Living Worthy of Christ

The text before us today begins, "Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness" (2 Peter 3:11). This refers to the verses right before this. Verse 7 says, "But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men." And verse 10 says, "But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up."

The Savior is returning to judge ungodly men and destroy this world by fire. There will be a new heaven and a new earth, where we, God's people, will spend eternity with Jesus. In light of this, Peter asks, "What manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness?" (v. 11b). A good question. Just how does this truth affect your life?

Oh, to be more like Christ! We must be ready for His return. Always waiting. Always watching. Always getting better prepared by becoming more like Him. Walking daily with Jesus and being like Him "in holy conduct and godliness" (v. 11b), is how you become prepared to meet Him. "Holy conduct" refers to external actions or behavior. "Godliness" refers to internal heart attitudes or reverence.

"What manner of persons ought you to be" (v. 11b), sounds a lot like a question, but it is rhetorical and expects no response. It is an exclamation of astonishment. It translates a Greek word that could be rendered, "how astonishingly excellent you ought to be." Because of the coming judgment, Peter admonished his readers to live in keeping with their Christian hope—allowing their expectation of Christ's imminent return to have an impact on their daily lifestyle.

Living in anticipation of the Second Coming, means living a life worthy of Christ. It means becoming more like Christ every day. It means living an outward life of holy behavior, based on an inward life of Christlike godliness. In this way, you will be ready for His return. Then, wait and watch. Keep an eye on the sky in anticipation of His glorious return. Amen.