2 Peter 3:1-7
 
This new year I pray that you’ve commented to dedicate your life to the growing of your relationship with Christ and serving Him. Peter gives the churches of Asia Minor some insight into waiting on the Lord with purpose.
 
Wait with Clarity vv.1-2
 
We clearly know and trust that the Lord will return for His Bride, the church.
 
Hebrews 9:28 “So Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.”
 
1 Corinthians 15:52 “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.”
 
Matthew 25:13 “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”
 
Matthew 24:27 “For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.”
 
Luke 21:25-28 “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
 
Wait with Courage vv.3-6
 
The word to scoff here means to be mocked or to make fun of. The message of the cross according to Paul to the Corinthians, is foolishness. It takes the Holy Spirit to show us our need for Christ. We will be mocked. “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,” 2 Timothy 3:12
 
How do you wait with courage in this world? Many will say that the Bible must be false, Jesus hasn’t returned yet! Haters are going to hate!
 
How to Wait with Courage
 
  1. Be Armed. “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.” 1 Peter 3:15
 
Love the Word of God! Satan doesn’t want you in the Word of God. The Word will keep you from sin, but sin will keep you from the Word.
 
  1. Be Accounted For. “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25
 
Why are small groups, Sunday School, and church attendance important? If you are aware that you’re in a spiritual battle, you’ll welcome the partnership of the army. You will not live long without community. You will not live long spiritually apart from faith community. God’s design is for each person to make up the body of Christ for His glory. So accountability in this context of people telling you that the Bible is false, means that you have a faith group to encourage you. Remember the predators look for those alone and weak, not those courageous, strong, and standing with others.
 
  1. Be Attractive. I’m not referring to physical attraction, but in this context showing such a joy in Christ that no one can rain on your parade. You are courageous in your faith in Christ. “For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?” 2 Corinthians 2:15-16
 

Wait with Compassion v.7 This passage assures us that judgment awaits all of us. We realize that all the names who are not written in the Lambs book of life will suffer eternally in Hell. That’s biblically correct: Revelation 21:27 “But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”

So while we’re waiting on the Lord’s return we are compassionately and urgently sharing the message of salvation to the lost. We care that many are entering Hell. We care that they haven’t heard the gospel. We care that many are astray. We care enough to do something about it!
 

7 Ways to wait on the Lord this New Year

  1. Be dedicated to a Bible reading/studying plan. LifeWay did a ten year study and found that this discipline was the foundation of other disciplines.
  2. Be devoted to prayer.
  3. Be committed to church and small group attendance.
  4. Be devoted to sharing your faith.
  5. Be dedicated to giving: Time, Talents, and Tithes.
  6. Be committed to a short-term mission trip through prayer, financial support, or by going.
  7. Be ultimately concerned with your spiritual growth.