SCRIPTURE
“So, I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things.” 2 Peter 1:12-15
“Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our lord and savior through your apostles” 2 Peter 3:1-2
SPOTLIGHT
How good is your memory? I often tell people that I have a good memory, but it is short.
Have you ever said to someone, “Now refresh my memory about that” The Apostle Peter believed it was important to refresh the memory of Christians about basic truths? Take a moment to reread the above Scriptures. He made no apology that he was going to bring back to their attention, fundamental Christian truths, even though these friends were already living out these truths. Then he told his audience that he was going to do everything possible, after he had died, to make sure they remembered the Bible basics. His mission in writing, 1 Peter and 2 Peter, was nothing less than to stimulate his brothers and sisters in Christ to, “wholesome thinking,” about God’s grace and truth, and to recall everything the Apostles had spoken.
Forgetfulness is very common amongst people. When you meet someone for the first time, the best way to remember the person’s name is to say it while speaking to him/her. Having a good memory requires you to use it, or lose it. Repeating information reduces forgetfulness. This is one reason why you should be memorizing Scripture. When you feel alone you will quote to yourself, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, Thou art with me…”
Absentmindedness is when you don’t pay close enough attention when you first hear something. Wives often complain about telling their husbands something, only to later hear them claim, “I don’t remember you saying that.” They were watching the football game when the information was communicated. Have you ever misplaced your car keys? You can’t remember where you put them because your mind was centered on something else as you laid them down. You were not concentrating. Focus reduces forgetfulness.
Peter was determined to repeat and focus on truth already known to his Christian friends. He did not want them to experience any forgetfulness, or absentmindedness. What is more important is to ask, “What did Peter want the believers to always remember and never forget?” In the above Scripture section, Peter was aware that he would soon be leaving this world for heaven. He knew he was going to die. What would you want people to remember if you knew you were soon going to die and meet Jesus Christ, your Savior, in heaven?
A quick read through 2 Peter, highlights the following subjects that this great, “Fisher of Men” wanted his friends to always keep in mind. You should REFRESH YOUR MEMORY about;
#1. The importance of Christian growth. – Read 2 Peter 1:5-11.
#2. God’s inspired, prophetic Word. – Read 2 Peter 1:12-21.
#3. So called “Christians,” who mislead you. – Read 2 Peter 2.
#4. The fact that Jesus Christ is coming again. – Read 2 Peter 3.
In a Harvard Medical School publication, an article identified many things that would improve and refresh a person’s memory. Three that stood out were music, management and meditation. It said that music had positive effects on memory, managing your activity and nutrition would boost your memory, and meditating would increase mental clarity. None of these are surprising. As a believer, you already regularly REFRESH YOUR MEMORY with music by worshiping Jesus through singing. You have learned that it does not matter whether you can carry a tune, but how important it is to worship God in song. In addition, you manage your life every time you fellowship with believers. You have learned how important it is to meet in small groups with friends of like faith. And do not forget that you meditate as you read God’s Word, hear God’s Word and discuss it with other believers.
Congratulations, you are well on your way to refreshing your memory with the most important truths that will lead you to live life well.
SOMETHING TO DO
What would you want to remind people to remember if you knew you were soon going to die and meet Jesus Christ in heaven?
What should you refresh your memory about? Is it Christian growth, God’s Word, deceptive “Christians,” or the second coming of Jesus Christ? Pick one, and read that part of 2 Peter.
SOUL TIME PRAYER
Heavenly Father, I do not want to forget, or be absentminded about any truth from Your Word. I pray the Holy Spirit would continually, “refresh my memory,” so that I may live a life that will always glorify You. Heavenly Father, I pray that You will bless me with a memory that will always please You. AMEN.