Repetitious Reminders

Teachers and preachers know that repetition is one of the best ways to get people to remember important truths. I was actually reminded this last week in my reading a very humbling statistic. Studies have found that within one hour of hearing someone give a speech or a message or a sermon, the listeners often forget up to ninety percent of what they heard. Of course, that is not an absolute number and it can be reduced by different means of presenting and receiving the message, such as actually taking notes or linking the talk with a picture or an event or an action which needs to be done.

In addition, humanity has a very bad tendency to remember the wrong things and forget the good things. One of the most noted examples comes in the early part of the Old Testament. Israel had been enslaved by the Egyptians for a long time and were cruelly treated. Then God rescues them and provides for them supernaturally in so many ways, such as with food and clothing. Yet, when things weren’t exactly as they wanted them to be, they started complaining. They actually wanted to go back. How could they forget how horrible life was, under the Egyptians’ control? How could they not have grown in their faith and trust after experiencing the miraculous crossing at the Red Sea? While they were craving garlic and leeks, did they remember the taste in their mouths after being beaten and mistreated? Had they forgotten the amazing feat of having whatever it was, the manna, provided every morning and how it sustained them on this journey? There was no need for Amazon or any department store, since their clothing and shoes never wore out on the trip.

Of course, we’re nothing like this; or are we? I don’t know about you, but I often open my mental files and obsess over a lot of stuff that needed to be left alone. Frequently I play the game, What If, in my mind. It falls in the same category of questioning our life choices. Or we get so caught up in life, we neglect to rejoice and be thankful that we are not who we used to be, but are now children of God. We forget to consider how unworthy we were and how now we are completely accepted by God and joint heirs of Jesus. We neglect to weigh the incredible cost that Jesus paid for our salvation, so we wouldn’t have to pay the penalty for our sin.

Actually, the church does something on a regular basis to give us a bit of a time to remember and reflect and consider all that Jesus has done for us. It’s called Communion or the Lord’s Supper. We don’t ever want to forget what Jesus did for us and what He is doing for us and what He will do for us.

COMMUNION SLIDE

This is what stands out in these verses. Peter is obviously doing what the Holy Spirit directed him to do. Also, he’s continuing in being obedient to Jesus’ words in the Great Commission.

Matthew 28:19–20 NASB95

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

As followers of Jesus Christ, we need to remember the truths of God’s Word.

No longer is Peter talking simply about salvation. At this point, Peter is wanting to make sure his readers don’t forget the truths that have been taught them. If a Christian knows what and why he believes what the Bible teaches, then that Christian will not be tricked or manipulated by false teachers.

Reminder of Truth - 1:12

In order to remember, we usually need to be reminded. Sometimes, it may get annoying, but we are too prone to forget.

2 Peter 1:12 NASB95

Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you.

Once again, we see the word Therefore, so we know that we ask the question, What is it therefore? You will remember how Peter described our amazing salvation and the reality that because we are truly saved, we will stay completely saved. In view of that, he wanted to encourage his readers to not just stay there, but to understand the difference this would make in their personal lives, and as they shared the Gospel message. We understand this by the context of the whole letter he wrote.

I like his future tense of the verb will always be ready. It’s almost like a parent visiting with their child, regardless of their age, even though they probably know what is going to be told them, we look for every opportunity to remind them of the truth we’re about to share, even though they’ve heard it multiple times already. This reminder that Peter writes is for our benefit today, as well as the readers at that time. Repetition is not something new in the educational system. Paul spoke of it, as well. Jesus practiced it on many occasions in His earthly ministry. Even in the Old Testament, they were to create memorials so that when the children saw these memorials and would ask questions about them, the parents and others would remember out loud and share the glorious things which the Lord had done for His people.

Just as Solomon stated, there is nothing new under the sun, that principle can also be applied to spiritual truths. There is nothing new, for God has stated that He has provided everything we could need for salvation and for continued growth. However, we can gain new insight in having a better understanding of the truths of God’s Word. Any teacher or preacher who suggests that they have a new or fresh word from God, is not speaking on behalf of the One True God. Revelation has ceased. Yet, we continue to preach and teach for the purpose of reminding and stirring up the saints to a greater understanding and application of the truth of the Bible. Even as we will be going into Jude later this year, Lord willing, we will continue to see the usage of repetition of the truths of Scripture. When the Word becomes a part of who the believer is, they will not be so easily swayed by false teachers and false teaching.

I hear and read often in articles and opinion pieces how varying people dislike modern contemporary Christian music because of its seeming repetition. However, I disagree with much of what is written and verbalized. The classic hymns used repetition in the choruses after each verse. The Psalms used repetition multiple times, which were simply songs. There has also been criticism that the contemporary Christian music is too personal and not enough God-centered. That may be somewhat true with a few songs. However, Gospel music is basically the same thing; sharing a personal story of what God has done or will do in a person’s life. Then the question is asked, what about the lack of theology being taught? Yet, even during this series, our worship team is doing one of the most theologically focused confessions of faith when they sing I Believe. My friends, what I am trying to teach you is that we cannot give in to avoiding something or attacking it because of personal preference. Rather, let repetition and new styles teach us some of the very foundational truths of God’s Word. I can personally attest to the fact that some Bible verses I still remember are those children’s songs we sang multiple times, being led by ever so patient teachers and song leaders.

