“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” (2 Peter 1:12).
TEXT — 2 Peter 1:12-15
Message
A French philosopher and author, Friedrich Nietzsche, once described the Christian life as “a long obedience in the same direction until death”. Although the author wrote as an atheist, thinking he would injure the faith of believers in his time, it turned out to be a quote used by the same believers to remain steadfast all through their time.
In our text, Apostle Peter addresses believers with a passionate plea to remain steadfast in their faith and to uphold the truths they have received. He emphasises the importance of continually being reminded of these truths, even though they may already know them and be established in them. The passage begins with Peter affirming his commitment to remind believers of the essential teachings of the gospel, even though they are already aware of them and firmly grounded in the faith. He views this reminder as necessary to strengthen them and ensure they do not falter or forget the foundational principles of their salvation. The Apostle’s urgency stems from his awareness of his own impending transition (death). He sees it as his duty to leave behind a legacy of spiritual guidance and encouragement for future generations of believers. His desire is for them to always recall the truths of the gospel, even long after his departure from this world.
Apostle Peter exhorts believers not to forget what they already got in Christ but to always put it in remembrance in order to remain in the truth. Believers are encouraged to not only possess knowledge of the truth but also actively engage with it. The truth should shape their lives and actions. These are the foundational truths of the gospel that will guard the believer against spiritual decline and false teachings.
As we journey on our pilgrimage on earth, we must remain steadfast in the faith, even in the face of trials and temptations. We must continually remember the truth that brought us into salvation, stay spiritually vibrant and grounded, pass the same faith and truth to future generations (like Peter did in verse 15), bring others to the knowledge of the truth, prioritise spiritual growth and prepare for eternity.
Thought for the day
Steadfastness means consistent, continual and complete obedience to God.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
