1. 2 Peter 3:11–13 (ESV)
  2. Sermon suggestions

Sermon outline for 2 Peter 3:11-13

2 Peter 3:11–13 (ESV)

11 Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness,

  • Introduction

    What can you take with you from this world into the next? We know it is not material things—they will all rust and decay (Matthew 6:19–21). The only thing that will last is that which is eternal now—people. We will last. Either we will spend an eternity in hell, or we will spend an eternity in God’s presence on the new earth.

    God has promised to come again in judgment. A judgment that will see the world as we know it come to an end to be remade into a wonderful new heaven and earth. How should we live in the light of that reality? Is it an event which we should be eager to see happening?

  • The pursuit of godliness

    • Explain why we must pursue holiness and godliness. Refer to the fact that we belong to Christ having been bought by him, he is our Lord and Saviour.

    • Consider how all our efforts to be godly are long lasting in the sense that they are preparing us for life in God’s presence where the godly live.

    • Apply: give practical examples of what it will look like to pursue godliness in the different areas of our lives.

  • The anticipation of a wonderful new world

    • Explain how the new heavens and earth will be glorious and what it means for them to be the home of righteousness.

    • Explain how this new world has been promised repeatedly throughout Scripture.

    • Explain how knowing that we will be part of God’s new creation is a motive for us to pursue godliness even now.

    • Explain how we can be sure that we will be part of God’s new creation if we trust in Jesus Christ.

  • Conclusion         

    Godly living is hard. It is hard to be different from our culture and society. It is hard to deny ourselves and take up the cross daily. But that is what Christ is calling us to do. He has already made us holy by washing our sins with his blood. He has lived the perfect life in our place so that we can be sure of an eternal future on the new earth. Let us therefore now give ourselves to that which will last for ever—growth in godliness, changes in our character, becoming more and more like Jesus our Lord and Saviour.