Text: 2 Peter 3:10-14
Peter told those that he wrote to that the end of the world was coming like a thief and he wanted them to be prepared. Why? It could come at any time. Approximately 2,000 years later the earth is still here. Why? The Scriptures give three reasons why the earth has not yet been destroyed.
God Made it to Stand
- His faithfulness continues (Psalm 119:90-91)
- By His providence we continue to survive (Proverbs 27:23-27)
- Ironically, mockers were citing God’s providence as a reason to disbelieve God’s promise of judgment (2 Peter 3:3-4; Genesis 8:22) – God’s providence is a witness to remind all nations about Him (Acts 14:15-17)
The Day of Judgment Has Not Yet Come
- God has “fixed a day” for judgment (Acts 17:31) – we will all stand before Him (2 Corinthians 5:10); the righteous will be saved & the wicked destroyed (Revelation 20:12-15; 22:12-15; Matthew 25:46)
- After this, the world will be destroyed (2 Peter 3:10)
- Man is not going to destroy the world before God does (Ecclesiastes 7:13) – remember, the world stands by His providence; we are not capable of stopping that
- The day that is fixed is known only to the Father (Matthew 24:36) – it is foolish for man to claim to know the day; since the day could come at any time, we must be ready at all times (Matthew 24:42-44)
God is Patiently Waiting for Men to Repent
- God’s patience is a reason why the earth still stands (2 Peter 3:9)
- Why does God desire all men to repent? … He wants all to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4); man has departed from God & has sinned (Ecclesiastes 7:29); repentance is a prerequisite for salvation (Luke 13:3, 5; Acts 17:30)
- God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezekiel 18:23) – but He will do it; therefore, we must not think lightly of His patience (Romans 2:4-6); if we need to repent, we should not waste time
Conclusion
- Though God is patient (2 Peter 3:9), the end will come (2 Peter 3:10)
- We must be prepared
