WEBVTT 00:00:00.479 --> 00:00:02.720 Hey, welcome to Great City Church Online. 00:00:02.799 --> 00:00:07.040 This is our new podcast channel for all sermon content from Great City Church in Wenatchee Washington. 00:00:07.519 --> 00:00:10.960 We exist to help more people meet, love, and follow Jesus. 00:00:11.119 --> 00:00:16.000 Now I hope this message encourages you and strengthens your relationship with Jesus Christ. 00:00:17.519 --> 00:00:19.039 So good to be good to be with you. 00:00:19.120 --> 00:00:19.359 Good morning. 00:00:19.440 --> 00:00:20.480 I'm Adam, one of the pastors here. 00:00:20.559 --> 00:00:23.600 If we hadn't had a chance to meet, we are wrapping up our series in 2 Peter. 00:00:23.679 --> 00:00:24.480 It's been an awesome series. 00:00:24.559 --> 00:00:27.679 If you've missed any of them, you can go back and uh and check them out. 00:00:27.760 --> 00:00:30.000 And uh and so here's where we're going today. 00:00:30.160 --> 00:00:35.600 Again, last section, last chapter, 2 Peter chapter 3, verses 10 to 18, is what we're gonna look at. 00:00:35.679 --> 00:00:38.000 The title of my sermon, one option for a title. 00:00:38.079 --> 00:00:41.280 I got a few, uh, but this is the one I'm I'm putting out there to start. 00:00:41.520 --> 00:00:42.880 The last day. 00:00:43.679 --> 00:00:48.240 The last day, since it's gonna burn, what now? 00:00:49.280 --> 00:00:50.719 Since it's gonna burn, what now? 00:00:50.799 --> 00:00:51.759 You'll see as we read the text. 00:00:51.840 --> 00:00:54.240 Now there's some other options of some of some potential. 00:00:54.479 --> 00:00:58.560 One might be uh the last day, who should we be? 00:00:58.880 --> 00:01:00.159 The last day, who should we be? 00:01:00.479 --> 00:01:01.600 Here's what I want to say about this. 00:01:01.840 --> 00:01:04.719 And this this is really a two-parter from last week to this week. 00:01:04.799 --> 00:01:07.040 So if you missed last week, we talked about the last days. 00:01:07.200 --> 00:01:16.400 Again, Peter, at the end of his life, this is his last letter, last chapter, the final thing that he's reminding his audience of as he nears the end. 00:01:16.480 --> 00:01:22.000 These are things you need to remember, these are things you need to hold on to, these are things you need to keep clear in your mind and your heart. 00:01:22.159 --> 00:01:23.120 These are truths. 00:01:23.280 --> 00:01:34.959 This is a future reality that gives you power to live in a way that pleases the Lord, to be strengthened and ready for the last days and for the last day. 00:01:35.200 --> 00:01:39.280 These truths you need, this will give you power to make it to the end. 00:01:39.840 --> 00:01:40.640 Peter knows that. 00:01:40.719 --> 00:01:42.159 He's emphasizing it on purpose. 00:01:42.239 --> 00:01:49.120 And one of the things I said last week when we think about this topic of the last days, and yes, I'm going handheld this morning, by the way. 00:01:49.439 --> 00:01:50.799 I'm going handheld. 00:01:51.519 --> 00:01:56.959 I actually ran up here on stage last service with no microphone. 00:01:58.159 --> 00:02:00.959 Because, side note, I got here. 00:02:01.120 --> 00:02:03.920 I had sent my notes to Keith last night. 00:02:04.079 --> 00:02:06.000 I rolled up, they weren't here. 00:02:06.159 --> 00:02:08.000 The only place they are are on my computer. 00:02:08.159 --> 00:02:09.199 The email didn't go through. 00:02:09.360 --> 00:02:10.000 They never arrived. 00:02:10.080 --> 00:02:11.360 It's on my computer at my house. 00:02:11.439 --> 00:02:16.000 I'm very glad I don't live far away from the church because many people were here. 00:02:16.159 --> 00:02:19.039 I had to run home, go get my computer, come back, get it in. 00:02:19.199 --> 00:02:25.280 I sprint out, run in, ready to like, I'm focused totally to preach and no microphone. 00:02:25.520 --> 00:02:27.680 Which doesn't really matter almost. 00:02:28.639 --> 00:02:29.520 Anyway. 00:02:30.719 --> 00:02:31.599 Side numb. 00:02:31.680 --> 00:02:32.000 Okay. 00:02:32.719 --> 00:02:35.360 So uh where why'd I do that? 00:02:35.520 --> 00:02:37.599 That was totally, totally unrelated. 00:02:37.680 --> 00:02:38.800 Ah, the last days. 00:02:38.960 --> 00:02:39.280 Okay. 00:02:39.520 --> 00:02:41.840 Um, this is what hit me. 00:02:41.919 --> 00:02:43.840 It's a two-parter on the last days. 00:02:44.080 --> 00:03:09.919 Um, why Peter is emphasizing thinking about, being ready for, being on guard, being aware of what's coming and what will be, and the kinds of things that will mark the last days, and what you need to be focused on and to remember is because we do not think nearly enough about the return of Jesus. 00:03:10.560 --> 00:03:13.840 We don't think nearly enough about the return of Jesus. 