Since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live, looking forward to the day of God and hurrying it along. On that day, he will set the heavens on fire, and the elements will melt away in the flames. But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness.

And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight.

2 Peter 3:11-14

The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.
2 Peter 3:9

• In 2 Peter 3, we established the two great truths: the patience of God (His delay is for salvation) and the certainty of judgment (this world will be destroyed by fire).
• The necessary conclusion to this theology is found in verses 11 and 14. If the world is temporary and the New Heaven and New Earth are permanent, then our conduct must reflect our future home.
• This final section addresses the mandate: How should we then live? The answer is holiness and godliness.
• The destruction of the present cosmos makes the pursuit of earthly things futile and the pursuit of holiness logical.
• Paul starts with the certainty established in the previous verses: "Since everything will be destroyed in this way..." 
• Since the current system—with its empires, material wealth, media, and temporary comforts—is dissolving, it is illogical and foolish to invest our time and heart in it.
• The Question: "...what kind of people ought you to be?" 
• This is a rhetorical question that demands a single answer: If all the world's values are burning up, only things related to eternity matter.
• "You ought to live holy and godly lives."
• Holiness (hagiōsynē): Primarily refers to inward and private purity—being set apart from the world's sin. It is the sanctification of our thoughts, motives, and actions when no one is watching.
• Godliness (eusebeia): Refers to outward piety and reverence—a devout conduct that honors God in our public dealings, service, and speech.
• The knowledge of the end is the ultimate motivator for sanctification. We pursue holiness because we are citizens of a Kingdom whose foundation is righteousness (2 Peter 3:13).
• Peter moves from general character to specific action and attitude required for Christ's return.
• The Motivation: Our certainty of the New Heaven and New Earth (2 Peter 3:13) is the fuel. We do not clean up our lives out of fear of hell (though that is a motivator), but out of eager hope for Christ's presence.
• The Action (Active Effort): Sanctification is not passive. The phrase implies zealous, intentional action. Just as Paul ran the race, we must strive to be ready.
• The goal of this effort is how we are to be found by Christ when He returns:
• Spotless: Without moral stain or defect. This refers to the cleansing of active, known sins.
• Blameless: Without reproach or accusation. This refers to purity in our outward conduct and reputation.
• At Peace (with Him): This refers to the assurance of our salvation and reconciliation. The zealous effort to live holy lives confirms that we are truly saved and are living in harmony with God's will.
• Our eschatology directly impacts our ethics. A clear vision of Christ's certain return and the eternal new creation inspires us to live with urgency, zeal, and moral purity.

The truth of 2 Peter 3 is that the patience of God today demands our repentance today, and the certainty of the future demands our holiness today.

We are called to live as resident aliens who have no lasting citizenship in this age, focusing all our efforts on the eternal Kingdom that is surely coming.

Considering that Christ could return at any moment, is the way we use our time, spend our money, and consume our media consistent with the "holy and godly life" mandated for one who is eagerly awaiting a spotless, blameless, and peaceful meeting with the returning Savior?