The Clock Of Mercy: Why We Must Evangelize

Introduction

We live in a world that is obsessed with speed. We want fast food, instant messaging, and same-day delivery. When things are delayed, we interpret it as a failure—someone is lazy, forgetful, or "slack."

In the context of 2 Peter 3, scoffers were looking at the world and asking, "Where is the promise of His coming?" They thought God had forgotten. But Peter corrects this dangerous assumption. He tells us that what looks like a delay to us is actually mercy from God.

This verse provides the theological heartbeat of Personal Evangelism. It explains why we are still here and what God is waiting for.

I. The Definition of the Delay: God is Intentional

* "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise..."

Men count time by seconds and minutes; God counts time by souls and purpose. The reason Jesus has not yet split the eastern sky is not because He has forgotten His church, nor because He is powerless to act.

In evangelism, we must understand that we are living in a "window of grace." Every morning the sun rises is God saying, "There is still time for one more." We must not mistake God's patience for God's permission to sin; rather, it is His permission for us to work.

* Application: Do not view the passing of time as a reason to be complacent. View every hour as a currency God has given you to spend on the souls of men.

II. The Motivation of the Heart: God is Loving

* "...not willing that any should perish..."

Here is the driving force of the Great Commission. It is not merely a command to be obeyed; it is the heartbeat of God to be shared. If you want to know what God’s will is, it is right here: He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezekiel 33:11).

To be effective in personal evangelism, our hearts must break for what breaks God's heart.

* We cannot evangelize people we do not love.

* We cannot reach people we are secretly judging.

* We must adopt the disposition of the Father—a deep, agonizing desire that not one person in our city, our workplace, or our family ends up eternally separated from Him.

III. The Goal of the Message: God is Waiting for Repentance

* "...but that all should come to repentance."

God’s patience provides the time, but we must provide the truth.

Notice the verse does not say God is willing that all should simply "be happy" or "be religious." The requirement is repentance—a change of mind that leads to a change of direction.

This is where the evangelist comes in (Romans 10:14).

* God provides the patience (The "When").

* The Holy Spirit provides the conviction (The "Power").

* We must provide the message (The "How").

People cannot come to repentance if they do not know what to repent of, or who to turn to. God is holding back the hands of judgment to give us space to preach the Gospel. If we stay silent, we waste the precious time God has bought with His longsuffering.

Conclusion

Verse 10 goes on to say, "But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night..."

The clock of mercy will not run forever. The window will eventually close. The "slackness" will end, and the promise of His coming will be fulfilled.

The Evangelistic Charge:

Look at your neighbor, your coworker, or your lost family member. Realize that the only reason Christ has not yet returned is because He is giving them time to hear, and you time to speak. Let us not waste the patience of God.