Before we begin let’s recap:
1. Peter began by explaining to us that it makes a difference how we live: Noah, and Lot.
2. He then provided us with a simple test to determine who we are living for.
3. Next, he gave us the reason why we should live for Jesus, His return.
4. Then, a couple of weeks ago, he told us when we needed to change, before Jesus returns. But His return will occur when we least expect it.
5. Now we come to Peter’s last words, and he answers the question how can we live for Jesus. What must we do?
Our key word in our text is “diligent.” Another word to describe it woudl be detemined. We must be diligenet or determines, but in what.
Before we get there let’s look at verse 14. Here are some truths.
No one has all the answers to the question we have about the Bible.
But what we do know for sure is that He is coming back, and when He does we will want Him to find us ready.
So how can we prepare? Our answers can be found in verses 17-18.
- Beware. Peter begins with a warning that we are to beware so that we will not be taken in by false doctrine.
- Grow in grace. We understand that we are saved by grace, but there is much more to grace than just salvation. Grace is what strengthen us, when we are weak, give us courage when we are hopeless. Usually this comes from walking through the trials of life, while standing on the promises of God.
- Grow in knowledge. The better we know, truly know Jesus, the more we grow in grace, and the more we grow in grace, the better we undersand the Word of God.
Warren Wierbse wrote “Peter was once unstable; he would bear witness to Jesus one minute, and then argue with Him the next; He refused to let Jesus wash his feet, only to ask Jesus to bath him in the next breathe; he promised to defend Jesus to the death, but then denied Him before a simple servant girl.” But as he grew in his grace and knowledge of Jesus, he became steadfast, even until death.
So are you steadfast this morning, or do you move with the breeze? It is time to deliberately choose. (Rev. 3:15)
Then there are those how have never made a decison to follow Jesus. Make a choice this morning. Come.