Introduction

‘So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things.’ 2 Peter 1:12-15

Peter finally concluded his discourse about the Christian qualities by telling us that a constant reminder is an absolute necessity to ensure our memory is refreshed even though we know these things and are firmly established in the truth.

Peter’s dying wish (which we will do well to respect) was that God’s people should constantly remember these important aspects of our relationship with God, with one another and with those in the world. We should never forget the qualities that mark us out as God’s own possessions.

In a similar fashion, Paul told those in Rome that he wrote to them boldly on some points because of the need to remind them again, Romans 15:15. The beloved Apostle John puts the same matter this way: ‘I do not write to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it and no lie comes from the truth’, 1 John 2:21.

This is very interesting! There is a constant need for us to be reminded of the truth of God’s Word which we have learnt in order to prevent the danger of forgetfulness. The writer of Hebrews advises us not to forget to do good, Hebrews 13:16.

Again in the final chapter of his second letter, Peter shows that he truly recognises the extant possibility of human forgetfulness. Whilst reminding us of the patience of the Lord and the reality of His return, He says: ‘….but do not forget this one thing……’

It is therefore important that we remember: to add the Christian graces; to watch out for false teachers and ensure we follow only the truth, and lastly to be ready for the return of Christ.

‘Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Saviour through your apostles. Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, ‘Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.’ But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction. Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.’ 2 Peter 3:1-18

Prayer

Blessed Father, we are thankful for Your Holy Word which constantly reminds us of Your love. May we always keep Your instructions in memory as we see the Day approaching.