Keeping Ourselves unspotted from the world (Lesson 91)
Introduction:
1. We learn from James 1:27 that "pure and undefiled religion before God" includes two important activities, one of which is "keeping ourselves unspotted from the world." 2. Let us appreciate how God has blessed us with information in His Word that will help us to remain free from the world's stains (2 Peter 1:3-4). a. He has provided "all things that pertain unto life and godliness" and "exceeding great and precious promises." b. His blessings make it possible for us to be "partakers of the divine nature." 3. In this lesson we are studying the information found in 2 Peter 3:10-14 where Peter wrote about "the day of the Lord." 4. Peter's teaching will lead us to be "without spot." Discussion:
I. (vs.10a) PETER EXPLAINED 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 is 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." F. Keep in mind that Peter taught what the Lord taught him (Matthew 28:19-20). 1. See Matthew 24:36-41 a. Jesus first stated that no man or angel knows when He will return. b. He compared His return to the flood in Noah's day. 1) God said He would destroy the earth with a flood. 2) Sadly, no one outside of Noah's family was prepared for the flood. c. Jesus explained how a separation will occur when He returns. 2. See Matthew 24:42-43 a. Jesus taught His followers to "watch" for His return. b. He used a thief breaking into a house to illustrate the importance of watching. 3. See Matthew 24:44-51 a. Jesus taught His followers to "be ready" for His return. b. He contrasted 2 servants to illustrate the importance of being ready. 4. See Matthew 25:1-13 a. "The parable of the virgins" is recorded in these verses. b. Jesus used this parable to illustrate the importance of watching and being ready. II. (vs.10b-14) PETER CONTINUED BY PRESENTING ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A. (vs.10b) When the day of the Lord arrives, everything will be destroyed. B. (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." C. (vs.13) We are to look forward to a new dwelling place that God has promised. D. (vs.14) Looking forward to this should lead us to be diligent so we can be in good standing with the Lord, including being "found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless."
