By Pastor Elijah,
Associate Pastor, Fedha Church KAG
Associate Pastor, Fedha Church KAG
2 Peter 3:9-15
[9]The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
[10]But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.
[11]Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives
[12]as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.
[13]But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.
[14]So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.
[15]Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him.
Introduction
This coronavirus has not only brought suffering and hopeless but also many question about life and death. As it continues to kill more and more people, the question many are asking is " is this the end of the world"
Matt 24:1-6
- The disciples wanted to know when the end will come and return of Christ.
- Is this the end.
- It is the beginning of the end.[ joel 2:28]
- Any moment Christ will return .
- It is a forewarning and in the meantime to get ready. [Labor pains]
Labour pains are to prepare us for the coming of the child. We need to awaken and be ready.
Peter helps us with 4 things we need to know in response to this.
1. Get ready
V10 Jesus will come like a thief
Matthew 24:36
[36]“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
V37 Jesus will come when least expected people will be busy with their normal routines as in the days of Noah eating drinking getting married.
1 Thessalonians 5:3
[3]While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape people will be in their most relaxed and comfortable time declaring peace peace.
o It is easier to be caught an aware.
o Most of the people have directed all their attention to this corona. As Christian it is important to be alert always. we must always focus on Christ .
Corona is a wake up call
o During this crisis of covid-19 most of the people are very conscious in fact majority of lukewarm Christians have worked out their salvation.
o More people locked and desperate have heard the gospel than ever with the gospel flooding the media. This crisis is labor pains and a call for us to fine tune our relationship with Christ.
Luke 12:40
[40]You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
2. Get prepared
o We cannot be read unless we do the necessary
1 Peter 5:8
[8]Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
2 Corinthians 7:1
[1]Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.
Philippians 2:12
[12]Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,
2 Peter 3
[14]So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.
3. Get your priorities right
V11 everything will be destroyed by fire.
- This means then we must change our priority. We cannot continue to invest and pursue things of eternity. We should get passionate and consumed with things that will last.
- People spend a lot of their times on materialism, pleasure and building their dreams but none will last,
[13] Their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. [14] If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. [15] If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.
- Let's Endeavour to preoccupy our lives with what will count for eternity
4. Get focused on the future
- Be eagerly anticipating his coming. We must always look toward to the day we will live with him
- V13 looking forward to new heaven and earth.V14 looking forward...
- We must focus on the promises of the new heaven and earth where we will spend our eternity.
- The moment we lose this focus, we lose the eagerness and anticipation.
- We are no longer compelled to work towards getting to heaven. What we focus on is what we get motivated to do.
- Luke 12:36
- [36]like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him.
- Most believers excited to live for him but not to live with him
Conclusion
Why hasn't Jesus come yet?
• V[9]The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
• V[15]Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him.
• Jesus is waiting for you to get saved and the church prepared for the end is near.
• Jesus want you saved come get saved.
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