Our scripture this morning is 2 Peter 3:11-16.
Since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live, looking forward to the day of God and hurrying it along. On that day, he will set the heavens on fire, and the elements will melt away in the flames. But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness. And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight. And remember, our Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved. This is what our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him— speaking of these things in all of his letters. Some of his comments are hard to understand, and those who are ignorant and unstable have twisted his letters to mean something quite different, just as they do with other parts of Scripture. And this will result in their destruction.
Peter writes of the day of God, when everything we know will end and a new Heaven and earth will begin. He encourages us to “make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight” (v. 14) when that time comes. While we do not know the day or time, our task is to be ready.
He tells us of Paul’s work, that “those who are ignorant and unstable have twisted his letters to mean something quite different, just as they do with other parts of Scripture” (v. 16). We need to be aware of this misuse of God’s word and stand ready to speak the truth in love. Prayer, study and Christian fellowship are the ways to meet this challenge.
He speaks of God’s patience, giving us time to accomplish our Great Commission of making disciples. Sharing the Good News with everyone is our call and our joyful goal. We go in His name in all we do that the world may know His love.
Gracious God, we are amazed by Your goodness and love for us. Help us to share this blessing with everyone. Amen.