LIVING IN THE LAST DAYS
We trust today’s message encouraged and guided you in your journey of following Jesus. These notes are meant to help you remember and reflect on the message, help you go deeper into study on the subject, or be used for a sermon group discussion.
Sermon Title: LIVING IN THE LAST DAYS
Main Scripture: 2 Peter 3:1-15
If you’re going through this discussion with a community group this week, consider reading the provided scripture to catch everyone up!
Summary:
We have been examining a few end times signs in scripture and have discerned that what we have been seeing in our day confirms what scripture has predicted. As a follower of Christ, I must acknowledge this truth and not just brush off these signs as “just part of life.” Acknowledging these signs is to take the words of Jesus and scripture as truth. As a father, husband, pastor, and friend it's also important that I make those around me aware and allow you to discern and confirm. The first-century church also witnessed signs but the end never came. I was curious what the Bible says about how the church should live in the last days. What did the apostles teach and instruct? What would I say to Calvary? The Bible offers plenty of wisdom…
I’m not teaching these scriptures so you will have a long list of things to do for God before he returns. This is a lifestyle, not a checklist. This is a natural response to those walking with the Lord. These are things we can do and will do because the Holy Spirit dwells in and enables us.
These scriptures are faithful reminders from the apostles because the church needed encouragement through trials and the occasional refocusing.
Notes:
1 John 2:18-25 “Dear children, the last hour is here. You have heard that the Antichrist is coming, and already many such antichrists have appeared. From this we know that the last hour has come. 19 These people left our churches, but they never really belonged with us; otherwise they would have stayed with us. When they left, it proved that they did not belong with us. 20 But you are not like that, for the Holy One has given you his Spirit, and all of you know the truth. 21 So I am writing to you not because you don’t know the truth but because you know the difference between truth and lies. 22 And who is a liar? Anyone who says that Jesus is not the Christ. Anyone who denies the Father and the Son is an antichrist. 23 Anyone who denies the Son doesn’t have the Father, either. But anyone who acknowledges the Son has the Father also. 24 So you must remain faithful to what you have been taught from the beginning. If you do, you will remain in fellowship with the Son and with the Father. 25 And in this fellowship we enjoy the eternal life he promised us.”
Remain faithful to the Word of God
In context, an antichrist is anyone who is against Jesus and His claim as the anointed one or Messiah, the Christ.
1 Peter 1:23-25 “For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God. 24 As the Scriptures say, “People are like grass; their beauty is like a flower in the field. The grass withers and the flower fades. 25 But the word of the Lord remains forever.” And that word is the Good News that was preached to you.”
If you put your trust in some other teaching you will pass away with it.
James 5:7-9 Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. 8 You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near. 9 Don’t grumble about each other, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. For look—the Judge is standing at the door!
Patiently Endure
In context, the meaning of patience was twofold. The fruit of patience in waiting and enduring trials or suffering. James goes on to mention the prophets and Job and what they endured in V.10-11. We are instructed to be patient in our interactions with all people and through times of difficulty or mistreatment. The test of our patience both develops righteous character and shines the character of Christ to those around us.
1 Peter 4:7 “The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers.”
Pray with Purpose.
NIV: The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.
The Greek word translated “near” also means “goal.” From Peter’s perspective, history has a specific end and goal: the final judgment on all humanity and the final salvation of God’s people when Jesus is revealed. -FullLife Commentary, pg. 1455
Have an intentional prayer life with God.
This verse has always encouraged me to write down prayers and pray through them. Write new prayer lists or use scripted ones as reminders of who and what to pray for. Be careful that written prayers don’t become ritual and heartless.
1 Peter 4:8-11 NIV “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.”
Love covers a multitude of sins. One study tool refers to the fact that love is not easily offended and does not hold a grudge.
Peter encourages showing sincere love (1 Peter 1:22). Sincere love is revealed through selfless service and faithfulness over time.
Generosity and hospitality for others are an expression of love for those in need.
