2 Peter 3:9
Verse
Context
The Day of the Lord
8Beloved, do not let this one thing escape your notice: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.9The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.
Sermons
David Wilkerson
George Warnock
A.W. Tozer
Zac PoonenSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The Lord is not slack - They probably in their mocking said, "Either God had made no such promise to judge the world, destroy the earth, and send ungodly men to perdition; or if he had, he had forgotten to fulfill it, or had not convenient time or leisure." To some such mocking the apostle seems to refer: and he immediately shows the reason why deserved punishment is not inflicted on a guilty world. But is long-suffering - It is not slackness, remissness, nor want of due displacence at sin, that induced God to prolong the respite of ungodly men; but his long-suffering, his unwillingness that any should perish: and therefore he spared them, that they might have additional offers of grace, and be led to repentance - to deplore their sins, implore God's mercy, and find redemption through the blood of the Lamb. As God is not willing that any should perish, and as he is willing that all should come to repentance, consequently he has never devised nor decreed the damnation of any man, nor has he rendered it impossible for any soul to be saved, either by necessitating him to do evil, that he might die for it, or refusing him the means of recovery, without which he could not be saved.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
slack--slow, tardy, late; exceeding the due time, as though that time were already come. Heb 10:37, "will not tarry." his promise--which the scoffers cavil at. Pe2 3:4, "Where is the promise?" It shall be surely fulfilled "according to His promise" (Pe2 3:13). some--the "scoffers." count--His promise to be the result of "slackness" (tardiness). long-suffering--waiting until the full number of those appointed to "salvation" (Pe2 3:15) shall be completed. to us-ward--The oldest manuscripts, Vulgate, Syriac, &c., read, "towards YOU." any--not desiring that any, yea, even that the scoffers, should perish, which would be the result if He did not give space for repentance. come--go and be received to repentance: the Greek implies there is room for their being received to repentance (compare Greek, Mar 2:2; Joh 8:37).
John Gill Bible Commentary
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise,.... The Syriac version reads in the plural, "his promises", any of his promises; though the words seem rather to regard the particular promise of Christ's coming, either to take vengeance on the Jewish nation, of which coming there was a promise made, and is often referred to by Christ, and his apostles; see Mar 9:1 Heb 10:37; and it now being upwards of thirty years since it was given out, some men began to charge God with slackness and dilatoriness; whereas the true reason of the delay of it was, that there might be time for the gathering in of his elect among them by his angels, or apostles and ministers, sent into the several parts of Judea, that so none of them might perish, but be brought to faith and repentance; and thus as the time of Christ's coming was prolonged more than was thought it would, so when the days of afflictions were come, they were shortened also for these elect's sake: or this promise regards the second coming of Christ, to judge the quick and dead at the last day, of which the former was a prelude, presage, and pledge; that Christ would come again, and appear a second time in person, was promised by himself, and often spoken of by his apostles; and many of the primitive Christians thought it would be very soon, and which might be occasioned by the hints that were given of his coming in the other sense. Now this being deferred longer than was expected, the scoffers or mockers take upon them to charge the Lord with slackness in the fulfilment of his promise: as some men count slackness; as if he had either changed his purpose, or had prolonged it beyond the appointed time, or was unmindful of his promise, and would never fulfil it; whereas he is in one mind, and none can turn him, nor will he delay the fulfilment of his promise beyond the set time; he has fixed a day for his coming, in which he will judge the world in righteousness, and he will keep it: he is not dilatory, but is longsuffering to us-ward: not to all the individuals of human nature, for the persons intended by us are manifestly distinguished from "some men" in the text, and from scoffers, mocking at the promise of Christ's coming, in the context, Pe2 3:3; and are expressly called beloved, Pe2 3:1; and God's longsuffering towards them is their salvation, Pe2 3:15, nor is it true of all men, that God is not willing that any of them should perish, and that everyone of them should come to repentance, since many of them do perish in their sins, and do not come to repentance, which would not be the case, if his determining will was otherwise; besides, a society or company of men are designed, to which the apostle himself belonged, and of which he was a part; and who are described, in his epistles, as the elect of God, called out of darkness, into marvellous light, and having obtained like precious faith with the apostles; and must be understood either of God's elect among the Jews, for Peter was a Jew, and they were Jews he wrote to; and then the sense is, that the delay of Christ's coming is not owing to any slackness in him, but to his longsuffering to his elect among the Jews, being unwilling that any of that number among them should perish, but that all of them repent of their sins, and believe in him; and therefore he waits till their conversion is over, when a nation shall be born at once, and they that have pierced him look on him and mourn, and so all Israel shall be saved; or rather of the elect in general, whether among Jews or Gentiles, upon whom the Lord waits to be gracious, and whose longsuffering issues in their conversion and salvation. And upon account of these the Lord stays his coming till their number is complete in the effectual calling; and for their sakes he is longsuffering to others, and bears with a wicked world, with the idolatry, superstition, heresy, profaneness, and impiety, with which it abounds; but when the last man that belongs to that number is called, he will quickly descend in flames of fire, and burn the world, and the wicked in it, and take his chosen ones to himself. The Alexandrian copy reads, "for you", or your sakes; and so the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Ethiopic versions. A passage somewhat like to this is met with in a book of the Jews (f), esteemed by them very ancient. "God prolongs or defers his anger with men; and one day, which is a thousand years, is fixed, besides the seventy years he delivered to David the king.