2nd Peter 1:10-15 MAKE SURE There is a casual approach to Christianity that leaves people with a false hope. it was happening in the time when Peter wrote this second epistle, and it is happening today. People hear a preacher or teacher who is a skilled and persuasive speaker, and based on what that person says, a person thinks all is well for eternity. In view of the seven evidences of faith in a child of God, our testimony needs to be confirmed by these seven qualities being cultivated and consistently practiced. God called us by His grace in time, and He elected by His sovereign choice in eternity past before the world began. The proof of the reality of faith in a person is not a casual stroll through life unaffected by the need all around us because we know all is well with us. There is inbred in a child of God, a motive of appreciation for God's salvation and all that is associated with it, that is evident in the hard work of holy living. Obedience and holiness confirm the fruits of faith are real, and those who give evidence of this will not give way to the pressures of false teaching, but will persevere.
The way we enter into the kingdom of God is what is in view here - not whether we enter or not. A person who is nearsighted and blind by deliberately neglecting to nurture their faith and those things that are "added," is in danger of entering heaven empty-handed. Being "diligent" (making every effort), indicates one is willing for God to use him for whatever work He chooses in His divine plans. A believer must cooperate with the Lord to have an "abundant entrance," a wonderful home-coming. Enthusiasm and hard work rather than laziness are linked with election and calling. We are not to be taking our position in the family of God for granted. By God's grace we can enjoy our security in Christ, and have meaning to life by "being fruitful in every good work." We have a clear vision of who we are and why we are here - and added to all that is an abundant entrance into heaven (the everlasting kingdom).
Peter recognized the necessity of going back over the basics of our faith because he was a man under authority to Christ. He had experienced failure and recovery. He knew the blessings of restoration and being brought back into usefulness. He had been commissioned by the Lord to feed the lambs and sheep, and could not neglect that responsibility. It was the right thing to do in view of the fact he was getting older, and the new "lambs" and older "sheep" would need to remember all he had taught them. "Diligence" indicates something has to be done and done now. A person who has been given spiritual responsibilities and recognizes their call from God, will endeavor to fulfill them as soon as possible and will do the best they can with what they have. The Lord's people have the right to expect those who brought the Gospel to them, to teach them. Repetition of basic truths are not always appreciated but are always needed.
By restating truth in the light of his impending death, Peter's words would have the added weight of a farewell address. He knew his body was only a tent, and he also knew from the Lord Himself that he would experience death as the words of Jesus "signified." We do not know when we are going to die or if the Lord will come for us before we die. It is important that we be diligent now in all we have been called to do in our service for the Lord. In verses 12, 13 and 15 Peter makes it plain that he wanted them to "remember" these fundamental truths. Some things we should forget but when it comes to divine truth and all that is associated with it, we need to be "stirred up" like a storm stirs up water, to remember "present truth."
As time passes in life and we become more aware of our limited time on earth, it is incumbent on those who have experienced life with the Lord for many years, to pass on to those younger in the faith, truths we have learned and practiced. For some, that will mean we must go right back to the beginning and reaffirm the fundamentals of the Gospel. To others we will need to pass on truths relating to the church and also the "House of God" - the local assembly. Still more will need to be mentored in view of the service to which the Lord has called them. Paul told Timothy to commit the things he had learned from Paul to "faithful men who would be able to teach others also."
The work of God in this age began with our Lord as the Chief Cornerstone from which the whole building takes its shape. Peter and other apostles and prophets were the foundation upon which the following generations of believers form the whole church structure. The church follows the design and shape they established. It was a complete entity then and it still is today. It is a complete body that is enlarging until the Lord comes. Consequently, now as then, the "sheep and the lambs," and all the parts of the body need the spiritual nourishment that comes from having the truth of God reaffirmed, recounted, revitalized by passing on the effects of truth practiced, and then received by those who hear it.
Books contain information from the study and thoughts of other people. Letters make things more personal than books and perhaps people are more inclined to read the letters. Face to face conversations have a powerful impact when truth is imparted. By watching a person's face one can tell whether interest is real, both on the part of the person passing on truth and the one receiving it. The scriptures are more like a personal letter to be read than a book only to be studied. As years advance like in the case of Peter, we become more conscious of the fact that I am perhaps hearing this person's voice for the last time. Last words do have a unique impact.
Like Peter, we should endeavor to leave things of importance behind us that will be a help, not a hindrance to others. What will people remember about us after we are gone? Will there just be sentimental comments or will there be words of faith and wisdom that can help strengthen the faith and testimony of the Lord's people? GROUNDED IN TRUTH We remember those who taught us, and the reasons for their care What they preached they practiced not only in the crowd, but when no one else was there The impression we received from them was that living for God is good No matter what situations arose, we knew where each one stood.
So now we are much older, the truths they taught still stand Established in the present truth, we can now live as our God planned It is our turn now to pass on to others the truths that we have learned By God's grace each truth taught well, will be through faith discerned.
As we travel farther down life's road, occasionally we look back And trace the path the divine nature has led us, and nothing we did lack Remembering the truth that grounded our faith, scripture we do apply On the promises of God even as heaven comes in view, on those we do rely.
"I thank Thee Father, for those who went before me and demonstrated the value of preaching, teaching and maintaining the practice of the word of God. Now it is my turn to do that for others. Help Thy servant to be faithful to the truth in every way. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."