What practical steps help us prepare for the promised new creation? Setting Our Eyes on the Promise “ But in keeping with His promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.” — 2 Peter 3:13 The Holy Spirit, through Peter, makes it clear: a literal new heaven and new earth are coming. Because that future is certain, Scripture shows us how to live now. Cultivate a Hope-Filled Mindset • Remind yourself daily of God’s promise (Isaiah 65:17; Revelation 21:1). • Let this hope purify your thoughts: “Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (1 John 3:3). • Speak often of the coming kingdom with family and church friends; hope grows when shared. Pursue Personal Holiness Peter ties hope to holiness (2 Peter 3:11-12). • Examine habits; remove anything that dulls spiritual appetite (Hebrews 12:1). • Practice regular confession and repentance (1 John 1:9). • Choose media, relationships, and activities that align with “righteousness dwelling” in the new creation. Invest in Eternal Priorities • Use time, talents, and finances for kingdom purposes (Matthew 6:19-21). • Serve in your local church; every act of service echoes into eternity (1 Corinthians 15:58). • Support global missions so more people can join us in the new earth (Matthew 28:19-20). Grow in Grace and Knowledge Peter’s closing command: “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). Practical tools: – Daily Bible reading plan – Scripture memorization (Psalm 119:11) – Solid, Christ-exalting books and podcasts – Mid-week Bible study or small group for accountability Practice Anticipatory Righteousness • Let the standards of the future shape present conduct: honesty, justice, mercy (Micah 6:8). • Engage in acts of compassion—food drives, visiting the sick—as previews of the restored order (James 1:27). • Guard speech; cultivate words that reflect heavenly culture (Ephesians 4:29). Seek the Spirit’s Empowering • Depend on the Spirit for power to live differently (Galatians 5:16-25). • Pray for greater longing for Christ’s return (Revelation 22:20). • Ask the Spirit to expose hidden sins and produce visible fruit. Stay Watchful and Steadfast • Expect scoffers (2 Peter 3:3). Stand firm, knowing God’s timing is perfect (v. 9). • Meet regularly with believers who also “love His appearing” (Hebrews 10:24-25; 2 Timothy 4:8). • Keep short accounts with God; live so that Christ’s return would interrupt nothing needing repentance. Share the Hope Boldly • The promised new creation is missionary fuel (2 Peter 3:9). • Offer the gospel as the only entrance into the coming kingdom (John 14:6). • Live visibly different so questions arise about your hope (1 Peter 3:15). Steward Today’s Creation with Tomorrow in View • Care for the earth as God’s caretakers (Genesis 1:28), knowing He will renew what He first declared “very good.” • Live gratefully, not wastefully; creation care is a witness to the coming restoration (Romans 8:19-21). Look Forward with Joyful Expectation • Celebrate communion, a foretaste of the wedding supper of the Lamb (1 Corinthians 11:26). • Sing songs that point to eternity; worship tunes the heart to heaven. • Encourage one another: “The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near” (Romans 13:12). These steps—centered on hope, holiness, service, and witness—prepare us for the literal, righteous world that is on the horizon. Let the certainty of 2 Peter 3:13 shape every ordinary moment until faith becomes sight. |
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