Spiritual Recovery Plan – Jesus' Soon Return 2Peter3:1-13

There are philosophical and theological differences among believers. Some of these differences are caused by poor doctrinal teaching. Some are caused by a desire to be comfortable in this world. Even in Peter's day, there was the uniformitarianism (“all continues just as it was from the creation”) versus catastrophism (“earth was formed out of water and by water, through which the world at that time was destroyed being flooded with water...”) controversy over origin and design of the universe. And even then, there was an attending contemptuous mocking and sarcastic ridicule of those who believed in intelligent design.

Now, we do not believe that the false teachers were believers, but some who followed them were.

In this section of holy scripture, Peter seeks to reanimate the purified and uncontaminated mind that the Holy Spirit gives to each believer at salvation. He does this by reminding us of the infinity (Psalm90:2 “from everlasting to everlasting”) of God and the immutability (Malachi 3:6 “I am the Lord, I change not) of God. And in reminding us of who and how God is, we are called to evaluate our life ...”what sort of people ought you to be...”

The Word of God has promised that Jesus is coming again.! God keeps His promises.

CHRISTIAN EXPECTATION OF JESUS' RETURN

• Our Blessed Hope Titus 2:11-14 Tit 2:13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,

• Our Longing and the Climax of Salvation Romans8:23; groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

  Matthew25:31-46 Mat 25:34 Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

• Our Redemption as Believers Ephesians4:30 Eph 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

  ….and the judgment of Christ rejectors 2Thessalonians2:1-12 2Th 2:12 in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

  :13 But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. :14 To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

• The Inauguration of Jesus' Earthly Kingdom Revelation20:6 Believes will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.

• Our Bodies will be Resurrected and Renewed 1Thessalonians 4:13-18 bring with Him those who have died in Christ and remaining will meet Him in the air; 1Corinthians15:42-50 mystery, not all will die but all will be changed

• Our Works will be Rewarded Matthew25:21,23 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.' Revelation11:18 18 The nations raged, but your wrath came, and the time for the dead to be judged, and for rewarding your servants, the prophets and saints, and those who fear your name, both small and great, and for destroying the destroyers of the earth." ; 1Corinthian3:12-15 builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw-- 1Co 3:13 each one's work will become manifest,

• World System will be made Righteous Isaiah9:6 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

HOW SHOULD WE LIVE? Revelation 22:6-12

• In Obedience to Christ Rev.22:6-7

  • Immediate obedience Romans13:11 as if running out of time.

  • In hope that purifies 1John3:3

• In Worship Rev.22:8-9 God is the object

  • Psalm 26

    • Worshiper:

      • Trusts v.1 stated and demonstrated

      • Praises God's Loving Kindness v.3

      • Walks in truth v.3

      • Avoids evildoers v.4-5

    • Worship

      1. Thanksgiving v.7

      2. Praise v.7b

      3. Love of God's presence and people v.8

      4.Trust v.11b

      5. Commitment v.12

• In Telling the World About Jesus and Judgment Rev.22:10-11

• In Working Rev.22:12

  • Do not overlook the significance of one day 2Peter3:8 This is a very important day... in regard to a casual attitude toward sin “only once,” … but neither in regard to the sacrifice of Jesus for sins of those who trust Him.

JESUS' RETURN IS SO IMPORTANT TO BELIEVERS

• That the deceiver wants to make it a non-issue 2Peter3:4

• That there is special blessing for those who focus on Jesus' return Revelation1:3

• That there is special punishment for those who take away from the prophesies of His return Revelation22:18-19

• That the final words of the Holy Bible include: “Surely I am coming quickly.”

God is faithful to His Word. Jesus is coming quickly.

Revelation 22:17 Thirsty? Come!