Part 1
Considering current world circumstances, many Christians believe that the end times are near, or that we are living in them already. Matthew records Jesus saying that, “The Son and the angels do not know when it will be. Only the Father knows” (Matthew 24:36). Jesus then continues to teach that the end times will come like a thief, when we do not expect it. Peter uses the same tone and language in his second letter to alert readers to the coming return of the Lord. Peter reminds us what kind of people we ought to be and how we should live our lives as believers of God and followers of Jesus.
Read 2 Peter 3
Discuss
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- What are your initial emotions when you hear “the day of the Lord”? According to 2 Peter 3, what would that day look like?
- Read 2 Peter 3:11. How should we live life as suggested by Peter while waiting for the day of the Lord? Is there an aspect or domain in your life right now that makes it difficult to live this way? How can you overcome it?
- Read 2 Peter 3:12a. Jossy mentions that as believers, we need to be joyfully expectant of the day of the Lord. Why do some believers fear the day of the Lord’s coming?
- Read Matthew 24:14. When will the end time come according to Jesus? Does that mean we can hasten towards the end time? How?
- We can hasten to the end time by praying to God, giving of ourselves and towards the Kingdom work of preaching the Gospel, and going where we feel led by the Spirit. What practical step can you do to incorporate any of these into your life? If you have been doing them diligently, how can they be improved?
Respond
We learn that God will not announce the exact day of His coming. Jesus teaches us that neither the Son nor the angels know about it. It is necessary for us as believers to be prepared, to live a life that is holy and godly, and to tell and show the people around us the Good News of the Kingdom. Is there someone within your reach (whether it is literally or figuratively) that you can start reading the Bible with? Pray for them and aim to reach out to them this week. Next step and suggestion: If they are interested in reading the Bible with you, you could start by reading Mark together.
Part 2
In our current environment it can be tempting to think that we will need to put all missions on hold until our present circumstances change. However, it is now more than ever, that people around us need to hear of the hope that can only be found in Jesus. We must be willing to step out of our comfort zones and trust that Jesus is standing ahead, beckoning us to Himself. Any doubt and unbelief we hold can be wrapped up in simple obedience and submission to Jesus and His will and by taking a step onto the water in faith.
Read Matt 14:25-33
Discuss
- Read Matt: 14:25-33. How do you view this passage with the perspective of stepping out on mission in your community? What is the biggest challenge for you in this?
- “Let our doubts be wrapped up in our willing submission to God”. What might this look like in a practical way for you? What prevents us from taking our first step?
- Read V28. Jesus called Peter from the boat into the unknown of the waters. What is Jesus calling you to take a step of faith in at present? What is stopping you from doing this? What is your boat?
- Read V30. It was only when Peter took his eyes off Jesus that he began to sink. What does this say to you?
- How can we deal with the distractions that take our attention from what Jesus calls us to do?
- Read V31. What causes us to doubt in our mission? What can we do to overcome this?
Respond
We are all called to take a step of faith with Jesus in sharing our faith with others. What is a step that Jesus is calling you to take this week in relation to stepping out on mission? Commit to stepping out of the boat, knowing that Jesus is in the water with you.