2 Peter 3:1-9; 1 Peter 5:8

Introduction:

1. With our primary purpose in view, how are we to properly await Christ’s return?

2. Today we consider the necessity of maintaining the focus of our minds as we wait.

Discussion:

I. The Call to Mindfulness

A. Mindfulness: the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something (Oxford Languages); Gr. mnaomai: fixture in the mind (Strong; 2 Peter 3:2); think mnemonic.

B. Consider a sampling of the passages calling for mindfulness among believers.

1. Part of the greatest command is loving the Lord God with all our mind (Matthew 22:37).

2. The Colossians were to set their minds (be mindful of) on things above (Colossians 3:1-2).

3. Peter pressed his readers to be mindful while awaiting vindication (2 Peter 3:1-9).

4. Christianity hinges on the renewal of the mind (Romans 12:1-2; Ephesians 4:20-24).

II. The Call to Watchfulness

A. As always, the subject matter of this mindfulness is not trivial or simply theoretical.

B. Having the right thoughts in mind positions us to be watchful of danger.

1. Jesus often called for watchfulness (Matthew 16:6; 25:13; 26:41; Luke 12:37; 21:34-36).

2. The apostles made many similar pleas to their readers (Romans 16:17; Galatians 6:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:6; 1 Timothy 4:16; 1 Peter 5:8; 2 John 8; Revelation 3:2; 16:15).

III. What’s At Stake

A. As with any call to action, it is necessary to lay out the stakes clearly.

B. Not minding/watching the things of God puts us in grave danger.

1. Jesus rebuked Peter for not being mindful of the things of God (Matthew 16:21-23).

2. The Gentile’s were not mindful of God and became debased (Romans 1:28ff).

3. Having the mind set on the flesh or the Spirit is life and death (Romans 8:5-7).

4. Those caught unaware at the end will suffer destruction (1 Thessalonians 5:1-3; 2 Peter 3:10).

Conclusion:

1. Our adversary never stops looking for victims (1 Peter 5:8), so we must keep our guard up.

2. Thankfully, we do not face this threat alone (Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5-6).

3. May we abandon meaningless distractions and be mindful and watchful of His things.

Further Food for Thought

1. How often do you get caught snoozing by the adversary?

2. What are some ways you go about overcoming this tendency?

3. What can we do to help each other stay mindful and watchful of the things of God?