00:03:14.000 --> 00:03:16.240 I'm gonna add a piece to that today. 00:03:16.960 --> 00:03:27.360 Not only do we not think nearly enough about the return of Jesus, we don't think nearly enough about what happens after the return of Jesus. 00:03:30.240 --> 00:03:38.319 And here's the reality that we'll see as we walk through this text in this next and final section of the letter. 00:03:38.719 --> 00:03:43.120 The last days have a last day. 00:03:43.919 --> 00:03:47.120 The last days have a last day. 00:03:47.439 --> 00:03:56.159 And that day is coming, and we need to be aware, we need to be alert, we need to be ready, we need to be focused. 00:03:56.319 --> 00:04:05.599 There are there are there's a kind of people, Peter's saying, this is this is who you ought to be and what you ought to do as we approach that day. 00:04:05.759 --> 00:04:09.680 We're gonna see four things at least that we'll walk through. 00:04:09.840 --> 00:04:11.840 I'm gonna read the text in a moment, pray and get into it. 00:04:11.919 --> 00:04:13.520 We're gonna see that the end. 00:04:13.840 --> 00:04:16.480 Last week he said, why hasn't Jesus returned? 00:04:16.720 --> 00:04:19.199 I mean, goodness gracious, hasn't he had enough yet? 00:04:19.279 --> 00:04:20.560 Look around. 00:04:21.040 --> 00:04:22.240 Wins enough. 00:04:22.480 --> 00:04:23.920 Wins it over, roll it up. 00:04:24.000 --> 00:04:25.439 He's done it before. 00:04:26.079 --> 00:04:27.120 The flood. 00:04:29.439 --> 00:04:30.399 Why hasn't he? 00:04:30.480 --> 00:04:32.879 And we saw his patience is deliberate. 00:04:33.199 --> 00:04:35.759 His delay is deliberate, his patience is purposeful. 00:04:35.839 --> 00:04:39.439 It's because God's not putting more time on the clock to lose, he's putting more time on the clock to win. 00:04:39.519 --> 00:04:42.160 He's waiting for more lost sinners to come home. 00:04:44.079 --> 00:04:48.160 He's not willing that any should perish, but all would come to repentance. 00:04:48.319 --> 00:04:51.439 He doesn't want any of you, but all of you to come. 00:04:51.680 --> 00:04:53.920 So that's why he hasn't come back yet. 00:04:54.079 --> 00:04:55.439 Now we're looking at well, when. 00:04:56.560 --> 00:04:58.319 The win at the end. 00:04:58.879 --> 00:05:03.040 The now who, the now how, and the then what. 00:05:03.759 --> 00:05:05.519 Don't write it down, don't worry, we'll get to it. 00:05:05.759 --> 00:05:06.399 We'll look at it again. 00:05:06.480 --> 00:05:06.800 Let's read. 00:05:06.879 --> 00:05:07.120 Here we go. 00:05:07.279 --> 00:05:09.199 2 Peter chapter 3, verse 10. 00:05:09.920 --> 00:05:12.399 You can follow along, it's on the screen. 00:05:14.079 --> 00:05:18.000 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. 00:05:20.079 --> 00:05:31.120 The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. 00:05:33.199 --> 00:05:40.399 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? 00:05:41.519 --> 00:05:50.639 You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. 00:05:51.120 --> 00:05:58.000 That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire and the elements will melt in the heat. 00:05:59.040 --> 00:06:10.399 But in keeping with his promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells. 00:06:11.519 --> 00:06:23.519 So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with him. 00:06:24.560 --> 00:06:28.399 Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation. 00:06:28.720 --> 00:06:31.920 Picking that thought up from last week's passage as well. 00:06:32.160 --> 00:06:36.720 Just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. 00:06:43.759 --> 00:06:47.439 Here's the Apostle Peter saying, Yo, props to the Apostle Paul. 00:06:47.519 --> 00:06:51.199 That dude swims in the deep end of the theological pool. 00:06:52.959 --> 00:06:55.759 His letters contain some things that are hard to understand. 00:06:56.319 --> 00:07:07.920 Which, warning, ignorant and unstable people distort as they do the other scriptures to their own destruction. 00:07:08.639 --> 00:07:27.680 Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard, so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless or of lawless men and fall from your secure position. 00:07:29.040 --> 00:07:34.720 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 00:07:34.959 --> 00:07:38.319 To him be glory both now and forevermore. 00:07:38.639 --> 00:07:39.279 Amen. 00:07:39.839 --> 00:07:40.319 Amen. 00:07:40.560 --> 00:07:44.160 Father, we pray that your word would have its intended effect in our lives. 00:07:44.480 --> 00:07:48.800 God, would it find good soil in the hearing, the hearers here today? 