We Must Strive to Be Found by Him
“So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.” 2 Peter 3:14
Introduction
A. Context of the Apostolic Warning In the third chapter of his second epistle, the Apostle Peter directs our gaze toward the horizon of eternity. He speaks of the "Day of the Lord"—a day that will arrive with the suddenness of a thief in the night (2 Peter 3:10). He describes a cosmic transformation where the current heavens and earth will pass away to make room for a "new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells" (3:13).
In light of this prophetic reality, Peter moves from doctrine to practice. He begins verse 14 with the phrase, "Therefore, beloved..." This is a call to action. It is not enough to simply understand the timeline of the end times; we must live in a state of constant readiness.
B. Three Essential Qualities If we desire to participate in that new creation, we must strive with "all diligence" to be found by Him in a specific spiritual state. The word "strive" (or "procurad") in the original Greek implies an earnest effort, a disciplined pursuit, and a sense of urgency. We are called to be found:
1. Without Spot
2. Blameless
3. At Peace
I. We Must Be Found Without Spot
A. The Definition of Purity To be "without spot" means to be uncontaminated by the moral decay of this age. In a biblical sense, it refers to a garment that is white, clean, and free from the stains of sin or worldly corruption. God desires a people who are spiritually "unblemished."
B. God’s Eternal Purpose Holiness is not an afterthought; it is the reason for our calling.
• Ephesians 1:4: We were chosen in Him before the creation of the world to be "holy and blameless (without spot) in his sight."
• Colossians 1:22: Christ died to present us "holy in his sight, without blemish."
• Ephesians 5:27: Christ’s ultimate goal is to present the Church to Himself as a radiant bride, "without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish."
C. Living Untouched by the World The world is a reservoir of spiritual pollution. James 1:27 tells us that true religion involves keeping oneself "from being polluted by the world." * If we imitate the world's language, its entertainment, and its values, we become "spotted."
• Revelation 21:27 warns that nothing impure will ever enter the New Jerusalem. Purity is the "dress code" for eternity (Jude 24; Revelation 14:5).
Application: Purity is not an optional suggestion; it is a prerequisite to seeing the Lord in His glory.
II. We Must Be Found Blameless
A. The Meaning of Integrity While "without spot" refers to our internal purity, being "blameless" (irreprensible) refers to our external reputation and integrity. It does not mean absolute sinless perfection, but rather a life of such transparency and sincerity that no valid accusation can be brought against us.
B. Biblical Examples of Integrity
• Zechariah and Elizabeth: They were described as "righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly" (Luke 1:6).
• Daniel: His enemies searched for a flaw in his conduct but could find none, for he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent (Daniel 6:4).
• Jesus and Paul: Both were subjected to false trials, yet their accusers could find no real evidence of wrongdoing (Matthew 26:59–60; Acts 25:7).
C. How to Cultivate a Blameless Life We are called to discern what is best and to be "pure and blameless for the day of Christ" (Philippians 1:10).
• We must be "blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation" (Philippians 2:15).
• Our prayer should be that of the Apostle: that our whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:23).
Application: If the world were to investigate your private life and public dealings today, would they find a base for a valid accusation?
III. We Must Be Found at Peace
A. Peace with God The foundation of all peace is our legal standing before the Father. We cannot expect to meet Christ with joy if we are still at war with His Spirit. This peace begins with justification through faith (Romans 5:1).
B. Peace with One Another Peter's exhortation is not just vertical, but horizontal.
• Hebrews 12:14: "Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord."
• Romans 12:18: "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."
C. The Urgency of Reconciliation Imagine if the Day of the Lord arrived today and found you harboring a grudge, nursing bitterness, or fueling a division within the church.
• 1 Corinthians 7:15; 2 Corinthians 13:11: God has called us to live in peace.
• Conflict is a tool of the enemy to steal our reward. Our true enemy is never our brother; it is Satan. It is a tragedy to lose the joy of the Second Coming because we refused to forgive a debt.
Application: No earthly conflict is worth losing the kingdom of heaven over. Reconcile quickly, for the hour is late.
See Also
- Preaching on Hebrews 13:8 - The Unchanging Christ
- Preaching on Contentment: Finding Sufficiency in Christ
- Preaching on Consulation: The Presence of God in Our Affliction
Conclusion
The Apostle Peter reminds us that the return of Christ is not just a theological fact to be debated, but a moral reality to be prepared for. We must be "diligent"—it takes effort to stay clean in a dirty world, to remain blameless among the scoffers, and to stay at peace when we are wronged.
Let us examine our lives today. Are there "spots" we need the blood of Christ to wash away? Is there conduct that is reprehensible? Is there a lack of peace in our hearts or homes?
