The following is a phrase-by-phrase look at 2nd Peter 1.12-15 in the New American Standard version of the Bible…
“Therefore, I will always
be ready to remind you
of these things,”
be ready to remind you
of these things,”
Peter was clear about his calling…
- Its duration: “always”
- Its content: “these things” (see preceding verses 4-11)
- Its purpose: “to remind”
“even though you already know them, and have been
established in the truth which is present with you.”
Peter understood his audience already heard, believed, and put into practice the truth about Jesus. Nevertheless, he was compelled to tell them again.
“I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly dwelling,”
Peter grasped his own mortality. Because his death meant the end of his ministry, Peter was all the more committed to use his remaining life and breath to promote the gospel.
“to stir you up by way of reminder,”
Reminding Christians of what they already knew would increase their enthusiasm and re-ignite their passion so they could boldly carry out the mission after Peter’s death.
“knowing that the laying aside of my earthly dwelling is imminent, as also our Lord Jesus Christ has
made clear to me.”
Peter knew that life is fleeting and earthly existence is finite. It was imperative for the apostle, and all of us, to take full advantage of the short time remaining to faithfully serve the body of Christ.
“And I will also be diligent that at any time after my departure you will be able to call these things to mind.”
Besides preaching the word, Peter had the foresight to write the word. He knew the message of Christ he proclaimed was timeless. Peter’s written record endures for the benefit of future generations of believers.
Besides preaching the word, Peter had the foresight to write the word. He knew the message of Christ he proclaimed was timeless. Peter’s written record endures for the benefit of future generations of believers.
Peter knew nothing of blogs, web sites, the internet, email, social networks, texting, virtual communities, Zoom calls, or podcasts. Yet, right in this moment, approximately one thousand, nine hundred and fifty-two years later, you and I are benefiting from Peter’s words... exactly as he imagined.
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2 comments:
Great words Dave. And what a beautifully written chapter by Peter. Me thinks a ghost writer was involved here on some level as hard to believe a fisherman could write this on his own.
Ironically I'm working off a New American Standard myself this morning as I forgot my NIV at work.
"Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self control, and in your self control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in your in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."
2 Peter, ch 1, vs 5-8.
A few things that stand out in this passage:
1) Peter says we should "supply" these things. This leads me to believe that we have at least some control or power, some decision making ability that allows us to possess these qualities. I can not simply stand back and statye that God did not give me these qualities.
2) These qualitiers begin with the simple step of faith and end with desired result of love. It seems then that I can ask a simple question: Where is my faith, or perhaps, how much faith do I have?
It seems to answer that question: I need to ask my self, how much love for my fellow brothers and sisters do I have? This, after all is the ultimate goal.
3) If I am truly loving, I will not be useless or unfruitful. If in fact I possess these qualities and they are "increasing," I should see tangible evidence in loving acts and deeds for others. Something I should think about today while I'm writing estimates on all those damaged motor homes.
Dave, Thanks for the vine.
----Cedar Mill.
Great comments Cedar Mill from 2nd Peter 1. Love does appear to be the goal, huh?
Dave
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