--And he does not judge man by his evil works which he continually does, for if so, the world would not stand; but the holy blessed God defers his anger with the righteous, and the wicked, that they may return, by perfect repentance, and be established in this world, and in the world to come.'' And it is an observation of theirs (g), that when God is said to be "longsuffering", it is not written , but , intimating, that he is longsuffering both to the righteous and the wicked; but then he bears with the latter, for the sake of the former: compare with this passage Rev 6:9; not willing that any should perish; not any of the us, whom he has loved with an everlasting love, whom he has chosen in his Son, and given to him, and for whom he has died, and who are brought to believe in him. These, though they were lost in Adam, did not perish; and though in their own apprehensions, when awakened and convinced, are ready to perish; and though their peace, joy, and comfort, may perish for a while, and they may fear a final and total perishing; yet they shall never perish as others do, or be punished with everlasting destruction: and that this is the will of God, appears by his choice of them to salvation; by the provisions of grace for them in an everlasting covenant; by the security of their persons in the hands of Christ; by sending his Son to obtain salvation for them, and his Spirit to apply it to them; and by his keeping them by his power, through faith, unto salvation. But that all should come to repentance; not legal, but evangelical, without which all must perish; and which all God's elect stand in need of, as well as others, being equally sinners; and which they cannot come to of themselves, and therefore he not only calls them to it, in his word, and by his spirit and grace, but bestows it upon them; he has exalted Christ at his own right hand, to give it to them; and repentance is a grant from him, a free gift of his grace; and the Spirit is sent down into their hearts to work it in them, to take away the stony heart, and give an heart of flesh; without which, whatever time and space may be given, or means afforded, even the most awful judgments, the greatest mercies, and the most powerful ministry, will be of no avail. (f) Zohar in Gen. fol. 83. 3. (g) T. Hieros, Taanioth, fol. 65. 2. T. Bab. Bava Kama, fol. 50. 2.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
We are here told that the Lord is not slack - he does not delay beyond the appointed time; as God kept the time that he had appointed for the delivering of Israel out of Egypt, to a day (Exo 12:41), so he will keep to the time appointed in coming to judge the world. What a difference is there between the account which God makes and that which men make! Good men are apt to think God stays beyond the appointed time, that is, the time which they have set for their own and the church's deliverance; but they set one time and God sets another, and he will not fail to keep the day which he has appointed. Ungodly men dare charge a culpable slackness upon God, as if he had slipped the time, and laid aside the thoughts of coming. But the apostle assures us, I. That what men count slackness is truly long-suffering, and that to us-ward; it is giving more time to his own people, whom he has chosen before the foundation of the world, many of whom are not as yet converted; and those who are in a state of grace and favour with God are to advance in knowledge and holiness, and in the exercise of faith and patience, to abound in good works, doing and suffering what they are called to, that they may bring glory to God, and improve in a meetness for heaven; for God is not willing that any of these should perish, but that all of them should come to repentance. Here observe, 1. Repentance is absolutely necessary in order to salvation. Except we repent, we shall perish, Luk 13:3, Luk 13:5. 2. God has no delight in the death of sinners: as the punishment of sinners is a torment to his creatures, a merciful God does not take pleasure in it; and though the principal design of God in his long-suffering is the blessedness of those whom he has chosen to salvation, through sanctification of the spirit, and belief of the truth, yet his goodness and forbearance do in their own nature invite and call to repentance all those to whom they are exercised; and, if men continue impenitent when God gives them space to repent, he will deal more severely with them, though the great reason why he did not hasten his coming was because he had not accomplished the number of his elect. "Abuse not therefore the patience and long-suffering of God, by abandoning yourselves to a course of ungodliness; presume not to go on boldly in the way of sinners, nor to sit down securely in an unconverted impenitent state, as he who said (Mat 24:48), My Lord delayeth his coming, lest he come and surprise you;" for, II. The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, Pe2 3:10. Here we may observe, 1. The certainty of the day of the Lord: though it is now above sixteen hundred years since this epistle was written, and the day has not yet come, it assuredly will come. God has appointed a day wherein he will judge the world in righteousness, and he will keep his appointment. It is appointed to men once to die, and after this the judgment, Heb 9:27. "Settle it therefore in your hearts that the day of the Lord will certainly come, and you shall certainly