Let Us Learn About the Day of the Lord (2 Peter 3:10)
Introduction:
1. In this verse Peter mentioned a very special day -- "the day of the Lord." 2. According to this verse, great destruction will occur on this day. a. "The heavens shall pass away with a great noise." b. "The elements shall melt with fervent heat." c. "The earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up." 3. Since the end of the earth is receiving a great amount of attention in the political world, perhaps this is a good time for us to study the Scriptures and "learn about the day of the Lord."
Discussion:
I. LET US LISTEN TO THE BIBLE AS IT EXPLAINS HOW THE DAY OF THE LORD WILL ARRIVE
A. Peter stated that "the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night." B. Paul made the same point in 1 Thessalonians 5:2. C. This expression simply means that the time of the Lord's return in unknown. D. We must not be deceived into thinking that the Lord will not return. 1. Peter warned against this in 2 Peter 3:3-4. 2. Jesus said that He will return in John 14:2-3. 3. We learn from Acts 17:30-31 that God has "appointed a day" when His Son will return in judgment. E. Many attempts have been made to predict when Jesus will return, but the day of the Lord will arrive "as a thief in the night."
II. LET US LISTEN TO THE LORD'S INSTRUCTIONS THAT RELATE TO HIS RETURN
A. See Matthew 24:36-41 1. Jesus first stated that no man or angel knows when He will return. 2. He compared His return to the flood in Noah's day. a. God said He would destroy the earth with a flood. b. Unfortunately, no one outside of Noah's family was prepared for the flood. 3. Jesus explained how a separation will occur when He returns. B. See Matthew 24:42-43 1. Jesus taught His followers to "watch" for His return. 2. He used a thief breaking into a house to illustrate the importance of watching. C. See Matthew 24:44-51 1. Jesus taught His followers to "be ready" for His return. 2. He contrasted 2 servants to illustrate the importance of being ready. D. See Matthew 25:1-13 1. "The parable of the virgins" is recorded in these verses. 2. Jesus used this parable to illustrate the importance of watching and being ready for His return.
III. LET US LISTEN TO ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS IN 2 PETER 3
A. (vs.11-12) Looking forward to the day of the Lord should affect the way we live. 1. Our "conversation" is to be "holy." 2. We are to pursue "godliness." B. (vs.13) We are to look forward to a new dwelling place that God has promised. C. (vs.14) Looking forward to this should lead us to be diligent so we can be in good standing with the Lord.
Conclusion:
1. A number of politicians have recently claimed that the earth will cease to exist in 12 years because of climate change. 2. I wonder if they have ever thought about the climate change that will occur when the day of the Lord arrives (2 Peter 3:10)? 3. Let us watch and be ready for the day of the Lord.