Part 1: The Promise of Jesus The Second Christmas Part 1: The Promise of Jesus

Part 2: Remember the Words (2 Peter 3:1-10) The Second Christmas Part 2: Remember the Words (2 Peter 3:1-10)

Remembering the Words

Ταυτην ἤδη, αγαπητοι, δευτεραν υμιν γραφω επιστολην 2 Peter 3:1-10 Ταυτην ἤδη, αγαπητοι, δευτεραν υμιν γραφω επιστολην

2 Peter 3:1-10 1 Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. 2 I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Saviour through your apostles. 3 First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4 They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised?

2 Peter 3:1-10 Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.

2 Peter 3:1-10 8 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. 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

2 Peter 3:1-10 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.

Answering 2 Principle Doubts about the Second Christmas 2 Peter 3:1-10 Answering 2 Principle Doubts about the Second Christmas

Doubt 1: God is not Present, but Absent v4) They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.”

Doubt 1: God is not Present, but Absent v4) They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” These doubters Might not be atheists

Doubt 1: God is not Present, but Absent v4) They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” These doubters Might not be atheists Ignorant of God’s Words

Doubt 1: God is not Present, but Absent Everything goes on as it has since the beginning…

Doubt 1: God is not Present, but Absent Peter’s Argument (5-6) 5 But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. 6 By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. Deluge: “Katakluzo” World: “Cosmos”: the created order - A cataclysmic chaos

Doubt 1: God is not Present, but Absent Peter’s Argument (5-6) Noah was preaching God’s Words (2:5) He warned them for a very long time (Gen 6:3) They didn’t believe him

Doubt 1: God is not Present, but Absent Peter’s Argument (7) By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.

Doubt 1: God is not Present, but Absent Peter’s Argument (7) By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. Reserved: kept in store Kept: Guarded

Doubt 2: God is not mindful

Doubt 2: God is not mindful Psalm 77:8 Has his steadfast love forever ceased? Are his promises at an end for all time? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger shut up his compassion?"

Doubt 2: God is not mindful Peter’s Argument v8 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

Doubt 2: God is not mindful Peter’s Argument We cannot measure His faithfulness with our calendar, but with His character 9) The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

How precious are these words Remember the Words How precious are these words God is not Absent: He is presently reserving this world for judgement God is not Forgetful: He is presently suffering for our salvation