Something was invented in 1974 that revolutionized communication. It was called Post-it Notes. The little sticky notes served as reminders for appointments, dates, deadlines, virtually everything. I use them often for important reminders!
The apostle Peter wrote inspired reminders in his letters to Christians. I call them Peter’s Post-it Notes. The recipients of the letters were converted Jews who scattered abroad following intense persecution. The Lord revealed to Peter that he would soon die, so he reminded Christians of these important truths:
- That the apostles did not follow fables—they were eyewitnesses of Christ’s majesty (2 Peter 1:16). Matthew wrote about Peter, James, and John observing the transfiguration of Christ (Matthew 17:1-9). And He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light (verse 2).
- That prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21).
- That false teachers will come among them and secretly bring in destructive heresies, exploiting them with deceptive words (2:1-3).
- That God will bring righteous judgment on the false teachers, as He did with the angels who sinned, the ungodly ones who drowned in the great flood, and wicked people in the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (2:4-6).
- That the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations (2:9). Paul wrote, No temptation has overtaken you except such is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it (1 Corinthians 10:13).
- That if one obeys the Lord but later becomes entangled again in the pollutions of the world, their latter end is worse for them than the beginning (2:20).
- That they should be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets of old as well as Jesus’ commandments delivered by the apostles (3:2).
- That scoffers will say, “Where is the promise of His coming?” But, with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day (3:8)
- That the Lord is not slack concerning His promise, but is long suffering, not willing that any should perish (3:9).
- That the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat (3:10).
Peter concluded his reminders, Therefore…be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless … beware, lest you fall from your own steadfastness…but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (3:14, 17-18).
Peter’s words remind us, too, that scripture came as a result of the workings of the Holy Spirit and should not be regarded lightly; that God will deliver us out of temptations; that there are false teachers among us; that we should not become entangled again in worldly pursuits; and finally, people will scoff at Jesus’ second coming. But the fact is, He’s coming again, unexpectedly, and we must remain steadfast to the end!
Today’s Verse: For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth, Yes, I think it right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you, (2 Peter 1:12-13), Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder)…(2 Peter 3:1).
By Teresa Hampton
Audios available at http://christianwomanaudiodevotionals.abiblecommentary.com