Begin with the end in mind 2 Peter 3

We have already started the third week of the year. No doubt you have plans for this year. I am sure all have heard, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail,” or perhaps “if you aim at nothing, you’ll hit it every time.” Goals are important, even if they serve to avoid wasting time, energy or money down the track.

But this time of year, just after we started it off, is a good time to reaffirm what it is that we are ultimately aiming at as followers of Jesus.

The Apostle Peter blessed us with 2 letters. This second letter has a significant characteristic because Peter began the letter with these words, “I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me.” (verse 14) Peter was about to die. He knew that this day would come. Remember, Jesus’ last recorded words to Peter are these, “but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” (John 21:18) Peter was hung on a cross as described. He knew this would be his final end, so he had plenty of time to prepare. At least he was assured that he would reach old age, so that was a blessing.

It seems a bit morbid, but have you ever thought about what direction your life will finally take, what influence will remain and more specifically what your last words will be? As followers of Christ, we know Jesus said, “what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops.” (Luke 12:3) Paul said we are held accountable for our words and actions: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” (2 Corinthians 5:10) Words and actions are ultimately weighed by the Lord.

So….while fitness plans, diet goals, study plans, employment goals are all important, surely they pale into insignificance when we consider where we are ultimately going in life. The decisions you make, especially with the focus of your time, has eternal consequences.

Let’s begin this year, and life in general, with the end in mind! Peter told us the end: (verse 13) “we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells”.

But you can be distracted from being a few steps closer to that goal this year due to a number of factors. Peter told us what they are.

1.    Haters gonna hate. Those who don’t have the same faith that you do - Peter said, “knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires.” These can take the form, generally, of close friends and family. They already have an influence and a voice in your life. They are not all bad, in fact there is much you like about them, maybe their humour, their earthly study or health goals align with yours. They already have your ear. But on the most important thing, your faith in Christ, that’s a big no from them. So, you don’t talk about it; or if you do, they shut down, or scoff at your silly faith. Peter said expect it, especially in the end times.

2.    Ignoring history: “they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God, and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished.” (Verses 5 and 6) Paul said that these same people supress the truth in their unrighteousness. (Romans 1:17)

3.    Misplaced timeline: Our timing is often out of whack and contrary to the Lord’s. Peter said, “But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” How patient are you with the Lord’s timeline with your plans? The world won’t wait; will have it now, but God is not interested in satisfying our flesh and comforts. He wants us to grow in character and the fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22, 23)

4.    Timing isn’t right: Must be ready anytime. “The day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed, Since all these things are thus to be dissolved.” (verses 10, 11) Note: this is called the “Day of God”. Christ returns first, then the Millennium happens, then the Day of God. Therefore, our timeline needs to be understood with God’s revealed word.

5.    As such, begin like this: Therefore “what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness!” (verse 11)

How do we do this? – read and know who God is. Peter even gave the Apostle Paul’s letters a ‘plug’. (verses 15, 16)

So, we are encouraging people to get involved in growing this year. Encourage people to come to church, to join our reading program, to join a cell/home group. You want to grow? The best way to do that is to get involved in a ministry.

Support our Kidz@Church program (take on a class); support our Youth Pastor (not just with finances, but if you can help supper on a Friday night, be part of his support team); pray for other new leaders …

We will want to continue with community events. Easter is coming up (make a community Day out of it on Easter Sunday); Men’s and Women’s ministries (who is going step up and be part of that team?)

This is the goal that at the end of the year: so we start with the end in mind: We want to at least double the number people regularly worshipping with us on a Sunday morning. All that means is that one person you invite decides to join us.

We are going to commit this to the Lord; pray now for our new and current leaders, new church members. Ask how you can serve Christ in the church community, not what you can get out of church, but how you can serve. I guarantee that when you have that as your focus, you will see the Holy Spirit starting to do some things in your life.