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Scripture Reading: 2 Peter 3:1-7

Pure Minds

Intro.

1. Peter's purpose for writing was to stir up their minds, 3:1.

-Stir up: "To wake up, arouse completely", cf. 2 Pet. 1:13-15.

2. Two minds are discussed in 2 Peter 3:

a. Pure minds that are reminded and remember.

b. Lustful minds that are forgetful, blasphemous and unstable.

3. We choose the mind we will have, Phil. 2:5; 4:8; Col. 3:2; Titus 1:15-16

I. PURE MINDS...

-Pure minds: Unsullied, sincere; "found pure when unfolded and examined by the sun’s light" (Thayer); free from falsehood.

A. ...Remember the Word of God, 2 Pet. 3:1-2.

1. These readily accept exhortations to remember God's word, 3:1-2.

2. Know the certainty of what God says, 3:3.

-Study, believe, obey (3:15, consider), 3:16-18.

B. ...Turn Memory into Useful Knowledge, 2 Pet. 3:3-4.

1. Example: For spiritual growth, 2 Pet. 1:12 -- 5-11 (know these things...do them).

2. Meditation on God’s law...Understanding, obedience and restraint from evil, Psa. 119:97-102.

C. ...Do Not Forget, 3:5, 8-9.

1. The word, work and past judgments of God, 3:5; Psa. 33:6, 9; Gen. 6:7. Future, promised judgment, 3:7 (Rom. 2:5-6).

2. The nature of God, 3:8-9. Eternal, trustworthy, longsuffering, Isa. 30:18.

3. Important to recall former days of faithfulness, to not cast away your confidence in Christ, Heb. 10:32-35.

D. ...Are Motivated by the Coming Day of the Lord to Live Holy, Godly Lives, 3:10-12.

1. The effect of His promised coming, 3:11 (1 Pet. 1:15-17).

2. With diligence, 3:14-15 (2 Tim. 2:15; Rom. 12:11).

E. ...Look Forward, 3:12-14.

1. Look for the day of God (12) – Punishment to escape. Heb. 2:3.

2. Look for new heavens/earth (13) – Reward to attain, Phil. 3:12-14.

3. Looking forward with diligence (14-15, 9).

F. ...Respect the Scriptures, 3:16-18.

1. Study them to handle correctly, grow and live in Christ! Prevents falling, 2 Tim. 2:15; Col. 3:16, 17.

2. Steadfast because they know the word/will of God (17).

G. ...Steadfast and Growing in the Grace and Knowledge of the Lord, 3:18, 1 Cor. 15:58.

II. LUSTFUL MINDS...

A. ...Scoff at the Promises of God, 3:3-4. (Deride, mock)

1. Jesus was mocked, Matt. 20:19; 27:29, 31.

2. Driven by personal lusts, not personal faith, Jude 18-19.

3. God will not be mocked! Gal. 6:7

B. ...Willfully Forget the Works and Word of God, 3:5-8.

1. He renounces the Lord (out of sight, out of mind), Psa. 10:3-4, 11.

2. He refuses to remember God’s works and word that created and brought judgment against sin, cf. Heb. 12:25, 29.

C. ...Are Untaught and Unstable, 3:16.

1. Being untaught, they twist Scriptures to suit themselves and cause strife and division, Titus 3:9-10.

2. Destruction is on the way, and there will be no escape, 1 Ths. 5:1-3; 2 Ths. 1:7-9.

Conclusion

1. We must arm ourselves with the mind of Christ and stop being ruled by sin, 1 Pet. 4:1-2.

2. Purify your heart, cleanse your hands, humble yourself before God, and He will save you, Jas. 4:8-10.

By: Joe R. Price

Posted: March 13, 2015