One of my favorite verses is
found in 2 Peter 3:9 (see below. It
emphasizes how much God cares about ALL people, not just those who look, think,
act, or believe like I do. As I dug a
little deeper into this, I found a treasure trove of verses that resoundingly
make the point – GOD IS IN THE SAVING BUSINESS
2 Peter 3:9(b) - He is patient with you, not wanting
anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
Things to think about:
· Let’s lay out
the evidence first and then we will look at our response to how we should
behave in light of God’s love for all of mankind.
o
1 Timothy 2:3-4 - This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who
wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the
truth.
o
2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as
some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting
anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
o
Ezekiel 18:23 - Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked?
declares the Sovereign Lord. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn
from their ways and live?
o
John 3:16-17 - For God so loved the world that He gave His
one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but
have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn
the world, but to save the world through Him.
o
1 Timothy 1:15 - Here is a trustworthy
saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to
save sinners—of whom I am the worst.
§ No matter
who, no matter what
· Our response
to so great a love?
o
Pray, Model, Minister, Share
§ Pray - Romans
10:1 - Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the
Israelites is that they may be saved.
§ Model –
Matthew 13:16 - In the same way, let your light shine before others, that
they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
§ Minister –
James 2:14-17 - What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to
have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose
a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If
one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does
nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In
the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
§ Share – 1 Peter
3:15 - Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to
give the reason for the hope that you have.
· How would you
make the case that God is in the saving business?
o
What can you do today to help God achieve His objective of none
perishing but all come to repentance?