00:07:48.959 --> 00:07:59.199 In our minds and our hearts, Lord, let your word come in, let it instruct us, let it correct us, let it transform us, let us conform us to the image of your Son. 00:07:59.360 --> 00:08:06.639 God, we want to be made the kind of people we ought to be by your grace, by your power in these days, everything we need for life and godliness. 00:08:06.720 --> 00:08:08.079 We thank you for your word, your promises. 00:08:08.319 --> 00:08:14.639 We thank you for the apostle, your apostle Peter, to give us this instruction, to give us these words, these words breathed out by you. 00:08:14.879 --> 00:08:23.040 God, help us now to be hungry for them, to receive them, to hear your word and your spirit, our lives to be touched and changed and move forward. 00:08:23.120 --> 00:08:25.360 We ask this in Jesus' name. 00:08:25.439 --> 00:08:27.839 And everybody said, Amen. 00:08:28.160 --> 00:08:28.720 Amen. 00:08:28.879 --> 00:08:35.759 Here's another possible title that I could have given this, and that, or a thought on the table as we dive in. 00:08:36.080 --> 00:08:44.960 Not only do we not think enough about Jesus' return or about what comes after Jesus' return, but I just want to put this on the table and you see it repeated phrases that we just read over and over in the text. 00:08:45.039 --> 00:08:51.679 But how many of you know in Christ, to low today, in Christ, we have a lot to look forward to. 00:08:52.399 --> 00:08:54.320 We have a lot to look forward to. 00:08:54.559 --> 00:09:00.960 The reality of Jesus' return, of the final judgment, the coming of Jesus, the return of Jesus. 00:09:01.759 --> 00:09:06.960 There is a proper sobriety, a soberness of mind. 00:09:07.200 --> 00:09:10.799 Be sober-minded, be vigilant, be self-controlled, be alert. 00:09:10.960 --> 00:09:13.519 We ought to be ready for the return of Jesus. 00:09:13.679 --> 00:09:22.799 There's something that ought to sober us up as we think about the reality that the last days have a last day, and that day is coming, and it certainly will come, and it will come suddenly and unexpectedly. 00:09:22.879 --> 00:09:24.000 We'll look at it. 00:09:25.200 --> 00:09:26.639 The last day will come. 00:09:26.720 --> 00:09:28.480 But here's the good news. 00:09:29.039 --> 00:09:37.440 As much as it's sobering, as much as it's serious for the people of God, that's a glorious day that brings us into an amazing future. 00:09:37.600 --> 00:09:39.519 We got a lot to look forward to. 00:09:40.240 --> 00:09:41.519 We got a lot. 00:09:42.960 --> 00:10:03.039 That God is coming to bring justice, to not only bring justice and judgment to, but to for his people, to bring liberation, vindication, salvation, full, final redemption, restoration. 00:10:08.080 --> 00:10:10.000 The old is gone, the new is come. 00:10:10.159 --> 00:10:20.480 That is gonna happen in a final, glorious, cosmic, personal, public, incredible way. 00:10:22.159 --> 00:10:24.720 Look at the first section. 00:10:24.879 --> 00:10:25.519 The end. 00:10:25.840 --> 00:10:26.480 The end. 00:10:26.960 --> 00:10:28.639 The day of the Lord. 00:10:28.960 --> 00:10:34.559 Verse 10 says, But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. 00:10:35.840 --> 00:10:44.720 The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. 00:10:46.320 --> 00:10:47.519 Here's the first point. 00:10:47.679 --> 00:10:52.639 The last days will have a last day, and it will come suddenly. 00:10:54.080 --> 00:10:57.120 Now he says it'll come like a thief, and we hear this phrase repeated. 00:10:57.200 --> 00:10:58.960 Jesus talked about in the Gospels. 00:10:59.200 --> 00:11:01.120 The day of the Lord will come like a thief. 00:11:01.279 --> 00:11:05.759 Side note, by the way, the day of the Lord is an incredible study in and of itself. 00:11:05.919 --> 00:11:09.200 It's a massive biblical theme, Old and New Testament. 00:11:09.360 --> 00:11:16.080 And I'm just putting saying right now, Pastor Kerry someday is just going to preach a sermon on the day of the Lord, the theme of the day of the Lord. 00:11:16.240 --> 00:11:18.559 Biblically, doing some biblical theology, unpack that. 00:11:18.639 --> 00:11:19.120 It's incredible. 00:11:19.360 --> 00:11:20.320 Go through the prophets. 00:11:20.480 --> 00:11:33.759 There are aspects in which the day of the Lord, when it's referenced all through scripture, Old and New Testaments, there are times that it has an immediate historical fulfillment context in mind of soon and coming judgment and vindication for the people of God in terms of Old Testament Israel. 00:11:33.919 --> 00:11:49.120 And there's also a sense in which the prophets, you've got to understand this as you read it and interpret it, it's like it has an immediate fulfillment, but it also has a greater future fulfillment where the the day of the Lord is this grand future, cosmic, total, final, both Old and New Testament. 