1. In the Bible we read about many important days, such as: a. the days of Creation (Genesis 1) b. the Day of Atonement, observed 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) e. the day of the Lord (2 Peter 3:10). 2. In our lesson we are concentrating on the day mentioned in 2 Peter 3:10. 3. According to this verse, on this day "the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up." 4. Many people thought that these events would occur last Friday (12/21/12). 5. The fact that the world did not come to an end indicates that there is a need to study passages that relate to "the day of the Lord."
Discussion:
I. THE BIBLE 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. The same point is made in 1 Thessalonians 5:2. C. This expression simply means that the time of the Lord's return is unknown, as stated in Revelation 3:3. D. Because we do not know exactly when the day of the Lord will arrive, we must not be deceived into thinking that He will not return. 1. Peter warned against this in 2 Peter 3:3-4. 2. In John 14:2-3 Jesus said that He will return. 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. JESUS GAVE INSTRUCTIONS THAT ARE BASED ON THE WAY THIS DAY WILL ARRIVE
A. 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 had 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 that a separation will take place when He returns. B. 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. 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. 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 Lord's return 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. When the end of the world was discussed recently, Scripture was left out. 2. Let us always remember the admonition given in 2 Peter 3:1-2.
