Bible Text: 2 Peter 3 | Preacher: Rev. Dr. Lou Saldiveri | Series: Sunday Morning Worship | — Pastor Lou’s Notes —
Intro: Last week, we talked about the Second Coming of Our Lord Jesus Christ. We touched on how we are supposed to live in light of Jesus’ return. This week, we will look at how we should respond to the Second Coming in a bit more detail. I would like you to notice that Peter uses some command language in this passage which should get our attention. So, here are some final directives Peter gives to his readers and to us.

1.
Make Every Effort to Pursue Godly Living v. 14

1.
Peter is addressing believers e.g. “…dear friends…”
2.
“…make every effort…” is aorist active imperative, meaning make an effort and keep on making an effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with Him

1.
Effort takes work which demands strength e.g. The Holy Spirit
2.
There needs to be purpose
3.
Spotless is without faults or moral blemishes
4.
Blameless is innocent or wrong doing
5.
Peace is reconciled and secure in the presence of God
6.
All this is possible because of God’s grace in Christ
2.
Bear In Mind God’s Grace v. 15-16

1.
“Bear” is an imperative also
2.
The Lord’s patience means the possibility of salvation

1.
God’s desire is that everyone has the opportunity to come to faith and repentance
2.
The word for “patience” means long suffering
3.
Paul’s letters speak of God’s grace e.g. Ephesians 2:8-10
4.
Scoffers will distort God’s grace and Word
3.
Be On Your Guard v. 17

1.
We have been forewarned
2.
“Be on your guard” is imperative

1.
Be alert or watchful
3.
These brothers and sisters in Christ have been forewarned
4.
Be alert so that we may not be carried away by false teaching

1.
Following false teaching will ultimately cause a believer to doubt his/her relationship with God
4.
Continue to Grow v. 18

1.
“Grow” is present, active, imperative
2.
We are to grow in the grace and knowledge of out Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
3.
Jesus receives the glory and honor for any progress we make in this life

Closing: Will you and I choose to grow in the grace and the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ?
1.
Reading and studying His Word
2.
Apply what we learn to our lives by faith in the power of the Holy Spirit
3.
Loving, honoring, and magnifying Jesus Christ in our lives
4.
Serving the King of kings and the Lord of lords awaiting His return

1.
Make every effort to live holy lives
2.
Walk in God’s grace
3.
Guard against false teaching
4.
Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