Introduction
This morning we’re reading the final words of Peter’s final letter to the church. His burden is simple and weighty: that we live holy lives that honor the Lord Jesus and are not swept away by the immorality, false teaching, and scoffing around us.
How do we do that in a world soaked with temptation? Not by willpower. The power to live a holy life springs from eager anticipation of Jesus’ return. The more we treasure that Day, the more power we find to live for this day.
> Big Idea: Waiting with anticipation for the Lord’s return leads to right living until He comes.
Let’s hear the Word (2 Peter 3:10–18). [Scripture already read.] Let’s pray.
Prayer:
Father, by Your Spirit, illuminate Your Word. Show us how anticipation of Jesus’ return fuels holy, godly living. Strengthen us to receive and obey. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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The posture of waiting (vv.10–13)
Peter uses the word waiting three times (vv.12–14). This is not idle waiting; it’s alert, expectant, watchful—living as people who “expect the unexpected.” The Day of the Lord will come like a thief. That Day brings judgment on sin and salvation for God’s people. New heavens. New earth. Righteousness dwelling. No more sin, sickness, injustice, or temptation. Forever with Jesus.
Since that Day is certain and sudden, how should we live today? Peter gives four exhortations.
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1) Strive to be holy (v.14)
“Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.”
Grace cancels earning, not effort. Farmers, athletes, soldiers all labor toward a goal; Christians labor toward an eternal one. Diligence looks like:
Inward holiness: purity in thoughts, integrity in dealings, charity in speech, restraint with media and tech.
Outward faithfulness: doing your callings well—at home, work, church—with a Godward aim.
Relational love: by this all will know we are His (John 13:35).
Witness: while we wait, God’s purpose includes the salvation of others—so we go, tell, make disciples.
Diligence doesn’t mean perfection now; it means purposeful progress. And notice the promise: “at peace.” Anticipating Jesus brings a deep settled readiness—no shrinking back when He appears.
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2) Think rightly (vv.15–16)
“Count the patience of our Lord as salvation…”
Right thinking reads the calendar of God correctly. A delayed return is not divine indifference; it’s divine patience—room for repentance, growth, and mission (cf. v.9). Peter also notes some twist Paul’s letters “to their own destruction.” So right thinking includes:
Humility with Scripture: some things are hard; we submit, learn, and refuse to twist.
Hopeful patience: God’s seeming delay is mercy for sinners and space for saints to mature.
Two pastoral words:
If you haven’t trusted Christ: God’s patience is aimed at your salvation. Turn to Jesus today. He bore your sin fully at the cross; He will forgive, cleanse, and receive you.
If you’re straddling the fence—one foot in the world, one in the church—don’t presume on patience. Let today be a turning day. Step with both feet into grace.
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3) Watch carefully (v.17)
“Therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your stability.”
Drift is subtle. You rarely notice the current until the shoreline has moved. If we aren’t careful—if we don’t evaluate our inputs, influences, and habits—we will slowly shift in doctrine, desire, and deeds.
Guardrails that keep you stable:
Word and prayer daily—not as a box to check but a lifeline to hold.
Local church rhythms—Sabbath worship, the Lord’s Table, small-group fellowship. Isolation breeds instability.
Confession and accountability—bring sins and struggles into the light with trusted believers.
Boundaries with media and relationships—pre-decide your no’s so you can keep your yes to Jesus.
Ask three quick diagnostics regularly:
1. Doctrine: Am I still believing what Scripture says, or what culture prefers?
2. Desire: What do I love most this week?
3. Deeds: Where have my practices drifted from my professed beliefs?
“Take care” is not fearmongering; it’s the vigilance of people who know the tide is strong—and Christ is stronger.
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4) Grow steadily (v.18)
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.”
Waiting is not passive; it’s progressive. We don’t just hold on—we grow on.
Grow in grace: live out of what Christ has done for you—receive and extend forgiveness, cultivate humility, practice generosity, serve joyfully. Grace produces gracious people.
Grow in knowledge: not cold data but warm, personal knowing of Jesus—through Scripture, prayer, obedience, and walking with Him in ordinary life.
Two practices that braid grace and knowledge together:
1. Means of grace: Scripture, prayer, gathered worship, baptism and the Lord’s Supper—God uses these to deepen us.
2. Obedience in small things: growth accelerates when we respond quickly to what we already know.
And Peter ends where we should end: doxology. The goal of waiting and growing is the glory of Jesus—now and to the day of eternity.
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Conclusion: Living this day in light of That Day
The Day will come like a thief. Expect the unexpected. Let That Day shape this day:
1. Strive to be holy.
2. Think rightly about God’s patient purpose.
3. Watch carefully so you don’t drift.
4. Grow steadily in grace and in knowing Jesus.
Three invitations:
Repent if you’ve never trusted Christ—today can be the day of salvation.
Return if you’ve drifted—come back to your first love.
Renew your commitments if you are walking with Him—choose fresh diligence, vigilance, and growth.
Closing Prayer:
Lord Jesus, we await Your appearing. Make us a people who live this day in light of That Day. By Your Spirit, help us strive for holiness, think with gospel clarity, watch our lives and doctrine closely, and grow in grace and in the knowledge of You. Keep us steady until the Day of eternity. To You be glory now and forever. Amen.
