Urgent Faith

Stirring Up Remembrance: The Call to Encourage Each Other

Bible Passage: 2 Peter 1:12-15

Summary: In this passage, Peter reflects on his impending death and emphasizes the importance of reminding fellow believers of the truths they already know, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their faith.

Application: This sermon will help teens understand their vital role in supporting their peers in faith. By reminding each other of God’s promises and encouraging each other to grow, they can strengthen their community and face challenges together.

Teaching: The sermon teaches the importance of motivation and encouragement within the Christian community, demonstrating that even in the face of mortality, we have a role in actively building up one another in faith.

How this passage could point to Christ: Peter's call to remind and encourage reflects the teachings of Christ who consistently motivated his disciples to remember his words and remain faithful. Jesus, through his life and teachings, exemplified perfect encouragement and empowerment for his followers.

Big Idea: We are called to actively remind and encourage each other in faith, creating a climate of growth and support in our community.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider using Logos to explore the nuances of Peter's language in this passage, particularly any exegetical challenges regarding the Greek terms for 'remind' and 'encourage.' Look for commentaries that address Peter's imminent death and how this context enriches your understanding of Christian leadership and community, especially among teens. Additionally, investigate how this theme of remembrance is viewed throughout other epistles.

1. Persistently Prompt for Remembrance

2 Peter 1:12–15 ESV

Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.

What is the primary reason Peter gives for reminding believers in 2 Peter 1:12-15?

The Tony Evans Bible Commentary II. Growing in the Faith (1:3–15)

Peter’s purpose in writing this letter was to remind believers about these things, even though they knew them and were established in the truth (1:12). His urgency to issue the reminder stemmed not from any failure on the part of Christians but from the impending reality of his own death, about which Jesus made a clear prophecy (1:14; see

John 21:18–19 ESV

Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”

-Peter's intention to remind his audience of the truths they already know.

-Established believers need constant reminders of God's promises to strengthen their faith.

-Suggest that teens take inspiration from Peter by supporting one another and consistently encouraging each other in their spiritual walk, much like how Christ reminded his disciples of his teachings.

-This reinforcement fosters a supportive community, helping individuals to stay anchored in their faith.

2. Prompted by Urgency

2 Peter 1:14–15 ESV

since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.

2 Peter 1:14–15 ESV

1:15 Just as believers are to “make every effort” to grow in their faith (1:5), Peter vowed to make every effort to teach God’s people about spiritual growth so that they would be able to recall these things at any time after [his] departure.

-Emphasize the urgency in Peter’s reminder due to his awareness of his impending death.

-Draw parallels between this passage and the urgency Jesus felt in his teachings before his crucifixion.

Jesus condemned the scribes and Pharisees for preaching without practicing, imposing burdensome religious requirements on others while refusing to bear those burdens themselves. (Matt 23:1–26:2) He exposed their performative piety—doing deeds to be seen, wearing conspicuous religious garments, and seeking honor and titles. (Matt 23:1–26:2) Similarly, he warned against scribes who sought prominence through long robes and public greetings while exploiting vulnerable widows, and declared they would face greater judgment. (Mark 12:38–13:37)

Interwoven with this condemnation was a powerful counterexample. When a poor widow contributed two small coins to the temple treasury, Jesus told his disciples she had given more than all the wealthy donors, because she gave everything she possessed rather than from her abundance. (Mark 12:38–13:37)

Jesus then shifted to eschatological teaching. As he left the temple, he prophesied its complete destruction, declaring that not one stone would remain upon another. (Mark 12:38–13:37) When disciples asked privately about the timing and signs, Jesus warned against deception, instructed them not to fear wars and rumors of wars, and described coming upheavals—nations rising against nations, earthquakes, and famines—as birth pains preceding the end. (Mark 12:38–13:37)

Finally, Jesus proclaimed that whoever believes in him believes in the Father who sent him, that he came as light so believers need not remain in darkness, and that he came to save rather than judge the world. (John 12:44–50) This message of salvation stood as his ultimate public declaration before his arrest.

Think about a fire drill at school. When that alarm goes off, students don’t just sit quietly; there’s an immediate rush to get out safely. Similarly, the urgency in our hearts should propel us to share the gospel. We don’t have to wait for a crisis; every day is a chance to lead others to the safety and love found in Christ. So, let’s make that urgency count!

-Encourage teens to realize the importance of acting now to build each other up in the faith, underscoring the importance of not postponing encouragement or reminders.

What practical steps can we take as a community to ensure we are encouraging each other in our faith?

What implications does Peter's awareness of his impending death have on the urgency of his message?

In what ways can we reflect Christ's example of encouragement in our interactions with one another?

As a teen, you might find that some of your classmates feel isolated or left out during group projects or social events. To encourage a fellow believer, intentionally reach out to someone who seems alone. Invite them to join your lunch table or group study session. Share a message of hope from Scripture, like how God sees value in each person. This simple act can significantly uplift their spirits, help them feel accepted, and foster a supportive community rooted in faith.

At home, tensions can rise between siblings or parents. You may witness a family member struggling with discouragement over schoolwork or relationships. Take a moment to sit down with them, listen actively, and share uplifting biblical passages that remind them of God’s purpose for their lives. Encourage them with a practical help, like studying together or helping them with chores. Your willingness to uplift them can turn a stressful environment into one filled with grace and understanding.

How can we create an environment in our church that fosters reminders and encouragement among members?

What actions can you take this week to actively remind a friend of God’s promises?

-This point can inspire young believers to create lasting impact through mentorship and reminders to live out their faith boldly.