6/18/2018 Scoffers Will Scoff! Dont be surprised that many will - PDF document

6/18/2018 Scoffers Will Scoff! Don’t be surprised that many will mock the prospect of Christ’s return. 2 Peter 3:3-4, NIV Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised?” Uninterrupted Sameness Scoffers claim that there’s no precedent for a sudden and dramatic change in the course of the world. 2 Peter 3:4, NIV They will say, “Where is this coming he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has…” 1

6/18/2018 Creation And The Flood Scoffers willfully ignore two previous times when God dramatically interrupted the sameness! 2 Peter 3:4, NIV & 3:5-6, NLT “Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” They deliberately forget that God made the heavens long ago by the word of his command, and he brought the earth out from the water and surrounded it with water. Then he used the water to destroy the ancient world with a mighty flood. The Final Intervention Although this present universe experienced a watery beginning–it will have a fiery end! 2 Peter 3:7, 10 & 12, NIV By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly…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…That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. Out With The Old…In With The New! Heaven and the new earth will someday merge into a literal heaven-on-earth, where everything will be perfectly right forever. 2 Peter 3:13, NIV But in keeping with his promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. This is my Father’s world, and let me ne’er forget That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the Ruler yet. This is my Father’s world, the battle is not done; Jesus who died will be satisfied, and heaven and earth be one. 2

6/18/2018 The Issue Of Delay Is the Lord “slow” in making all this happen? 2 Peter 3:8-9, NIV But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness . What’s He Waiting For? The Lord’s “slowness” is actually patience! He’s allowing more time for more people to prepare for the end. 2 Peter 3:9 & 15, NIV The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance…Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation… Time’s Up! Christ’s return is certain, and he will arrive without warning for those unprepared. But the day of Lord will come like a thief. 2 Peter 3:10 , NIV 3

6/18/2018 How Then Should We Live? With our forward-looking godliness, we can actually hasten the Lord’s return! 2 Peter 3:11-12, NIV Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. 4