2 Peter 1:12-15
- Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.
- Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance;
- Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.
- Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.
Peter’s readers knew these things. And they were solidly grounded in that truth. I gather these folks faithfully lived out the truth they knew.
Nevertheless, Peter knew they needed reminding. So he committed himself to being faithful in reminding them. “Always.”
I know a lot about the Bible and about living the Christ life. I am well-established in what I know. But I still need reminding. “Affirming,” they buzz nowadays.
On the “One Who Reminds” side of the coin, I tend to be one who prefers not to remind people of what they already know and believe. I prefer to teach new truth or fresh application. I prefer to encourage obedience of neglected truth. But to “harass” anyone with what they already know, believe, and practice? Not my cup of tea nor my can of worms, thanks.
So I want to be a “Reminder of the Knowledgeable Faithful” as well.
Back to Peter… He believed it just and necessary to remind them as long as he lived, especially knowing his death was approaching. He also saw his duty to ensure they would remember even after he died. So he was committed to diligently endeavoring to provide a written record of his reminders. Then they would be able “always” and in every moment have these things in memory.
Remind me. Remind me verbally. Remind me in writing. Encourage me to continual, faithful living of what I already believe and know.
I’ll try to do likewise for you.
Oh, back to Greek words for a bit. Yesterday I noted spoudazo as give diligence in verse 10. I mentioned that Peter would use it two more times in this epistle. Verse 15 has it — will endeavour, decided the KJV translators this time.
“I will not be negligent,” said Peter. “I will endeavour” — to remind them and to help them remember.
He was a co-laborer with the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus had told the disciples would remind them:
“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:26).
So let’s be faithful “reminder tools” in the Spirit’s hands.