A Reminder

Text: II Peter 1:12-15

Always ready to remind brethren of what they know - II Peter 1:12

Because it is possible for a Christian to fall away due to lacking the qualities listed earlier (II Peter 1:9), Peter wants to make sure Christians are reminded of the fact that they had been purified from sin and that Christ has chosen them. Knowing these things ought to spur Christians to greater action to make sure they hang on to what they have.

“School teachers will tell you that the most effective tool they use is simple repetition, giving the same instructions over and over again. In this way the child learns and then begins to apply that knowledge to the task at hand. It’s the same way for us. The principles and concepts given to us in the word of God are repeated throughout the Bible giving us not only instruction, but also warnings of the consequences of failing to apply that instruction! Why keep rehashing the same old things again and again? Because God desires that we not only learn, but learn and do” [Zeke Flores].

Thus, instruction involves repetition. Peter sought to constantly remind the brethren (II Peter 1:12-15). Now in case you didn’t get the message, he reminds us again (II Peter 3:1). Even the knowledgeable need reminders (Romans 15:14-15) because these reminders help keep us safe (Philippians 3:1).

Many people have pictures of people and events from their lives. They are there to remind them of important people and times. Putting them where you can see them often means you won’t easily forget. For the same reason, if we are going to remember God’s Word, we must see it often. We have to store it in our hearts (Psalms 119:11). And even though we know it and are established in the truth (I Peter 5:10), we need reminders (I John 2:21)

Peter will make use of his limited time - II Peter 1:13-14

We understand that the body is a container for something else that lives on after our physical bodies die. Peter refers to his body as a tabernacle – a tent – a temporary structure that will soon be disposed of (II Corinthians 5:1). Eventually death must come for each one of us. Many fear that day, but death is both a completion and a victory. The day is the time to work (life) and night is the time for rest (death) (John 9:4). Life is a race that we must run with endurance (Hebrews 12:1) and, eventually, that race is finished (II Timothy 4:7-8) and at the end is rest (Revelation 14:13).

Jesus had told Peter, “Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to gird yourself and walk wherever you wished; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will gird you, and bring you where you do not wish to go” (John 21:18). Well, Peter is now old, so he knows this prophecy will soon be fulfilled. It doesn’t necessarily mean that Peter received additional information about his coming death. And Peter hasn’t forgotten the command of Jesus to him (Luke 22:32).

Peter’s goal is that brethren be able to remember his teachings after he is gone - II Peter 1:15

But Peter isn’t content to just sit back and wait for the end. There is work to be accomplished, people to be stirred up, and too little time to get it all done. Thus, Peter is determined to do what he can with the resources that he has available.

Peter literally calls his departure his “exodus.” He is leaving the land of trials and difficulties for the land of promise.