Use God’s gifts to dispense His Grace as you serve one another. Not your strength but God's strength, the Holy Spirit working through you.
Romans 12:6-8 NIV We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
Hebrews 10:24-25 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
Walk closely with God. Walk closely with fellow believers. Your walk with God will minister to those around you.
We encourage and need encouragement more than we realize. You probably think you have nothing to offer people, maybe you compare yourself to someone and think you can’t possibly care and minister as well as them so you opt out of doing anything. This is so untrue. We take for granted a kind word, a compliment, a listening ear, a simple card, a timely scripture in a text.
We’ve had people say they look forward to their small group Bible studies every week because simply knowing you’re not alone in the journey encourages them.
Personally, I want to thank you. The Holy Spirit encourages me but He also encourages me from your words and as I witness your faith in action.
Bottomline to all these scriptures: Be an Active and Contributing Member of the Church
2 Peter 3:8-15 NLT offers a lot of insight for us
Remove sinful living and put on Christlike living.
Read verses 1-7 for context. Scoffers are the false teachers who deny Jesus Christ (2:1) and His return (3:4). Jesus had said these heretics would come (Matt. 24:3–5, 11, 23–26), and Paul had written the same (1 Tim. 4:1–3; 2 Tim. 3:1–9). The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 875). Victor Books.
Peter says what holy and godly lives we should live…make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight (v. 11; 14).
Paul writes a similar message in Romans 13:11-14: This (love God and others) is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. 13 Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. 14 Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.
Look forward and hurry that day along
How do believers hasten it? The godly lives of the Lord’s people, their praying, and their witnessing help bring others to repentance. Gangel, K. O. (1985). 2 Peter. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 877). Victor Books.
We’re not preoccupied with the world, rather we are living on purpose for the kingdom of God.
Remember the lost and reach them (v. 9; v. 15)
The only reason for God’s delay is that more could be saved. That’s our merciful God.
Jude 23 Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives.
Pray, build relationships, and invite the unchurched or unsaved to discover Jesus at church or in weekly Bible reading with you. Have faith in God and the gospel that he will work on their hearts. Be courageous and give unbelievers a chance to learn about God’s love and truth.
Close:
When I hear of lies I am reminded to remain faithful to the Word. When I find myself getting impatient I am reminded that Jesus, my great reward, is coming soon. When I find the world heavy around me I am reminded to earnestly go to God in prayer. When I am with the church I am reminded to encourage and build you up. When I find myself discouraged I am reminded to go to the church family for encouragement. When I see sin in my life I am reminded to repent and be holy for God is Holy. When I wonder why Jesus hasn’t come back yet, I remember he’s waiting for more to be saved. When I forget to see people’s eternal destiny, I am reminded that the gospel must be shared. You see, this isn’t a Christian to-do list sermon. God's Word is reminding us to discern who we're supposed to be and to do what God has prepared us to do until Jesus comes back.
Discussion:
What scripture and way of life in the last days stuck out to you and why?
How can we be an active and contributing member of the church? What may be keeping people from being an active and contributing member?
What does Pastor Ryan mean by “patiently endure”? How does this look in your life?
What did God use in this sermon to speak to your heart or situation?
What other notes did you highlight or write down that you would like to share?
The most important decision you will ever make!
Are you ready to experience salvation and be transformed? We encourage you to process this decision with a strong believer and when you’re ready say a simple prayer like this from your heart: Dear God, I acknowledge and admit I have sinned. I see my need for Jesus Christ. I believe in Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I believe I am forgiven and cleansed of my sin by His death. I also believe I have eternal life because of His resurrection from the dead. I repent, I turn away from my old ways and I choose to live my life to worship you and follow Jesus, Amen!
We would love to know if you made the decision to accept this wonderful gift from God. Let us know here.
Pray Together
We hope you found this AFTER THE SERMON discussion helpful for your walk with Jesus. We pray you can find ways to apply it this week!