We have been on a journey so far, with Peter. He began by demanding that it matters how we live. He even gave us some questions we could ask in determining which way we are living. This morning, Peter is tackling the question as to why it is important.
The church was under attack from the inside by false doctrine. Doctrine that is usually presented in such a way that it makes us question the Word of God, then leads us to deny the Word of God, and finally replace the Word of God, usually with humanities wisdom.
These false doctrine, along with other issues, have lulled Christians to sleep. This is why Peter writes in the first verse, “I write to stir up, wake up, your mind by reminding you of a certain truth.”
So what is this truth, and how should it affect my life, beginning today?
The key doctrine at question here is the return of Jesus Christ.
We have heard this all of our lives, so what does this have to do with the reason why we should live for Jesus? Listen to Peter as he goes through our argument for us.
- Scoffers will come. A scoffer is someone who makes light of something that very serious. An example of this are the people Noah preached to. Remember, they have never seen rain, a thunder storm, or even heard of anything like a flood, so they laughed, mocked, belittled, until the very moment that God shut the door. A scoffer can be anyone, a Christian or someone who is lost without Jesus. Here is the argument Peter writes they would use.
- The scoffers will ask. The scoffers will then ask the question: isn’t God a God of love, mercy and grace?
So where does this leave you and I today?
Understanding that Jesus could return at any moment. There is nothing, absolutely nothing that has to happen before He returns.
Understanding the reason He has not is because He wants to give you, me, and the ones we love, every opportunity to repent.
Understanding that we have been called to live out our faith before our families, and friend.
So here is a question: Are you living like a scoffer? A Christian who is not taking Jesus seriously concerning His return? This will be evident in the way you live, what you do, and even by what you say. You need to understand others are watching you, and you are leading them in the wrong direction. It is time to make a decision, do I want to live like I want to, or do I want to live for Jesus, so that my family might follow me in whatever decision I make.