How can we "hasten the coming" of the day of God today? Living with a sense of urgency “Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to conduct yourselves in holiness and godliness as you anticipate and hasten the coming of the day of God, when the heavens will be destroyed by fire and the elements will melt in the heat.” (2 Peter 3:11-12) What “hasten” means • The Greek word speudō conveys speed, eager desire, and active effort. • God has fixed the day (Acts 17:31), yet He invites His people to cooperate with His timetable (Matthew 24:14). • The church’s obedience does not override God’s sovereignty; it fulfills His ordained means. Ways believers hasten the day 1. Pursue holy and godly living • 1 Peter 1:15-16: “Be holy, for I am holy.” • Hebrews 12:14 links holiness with readiness to see the Lord. • Daily repentance, pure speech, and integrity showcase the coming kingdom. 2. Spread the gospel to every nation • Matthew 24:14: global proclamation precedes the end. • Romans 10:14-15 underscores sending, preaching, and believing. • Support missionaries, share Christ personally, and use resources to reach unreached people groups. 3. Intercede for the outpouring of God’s Spirit • Revelation 22:20: “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” • Matthew 6:10: “Your kingdom come” is a continual plea. • Persistent prayer aligns the church with heaven’s agenda and invites accelerated fulfillment. 4. Seek Israel’s salvation and restoration • Romans 11:25-26 anticipates “all Israel” being saved before the full consummation. • Pray for Jewish people to recognize Messiah and for peace in Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6). 5. Build up the church in unity and purity • Ephesians 4:11-13 aims for a mature, unified body “attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” • John 17:21 connects visible unity with worldwide belief in Jesus. • Serve, forgive, and steward gifts so the church displays a foretaste of the coming age. 6. Practice justice, mercy, and compassion • Micah 6:8 and Isaiah 58 show that righteous deeds reflect kingdom values. • Tangible love points neighbors to the King who is returning (Matthew 5:16). 7. Live with joyful expectancy • Titus 2:13 calls the blessed hope “the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” • Hebrews 10:25 urges believers to encourage one another “all the more as you see the Day approaching.” • Cultivate longing through regular meditation on prophetic promises (Revelation 21–22). Putting it into practice today • Begin each day with deliberate consecration to holiness. • Share your testimony and the gospel at every Spirit-given opportunity. • Devote time weekly to corporate and personal prayer for Christ’s return. • Invest in missions through finances, encouragement, and short-term trips. • Stand with the Jewish people in love and proclamation of Messiah. • Engage in acts of justice and mercy in your community. • Encourage fellow believers with the certainty of the Lord’s appearing. Heart posture that hastens Believers hasten the day when they live as citizens of the coming kingdom, actively advancing the gospel, praying “Come,” and embodying holiness. Each obedient step echoes Peter’s call and speeds the dawn of the new heavens and new earth “where righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13). |
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