be called to give an account of all things done in the body, whether good or evil; and let your exact walking before God, and your frequent judging yourselves, evidence your firm belief of a future judgment, when many live as if they were never to give any account at all." 2. The suddenness of this day: It will come as a thief in the night, at a time when men are sleeping and secure, and have no manner of apprehension or expectation of the day of the Lord, any more than men have of a thief when they are in a deep sleep, in the dark and silent night. At midnight there was a cry, Behold, the bridegroom comes, (Mat 25:6), and at that time not only the foolish, but also the wise virgins slumbered and slept. The Lord will come in a day when we look not for him, and an hour when men are not aware. The time which men think to be the most improper and unlikely, and when therefore they are most secure, will be the time of the Lord's coming. Let us then beware how we in our thoughts and imaginations put that day far away from us; but rather suppose it to be so much nearer in reality, by how much further off it is in the opinion of the ungodly world. 3. The solemnity of this coming. (1.) The heavens shall pass away with a great noise. The visible heavens, as unable to abide when the Lord shall come in his glory, shall pass away; they shall undergo a mighty alteration, and this shall be very sudden, and with such a noise as the breaking and tumbling down of so great a fabric must necessarily occasion. (2.) The elements shall melt with fervent heat. At this coming of the Lord it shall not only be very tempestuous round about him, so that the very heavens shall pass away as in a mighty violent storm, but a fire shall go before him, that shall melt the elements of which the creatures are composed. (3.) The earth also, and all the works that are therein, shall be burnt up. The earth, and its inhabitants, and all the works that are therein, shall be burnt up. The earth, and its inhabitants, and all the works, whether of nature or art, shall be destroyed. The stately palaces and gardens, and all the desirable things wherein worldly-minded men seek and place their happiness, all of them shall be burnt up; all sorts of creatures which God has made, and all the works of men, must submit, all must pass through the fire, which shall be a consuming fire to all that sin has brought into the world, though it may be a refining fire to the works of God's hand, that the glass of the creation being made much brighter the saints may much better discern the glory of the Lord therein. And now who can but observe what a difference there will be between the first coming of Christ and the second! Yet that is called the great and dreadful day of the Lord, Mal 4:5. How much more dreadful must this coming to judgment be! May we be so wise as to prepare for it, that it may not be a day of vengeance and destruction unto us. O! what will become of us, if we set our affections on this earth, and make it our portion, seeing all these things shall be burnt up? Look out therefore, and make sure of a happiness beyond this visible world, which must all be melted down.
2 Peter 3:9
The Day of the Lord
8Beloved, do not let this one thing escape your notice: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.9The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Christian’s Response to Calamities
By David Wilkerson8.1K45:24CalamitiesPRO 3:5JER 33:3LUK 1:37LUK 21:28ROM 8:28GAL 6:92PE 3:9In this sermon, the speaker addresses the response of Christians to calamities happening in the world. They emphasize that while the world may be alarmed and nervous, Christians have a different response. The speaker highlights the importance of God's warnings and prophecies, even if the secular world may not heed them. They emphasize that while judgment is a part of God's plan, it cannot be the only message of the Church. Instead, Christians should have hope and use this time to reach out to the lost world.
Attributes of God (Series 1): The Mercy of God
By A.W. Tozer6.0K46:43Attributes of GodEXO 34:62PE 3:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the compassion and mercy of God. He starts by highlighting how God's compassion is not just a feeling, but an active response to the needs of His people. The preacher then goes on to share some facts about the mercy of God, emphasizing that it has always existed and is a fundamental aspect of His character. He also mentions how Jesus, as the Son of Man, sympathizes with our grief and offers relief. The sermon concludes by highlighting the amazing grace of God, which is what sinners desperately need and should be grateful for.
God's Burden for Zion
By George Warnock4.0K1:15:48ZionGEN 3:6PSA 148:10ISA 43:19ROM 1:201CO 12:25HEB 5:122PE 3:9In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of God's judgment and the need for Him to eradicate evil in the world. He emphasizes that God cannot rest until righteousness and salvation are established on earth. The preacher also mentions the importance of deep teaching and encourages the audience to continue seeking a deeper understanding of God's word. He highlights the significance of giving God glory and thanks, as failure to do so can lead to confusion and the calling of evil good. The sermon concludes with a reference to the story of the Hebrew servant who willingly chooses to remain a slave to his master, symbolizing the voluntary servitude of believers to God.
1 Peter 3:1
By A.W. Tozer3.8K15:54Wives and HusbandsMAT 22:37ROM 12:181CO 1:181TI 2:4HEB 10:252PE 3:9JUD 1:22In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preserving truth while showing love to both friends and enemies. He urges believers to build themselves up in their faith by reading the Bible, memorizing scripture, and seeking to know God personally. The preacher highlights the mercy of Jesus Christ, both on the cross and in receiving sinners, and encourages Christians to show compassion and fear in their efforts to bring others to Christ. He warns against false teachings and emphasizes the need to have a correct understanding of God and ourselves based on the study of the Bible.
