DON’T LOSE EVERYTHING–HOW TO FLEE THE RISK OF ETERNAL LOSS

We could summarize what Peter wrote by saying that he was exhorting his loved ones on how to rescue their treasures from the floods and fires. But as we look at 2 Peter 3:10-18, the lessons are far broader than just those early believers.

These lessons are for us, and maybe even more so, in the world where we find ourselves today! Lesson one from Peter is:

Beware of Materialism v. 10-11

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.11 Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,

First of all, as we look back at the words of v. 10-11, let me ask you: What is materialism? Materialism at the deepest level is: Living for things. Notice Peter’s reminder in v. 11: “all these things will be dissolved”. Everything that can burn up is what we are NOT to live for.

We must not find our joy in things, our satisfaction in things, our hope in things. That is materialism.

God describes materialism in His Word as covetousness, greed, and possessiveness.

Greed is an attitude that gets demonstrated in both an action: POSSESSIVENESS (selfishness with what we have); and an attitude: COVETOUSNESS (longing for what we don’t have).

Let me emphasize that covetousness or coveting is an internal “longing” for what we don’t have. Look back at how Paul equated materialism with idolatry in Colossians 3:5 (NKJV):

Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

As believers, our flesh is still hard-wired to be covetous.

Longing for Things is Idolatry

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