00:11:49.279 --> 00:11:57.279 Look forward to it at the coming and the return of Jesus Christ, where it is final judgment, it is glorious liberation and vindication for the people of God. 00:11:58.159 --> 00:12:00.480 It is called that day. 00:12:01.279 --> 00:12:03.200 The day of the Lord. 00:12:03.600 --> 00:12:10.320 The last days will have a last day, and that last day is a very special day. 00:12:10.799 --> 00:12:13.840 It's a very big day, it's a very important day. 00:12:14.000 --> 00:12:17.840 It's called the day, the day of the Lord. 00:12:18.080 --> 00:12:19.519 When will it come? 00:12:20.000 --> 00:12:22.000 It's gonna come suddenly. 00:12:23.360 --> 00:12:24.639 Like a thief. 00:12:25.440 --> 00:12:26.159 Like a thief. 00:12:26.320 --> 00:12:27.519 Well, how is that? 00:12:27.840 --> 00:12:32.960 Well, that it's gonna come unexpected, at night, sneaky, suddenly. 00:12:33.039 --> 00:12:34.960 Here's the way that you need to think about it. 00:12:35.200 --> 00:12:41.840 What we say, when we hear the word it'll come like a thief, here's how we need to hear it in our day and context. 00:12:42.480 --> 00:12:45.200 The day of the Lord will come like a hacker. 00:12:48.399 --> 00:13:06.879 You may think you know that companies get hacked and organizations get hacked and individuals get hacked and identities get stolen and bank accounts get hacked, and even if you're expecting it and you've installed the defense and the software, whatever you think, uh, how many know just even locally recently, you know, Shallan County experienced the reality of a hacker? 00:13:07.600 --> 00:13:08.480 Okay, right. 00:13:08.559 --> 00:13:18.399 And it's like you know it's coming, but then when it happens, even if you anticipate the possibility of it of it happening, when it happens, how many know it's still shocking? 00:13:18.720 --> 00:13:19.279 Think about it. 00:13:19.360 --> 00:13:20.879 Think about it like bing right now. 00:13:20.960 --> 00:13:23.360 Uh hey, babe, honey, I think we've been hacked. 00:13:23.519 --> 00:13:24.000 Boom. 00:13:25.039 --> 00:13:30.240 You get that email, you get that text, you get that phone call, we've been hacked. 00:13:32.480 --> 00:13:36.559 Jesus is gonna return, and even if you're expecting him, sometimes there's something that you're long for. 00:13:36.639 --> 00:13:38.320 Some of you, here's another great example locally. 00:13:38.399 --> 00:13:44.480 Like, how many of you think or expect that this winter it might snow? 00:13:46.720 --> 00:13:50.480 You can expect it, and then there's still, it's snowing. 00:13:51.039 --> 00:13:58.879 The surprise of the day when it happens, you don't know the day that is gonna happen, even if you know it's gonna happen. 00:13:59.279 --> 00:14:07.840 It still comes shockingly, sudden suddenly, and some of you still don't have your shovel out and ready to go for the snow. 00:14:09.360 --> 00:14:12.480 The day of the Lord will come like a hacker. 00:14:14.720 --> 00:14:20.000 Even when you're anticipating that package being delivered and it didn't give you the delivery date exactly, but you're looking outside and you're checking the porch. 00:14:20.080 --> 00:14:20.480 Is it there yet? 00:14:20.559 --> 00:14:21.039 Is it there yet? 00:14:21.120 --> 00:14:21.679 Is there yet? 00:14:21.759 --> 00:14:23.519 There still comes the moment like it's here. 00:14:28.240 --> 00:14:29.200 Sudden. 00:14:30.000 --> 00:14:30.960 Shocking. 00:14:33.679 --> 00:14:43.600 That event happens in the middle of the night, a thief, even if you're prepared for it, so many still get startled awake, don't they? 00:14:45.840 --> 00:14:55.759 The day of the Lord will come suddenly, and when that happens, says the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the elements will be destroyed by fire. 00:14:55.919 --> 00:15:02.000 The earth and the works done in it will be laid bare, will be exposed. 00:15:02.960 --> 00:15:17.039 The light and heat of the fire of exposing judgment at the presence of the bright morning star, of the burning Son of God Himself, when he returns in his full glory. 00:15:17.360 --> 00:15:32.080 Everything in its path and presence will be exposed, laid bare, revealed for what it truly is, and the reality of the foundations and what it is entirely and totally laid bare, and nothing and no one will be hidden from its sight. 00:15:32.159 --> 00:15:36.159 And the truth of the matter is publicly everything will be laid bare on that day. 00:15:36.240 --> 00:15:44.080 But the reality is under the teaching of the Word of God and the lamp of the Spirit of God, everything is already uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of God right now. 00:15:48.960 --> 00:16:05.360 So we can either be exposed on that day, or we can choose to step into the light now and have our thoughts and motives and intentions laid bare before the Lord under the light of his word and his spirit. 00:16:05.600 --> 00:16:13.519 Because how many of you know that sin exposure is the work of the light, and the work of the light means God is on the move and is coming to rescue and redeem, and it's good news. 00:16:13.759 --> 00:16:16.399 For those who are humble in Christ, it's good news. 00:16:16.559 --> 00:16:19.440 The light comes to purify, refine, redeem, and set free. 00:16:19.679 --> 00:16:20.559 It comes to judge. 00:16:20.639 --> 00:16:23.200 The lamp of the Lord knows the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 00:16:23.360 --> 00:16:27.919 Here's the point everything will be laid bare, and you can step into the light now. 00:16:29.919 --> 00:16:32.000 You can step into the light now. 00:16:35.360 --> 00:16:38.720 But either way, the light's coming. 00:16:40.000 --> 00:16:41.440 The light's coming. 00:16:43.919 --> 00:16:45.759 Everything done in the earth will be laid bare. 00:16:46.000 --> 00:16:46.879 Think about this. 00:16:47.919 --> 00:16:49.360 Is that scary? 00:16:53.120 --> 00:16:54.799 Is it comforting? 00:16:56.720 --> 00:16:58.320 Is it relieving? 00:16:59.440 --> 00:17:00.559 It's sobering. 00:17:01.440 --> 00:17:03.039 But think of it this way. 00:17:03.440 --> 00:17:04.960 For the child of God. 00:17:08.240 --> 00:17:20.160 If you're already walking in the light, clothed in the righteousness of Christ, I'm not saying there's not some things that still need to get purged and refined off your life. 00:17:20.240 --> 00:17:23.599 We will pass through the fire, and all of our work will be tested. 00:17:23.759 --> 00:17:27.680 The Apostle Paul says so in 1 Corinthians chapter 3. 00:17:28.000 --> 00:17:36.160 He said it this way, by the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it, but each one should be careful how he builds. 00:17:36.400 --> 00:17:40.079 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 00:17:40.160 --> 00:17:48.400 If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, their work will be shown for what it is. 00:17:48.720 --> 00:17:51.839 Because the day, capital D, will bring it to light. 00:17:51.920 --> 00:17:57.039 It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person's work. 00:17:57.200 --> 00:18:00.720 If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. 00:18:00.880 --> 00:18:07.680 If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss, but yet will be saved, even though only as one escaping through the flames. 00:18:10.559 --> 00:18:12.240 It'll be revealed, it'll be exposed. 00:18:12.480 --> 00:18:13.440 Child of God. 00:18:15.839 --> 00:18:17.839 When everything on that day will be laid bare. 00:18:18.079 --> 00:18:19.039 Let me tell you what that includes. 00:18:19.200 --> 00:18:21.440 That includes everything related to Epstein. 00:18:23.359 --> 00:18:27.759 Everything, everything related to any and every election that's ever taken place. 00:18:29.440 --> 00:18:35.599 That includes anything and everything related to the motives of men's hearts. 00:18:35.759 --> 00:18:37.920 That includes unsolved murders. 00:18:39.039 --> 00:18:42.960 That includes lies and truth. 00:18:44.079 --> 00:18:47.759 That includes missing and exploited children. 00:18:48.799 --> 00:18:50.960 Deeds done in darkness. 00:18:54.319 --> 00:18:58.480 Everything will be laid bare. 00:19:00.960 --> 00:19:05.519 If you long for justice, I have good news. 00:19:06.240 --> 00:19:07.519 It's coming. 00:19:09.200 --> 00:19:11.759 Everything will be exposed and laid bare. 00:19:12.160 --> 00:19:26.559 And for those who are walking in the light in Christ, not in self-righteousness, not in pride, not in arrogance, but in humble, stunned bewilderment. 00:19:29.200 --> 00:19:30.559 God's mercy. 00:19:39.440 --> 00:19:45.599 So if you fear judgment, I have really good news that comes also with an urgent call to action. 00:19:46.079 --> 00:19:49.359 And that is step into the light now. 00:19:49.920 --> 00:19:52.799 Don't wait for the light and heat of that fire. 00:19:52.960 --> 00:20:01.759 Respond to the light and heat of the Word of God, which says in Hebrews 4, for the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. 00:20:01.839 --> 00:20:05.279 It penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and morrow. 00:20:05.359 --> 00:20:07.759 It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 00:20:08.000 --> 00:20:11.119 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. 00:20:11.279 --> 00:20:15.920 Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give an account. 