A Perfect Ending Series

Sunday Morning October 18, 2009

Bel Aire Baptist Church

Series: Having It All [#5]

A PERFECT ENDING

2 Peter 3:1-18

Introduction:

2 Peter 1:3 (NIV)

“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”

We can have everything through Jesus Christ. Isn’t it good to know that we can have a perfect ending to this life? No matter how you die, as a Christian it will be a perfect ending.

I find that while I know where I’m going to be when I leave this earth that it’s just making it from day to day that’s the toughest. As Peter ends this 2nd letter, he gives us some important things to remember that should encourage us to continue in our service to the King.

2 Peter 3:1-7

Remember…

1. The basics of the faith.

We need reminders to stir up our thinking. Peter wants us to remember the basics of the faith.

The basics are to…

> Trust God’s Word.

> Follow God’s commands.

> Remember that God is in control. People are going to make fun of our belief in Christ as Savior, Christ’s return, God creating everything, etc… They are going to question God’s legitimacy and His power; but it won’t change the truth.

2 Peter 3:8-9

Remember…

2. The timing of God.

People were and are saying, “Maybe you Christians are wrong. Maybe God isn’t coming back or maybe He has already come back and you missed it. Maybe He is taking a nap or He is on vacation.” God’s reply is simple. “I’ll send Christ back when I’m ready and I’m giving all that will repent time to do so.”

We can never forget that Hell was created for Satan and the fallen angels. God loves us and doesn’t want anyone to perish.

2 Peter 3:10-13

Remember…

3. The right way to live.

It’s not if Jesus is coming back but when; and when He comes back we need to be ready. How is the right way to live?

We should…

> Live holy and godly lives.

> Look for His coming.

> Speed up His coming. How do we do that? We speed up His coming by spreading the Gospel.

2 Peter 3:14-16

Remember…

4. The right way to be found.

We should be found…

> Spotless.

> Blameless.

> At peace with God.

2 Peter 3:17-18

Remember…

5. The need to keep growing.

As you grow…

> Be on your guard of what you believe.

> Don’t let the enemy cause you to stumble.

> Continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.