Remember These Things

2 Peter 1:12-15: 12 For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. 13 Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you, 14 knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me. 15 Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease.

Man can be a very forgetful creature. He needs to be constantly reminded. Much of teaching and preaching is to put people in remembrance of the things they have previously been taught. How many times has a parent rebuked a child by asking, “Haven’t I told you a thousand times, not to ______ ?” only to have the child claim, “but I forgot.” Before exploring the text, remember the other times the Bible encourages us to remember.

● “Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days come, and the years draw near when you say, ‘I have no pleasure in them’’’:(Eccl. 12:1).
● “Remember Lot’s Wife” (Lk. 17:32).
● “But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated” (Heb. 10:32).
● “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the Lord our God” (Psalm 20:7).
● “I will remember the works of the Lord; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old” (Psalm 77:11).
● “I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35).
● “Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel” (2 Timothy 2:8).
● “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place unless you repent” (Rev. 2:5).
● “Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you” (Rev. 3:3).
● “…the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is [b]broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” (1 Cor. 11:23-25).

■ Reminding Because of Its Importance

“These things” which are to be diligently supplied to one’s faith are way too important to be forgotten. Perhaps this is why God has supplied man with three synoptic Gospels which tell the story of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection from three points of view. Remembrance will result in eternal life.

■ Reminding To Build on Foundation of Knowledge

A man’s memory can be imperfect and selective. Once some truth has been established in their minds and in their way of life it can be forgotten again if no one has reminded them. Peter is not teaching anything new; he is merely wanting to keep refreshing their memories of the truths which has been established in the past.

■ Reminding To Awake the Lethargic Mind

The Greek word for “stir” is the same used in John 6:18 for actions of a storm. It is the idea of awakening or arousing. Lazy minds which do not rehearse these things will soon forget them.

■ Reminding Because Life is Short

Peter refers to his life on earth as a soul inhabiting a tent (2 Cor. 5:1,2). On earth a Christian is like a nomad who pitches his tent here and there as he is just passing through. Peter knew he was going to die. He may have not known exactly when, but he did know how. It was coming “shortly” meaning it was imminent. Jesus told John, “‘most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.’ This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God” (John 21:18,19). Some believe the language here implies imprisonment ending in crucifixion. Eusebius records the tradition that Peter at his request was crucified upside down (Ecclesiastical History, 3:1,30).

■ Reminding To Teach Future Generations

Peter uses the word exodus translated here “decease.” He was about to exit this world, yet he wants to continue to remind them of the promise land. God gave Israelites the Passover feast to remind them year by year of their exodus out of Egypt. Just as a weak faith can result in one forgetting they were cleansed of their sins, so Peter wants to leave them with something so they will always remember their deliverance out of sin as he is to be delivered out this world.

The word “ensure” is the same as “diligence” in verse five. Peter will do his part as he has demanded that they do their part in strengthening their faith. Whether or not one remembers Peter is not as important as one being reminded of the knowledge of Christ. Peter desire for future generations to be reminded of “these things” has been fulfilled in the preservation of his epistles in the New Testament. After all, “this letter” was written to them as a way of reminder (3:1).

Often bankers will wonder whether their financial investments will pay off in the future. Those students going to college may be concerned that at their tuition and diligent study will one day land them a good job and help further their career. A man will start a business and work hard and give it his all and then something beyond his control will destroy everything he worked for. There is one thing in this world that if you work diligently and supply it liberally, it will pay off for all eternity: faith.

– Daniel R. Vess