00:20:16.079 --> 00:20:28.880 You have a choice to be laid bare, exposed, and exposed then on that day, or to come before the word of God and open up your heart and chest and shine the lamp of the word by the Spirit of God and say, Lord, everything here it is, I step into the light. 00:20:28.960 --> 00:20:32.799 Lord, purify me, refine me, and set me free and do it here and do it now. 00:20:34.319 --> 00:20:35.599 The word of God. 00:20:39.680 --> 00:20:42.720 See if there be any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting. 00:20:42.799 --> 00:20:43.519 Oh God. 00:20:44.720 --> 00:20:47.759 Peter said, Make your calling and election sure. 00:20:50.720 --> 00:20:54.880 The day of the Lord will come like a thief. 00:20:54.960 --> 00:20:57.440 For the child of God, we need not fear that day. 00:20:57.680 --> 00:21:00.720 Peter tells us to look forward to that day. 00:21:00.960 --> 00:21:01.839 Welcome that day. 00:21:02.000 --> 00:21:03.039 Speed, it's coming. 00:21:03.200 --> 00:21:07.759 Wake up and look out the window like you're excited because it's Christmas and the cousins are coming over. 00:21:07.839 --> 00:21:08.720 They're here. 00:21:11.519 --> 00:21:12.319 Do you see him yet? 00:21:12.400 --> 00:21:12.960 No, not yet. 00:21:13.039 --> 00:21:13.599 Do you see him yet? 00:21:13.680 --> 00:21:14.160 No, not yet. 00:21:14.240 --> 00:21:14.720 Go look again. 00:21:14.880 --> 00:21:15.440 No, not yet. 00:21:15.519 --> 00:21:16.240 Go look again. 00:21:16.480 --> 00:21:16.880 Hear it. 00:21:17.039 --> 00:21:17.279 I see it. 00:21:17.359 --> 00:21:18.319 I see it around the corner. 00:21:18.400 --> 00:21:18.720 Woo! 00:21:23.599 --> 00:21:24.960 He's coming. 00:21:30.400 --> 00:21:32.640 Now let's look at the now who. 00:21:33.599 --> 00:21:35.759 Look at verse 11 through 13. 00:21:36.400 --> 00:21:41.200 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? 00:21:41.599 --> 00:21:42.880 What does Peter tell us? 00:21:43.039 --> 00:21:45.440 You ought to live holy and godly lives. 00:21:45.599 --> 00:21:46.079 Now watch this. 00:21:46.160 --> 00:21:48.480 I just want to draw attention to the question. 00:21:48.720 --> 00:21:52.720 Notice the first question in light of this truth that the last days have a last day. 00:21:52.799 --> 00:21:53.519 That day is coming. 00:21:53.599 --> 00:21:55.519 Everything will be exposed and laid bare. 00:21:55.759 --> 00:21:58.720 In light of that, the question is not what do we do? 00:21:58.880 --> 00:21:59.839 The question is who we do? 00:22:00.079 --> 00:22:01.279 Who should we be? 00:22:02.640 --> 00:22:04.799 Notice it's now who? 00:22:06.960 --> 00:22:12.480 We'll get to the what, we'll get to the how, but it doesn't come first because it's deeper than mere action or behavior. 00:22:12.640 --> 00:22:15.519 It's much different or different than just checking boxes. 00:22:15.680 --> 00:22:18.559 It's who are you? 00:22:19.440 --> 00:22:21.200 What kind of person are you? 00:22:21.279 --> 00:22:22.559 What's at your core? 00:22:22.880 --> 00:22:30.240 Inner, outer, the reality of your motivating center, the operational system of your life. 00:22:30.480 --> 00:22:36.319 What kind of people ought we to be in light of the reality of the last day coming? 00:22:36.640 --> 00:22:39.440 Who should we be? 00:22:39.759 --> 00:22:42.880 Peter says, live holy and godly lives. 00:22:43.039 --> 00:22:45.200 I'm gonna give you a definition for that in just a moment. 00:22:45.359 --> 00:22:49.440 He also says, look forward to and speed his coming. 00:22:49.680 --> 00:22:59.839 We ought to be the kind of people that take seriously our lives, inner and outer, holy and godly lives, and that we look forward to and speed his coming. 00:23:00.000 --> 00:23:16.240 That ought to be something about the kind of person that you are, waiting and held by the hope of his promise for a new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells, which we're gonna unpack a little bit more later as well, because I'm telling you, we got a lot to look forward to. 00:23:17.119 --> 00:23:19.279 We got a lot to look forward to. 00:23:20.480 --> 00:23:25.680 New heavens, new earth, the home of righteousness. 00:23:27.680 --> 00:23:29.599 Doesn't that sound refreshing? 00:23:31.039 --> 00:23:34.319 The home of righteousness. 00:23:35.200 --> 00:23:37.279 That's the hope of the promise that we have. 00:23:37.519 --> 00:23:39.599 So, what does it mean to live holy lives? 00:23:39.759 --> 00:23:40.240 Let's start there. 00:23:40.400 --> 00:23:41.440 Holy and godly lives. 00:23:41.599 --> 00:23:42.880 What kind of people ought we to be? 00:23:43.039 --> 00:23:58.960 First, holy, set apart, set apart by God and for God, meaning morally distinct from the sinful ways of the world and increasingly conform to his character in daily conduct. 