2 Peter 3:11-18 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in all holy conversation and godliness,… I. THE CERTAINTY OF THE DISSOLUTION OF THE WORLD. That all these things shall be dissolved is a doctrine expressly delivered in Scripture, and by many impressive allusions brought home to the human heart. The day no sooner dawns and gains its meridian splendour than it begins to decline and ends in night. Spring no sooner introduces the bloom of summer than autumn assumes its reign, and then the devastations of winter desolate all the beauties of the year. Around us all things continually change, and life itself is ever passing away; grey hair and the faded look soon remind us that old age is at hand. Nothing is stable on earth. Cities, states, and empires have their period set. The labours of men perish; the monuments of art moulder into dust; even the works of nature wax old and decay. The world was created for the pleasure of God; and, when its destined course is fulfilled, He commands its destruction. He saw it meet that when the probationary course of the generations of men was finished, their present habitation should pass away. Of the seasonableness of that period He alone can judge. But amidst this great revolution of nature our comfort is that it is a revolution conducted by Him, the measures of whose government are all founded on goodness. Over the shock of the elements and the wreck of nature eternal wisdom presides. It is the day of the Lord, and from the terrors His faithful subjects shall have nothing to dread. II. THE SUDDEN AND UNEXPECTED COMING OF THIS GREAT EVENT. How miserable they whom it shall overtake in the midst of dark conspiracies, criminal deeds, or profligate pleasures! III. THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE DISSOLUTION OF THE WORLD TO MAN. IV. THE INFLUENCE WHICH THE DISSOLUTION OF ALL THINGS OUGHT TO PRODUCE UPON OUR LIVES. It ought to produce a seriousness of thought, at all times, upon the mind. (D. Malcolm, LL. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, |
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