Let Eternity Shape You Now
Read the Text: 2 Peter 3
Memorize the Text:
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you.
(1 Peter 6:6-7, CSB)
Consider the Text: 2 Peter 3
Believers need to live with eternity in sight. When an eternal perspective exists in the minds of believers, they gain the opportunity for this perspective to shape their life now. Believers begin to live with the knowledge that they represent their eternal citizenship and face life with the certainty that comes from hope because of a relationship with Christ. The apostle Peter closed his second letter by calling believers to allow the certainty of their eternal life to shape how they live in the here and now.
THE PRESENCE OF SCOFFERS
A scoffer is not a phrase we use much today. The idea of a scoffer mocks or makes fun of another individual because they believe that the individual’s belief or opinion is stupid or silly. Peter used the term to identify the individual who mocks or ridicules one for their relationship with Christ. A scoffer often rests in their ideology of life and attempts to gain traction with others by ridiculing their beliefs and leading them to the place of questioning. Thus, believers face scoffers in the form of people who hold an ideology of the world and people who proclaim a false gospel.
Today, we need to recognize that the apostle declared that scoffers would live during the end times of the world. Throughout history, individuals have mocked believers and attempted to persuade individuals that Christianity is false. These actions must not surprise us because the Lord has warned us of their reality. Thus, our ability to live through it occurs when we allow the promise of eternity in Christ to shape how we live now.
THE PATIENCE AND PROMISE OF GOD
The Lord promised that those who respond to Jesus as Lord and Savior should inherit eternal life. The other side of the promise is the guarantee that those without a relationship with Jesus will face eternal punishment. The promise for the believer ought to encourage their life to trust in the goodness and greatness of the Lord. The promise promotes living for eternity now because of the guarantee based on the person and character of the Lord.
God’s mercy and grace come into play with his promise through his patience. God patiently awaits those apart from him to go into a relationship with him. This patience does not mean he will wait forever, but he waits despite our sins and holds off on the deserved punishment so that we can gain eternal life. Thus, today, we must never delay but respond to Christ immediately and live with the certainty of his promised future.
THE LIFE THAT REFLECTS THE KINGDOM
When a believer lives with eternity in perspective, they must seek to reflect the character of God’s kingdom. The apostle Peter charged believers to pursue peace, faithfulness, and obedience. Each of these mark traits of the Lord’s kingdom and need to dominate the life of the child of God. The believer must reflect Christ by seeking to live in unity with others, without blemish due to sin, and to follow the Lord in faithfulness without being led astray or leading others astray.
Today, believers need to live a life characterized by God’s kingdom. Therefore, we must live blemish-free and seek to live a life reflecting Jesus. Such a life seeks to live in harmony with others, rest in the presence of the Lord, desire to follow the Lord in obedience, and battle to remain faithful to the Lord’s calling. Thus, we must live with an eternal perspective to live out the characteristics of the kingdom in the here and now.
LIVE ON GUARD BY GROWING IN GRACE AND KNOWLEDGE
When believers live for the kingdom of God, they face various temptations, trials, and struggles. Each of these forms of opposition creates dynamics that threaten one’s a faithful walk with the Lord. Thus, the apostle called believers to live on guard. Living on guard means the believer stays alert concerning the oncoming threats and prepares to respond appropriately. Peter mentioned that the continued growth in grace and knowledge prepares believers for this act of standing on guard.
Today, we still must stand on guard. We face various trials, temptations, and oppositions. The strengthening of the ability to guard rest in the spiritual growth in the truth and the development of trusting in the Lor completely. If you and I were receiving the letter penned by Peter for the first time, would we find our lives properly pursuing eternity? Would we allow our promised eternal life to transform and mold our life here and now?
This blog is part of the Coffee and Quiet Time with Jesus Devotional Series found at equippingfaith.com. Join the journey of reading through the New Testament this year. More information can be found at equippingfaith.com.
