A Stirring Reminder
The Apostle Peter wrote to the churches of northern Asia Minor. He was nearing the end of his life and ministry (2 Pet 1:14). He, too, had fought the good fight of faith for some 30 years. As he neared the finish line, this man of God was burdened for the well-being of those over whom he had influence in service to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Peter had already encouraged his readers to be diligent in applying Christian virtues (2 Peter 1:5), which were theirs because they were partakers of the divine nature, granted them by the Holy Spirit’s indwelling presence (Rom 8:9, 11). Now, he was committing himself to be diligent in reminding them of “these things” (2 Pet 1:12). The sense of his impending death was motivating him to write the second letter of warning and exhortation.
Christianity has a body of divinity, a set of doctrines to be believed. Christians believe what is called “the faith” (Jude 1:1) or “the truth” because the Spirit of truth is “present with you” (2 Pet 1:12d). It is the Spirit of truth who teaches us the Word of truth (Jn 14:26). By this we are established in the truth. This is the truth as it is in Jesus (Eph 4:21), who claimed to be the truth (Jn 14:6). As we come to the knowledge of the truth, we are to grow in the knowledge of the truth. We are to learn Christ; and by doing so, we are conformed to His image (Rom 8:29), the icon of God (Col 1:15).
Humans learn things; but if we do not continually familiarize ourselves with what we learned…we forget. Peter’s reminder to the faithful — to be faithful — is necessary because we are prone to forget. This is why we remember Christ’s death in the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. Simply put, we are a forgetful people who need to be spurred on to more love and good deeds.
In times of war, those who sacrificed set up memorials, with the names of soldiers who died in battle. Veterans of war never cease to tell their stories until they die. “Let we forget” is the mantra of war -time generations. We do forget, however. The significance of sacrifice is lessened with time. It is the sad fact of a forgetful world.
The remedy to forgetfulness is the stirring reminder. Words contain the power of life and death; and the Word of remembrance keeps the memory alive. This is why true Christian preachers proclaim the excellencies of Christ and His death until He comes again (1 Cor 1:18; 2:2, 4; 1 Peter 2:9). My writing this article, for you to read, is my effort to be diligent in these things. We all must give an account of our lives and ministries to God and the Spirit-filled believer desires faithfulness.
Faithfulness is a fruit of the Spirit of Christ at work within us (Gal 5:22). It is Christ in us who is the One stirring us and those in our sphere of influence. We have one Lord who has established one baptism, which provides us with the common faith in our common salvation. We share all good things granted to us in Christ Jesus by His grace. This is the divine power unto salvation we know as the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
If we are taught Christ, by His Spirit, it is all grace; and grace by definition, is God working all things together for good for those who love Him (Is 26:12; Rom 8:28). We love God because He first loved us (1 Jn 4:19); and that is the grace of His love extended to us, even poured out in our hearts (Rom 5:5). It is the grace of God’s love that transforms us.
Despite resistance from our own sinful flesh, trouble in the world, even persecutions from the enemies of Christ and of God…we persevere. God, who begins the good work in His adopted sons (Phil 1:6), preserves them to the end. Christians are also privy to the account of the end of this world. In this, God gives His beloved a hope and a future.
Christian hope is blessed. It is Christ in us by His indwelling Spirit; and it is the physical return of Christ on the last day (Col 1:27). Our future is glorious in heavenly Zion, the New Jerusalem, the city of God, our eternal home (Rev 21–22).
The war for truth is real. Our enemy is a liar, a deceiver, and the one who distracts us. He overloads us with data, information, and knowledge of that which has no benefit for spiritual life or eternal life. It is the task of the Spirit-filled man of God to stir you up by way of reminder. This is why Christians gather together for worship, for learning, for service, and for fellowship.
It is an encounter with a brother or sister in Christ, who speaks a timely Word of warning or exhortation that reminds us of things past, things present, and things to come. These matters are of the utmost importance. It behooves us to pray when we have retrogressed into lethargy and dullness.
The preacher must bring heat and light to Gospel proclamation. We must be stirred in heart and mind. We know this is God’s will for each of His elect, redeemed, regenerate, believing people. My dear reader, nothing should stimulate your thinking and warm your heart like the knowledge of the truth. Therefore, examine yourself to make your calling and election sure. Finally, be immoveable in sound doctrine but make sure you are moved by it.
David Norczyk
Spokane Valley, Washington
September 15, 2024
2 Peter 1:12–15
