2 Peter: Faith In A Skeptical World Sample

(focuses especially on v. 12)

It’s easy to forget how valuable our knowledge is. But it is because of what we know that we benefit from all that Christ offers. That is, if you don’t know about Christ, how can you believe in Him? Our faith in Christ is based upon what we know of Christ. True knowledge and true faith are inseparable friends. 

For this reason 2 Peter tells us, and tells us again, the importance of what we know about Christ. The word ‘knowledge’ sometimes appears where we might expect ‘faith’ to appear. In verse 2 we read, for example, ‘Grace and peace ... through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.’ 

And verses 12–15 impress upon us just how important it is that we know what we know. These verses are full of words that relate to knowledge. Peter says he will always ‘remind’ them of ‘these things’ (v. 12). What are ‘these things’? I take it Peter means the great, central truths that he has laid out in verses 1–11: we have come to God through faith according to our knowledge of Jesus the Saviour (vv. 1–2); we are now empowered by God’s own power to flee evil and pursue His divine ways (vv. 3–4); and we are aware of the traits that will assure us of a productive Christian life leading all the way to a rich welcome into heaven (vv. 5–11). 

The believers are to remember the ‘truth’ (v. 12) which they have come to know. He will refresh their memory (v. 13) of what they know, and will make every effort so that they ‘will always be able to remember these things’ (v. 15). If it seems repetitive, it is, and for good reason. 

We are by nature quite forgetful creatures. What we knew yesterday isn’t as clear today. In a world in which we are bombarded with all kinds of messages, how will we remain clear-minded on the great, invisible gospel truths if we are not consciously remembering them? 

Peter knew the recipients of his letter needed reminding upon reminding, even though they were ‘firmly established in the truth’ (v. 12). Would it not be arrogant to think of ourselves as being above the same need? 

We do not rely on a meal from last week to sustain us today. Yet sometimes discouraged pastors may feel their ministry is insignificant because they are merely reminding established Christians of things they already know. And sometimes established Christians might resent sitting in church or Bible study if they are hearing yet again truths they already know. Truths freshly impressed upon us far more powerfully shape our wills and decisions than the same truths, barely remembered, heard long ago. As the hymn ‘Tell me the old, old story’ puts it, ‘Tell me the story often, for I forget so soon; the early dew of morning has passed away at noon.’ 

Reflection

Are you fully aware of the importance of exposure and re-exposure to the truth of the gospel? How might you avoid complacency towards, or even resistance to, the old, old story?