(God and Man) Three Tenses of Salvation
By Zac Poonen2.7K1:08:38GEN 2:9GEN 2:17PRO 30:8ROM 6:14ROM 13:11HEB 8:102PE 3:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the influence of Satan in various aspects of the world, including entertainment, music, medicine, and education. He urges listeners not to be deceived by the devil and to stand as a light in this world. The speaker also highlights the importance of having knowledge of good and evil and making choices based on that knowledge. He encourages believers to be long-suffering with others, just as God is long-suffering with us. The sermon concludes with a prayer for radical change and a plea for individuals to live their lives seriously for God.
Eric Hutchings Preaching at Bingley Hall, Birmingham, Uk in 1960
By Eric Hutchings2.4K12:40MAT 10:32JHN 3:3JHN 3:16ROM 3:23ROM 10:92CO 5:172CO 5:21EPH 2:82PE 3:91JN 1:9
This sermon emphasizes the necessity of being born again to see or enter the kingdom of heaven, highlighting the radical change required in individuals to overcome sin and be spiritually renewed. It discusses the inherent sinful nature of humanity and the need for a transformation that only God can bring about through repentance, belief in Jesus Christ, and confession. The message underscores the love of God and the transformative power of the cross, inviting listeners to come forward, repent, believe, and confess Christ to receive eternal life and enter the kingdom of heaven.
From Simon to Peter #24 - the Holy Spirit and Peter's Speech
By J. Glyn Owen2.4K40:19Simon to PeterMAT 24:35ACT 2:172PE 3:9In this sermon, the speaker discusses the supernatural event of Pentecost and its significance. He emphasizes how Simon, also known as Peter, successfully explained the meaning of Pentecost to the people in a language they understood. The speaker highlights how Simon transformed from being a talker to becoming a preacher of the gospel, with the power of the Holy Spirit guiding him. The sermon emphasizes the fulfillment of God's promises throughout history, particularly in the coming of Jesus Christ and the mighty works of God displayed in the book of Acts.
What Love Is This? - Part 9
By Dave Hunt2.3K02:29GEN 25:23MAT 18:14JHN 3:16ACT 17:11ROM 5:8EPH 2:41TI 2:32PE 3:91JN 4:8
This sermon addresses the prophecy of 'The elder shall serve the younger,' focusing on Jacob and Esau and the nations descended from them. It delves into arguments against the Calvinist perspective, emphasizing the goal to prove God's love for all and the misrepresentation of God's character. The core message is about understanding God's love, kindness, and desire for all to be saved, urging believers to seek the truth and stand up for the true nature of God.
For God So Loved the World
By Carter Conlon1.9K51:31PSA 51:10ISA 1:18MAT 11:28LUK 15:7JHN 3:16ROM 10:9JAS 4:82PE 3:91JN 1:9REV 3:20This sermon emphasizes the profound love of God for the world, highlighting the need for individuals to bend their knee, confess their sins, and accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. It underscores the urgency of coming to the light of God, acknowledging sin, and experiencing the transformative power of God's love through repentance and surrender.
The Patience and Longsuffering of God
By John G. Reisinger1.9K47:46ROM 2:4ROM 9:18ROM 9:222PE 3:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the kindness and patience of God towards sinners. He uses the analogy of a person falling from a building, saying that sinners may think everything is fine, but it is only because of God's kindness. The preacher quotes Romans 2:4, highlighting that God's kindness leads to repentance. He warns against using God's kindness as an excuse for more sin and self-assurance, as it will lead to storing up wrath for the day of judgment. The preacher also emphasizes that God does not change and is slow to anger, contrasting with our own changing emotions. He concludes by praising God for His unchanging grace and urging listeners to preach and witness God as He truly is.
Depravity of Man
By Conrad Mbewe1.9K07:38PSA 51:10EZK 36:26JHN 6:44ACT 17:30ROM 10:171CO 1:182CO 5:17EPH 2:82PE 3:9
This sermon emphasizes the fallen nature of humanity and the need for repentance in the face of God's demands. It highlights the importance of preaching repentance to those in rebellion, acknowledging that only through the grace of God can hearts be changed and souls be saved. The message conveys hope in God's ability to transform lives through the gospel, bringing sinners to genuine repentance and worship of Him.
From Sorrow to Continual Praise
By Carter Conlon1.9K36:43SorrowMAT 6:33LUK 24:26ACT 1:92PE 3:9In this sermon, the preacher discusses the journey from sorrow to continual praise. He emphasizes that walking with Christ may involve suffering, but there is a fellowship with God that cannot be taken away. The preacher highlights the message of the gospel, which is about repentance and forgiveness of sins through Christ. He also mentions the power promised to those who proclaim the gospel, assuring that God will be their strength and guide. The sermon concludes with the preacher urging the audience to seek a deeper understanding and to gather together with others who share their faith.
The Election of Grace
By E.W. Johnson1.8K48:50ElectionJHN 2:23JHN 3:161PE 1:11PE 1:132PE 1:12PE 3:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the Glorious Gospel in establishing the kingdom of mercy. He explains that God became man through the Virgin Mary to fulfill His purpose of sacrificing Himself on the cross for the forgiveness of sins. The preacher highlights the necessity of being born again in order to understand and receive this mercy. He also emphasizes the significance of God's regenerating grace in enabling repentance and a genuine sorrow for sin. The sermon concludes by referencing Peter's second epistle, which warns of scoffers questioning the fulfillment of God's promises.
(Through the Bible) 2 Peter 1-3
By Chuck Smith1.7K1:21:272PE 1:22PE 1:82PE 1:112PE 2:152PE 2:172PE 3:92PE 3:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of studying and understanding the word of God. They argue that the power of the gospel can be seen in the transformed lives of believers. The speaker encourages the audience to study the book of First John, promising that it will bring fascinating changes to their lives. They also urge the audience to grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, and to be freed from the corruption of the world. The speaker warns that sin can numb our conscience and make us blind to our spiritual condition, emphasizing the responsibility that comes with knowledge of God's will.
Patience of God
By J. Glyn Owen1.6K47:32PatienceRepentanceGod's PatienceEXO 34:6PSA 86:15LAM 3:22EZK 18:32MAT 11:28ROM 2:42CO 5:201TI 1:16JAS 5:72PE 3:9J. Glyn Owen emphasizes the profound patience of God, illustrating how it is a reflection of His goodness and kindness towards humanity. He explains that God's patience serves as a temporary truce, allowing individuals the opportunity to repent rather than face immediate judgment. Owen highlights that this divine patience is often misunderstood, leading some to take it for granted, while others may see it as an invitation to continue in sin. Ultimately, he calls for a recognition of God's patience as a means to lead us toward repentance and a deeper relationship with Him. The sermon concludes with a plea for individuals to respond to God's kindness before the time of grace comes to an end.
'Son, Remember' Preached in 1879 Reading of d.l. Moody by Robert Wurtz
By Robert Wurtz II1.6K14:37PRO 27:1PRO 29:1MAT 25:13LUK 12:202CO 6:2HEB 3:15JAS 4:142PE 3:9REV 3:20
This sermon recounts a powerful story from Dwight L. Moody about a man who struggled with moral courage to publicly confess Christ, leading to tragic consequences due to procrastination and a hardened heart. It emphasizes the urgency of making a decision for Christ without delay, highlighting the danger of putting off salvation and the devastating outcome of rejecting God's offer of grace and forgiveness.
Mi Wa Ji Mo Win (Cree) the Gospel
By Fred Evans1.6K42:11GEN 3:21MAT 25:23LUK 13:3JHN 3:3ROM 3:232CO 5:212PE 3:9
This sermon reflects on the story of Adam and Eve's fall from grace in the Garden of Eden, highlighting the consequences of sin, the need for personal responsibility, and the hope of redemption through the promised seed. It draws parallels to Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, emphasizing the importance of accepting Jesus' righteousness for salvation. The sermon concludes with a powerful message of warning and the invitation to repent and accept Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Handling Criticism
By Neil T. Anderson1.6K1:01:44CriticismPSA 119:51PRO 9:10ROM 5:192PE 3:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of avoiding isolation in our spiritual journey. He warns that getting isolated and not being accountable to others can lead to trouble. He then introduces four key words: authority, accountability, affirmation, and acceptance, which he believes should be prioritized in our lives. The speaker encourages the audience to be true to themselves and not let others determine their identity. He concludes by highlighting the significance of love as the ultimate goal of Christian education.
(1 Timothy) Guard What Was Committed to Your Trust
By Brian Brodersen1.4K58:57JER 9:23JHN 13:351TI 6:101TI 6:151TI 6:202PE 3:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of staying focused on the things of the Spirit and not being led astray. He warns against the temptation to get caught up in intellectualism and philosophy, which can distract from the simplicity of the gospel message. The speaker also highlights the need for believers to be salt and light in the world, influencing various spheres of society with their faith. The primary goal for Christians is to spread the love, truth, and grace of Jesus Christ and to see people come into the kingdom of God.
Christ's Very Own - Part 5
By Ian Paisley1.4K05:40PSA 51:7ISA 53:6JHN 8:36JHN 20:27ACT 2:21ROM 5:82CO 5:17HEB 10:222PE 3:91JN 1:9
This sermon focuses on the profound sacrifice and love of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the importance of believing in Him and accepting His redemption. It highlights the gravity of sin, the atonement made by Jesus on the cross, and the urgency of turning to Him for salvation before facing the consequences of justice. The message calls for repentance, gratitude, and a deepening commitment to living in holiness and fear of God.
Jonah #4: How God Makes Us Into a Sign
By Ed Miller1.4K1:05:21JON 1:12JON 3:1JON 4:11MAT 6:33ACT 17:302PE 3:9In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jonah and how God turned him into a sign. Jonah initially resisted God's commission to go to Nineveh and fled from His presence. However, God pursued Jonah and brought him to a point where he was willing to sacrifice his life for the sake of others. In chapter 3, Jonah finally obeys God's command and goes to Nineveh to proclaim a message of impending destruction. Surprisingly, the people of Nineveh believed in God, repented, and turned to Him, possibly because they had heard of Jonah's miraculous survival in the belly of a sea monster.
(Clip) a Hell for None
By Shane Idleman1.3K11:38DEU 5:29MAT 6:24JHN 3:162PE 3:9
This sermon delves into the dangers of idolatry and addiction, drawing parallels between the destructive nature of addiction and how idolatry can lead individuals astray. It emphasizes the importance of addressing the reality of eternity, highlighting the consequences of following false gods and the need to choose to obey God. The sermon stresses the significance of sharing the truth about heaven and hell, even if it may be uncomfortable, as a reflection of God's love and desire for repentance.
The Resurrection & the Believer
By Charles E. Fuller1.3K50:00Resurrection1CO 9:27EPH 5:112PE 3:9In this sermon transcript, the preacher begins by expressing gratitude for the support that allows them to spread the good news through radio broadcasts. The congregation is encouraged to sing a hymn for those going through difficult times. The preacher then acknowledges the joy of being able to understand and connect with the message without translation. The sermon includes references to hymns and the importance of faithfulness and salvation through Jesus Christ. The preacher also mentions receiving letters from listeners and asks for prayers for those in hospitals and on the battlefields.
Joshua Miktarian Funeral - Part 3
By Jason Robinson1.3K05:02PSA 9:17JHN 3:16ACT 4:12ROM 10:9EPH 2:8HEB 11:1JAS 2:172PE 3:9REV 21:8
This sermon emphasizes the consequences of sin and the necessity for punishment due to God's holiness. It delves into the concept of hell as a place of eternal separation from God for those who reject Him. However, it also presents the hope of salvation through Jesus Christ, who paid the penalty for sin on the cross, offering a way to bridge the gap between humanity and God through faith and repentance.
Skyland Conference 1979-01 Elisha
By Robert Constable1.2K40:51Elisha2PE 3:9In this sermon, the preacher discusses the different responses people have to the call to serve the Lord. He emphasizes that although serving God may come with challenges and unpopularity, it is important to respond with joy and enter into the purpose God has for us. The preacher uses the examples of Elijah and Elisha to illustrate this point, highlighting their willingness to stand up and speak for God despite the opposition they faced. The sermon also mentions the call of Ezekiel, who initially resisted God's call but eventually accepted it. The preacher encourages the audience to aspire to be like these faithful servants of God and to respond to God's call with joy and dedication.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The Lord is not slack - They probably in their mocking said, "Either God had made no such promise to judge the world, destroy the earth, and send ungodly men to perdition; or if he had, he had forgotten to fulfill it, or had not convenient time or leisure." To some such mocking the apostle seems to refer: and he immediately shows the reason why deserved punishment is not inflicted on a guilty world. But is long-suffering - It is not slackness, remissness, nor want of due displacence at sin, that induced God to prolong the respite of ungodly men; but his long-suffering, his unwillingness that any should perish: and therefore he spared them, that they might have additional offers of grace, and be led to repentance - to deplore their sins, implore God's mercy, and find redemption through the blood of the Lamb. As God is not willing that any should perish, and as he is willing that all should come to repentance, consequently he has never devised nor decreed the damnation of any man, nor has he rendered it impossible for any soul to be saved, either by necessitating him to do evil, that he might die for it, or refusing him the means of recovery, without which he could not be saved.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
slack--slow, tardy, late; exceeding the due time, as though that time were already come. Heb 10:37, "will not tarry." his promise--which the scoffers cavil at. Pe2 3:4, "Where is the promise?" It shall be surely fulfilled "according to His promise" (Pe2 3:13). some--the "scoffers." count--His promise to be the result of "slackness" (tardiness). long-suffering--waiting until the full number of those appointed to "salvation" (Pe2 3:15) shall be completed. to us-ward--The oldest manuscripts, Vulgate, Syriac, &c., read, "towards YOU." any--not desiring that any, yea, even that the scoffers, should perish, which would be the result if He did not give space for repentance. come--go and be received to repentance: the Greek implies there is room for their being received to repentance (compare Greek, Mar 2:2; Joh 8:37).
John Gill Bible Commentary
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise,.... The Syriac version reads in the plural, "his promises", any of his promises; though the words seem rather to regard the particular promise of Christ's coming, either to take vengeance on the Jewish nation, of which coming there was a promise made, and is often referred to by Christ, and his apostles; see Mar 9:1 Heb 10:37; and it now being upwards of thirty years since it was given out, some men began to charge God with slackness and dilatoriness; whereas the true reason of the delay of it was, that there might be time for the gathering in of his elect among them by his angels, or apostles and ministers, sent into the several parts of Judea, that so none of them might perish, but be brought to faith and repentance; and thus as the time of Christ's coming was prolonged more than was thought it would, so when the days of afflictions were come, they were shortened also for these elect's sake: or this promise regards the second coming of Christ, to judge the quick and dead at the last day, of which the former was a prelude, presage, and pledge; that Christ would come again, and appear a second time in person, was promised by himself, and often spoken of by his apostles; and many of the primitive Christians thought it would be very soon, and which might be occasioned by the hints that were given of his coming in the other sense. Now this being deferred longer than was expected, the scoffers or mockers take upon them to charge the Lord with slackness in the fulfilment of his promise: as some men count slackness; as if he had either changed his purpose, or had prolonged it beyond the appointed time, or was unmindful of his promise, and would never fulfil it; whereas he is in one mind, and none can turn him, nor will he delay the fulfilment of his promise beyond the set time; he has fixed a day for his coming, in which he will judge the world in righteousness, and he will keep it: he is not dilatory, but is longsuffering to us-ward: not to all the individuals of human nature, for the persons intended by us are manifestly distinguished from "some men" in the text, and from scoffers, mocking at the promise of Christ's coming, in the context, Pe2 3:3; and are expressly called beloved, Pe2 3:1; and God's longsuffering towards them is their salvation, Pe2 3:15, nor is it true of all men, that God is not willing that any of them should perish, and that everyone of them should come to repentance, since many of them do perish in their sins, and do not come to repentance, which would not be the case, if his determining will was otherwise; besides, a society or company of men are designed, to which the apostle himself belonged, and of which he was a part; and who are described, in his epistles, as the elect of God, called out of darkness, into marvellous light, and having obtained like precious faith with the apostles; and must be understood either of God's elect among the Jews, for Peter was a Jew, and they were Jews he wrote to; and then the sense is, that the delay of Christ's coming is not owing to any slackness in him, but to his longsuffering to his elect among the Jews, being unwilling that any of that number among them should perish, but that all of them repent of their sins, and believe in him; and therefore he waits till their conversion is over, when a nation shall be born at once, and they that have pierced him look on him and mourn, and so all Israel shall be saved; or rather of the elect in general, whether among Jews or Gentiles, upon whom the Lord waits to be gracious, and whose longsuffering issues in their conversion and salvation. And upon account of these the Lord stays his coming till their number is complete in the effectual calling; and for their sakes he is longsuffering to others, and bears with a wicked world, with the idolatry, superstition, heresy, profaneness, and impiety, with which it abounds; but when the last man that belongs to that number is called, he will quickly descend in flames of fire, and burn the world, and the wicked in it, and take his chosen ones to himself. The Alexandrian copy reads, "for you", or your sakes; and so the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Ethiopic versions. A passage somewhat like to this is met with in a book of the Jews (f), esteemed by them very ancient. "God prolongs or defers his anger with men; and one day, which is a thousand years, is fixed, besides the seventy years he delivered to David the king.--And he does not judge man by his evil works which he continually does, for if so, the world would not stand; but the holy blessed God defers his anger with the righteous, and the wicked, that they may return, by perfect repentance, and be established in this world, and in the world to come.'' And it is an observation of theirs (g), that when God is said to be "longsuffering", it is not written , but , intimating, that he is longsuffering both to the righteous and the wicked; but then he bears with the latter, for the sake of the former: compare with this passage Rev 6:9; not willing that any should perish; not any of the us, whom he has loved with an everlasting love, whom he has chosen in his Son, and given to him, and for whom he has died, and who are brought to believe in him. These, though they were lost in Adam, did not perish; and though in their own apprehensions, when awakened and convinced, are ready to perish; and though their peace, joy, and comfort, may perish for a while, and they may fear a final and total perishing; yet they shall never perish as others do, or be punished with everlasting destruction: and that this is the will of God, appears by his choice of them to salvation; by the provisions of grace for them in an everlasting covenant; by the security of their persons in the hands of Christ; by sending his Son to obtain salvation for them, and his Spirit to apply it to them; and by his keeping them by his power, through faith, unto salvation. But that all should come to repentance; not legal, but evangelical, without which all must perish; and which all God's elect stand in need of, as well as others, being equally sinners; and which they cannot come to of themselves, and therefore he not only calls them to it, in his word, and by his spirit and grace, but bestows it upon them; he has exalted Christ at his own right hand, to give it to them; and repentance is a grant from him, a free gift of his grace; and the Spirit is sent down into their hearts to work it in them, to take away the stony heart, and give an heart of flesh; without which, whatever time and space may be given, or means afforded, even the most awful judgments, the greatest mercies, and the most powerful ministry, will be of no avail. (f) Zohar in Gen. fol. 83. 3. (g) T. Hieros, Taanioth, fol. 65. 2. T. Bab. Bava Kama, fol. 50. 2.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
