For your sermon, it might be a good idea to read 2 Peter 1:12–21 in its entirety (rather than just 2 Peter 1:16-21). Also consider reading Matthew 17:1–8.

• Introduction

  Begin your sermon by reflecting on how future events influence the things we do in the here and now. Think of various different examples: tests at school/university, the prospect of marriage and children, saving money to buy a house or a car, spending money wisely whilst you wait for another pay check.

  Comment on the fact that Peter seeks to affirm Christ’s future return in order to encourage believers to make future-driven decisions today—specifically to make every effort to pursue godliness.

  Explain why it is necessary for Peter to do this. The false teachers have been denying the future return of Christ, claiming that there is no judgment and one can therefore live as you please. Peter responds to these claims by providing two strains of evidence:

• The reality of the transfiguration

  • Explain what happened during the transfiguration.

  • Explain the connection to Psalm 2 and thus how the transfiguration anticipates Christ’s future return in glory. Comment on how the Jews did not realize that there would be two comings of Christ—a first and a second—and thus they were surprised to learn that the Messiah would suffer and die.

  • Explain how Peter really saw Jesus being transfigured. He was an eyewitness and he did not make things up.

  • Apply: if Jesus will come again in glory, how does that encourage us to make every effort in the here and now to pursue godliness? Why does it make sense to live in submission to him now?

• The testimony of Scripture

  • Explain how Old Testament prophets talked about a coming day of the Lord, confirming what the apostle Peter said.

  • Explain how the first coming of Christ is proof that these Old Testament prophets were correct and can be trusted.

  • Explain how Scripture came into being, how the Spirit guided men, and why we can thus trust what Scripture says.

  • Explain how Scripture is a light in darkness and how that light will no longer be necessary once Christ returns.

  • Apply: if the Bible is God’s Word, do we treat it as such? Are we listening to what Scripture says or do we debate and disagree?

• Conclusion

  Jesus Christ will return in glory. His glory was revealed in his transfiguration. The prophets have testified to the day of the Lord. Scripture has been inspired by the Spirit. Believing in the return of Christ is thus a sensible decision and we can be certain about that future. Knowing that Christ will return in glory, let us therefore make every effort to submit to him now, since he is King. Let us pursue righteousness and let us study his Word so that we might learn how we may please him and live for his glory.