00:23:59.200 --> 00:24:06.480 There's a sense in which when we talk about holiness, there's an emphasis on outward practice. 00:24:07.920 --> 00:24:15.440 Our conduct is growing, increasingly in line with his character, and that we've been set apart in a way that we are to be distinct and different. 00:24:15.519 --> 00:24:24.799 There should be something markedly different about the way that we conduct ourselves as ungodliness and wickedness grows and increases in the earth in the ways that it does. 00:24:24.960 --> 00:24:32.960 There should be a distinction between the people of God and the lost world. 00:24:36.400 --> 00:24:39.519 Doesn't mean we're better than, it's not looking down our noses. 00:24:39.599 --> 00:24:40.559 It's we've been made. 00:24:40.640 --> 00:24:55.119 We ought to be, we ought to live holy lives, set apart for God, morally distinct from the ways and patterns of the world, increasingly conform to his character and daily conduct. 00:24:57.119 --> 00:24:59.359 And godly lives. 00:25:00.400 --> 00:25:04.240 I would define it this way: living in reverent devotion to God. 00:25:04.960 --> 00:25:13.519 This is an inward, God-centered posture that seeks to honor and please him in thought, motive, word, and action. 00:25:13.759 --> 00:25:16.319 More of an emphasis on the inward posture. 00:25:16.480 --> 00:25:19.920 So notice both the outward practice and inward posture. 00:25:20.880 --> 00:25:24.000 Peter's saying, what kind of people ought we to be in light of this? 00:25:24.160 --> 00:25:35.039 He's calling us to be a people that are have integrity, that are consistent, that the inner matches the outer, and the outer matches the inner, and it's in ways that aim to please the Lord. 00:25:36.400 --> 00:25:38.319 Thought, motive, word, and action. 00:25:38.400 --> 00:25:39.119 Now watch this. 00:25:39.279 --> 00:25:59.759 Even the apostle Peter knows what it is to have his life externally and outward practiced, not in line with the faith he professes and the gospel he proclaimed in Galatians when the Apostle Paul confronts him to his face because his conduct was out of line and not in step with the gospel. 00:25:59.920 --> 00:26:00.559 Now watch this. 00:26:00.640 --> 00:26:02.720 Be careful here, we're in church, y'all. 00:26:03.119 --> 00:26:05.200 Be careful here, we're in church. 00:26:05.440 --> 00:26:14.240 How many of you know it's possible for you to look like you have it together on the outside, but your heart and inward posture is actually not really there? 00:26:14.480 --> 00:26:16.319 Anybody know that that's possible? 00:26:19.920 --> 00:26:39.119 And how many of you know it's also possible for you to have a heart for God, but to be living in ways that are contrary to your profession, that you have gotten entangled in sin, or that you are living in a way that is not in line with the faith you possess and profess. 00:26:39.440 --> 00:26:46.480 And we need the word of God, we need the gathering of the saints, we need the conviction of the Holy Spirit, we need the help of brothers and sisters in Christ. 00:26:46.640 --> 00:26:52.079 We need someone to come along and say, hey, hey, hey, hey, you you you that's not who you are. 00:26:54.400 --> 00:26:55.200 Come on, come on. 00:26:55.279 --> 00:27:05.279 We we we we saw the outward display of your baptism, which was a picture of the inner work of the Holy Spirit, what he had done in you to change you, give you a new heart. 00:27:05.440 --> 00:27:14.720 But now you've you're you're we got more growing up to do in the ways to make sure that the outward practice of our professed faith matches the inward posture of our heart. 00:27:14.880 --> 00:27:24.559 And when these two are in alignment, there's integrity that honors God, and there's spiritual integrity that influence others and puts on display the power and beauty of transformed lives. 00:27:27.440 --> 00:27:29.680 What kind of people ought we to be? 00:27:30.160 --> 00:27:36.079 We ought to be people where the outward and the inward match. 00:27:37.599 --> 00:27:40.960 Not perfectly, not self-righteously, but increasingly. 00:27:41.119 --> 00:27:44.640 That's our desire, that's our aim, that's our commitment. 00:27:46.799 --> 00:28:30.880 And that's why it is so important and so powerful to regularly gather with the saints and not forsake the meeting one with another, where we come into the place where the Spirit of God, God inhabits the praises of his people, and we gather to come under the teaching and preaching of the Word of God like a lamp, it searches our hearts and our souls, and as we sing in the presence of God, and as we search for and invite no spirit but the Holy Spirit to come and rule and fill and reign in my heart and my life and my thinking, as we invite the Holy Spirit to come in and shine and refine and purify me and lead me and empower me and heal me and guide me, do the surgery as we go week to week to week, and every day as we meet with the Lord to open his word and have those personal encounters in his presence. 