23.075 | The Need for Repetition | 2 Peter 1:12-15 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon

God’s Word For Today

- 2 PET 1:12-15 ESV

12 Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. 13 I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, 14 since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. 15 And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.

THE NEED FOR REPETITION

Peter’s readers knew that they were “established in the truth” he has been teaching them. In fact, Peter used the Greek term here, which means "fixed," "established," or "strengthened." In other words, their knowledge is rock-solid in those truths. These Christians don't need to know something else different than they already do, in order to live their Christian lives. We don’t need new teachings, do we?

But, Peter knew he needed to remind these truths over and over again. We are gullible still to forget. Why? We are still affected by the weakness of our flesh., are we not? Thus, we should proclaim the gospel to ourselves every day, should we not? We should be prompted to apply our knowledge. Thus we ask, “Am I practicing what I know? If we know the gospel, are we living it?

Big companies know the importance of repetition. They conduct ‘fire drills’ in order to be prepared when the crucible would come. Although it’s simple, flight attendants have to demonstrate how to put on life jackets. Knowledge of the truth must not remain just as a piece of information. We must apply and obey it for it’s only then that true learning is measured.

Peter was a loving pastor, certainly. Thus, his goal was to keep doing this kind of ‘stirring’ as long as he lives. He knows that he is not going to last long in this world. But, he was not garrulous, was he? Clearly, his purpose was not to criticize, but to encourage the believers. He was once discouraged and almost quit. Thus, he learned his lesson, which made him minister effectively to others.

In summary, we don’t need to know new things. But, we need to do and apply the truth we already knew. In order to be properly motivated to serve, we should rehearse or muse about the gospel every day in our minds. Lest we forget, and we either just do things out of compliance or obligation. We should be ‘stirred’ in our hearts as Peter desired for them. “That they may recall all these things” is reminiscent of Jesus’ great commission, that is, for us “to observe all” that He commands us.

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