The Patience of God
If God is just, why does He wait to act? Why does He allow evil to continue? Why does Christ delay His return? These are the questions Peter addresses in his second letter—and the same questions Dr. Rocky Ramsey answers in this sermon.
First, we see the rebellion of man: humanity’s morality shapes its theology, and its theology shapes its mentality. People doubt what God has said, what He’s done, and what He will do. This spiritual blindness leads to scoffing, rebellion, and unbelief.
But then, Peter reminds us of the patience of God. God is not slow—He’s merciful. His timing determines when He acts, and His purpose determines what He does. Jesus desires that all people be saved, died to make that salvation possible, and continues to wait so that more will repent and believe.
God’s patience is an act of grace. What looks like delay is actually compassion. As Dr. Rocky Ramsey reminds us, “God waits—not because He’s forgotten—but because He’s giving us time to turn to Him.”
“This is now, beloved, the second letter I am writing to you in which I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, that you should remember the words spoken beforehand by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior spoken by your apostles.
Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.” For when they maintain this, it escapes their notice that by the word of God the heavens existed long ago and the earth was formed out of water and by water, through which the world at that time was destroyed, being flooded with water. But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.
But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.”