Now that I took you all on a ride on my little hobby horse, let’s get back to the text today. I find it refreshing to see how Peter doesn’t browbeat his readers, but instead affirms and encourages them at this point. He notes, even though you already know them. He is giving them a high-five, if you will, for their already having a solid handle on what he has been teaching, and will continue to teach.

The word for established means to firmly establish, or to strengthen. By its usage, Peter is describing that this was a settled situation. How would that be known? the truth which is present with you. There was evidence that was obvious that they were the real deal. They weren’t just playing the role; their lifestyle reflected that they were growing in their faith as believers. The New Testament makes it clear that if someone is genuinely born-again, then the truth is a part of who they are.

Reminder By Stirring - 1:13

Even though, these readers were fairly solid, in view of the fact of what they are about to face, not only attacks from without, but the covert attacks from the false teachers, which we’ll be looking at in future Sundays, it was important that Peter keep reminding them of the absolute truths of God’s Word. You see, I believe it is always right to continually teach and reteach God’s Word, even in repetition, since we are so prone to forgetfulness and neglect.

2 Peter 1:13 NASB95

I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder,

Peter was one of the inner circle of three that traveled with Jesus and was among the privileged ones to hear of the many teachings of Jesus. In other words, Peter should have known the truth quite well. Yet, we read in the gospels, that none of the disciples fully comprehended what Jesus was teaching. We also recall that Peter denied knowing Jesus, Who is the truth. Of course, later, Peter was restored and was one of the most vocal and prolific of the apostles. Yet, we find in Galatians that Peter went off the rails again, as he began to side with the Judaizers. Then Paul got him back to the truth of God’s Word once again. Thus, Peter knew quite well the need for repetition with God’s people.

In fact, Peter says that he consider[s] it right to keep repeating the teaching which he has been commanded to do. Technically, the word could be righteous. But for how long? as long as I am in this earthly dwelling. Some translations use the word tent. This body that we walk around in is merely a temporary dwelling place. One day, I will shed this tent or earthly dwelling and shall enter into heaven and receive a brand new body. However, it won’t be temporary. I consider it a glorious blessing to still be alive. And I know that as long as I am alive, I want to keep on stir[ring] up by way of reminder that which God has called me to teach and preach.

What this stir[ring] up is referring to is to arouse completely, to thoroughly awaken what may have been forgotten. It may have been forgotten like I’ve forgotten a lot of my algebra knowledge; I simply haven’t used it. It may have been forgotten because there’s been no real urgency to recall what needs to be remembered. One simply may have gotten spiritually out-of-shape due to laziness. Peter would have definitely understood this as we recall when he fell asleep in the Garden of Gethsemane when Jesus was praying.

But how does one stir up other brothers and sisters in Christ? By way of reminder. Like any good teacher, one would use repetition, review and whatever else is necessary to make certain that people understand and remember the Bible truths. It’s important to gain the facts, but more important is to understand how to apply the facts. The commands and teachings serve no earthly good, unless they are applied and lived out in the life of the Christian. I consider myself somewhat knowledgable about the Bible. However, I am always amazed by the new things which the Holy Spirit reminds me of from the Word of God. I am often humbled when someone lovingly reminds me of certain teachings of the Bible that I might be conveniently ignoring or avoiding or just plain forgotten in the midst of whatever I may be encountering.

Reminder In Recall - 1:14-15

The reminders are based upon the truth of God’s Word. The reminders are often repeated and presented in a way that awakens us from our slumber. Now we come to the reality that we must be sharers and doers of the truth of God’s Word because the days are short on this earth and we want God’s people to recall all that the Word teaches.

2 Peter 1:14–15 NASB95

knowing that the laying aside of my earthly dwelling is imminent, as also our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will also be diligent that at any time after my departure you will be able to call these things to mind.

Just from the wording of the first part of verse 14, it is clear that Peter was aware that death was right around the corner. It wasn’t necessarily because he was sickly. He, most likely, was aware of Nero’s intent on snuffing out all who proclaimed Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Historically, he was in his 70s when he wrote this letter, but with the knowledge of the intensity of the persecution that was ahead, I’m convinced he was aware of being killed, instead of issues over any health concerns. He also would have most likely remembered when Jesus spoke to him in John 21, stating that his death would be by martyrdom. We see that in the phrase Jesus used, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will gird you, and bring you where you do not wish to go.

Yet, knowing this, Peter spoke that he will also be diligent in reminding his readers about the truths which they had already been taught. Why? So that You will be able to call these things to mind. When? When he is no longer able to teach and remind them; which would be any time after my departure. This is a direct reference to Peter’s departure from this planet to be in the presence of Christ. It’s interesting that Peter wasn’t concerned about himself being remembered. He was concerned about his readers remembering the truths of the Word of God.

Reflections

You see, all men die, but God’s Word lives forever. I am so thankful for the written Word of God. It’s not just my memory, but is a common failure in all humanity; our memory falls short many times. Many times, I don’t remember accurately. Other times, I remember only what I want to remember.

I am always encouraged to remember what Billy Graham said in nearly every one of his sermons: The Bible says. That is where we have our authority; God’s Word.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we need to remember the truths of God’s Word. We need to be reminded frequently of the truths that are taught in the Bible. We need others and the Holy Spirit to remind us by stirring us up and arousing us from apathy and ignorance of the truths of God’s Word. We need to do all that we can to not promote ourselves, but to promote the Word of God so that others will recall it long after we’re gone from this earth.