Patience as an Opportunity

Peter explains that God’s apparent delay is actually an expression of His patience, giving everyone a chance to repent. This should fill us with gratitude and hope. It means that God is merciful and desires that none should perish. For us, this is a call to seize every opportunity to share our faith and to intercede for those who have not yet come to know Christ. It’s a reminder that our prayers, our words, and our actions can make an eternal difference in the lives of others. God’s patience is an invitation for us to be active participants in His redemptive work.

3. Living in Holiness and Godliness

Knowing that the current world will be dissolved and replaced by new heavens and a new earth where righteousness dwells should radically influence how we live now. We are called to live lives of holiness and godliness. This isn't just about moral behavior; it’s about aligning our entire lives with God’s will. It means pursuing personal holiness, loving others deeply, and living with integrity in every area of life. When we live this way, we become beacons of hope and truth in a world that desperately needs both.

4. Finding Comfort and Hope in God’s Promises

The promise of new heavens and a new earth is a source of immense comfort and hope. No matter how difficult our current circumstances may be, we have the assurance that God will make all things new. This future reality should give us strength to endure trials and to persevere in our faith. It should also fill us with joy, knowing that the best is yet to come. Our present sufferings are temporary, but the glory that awaits us is eternal.

5. Being Active Participants in God’s Mission

Finally, this passage reminds us that we have a role to play in God’s mission. By living holy and godly lives, we can hasten the coming of the day of God. This means that our lives have significance and impact. Every act of kindness, every prayer, every moment of integrity contributes to God’s kingdom work. We are not passive bystanders; we are active participants in God’s redemptive plan.

Practical Steps for Application

• Daily Devotion: Spend time each day in God’s Word and in prayer. Let His promises shape your thoughts and strengthen your faith.
• Faith Sharing: Look for opportunities to share your faith with others. Be ready to give an answer for the hope that you have.
• Pursue Holiness: Strive to live a life that reflects God’s character. Make conscious decisions to turn away from sin and to embody the love and grace of Christ.
• Community Involvement: Engage with your church community. Support one another, pray for each other, and work together to advance God’s kingdom.
• Hope and Encouragement: Remind yourself and others of the hope we have in Christ. Encourage those who are struggling, and hold fast to the promises of God.

Conclusion

In summary, 2 Peter 3:1-13 is a powerful call to live in readiness for Christ’s return. It challenges us to remember God’s promises, to understand His timing, to be prepared for the Day of the Lord, and to live lives of holiness and godliness. This passage isn’t just about future events; it’s about how we live today. It’s about embracing God’s patience as an opportunity for repentance, finding comfort in His promises, and being active participants in His mission. Let these truths transform your life, filling you with purpose, urgency, and hope as you await the glorious return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

As we wrap up today, think back to the anticipation of preparing for a special event. Just as you eagerly awaited the arrival of a long-awaited guest, we are called to live in anticipation of the return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Peter’s message in 2 Peter 3:1-13 challenges us to remember God’s promises, understand His timing, and be prepared for the Day of the Lord. We’ve seen that God’s delay is not a sign of slackness but of His incredible patience, giving everyone a chance to repent. This truth should fill us with urgency and purpose.

We are called to live lives of holiness and godliness, reflecting God’s character in everything we do. The promise of new heavens and a new earth where righteousness dwells should comfort and inspire us, reminding us that our present struggles are temporary but the glory that awaits us is eternal.

So, as we leave today, let’s carry this message in our hearts. Let’s live with the excitement and urgency of those preparing for the greatest event of all time—the return of our King. Let’s embrace God’s patience as an opportunity to share the gospel and to live out His love. And let’s commit to being ready, living each day in a way that honors Him and eagerly anticipates His coming.

May we be found faithful, vigilant, and full of hope, always prepared for the glorious return of Jesus Christ.