00:28:30.960 --> 00:28:44.319 But as we corporally do so, how many of you know this is a great grace and a great gift and a great protection and a great need that we have to not go very far without coming back here to say. 00:28:49.119 --> 00:29:08.079 Test me, make my calling and election sure is the outward and the inward sincere and in alignment because it's possible for it to be out of alignment in either way. 00:29:12.400 --> 00:29:14.400 What kind of people ought we to be? 00:29:18.640 --> 00:29:25.519 And I want to say this whole this whole series is about is about a life of divine power. 00:29:25.759 --> 00:29:29.680 It's his word and his promises, his power is made available. 00:29:29.839 --> 00:29:42.559 Everything you need for life and godliness, everything you need to run this race and live this life and persevere to the end has been made available to you through the cross of Jesus, the resurrection of Jesus, the gift of the Holy Spirit. 00:29:42.799 --> 00:29:50.559 Everything you need to run through the tape at the end and to be a person growing in holiness and godliness has been afforded to you. 00:29:50.640 --> 00:29:53.279 It's available, it's possible, it's yours in Christ. 00:29:53.359 --> 00:29:56.480 He's given us the power to live that life. 00:30:03.279 --> 00:30:14.079 And it does require regular, ongoing reflection, check-ins, pit stops. 00:30:18.880 --> 00:30:20.559 Search me, oh God, and know me. 00:30:20.799 --> 00:30:21.839 Know my every thought. 00:30:22.000 --> 00:30:24.880 You know my every word before it's even on my tongue. 00:30:25.839 --> 00:30:30.160 See if there's any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting. 00:30:30.480 --> 00:30:31.599 Lord, you know me. 00:30:31.839 --> 00:30:34.160 You know my heart, you know my thoughts. 00:30:35.680 --> 00:30:37.200 Guide me, lead me. 00:30:37.519 --> 00:30:49.279 Lord, I want to endeavor to walk in a manner that is worthy, consistent, holy before you and before a watching world. 00:30:49.599 --> 00:30:50.960 And we go to the now how. 00:30:51.359 --> 00:30:53.440 That's who ought we to be. 00:30:53.759 --> 00:30:56.960 Then he gets to the question of how should we live? 00:30:57.119 --> 00:30:58.319 What should we do? 00:30:58.480 --> 00:31:03.359 And here you have in the text in verses 14 to 18, we'll just look at four imperatives. 00:31:03.440 --> 00:31:06.319 Just look at the action-oriented verse, very clear like what should we do? 00:31:06.400 --> 00:31:06.880 How should we live? 00:31:06.960 --> 00:31:07.279 Here you go. 00:31:07.359 --> 00:31:09.039 He's gonna give us just bang, bang, bang. 00:31:09.200 --> 00:31:10.079 These are the words. 00:31:10.319 --> 00:31:12.079 Make every effort. 00:31:13.279 --> 00:31:22.079 These these actions, what we do, what we do, and how we live are on the foundation of who we are. 00:31:22.319 --> 00:31:25.119 Identity first, activity and behavior second. 00:31:25.440 --> 00:31:26.480 Gotta get an amen. 00:31:27.279 --> 00:31:27.599 Right? 00:31:28.240 --> 00:31:30.160 We're not putting lipstick on a pig. 00:31:30.240 --> 00:31:35.279 We're not we're not stapling plastic fruit on a plastic tree. 00:31:37.200 --> 00:31:38.720 Jesus said, You'll know a tree by its fruit. 00:31:38.799 --> 00:31:42.000 We're not just painting up the outside of a rotten wood fence. 00:31:44.000 --> 00:31:45.200 Who are we? 00:31:46.480 --> 00:31:48.160 Then how should we live? 00:31:48.400 --> 00:31:49.519 Make every effort. 00:31:49.599 --> 00:31:50.480 That's what you should do. 00:31:50.640 --> 00:31:51.920 Make every effort to what? 00:31:52.079 --> 00:31:56.240 To be found spotless, blameless, and notice, at peace with him. 00:31:58.960 --> 00:32:01.680 In light of these days, make every effort to be at peace with him. 00:32:01.839 --> 00:32:02.400 What's the point? 00:32:02.559 --> 00:32:16.640 This again is the great safety net and blessing of this gathering and of your own personal relationship and walk with the Lord and relationship with the Word of God because how many of you know we know a lot around these parts about the importance and power of clean air? 00:32:18.799 --> 00:32:21.680 And here's how much more with the Lord, friends. 00:32:21.839 --> 00:32:23.279 Clear the air today. 00:32:23.839 --> 00:32:25.279 Clear the air. 00:32:25.759 --> 00:32:26.640 Clear the air. 00:32:26.720 --> 00:32:28.640 Is there anything that's not right? 00:32:29.200 --> 00:32:30.640