Daily Devotion | New Rocky Creek Baptist Church

Under the Gun in 2021

Posted on Jan 5, 2021 in Devotions |

Text: 2 Peter 3:1-14

Introduction: Does it appear that we are living in the “End Times” or what? Are you preparing? What if Jesus comes today? It could be today. How close are we? What is the forecast?

Peter writes to “stir up” our remembrance and also to prepare the people of God to get Ready for Jesus’ second coming. He gives us three (3) REASONS to be READY.

1. Will you get READY for the PROMISE of His “GLORIOUS VISITATION”? (2Pet 3:1-4)

“1 This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: 2 That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.”

{The word “scoffer” is empaiktai, ἐμπαῖκται, which means false teachers, mockers}

Personal Application: Peter, Paul, James and John all preached that Jesus would come again both in the rapture (1Thess 4:13-18; James 5:8; 1John 3:1-3) and 7 years afterwards in the revelation – the second coming (2Thess 2:1-12; Rev 19:11-16). Even though there are preachers and teachers today that mock the doctrine of eschatology, we can be assured that Jesus will come again because of the fulfillment of God’s Word in the past. Are you ready?

2. Will you get READY for the PROMISE of His “FINAL DESTINATION”? (2Pet 3:5-7)

“5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: 6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: 7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.”

Personal Application: While our God is a God of love and mercy, He is also a God of Judgment. Just as the Lord judged the world in Noah’s day with a flood, He has forewarned that the next time He judges the world, it will be with fire. Aren’t you concerned about those who are not ready to meet God?

3. Will you get READY for the PROMISE of His “GREAT SALVATION”? (2Pet 3:8-14)

“8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.”

Personal Application: We can safely say that it is God’s will for all men to be saved. However, we can confidently affirm that all will not be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (see Jesus’ sermon on the mount Matt 7- wide and broad is the gate that leads to destruction and many will choose that route). Therefore, this should motivate every believer to share the love of Christ before its too late.

Conclusion: The headlines in the newspaper reveal that this world is in big trouble. But Peter reminds us where this world is heading; namely, it’s going to see Jesus Christ coming in the clouds of heaven with power and glory…..and then the world will be burned up….going up in smoke. But the Lord will create a New heaven and a new earth. That’s why we need to be busy about the Master’s business until He Comes!

Time is running out! Don’t you see us….”Under the Gun in 2021″?

Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese