WE NEED REMINDERS
May 15, 2005 PM
Sermon Outline
2 PET 1:12-15
INTRO: I remember having taken algebra, geometry, physics and such in high school. And at the University of Houston I took courses like music theory, form and analysis, orchestration and biology. Could I pass a test in any of these courses today? I seriously doubt it. But I also took English grammar, typing, speech and various histories. And I can still remember much of what I learned. What is the difference here? It is really very simple. I have reviewed, remembered and used some things I learned as a high school and university student. Others I have not used ... and will not. We learn ... and must be reminded if we are to keep what we learned.
I. THIS IS WHAT PETER WANTS TO DO - REMIND
A. Wherefore - this word points back to...
1. our becoming partakers of the divine nature
2. our being fruitful
3. our making our calling and election sure
B. Peter felt personally the responsibility to remind - I
1. yes, I suppose others could have done it
2. but Lk 22:32 - ...strengthen thy brethren - was there a time limit to this?
3. get someone else to do it is an oft heard refrain
C. With responsibility there was commitment - not...neglect
1. good intentions alone, knowing responsibility alone, simply will not get the job done
2. the issue here is too great for half way, half hearted measures
3. souls were depending on Peter ... and on you and me
D. Yes, they knew the things of which Peter would remind them
1. they were established in the present truth (cf. Col 1:5,6)
2. the truth would not be new, would not change
3. but Peter knew this could be like a course once learned
E. But reminders were going to be needed
1. passing of time, without reminders, dulls memory
2. could Rev 2:2-4 reflect such dulling of memory?
3. or Gal 1:;6,7 and 4:19 - yes, there among them false teachers ... early affection for truth and early conviction gave way
F. So, Peters work was far from finished
1. note to stir you up ... to arouse, to awaken
2. so many things come along after we obey the gospel ... and have an effect on early zeal
3. personal problems; choices; distractions; situations; working out priorities
4. oh, truth has not been abandoned
5. but the heat has been reduced to a simmer!
II. AND THERE WAS AN URGENCY FOR PETER
A. He felt he was nearing the end of his life
1. at this point he is a man of considerable age
2. Jesus has foretold of Peters martyrdom (Jno 21:18,19)
3. his time is running out
4. but there was so much to do - so many reminders to offer
5. as we arrive at advanced years, do we selflessly consider the spiritual needs around us?
6. or do we tend to say, Ive done my work, my part - its time for me to be seeing to myself and my pleasures?
B. Peter even sets out to remind after his death!
1. is this the purpose of the book of 2 Peter?
2. what will we leave that will stir others up to faithfulness?
3. a book? a letter? a conviction? a warning? a life?
4. fact: we will leave something behind - the question is will it be helpful or hurtful to the faith of others?
CLOSE: These verses are so full of feeling! Peter was a man who felt deeply ... now, his feelings are for the faithfulness of others. Still, he will say some hard things in this little letter.
Cecil A. Hutson
May 15, 2005