Peter was the leader of the disciples. A fisherman by trade, his brother Andrew won him to Christ. He spent three years with Jesus, walked on water, and was present at the transfiguration. He was an eyewitness to Jesus’ life and ministry and was in His inner circle. When Peter mentions the Second Coming, he really answers the question, “In light of the End Times, what manner of people should we be?”
Be Godly
“Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, it is clear what sort of people you should be in holy conduct and godliness as you wait for the day of God and hasten its coming” (2 Pet. 3:11-12). Being godly is a command to all Christians, whether young or old, single or married. We must not develop the worldly attitude of the scoffers. We must make every effort not to let our heart or our love grow cold. In 1 Peter 1, Peter says, “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires of your former ignorance, but as the one who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conduct; for it is written, Be holy, because I am holy” (v. 14-16). Holiness is not about works or performance-based religion where you try to earn the love of God. Jesus is the most holy person who ever lived. Holiness is being more like Jesus. The word “holy” means to set apart. When the Holy Spirit comes to live inside of us, we are set apart. We are available for God to use us. Praise God because of sanctification, one day we will be like Jesus!
Win Others
Peter says, “Also, regard the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our dear brother Paul has written to you according to the wisdom given to him” (2 Pet. 3:15). Salvation is not what good people have and bad people don’t. There is none good, no not one (Rom. 3:10). All have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). We are sinners by birth and by choice. We have sinned against people and ultimately sinned against holy God. Sin breaks and destroys relationships. The wages of sin is death (Rom. 6:23). Salvation is the forgiveness of sin and the restoring of a relationship. Jesus came to seek and to save the lost (Lk. 19:10). He wants you to join the search team to find the lost sheep, the lost son. Jesus will leave the 99 to go after the 1. Who is your one? In light of the End Times, there is an urgency to win others.
Grow Spiritually
Peter also encourages us to grow spiritually. “Therefore, dear friends, since you know this in advance, be on your guard, so that you are not led away by the error of lawless people and fall from your own stable position. But growin the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 3:17-18). Peter says over and over again that we are strangers, exiles. This world is not our home we are just passing through. We need grace and knowledge to make it through. Jesus was full of grace and truth. Just as any parent wants their children to grow, God wants His children to grow. Spend time daily in the Word. “Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. Resist him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world” (1 Pet. 5:8-9). We are under attack! It is called spiritual warfare. Growing spiritually includes fighting a spiritual battle with spiritual weapons. The devil here is called a roaring lion, but there is another lion. His name is Jesus. Jesus is called the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. When Satan comes at you like a roaring lion, you just remember he is no match for the Lion of the Tribe of Judah!
“The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little while” (1 Pet. 5:10). The grace that saved us is the grace that sustains us. It is all sufficient grace. “You rejoice in this, even though now for a short time, if necessary, you suffer grief in various trials so that the proven character of your faith—more valuable than gold which, though perishable, is refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Pet. 1:6-7). 1 Peter 4:10 saysGod’s grace is varied. It means variegated, many colored. No matter what color your day, week, month, or year has been, God has grace to match that same color. Blue Monday’s – God has grace to match. Personal problems, marital problems, parenting problems, emotional problems, financial problems, or physical problems, God has grace to match the need. As we wait for the Second Coming, let’s heed Peter’s words and live godly, win others, and grow spiritually, relying on God’s abundant grace!