We are here told that the Lord is not slack - he does not delay beyond the appointed time; as God kept the time that he had appointed for the delivering of Israel out of Egypt, to a day (Exo 12:41), so he will keep to the time appointed in coming to judge the world. What a difference is there between the account which God makes and that which men make! Good men are apt to think God stays beyond the appointed time, that is, the time which they have set for their own and the church's deliverance; but they set one time and God sets another, and he will not fail to keep the day which he has appointed. Ungodly men dare charge a culpable slackness upon God, as if he had slipped the time, and laid aside the thoughts of coming. But the apostle assures us, I. That what men count slackness is truly long-suffering, and that to us-ward; it is giving more time to his own people, whom he has chosen before the foundation of the world, many of whom are not as yet converted; and those who are in a state of grace and favour with God are to advance in knowledge and holiness, and in the exercise of faith and patience, to abound in good works, doing and suffering what they are called to, that they may bring glory to God, and improve in a meetness for heaven; for God is not willing that any of these should perish, but that all of them should come to repentance. Here observe, 1. Repentance is absolutely necessary in order to salvation. Except we repent, we shall perish, Luk 13:3, Luk 13:5. 2. God has no delight in the death of sinners: as the punishment of sinners is a torment to his creatures, a merciful God does not take pleasure in it; and though the principal design of God in his long-suffering is the blessedness of those whom he has chosen to salvation, through sanctification of the spirit, and belief of the truth, yet his goodness and forbearance do in their own nature invite and call to repentance all those to whom they are exercised; and, if men continue impenitent when God gives them space to repent, he will deal more severely with them, though the great reason why he did not hasten his coming was because he had not accomplished the number of his elect. "Abuse not therefore the patience and long-suffering of God, by abandoning yourselves to a course of ungodliness; presume not to go on boldly in the way of sinners, nor to sit down securely in an unconverted impenitent state, as he who said (Mat 24:48), My Lord delayeth his coming, lest he come and surprise you;" for, II. The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, Pe2 3:10. Here we may observe, 1. The certainty of the day of the Lord: though it is now above sixteen hundred years since this epistle was written, and the day has not yet come, it assuredly will come. God has appointed a day wherein he will judge the world in righteousness, and he will keep his appointment. It is appointed to men once to die, and after this the judgment, Heb 9:27. "Settle it therefore in your hearts that the day of the Lord will certainly come, and you shall certainly be called to give an account of all things done in the body, whether good or evil; and let your exact walking before God, and your frequent judging yourselves, evidence your firm belief of a future judgment, when many live as if they were never to give any account at all." 2. The suddenness of this day: It will come as a thief in the night, at a time when men are sleeping and secure, and have no manner of apprehension or expectation of the day of the Lord, any more than men have of a thief when they are in a deep sleep, in the dark and silent night. At midnight there was a cry, Behold, the bridegroom comes, (Mat 25:6), and at that time not only the foolish, but also the wise virgins slumbered and slept. The Lord will come in a day when we look not for him, and an hour when men are not aware. The time which men think to be the most improper and unlikely, and when therefore they are most secure, will be the time of the Lord's coming. Let us then beware how we in our thoughts and imaginations put that day far away from us; but rather suppose it to be so much nearer in reality, by how much further off it is in the opinion of the ungodly world. 3. The solemnity of this coming. (1.) The heavens shall pass away with a great noise. The visible heavens, as unable to abide when the Lord shall come in his glory, shall pass away; they shall undergo a mighty alteration, and this shall be very sudden, and with such a noise as the breaking and tumbling down of so great a fabric must necessarily occasion. (2.) The elements shall melt with fervent heat. At this coming of the Lord it shall not only be very tempestuous round about him, so that the very heavens shall pass away as in a mighty violent storm, but a fire shall go before him, that shall melt the elements of which the creatures are composed. (3.) The earth also, and all the works that are therein, shall be burnt up. The earth, and its inhabitants, and all the works that are therein, shall be burnt up. The earth, and its inhabitants, and all the works, whether of nature or art, shall be destroyed. The stately palaces and gardens, and all the desirable things wherein worldly-minded men seek and place their happiness, all of them shall be burnt up; all sorts of creatures which God has made, and all the works of men, must submit, all must pass through the fire, which shall be a consuming fire to all that sin has brought into the world, though it may be a refining fire to the works of God's hand, that the glass of the creation being made much brighter the saints may much better discern the glory of the Lord therein. And now who can but observe what a difference there will be between the first coming of Christ and the second! Yet that is called the great and dreadful day of the Lord, Mal 4:5. How much more dreadful must this coming to judgment be! May we be so wise as to prepare for it, that it may not be a day of vengeance and destruction unto us. O! what will become of us, if we set our affections on this earth, and make it our portion, seeing all these things shall be burnt up? Look out therefore, and make sure of a happiness beyond this visible world, which must all be melted down.