The Promises of God - Lesson 29 Of New Heavens and a New Earth
Introduction:
1. We have been studying the promises of God that are described in 2 Peter 1:4 as "exceeding great and precious." 2. In our study: a. we have covered several fundamental principles that relate to God's promises 1) Trusting God's promises leads to faithful service. 2) God keeps His promises. 3) Some of God's promises are unconditional, and some are conditional. 4) Many of God's promises were revealed "by His prophets in the holy Scriptures." b. we have examined seven specific promises 1) God promised to send John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ. 2) God promised to send Jesus. 3) God promised to send the Holy Spirit. 4) God promised to establish His kingdom. 5) God promised to establish a new covenant. 6) God promised to call His people by a new name. 7) God promised that the judgment will occur. c. we have examined seven blessings that God has promised to provide. 1) God promised forgiveness. 2) God promised to be with His followers. 3) God promised to answer prayer. 4) God promised to provide direction. 5) God promised to provide help during the time of temptation. 6) God promised to provide strength to those who wait upon Him. 7) God promised to provide comfort. 3. In this lesson we are concentrating on "God's promise of new heavens and a new earth."
Discussion:
I. THIS PROMISE IS MENTIONED SEVERAL TIMES IN THE BIBLE
A. Isaiah mentioned it twice (Isaiah 65:17; 66:22). B. Peter mentioned it (2 Peter 3:13). C. John mentioned it (Revelation 21:1).
II. IN THE BEGINNING GOD CREATED THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH IN WHICH WE LIVE
A. This is declared in Genesis 1:1. B. God did this to provide man a dwelling place (Genesis 1:26-31).
III. WHEN JESUS RETURNS GOD WILL DESTROY THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH IN WHICH WE LIVE
A. After the flood God indicated to Noah that the earth will not last forever (Genesis 8:22). B. Peter showed how and when the heavens and the earth will be destroyed (2 Peter 3:7, 10). C. When John saw "a new heaven and a new earth," "the first heaven and the first earth were passed away" (Revelation 21:1).
IV. THE NEW HEAVENS AND THE NEW EARTH IS THE PLACE WHERE GOD WILL DWELL WITH HIS PEOPLE FOREVER
A. Jesus has gone there to prepare a dwelling place for His people (John 14:1-3). B. This place is described as "a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens" (2 Corinthians 5:1). C. "Righteousness" dwells in this place (2 Peter 3:13). D. John gave a beautiful description of this place (Revelation 21:2-4, 10, 22-27; 22:1-5).
V. THIS PROMISE SHOULD AFFECT THE WAY WE LIVE
A. It should lead us to labor so "we may be accepted of Him" (2 Corinthians 5:2, 9). B. It should lead us to be diligent to have the Lord's approval (2 Peter 3:11-12, 14).
