2 peter (2)

Pray

At a modern-day nursing home, the elderly Duke reads a romantic story from a notebook to a female patient, which goes something like this…

In 1940, at a carnival in Seabrook Island, South Carolina, lumber mill worker Noah Calhoun sees 17-year-old Allie Hamilton, who is there for the summer with her parents. He pursues her and they begin dating.

One night, Allie meets Noah's father, Frank, who immediately likes her. However, when Noah meets her parents, they disapprove. That night, Noah takes Allie to the abandoned Windsor Plantation, telling her he will buy and restore it. That evening, as they’re together at the plantation. They’re interrupted by Noah's friend Fin, who warns them Allie's parents sent the police out looking for her. When Allie and Noah return to her parents' mansion, Allie's mother makes it clear they are against the relationship and forbid her from seeing him. Noah leaves and Allie follows, they argue and she impulsively breaks up with him, and immediately regrets it.

Noah then goes on to write Allie every day for a year, but Allie's mother secretly intercepts the letters. When all 365 letters go unanswered, he stops writing and decides to move on. He and Fin enlist in the war and fight in the Battle of the Bulge where Fin is killed. Allie nurses in a hospital for wounded soldiers, meeting Captain Hammond., a young lawyer who comes from old Southern money. and After a few years, they become engaged, to Allie's parents' delight.

In the course of time, Noah returns from the war. And as the events of the movie play out, Allie and Noah end up getting married. (With a lot of other details in between.)

Now In the present day… the elderly woman is revealed to be Allie, now suffering from dementia. Duke is revealed to be Noah. The journal he reads to her she wrote during the early stages of her illness, detailing their romance and life together so he could help her come back to him. Noah has kept the promise to read it to her almost daily; if even just for 5 minutes…

We hear this story this morning, and many of us have watched the notebook. Many of us have been moved by the end of the movie as Noah Sneaks into Allie’s nursing home room at night, she recognizes him one last time and they lie hand in hand as they peacefully pass away. But at the core, their story is real. Their lives were filled with ups and downs, not every moment was perfect, but it was worth repeating. It was worth remembering.

You see, although Allie remembered for just 5 minutes a day, this story needed to be retold because it brought Allie back to the truth of who she was. And it changed her outlook.

We transition then to our lives this morning. And if you’ve been here the last few weeks, you’ll recall that we’ve discussed this idea of being built in the image of God.

And by the way, next week, we’ll wrap up this study together. But as we prepare to do that, one thing is true about buildings… that with time they need attention. There’s certain maintenance or restoration that goes into maintaining the building.

In the same way, in our walk with Christ this morning. There is a sense of Restoration involved. There’s a sense of taking care of what God has given us. With that in mind, if you have your bibles, turn with me to 2 Peter 1:12 As we see 3 components. Restored through 3 things 1. Reminding. 2. Remaining. 3. Relying

1. Restored through Reminding

2 Peter 1:12-15 12 So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. 13 I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, 14 because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. 15 And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things.

Stop for a second revisit the word Remind, in verse 12. The word remind has 2 parts, the prefix being is re – this means: again or anew. And the suffix, the next part is the word mind. So it’s the idea of bringing something again, or anew, to the front of the mind.

Well what is that peter is trying to bring to the front of the mind? the truth.

consider what Peter is saying here when he says 12 So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have

You see, just to remind us of the context of what’s taking place. Peter is writing to a group of Christians, experiencing a great amount of persecution and difficulty. And in his 1st letter, he writes to the Christians to encourage them in the midst of fiery trials. Well now, in 2 Peter although these Christians are firmly established, in meaning stable or strengthened Peter Reminds the readers of the truth. For as it says in verse 10

10 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, 11 and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Here’s the point, although there was a sense of being firmly established, like a strong, concrete building… That they needed to be reminded of the truth.

You know as a dad this morning, one of my favorite holidays is Christmas… and of course, I love being with my wife and our kids on Christmas morning, and sitting around the Christmas tree and watching their faces brighten up as they open presents. Sorry to bring up Christmas in August, but just a reminder we’re just 4 months away… But as a dad this morning, although I love Christmas, I hate the work that has to be done once the Christmas presents have been open… anyone ever been there before?

I mean it seems like once upon a time, you could buy a toy and it was put together… or worse case scenario, maybe you had like 5 parts, that you had to put together. Now, you open the box, and there are what seems like 25,000 parts that need to be put together to build a yo yo. And it’s like what is going on here?

But here’s the key, is as you’re building… you have to be reminded of the truth, because if you don’t you’ll stumble in what’s being built. in other words, the pieces were built to fit together a certain way, by the designer, but if you go outside of the design plans, you’ll end up with a toy that looks more like a pet rock than a yo yo.

Obviously I’m being sarcastic, but Peter here, although he recognizes that he’s writing to a group of mature, established believers, needs to remind them to go back to the truth.

2 peter 1:12-15 12 So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. 13 I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, 14 because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. 15 And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things.

Here's the point… my time is short… but before I go… before I’m “put aside,” don’t forget the basic. You see Peter understands the need to stay firmly established. Because there was a sense of false teaching out there.

In 2 Peter 2:1-3 1 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.

And the entire chapter, chapter 2 is spent talking in detail about the false teachers, and the evil that is in the world, and here’s the key… as a shepherd, Peter is committed to protecting his sheep from the wolves. He’s committed to safeguarding his flock from the outside influence.

