What's the Delay? - 2 Peter 3:1-10

the Monday Main Line?

Don't be unsettled by the long wait for Christ's return. The words of false teachers are empty and meaningless, but God's word on the return of his son is utterly dependable. God's timing is not ours - he is graciously allowing time for more to repent - but his return is sure, so be ready.

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Picture the scene: the passengers have boarded the plane. The seats are filled—except for one row. Some passengers begin to mutter, “Why haven’t we left yet? Surely we should be moving by now!” Meanwhile, back in the terminal, onlookers scoff: “That plane isn’t going anywhere. You’ll see—they’ll take everyone off before long.”

But then, the unexpected happens. Instead of disembarking, a family of three rushes on board and takes the last row of seats. The doors close, and the captain receives clearance from air traffic control: “You are cleared for takeoff.”

That image captures something of Peter’s message in 2 Peter 3. There are scoffers who mock the idea of Christ’s return: “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised?” (v. 4). Believers themselves may feel the weight of the delay—has our faith been misplaced? But Peter reminds us that the authoritative word of God is not like the empty words of false teachers. When God speaks, it happens.

Peter gives two big encouragements here.

God’s Word Is Dependable

The false teachers doubt Christ’s return, but Peter reminds us of history. By God’s word, the heavens and earth were created. By that same word, the flood came in Noah’s day. Creation and judgment alike bear witness: when God speaks, His word is sure.

So if God has promised that Christ will return to judge the wicked and save His people, we can be certain it will happen. God’s word is not like ours—it is powerful, creative, and unshakable.

God’s Timing Is Patient

Still, why the delay? Peter gives two answers.

First, God’s relationship to time is not like ours: “With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day” (v. 8). What feels unbearably slow to us is but a blink in the eyes of the Eternal One.

Second, the delay is an act of grace. “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise … Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (v. 9). Every day that Christ has not yet returned is another day of mercy—a chance for more people to repent and believe, to “get on board” before the doors close.

Be Ready

But Peter also warns us: the day of the Lord will come suddenly, “like a thief” (v. 10). Jesus Himself used this picture (Matthew 24:43–44): you don’t know the hour, so stay ready. The right response to Christ’s promised return is not skepticism or apathy, but readiness—growing in grace, holding fast to His word, and helping others take their seat on the plane before takeoff.

The passengers on the plane weren’t waiting in vain. Neither are we. The delay is not neglect but kindness—more time for others to come to Christ. The authoritative voice has spoken: Jesus is coming back. Let’s be ready, and let’s invite others to join us before that great day arrives.

Talk Headings (2 Peter 3:1-10)

1. The False Teachers:

a) Doubting the Lord’s ’coming’

b) Deliberately forgetting the Lord’s Word

2. The Lord:

a) Dependable Word

b) Divine timing

c) Deliberate Delay

d) Definite Coming

You can watch the whole sermon below, read the full text, download the service sheet (with outline).