Let Us Study About the Day of the Lord (2 Peter 3:10)
Introduction:
1. In the Bible we read about many special days, including: a. the days of Creation (Genesis 1) b. the Day of Atonement on the 10th day of the 7th month (Leviticus 23:27) c. the day of Pentecost (Acts 2) d. the Lord's Day, the 1st day of the week (Revelation 1:10). 2. In our lesson we are studying passages that teach us what we need to know about "the day of the Lord" mentioned in 2 Peter 3:10. Discussion: I. THE SCRIPTURES EXPLAIN HOW "THE DAY OF THE LORD" WILL ARRIVE
A. Peter, an inspired apostle, stated that "the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night" [the same expression is used in 1 Thessalonians 5:2]. B. This expression simply means that the time of the Lord's return is unknown, as stated in Revelation 3:3. C. Because we do not know when the day of the Lord will arrive, we must not be deceived into thinking that He will not return. 1. Peter warned against "scoffers" in 2 Peter 3:3-4. 2. Jesus settled this in John 14:2-3 -- He said that He will return. 3. According to Acts 17:30-31, God has "appointed a day" when His Son will return in judgment. D. Many have tried to predict when Jesus will return, but the day of the Lord will arrive "as a thief in the night." E. As we study about "how" the day of the Lord will arrive, Peter said that everything will be destroyed (2 Peter 3:10b).
II. THE SCRIPTURES PROVIDE INSTRUCTIONS BASED ON THE WAY THE DAY OF THE LORD WILL ARRIVE
A. See Matthew 24:36-41 1. Jesus stated that no man or angel knows when He will return. 2. Jesus compared His return to the flood in Noah's day. a. God had said that He would destroy the earth with a flood. b. No one outside of Noah's family was prepared for the flood. 3. Jesus explained that a separation will take place when He returns. B. See Matthew 24:42-43 1. Jesus taught His followers to "watch" for His return. 2. He illustrated the importance of watching by referring to a thief breaking into a house. C. See Matthew 24:44-51 1. Jesus taught His followers to "be ready" for His return. 2. He illustrated the importance of being ready by contrasting 2 servants. D. See Matthew 25:1-13 1. These verses record "the parable of the virgins." 2. Jesus used this parable to illustrate the importance of watching and being ready for His return. III. ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS ARE GIVEN 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 these events taking place should lead us to exercise diligence to be in good standing with the Lord. Conclusion:
1. The Scriptures teach us what we need to know about "the day of the Lord." 2. Let us always remember the admonitions given in: a. Matthew 24:4 b. 2 Peter 3:1-2.