This morning, the same is true for us. And just for a brief moment, I want to commend you as a church for your job in protecting our children. You see, although we as a church may be younger, or older, although some of us have kids, while others have grandkids, and still others may have no kids at all… I’m encouraged this morning, know that we are a body that is committed to the next generation. That we are a church, that is committed to passing on the gospel to our children and there children and so on.

But here’s where I would encourage us for a brief moment.

1 Cor 10: 10 For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. 2 They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. 3 They all ate the same spiritual food 4 and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.

6 Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. 7 Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.”[a] 8 We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. 9 We should not test Christ,[b] as some of them did—and were killed by snakes. 10 And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.

11 These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. 12 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!

Friends, sometimes, it can seem like we’re repeating the same concept. In fact, when school started up each year, I used to hate review… I hated going back and repeating the same thing that I already knew… but here’s the point, Christ is the Rock this morning. He is the only way to build our foundation. And sometimes, if we’re not careful, we can feel like we’re just going through the motions…

Like here it is Sunday again… Let’s go through the motions… Friends, would we never tire of doing good,would we never tire of being in the Lords house… although sometimes, things may seem repetitive, would our walk never become stagnant.

2. Restored through Remaining

16 For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” 18 We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.

As we look at the scripture, peter states that 16 For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

and for a moment I want us to consider two ideas. The first are the words cleverly devised. Which in the greek, is one word meaning sophizō. Meaning to: 1. to devise cleverly or cunningly or 2. to invent, play the sophist. And in researching this word, I was like well that’s great, to play the sophist, is that like some sort of musical instrument or something? (I would like to play the sophist) what’s a sophist… and interestingly enough,

A sophist was a teacher in ancient Greece in the fifth and fourth centuries BC. who specialized in one or more subject areas, such as philosophy, music, athletics, and mathematics. But the key is They were gifted public speakers, who were committed to victory in debateand were prepared to use dishonest means to achieve it.

So in this instance, Peter is reminding his audience not to follow fabricated stories.

The other term is the word follow we’re told: “16 For we did not follow cleverly devised stories” The word follow in the greek, means: To follow out or up, to tread in one's steps. Metaphorically it means: to imitate one's ways of acting. And here’s where I want to draw our attention for a brief moment. Is that Peter did not follow Cleverly devised stories… and here’s why… because he was too busy being with Jesus.

I mean he had witness Jesus raise the dead, heal the sick, turn water into wine, provide a mireaculous catch of fish, feed thousands, cast out demons, walk on water, and be raised to life. He had also witnessed Jesus be baptized and stood on the top of the mountain during the transfiguration as the father called out ““This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

You see peter did not follow the noise, he didn’t follow the nonsense, he followed the truth, he followed Christ? He walked in his footsteps. The question is why? I mean I’m sure there were many philosophies, many crafted ideas, or logic to a good life… why was Peter so sold out for Christ? And here’s the reason… He remained. You see, not only was Peter an Eyewitness of the Lords majesty. He also heard his voice, he spoke with him, he ate with him, he hugged him, he had his feet washed by him, he was fully emmersed in Christ.

But notice again with me verse 18. It says: We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain. Let me read that again “When we were with him.” You see church here’s the point… It wasn’t enough to keep his mind on Christ, no peter was with Christ.

You know In speaking of spending time together, I came across an interesting article about how most americans spend their time. It explains: According to a survey by the American Institute of Architects, 64 percent of architecture firms are reporting increased interest in outdoor living spaces: places for adults to relax and for kids to play. People say they want "a luxurious outdoor world" right in their backyard so they can escape their everyday lives, hang out as a family, and spend time outside while staying at home.

At least that's what people say they want. But there's just one problem: Evidence shows that for all of their good intentions, most families don't actually spend time in their backyard retreats. A 2012 book titled Life at Home in the Twenty-first Century revealed the results of an in-depth study of middle-class Los Angeles families. Researchers from UCLA recorded hours of footage while carefully documenting how families actually spent their time.

According to their research, children averaged fewer than 40 minutes per week in their yards. Adults logged less than 15 minutes per week. All of these families benefitted from sunny Southern California weather. They had nice porch furniture, trampolines, even pools. They just didn't use them. But the researchers also noted a profound disconnect between belief and action: Most families told the researchers that they were using their backyards often, but the researchers' observations proved otherwise.

One of the researchers noted, "Rather than use their outdoor retreats, people would retreat by turning on a [TV, computer, or video game] screen. People don't like this image of their lives. So they don't acknowledge it." Instead, families "give the illusion" of spending time outside because that's clearly the ideal

Friends, here’s the point. God wants us not only to be transformed in the renewing of our mind… he also desperately wants to spend time with you. He wants you to be about his business.

You see Jesus would say these words: 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 Ifyou abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

Love and Joy Perfected

9 “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. 10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.

11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.

Let me ask us a question for a moment, are we abiding in him this morning? Are we with him today? Is your joy tank full this morning? You see first we need to remember, but then we need to remain… we need to abide, are we doing that this morning?

3. Restored through Relying

19 We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

As we wrap up with scripture this morning, we won’t spend a ton of time on this last point. But I want to draw our attention back to verse 20-21 20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Here’s the point, 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.What we read this morning, although the Lord used human authors to record his word, all scripture is from God. And because it’s from God, we don’t have to question its quality.

For verse 19 tells us: 19 We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

Church, the bottom line is we can completely rely on God and his word this morning. We can look to him in dark seasons of life… and we would do well to pay attention to it.

I’m going to call the worship team back up at this time.

1. Remind. Family.

2. Remain. Be his hands and feet.

3. Rely on the Lord.