IF YOU KNEW OF YOUR SOON-COMING DEATH, WHAT AFFECT WOULD IT HAVE ON YOU? WHAT PLANS WOULD YOU MAKE?

1. Peter knew how important the influence of his life had been on the church, & yours too!
2. He did not want the particular truths entrusted in his care to vanish when he left earth
3. No man has a right to waste his life and influence--we mock the Pharaohs for Pyramids- trying to preserve physical bodies- but we often do just opposite- waste life itself

I.- PETER HAD A DEATH WISH - TO BE FAITHFUL v. 12

If we knew we were going to die what would you want to do before you died? Shows your measure

A.- PETER WROTE "WHEREFORE I WOULD NOT BE NEGLIGENT" He wanted to be faithful to Christ! 12a

1. During his life he was unfaithful many times- one moment praising the Lord, next betraying
2. His impulsiveness reached its worst when a servant Girl got him to betray the Lord- 4 Gospels
3. But now he wanted to be sure to neglect no opportunity, leave no stone unturned being faithful

B.- PETER WANTED TO PUT THE BRETHREN IN REMEMBRANCE OF "THESE THINGS" (PAST TRUTHS) 12b

1. The great doctrines taught in II Peter are indeed- "Precious" and he gives a great survey
2. But just what "things" does he want to remind them of? (cf. v.15 too) just look at 1st 11 verses
3. He has been writing about eternal life in Christ, God's gifts, and our responsibility-3-8

C.- PETER WANTED TO ESTABLISH THE BRETHREN IN THE "PRESENT TRUTH". 12c

1. Here is a real suggestive phrase- "Present Truth" - a special truth for this particular moment
2. Every age has its particular danger, -temptation, & special truth to combat Satanic forces then
3. Are you established enough to stand fast today? -open immorality, rioting, rebellion?

Peter wanted to be faithful- and to train people to remain faithful after he left! 

II.- PETER HAD A PRE-KNOWLEDGE OF HIS DEATH v. 13,14

A tremendous number of people seem to have precognition of their death - often tell others of it

A.- PETER FELT IT HIS SOLEMN DUTY TO BE FAITHFUL TO THE LORD AS LONG AS HE LIVED - NO RETIREMENT!

1. I think it meet this means he felt something as a solemn duty- do you feel any duty?
2. Tabernacle- a strange expression for life in this body- a frail tent built to be moved easily
3. While alive he wanted to "Stir up" people meaning to awaken-, a lot of work to arouse, & keep awake

B.- PETER KNEW HIS DEATH WOULD COME SHORTLY, AND HE WAS MAKING PROVISION FOR IT! v. 14

1. This is the way faith looks at death- "put off" means to take off body like clothes-
2. Paul also knew of his departure-II Tim 4:6,7- and he had made plans by being faithful-
3. I can guarantee your death! You won't get off this earth without it! -even rapture changes old nature dies

C.- PETER HAD SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE OF HIS DEATH - "THE LORD JESUS CHRIST HATH SHOWED ME" - 14b

1. We do not know just how the Lord had showed him this- the Master has such power over disciples
2. It is appointed to man to die - then judgement! - so make provision now! Young or old-be ready.
3. I have insurance, a will, records, so as not to leave a mess: but what lasting remembrance?

We will be remembered for good or ill - you might not have precognition- so make sure
Each time you leave the house might be your last time so leave in a good mood!

III.- PETER HAD A DEATH PLAN ! v. 15

Peter was planning things so that the work would continue after he died  - have you so planned?

A.- HE ADDED TO WHAT HE HAD TOLD THEM- 'MOREOVER I WILL ENDEAVOR"- 15a

1. The word endeavor has reference to bending every effort, making every plan, contingency
2. You too had better make every effort to make provision for your departure -
3. The first thing you had better do is to accept Jesus Christ as your savior

B.- PETER HAD AN UNUSUAL WAY OF EXPRESSING HIS DEATH- "AFTER MY DEPARTURE" - v. 15b

1. The word Departure- is (exodus) - through the Red Sea- across Jordan, into promised land-
2. The Hebrew history is used here - the word tabernacle- & Exodus- God-given expressions
3. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord- but we all cross Jordan alone!

C.- HE WANTED TO ARRANGE FOR THE PEOPLE TO KEEP IN REMEMBRANCE WHAT HE HAD TAUGHT THEM: 15c

1. Some want you to remember their great works, their person, or some great monument-
2. But Peter wanted them to remember what he had taught them about the Lord- lasting influence-
3. From this an everlasting chain of broadening influence- a great host of souls remembering-

If you want your life to count for Christ-win men to Christ and teach them to do same- and instead of a pyramid- you will be like a mighty river- larger as it flows-

HAVE YOU MADE ANY DEFINITE PLANS, AND HAVE YOU WORKED AT MAKING A SMOOTH DEPARTURE FROM THIS EARTH?

1. No other 1st step but salvation!- no other way to enter heaven- miss this & be lost.
2. No greater influence that public baptism - church membership-
3. Give diligent training and faithfulness to do as Peter did!