1 & 2 Peter Book Study Sample

Remember and Pay Attention

I can recall sitting in my high school Chemistry class and hearing the pleading voice of my teacher asking us as students to remember the basic principles of molecular Chemistry and to pay attention to the formulas that we had learned. And if I had done so with a little more diligence, I might have done better in the class.

Peter uses the word “remind” or “remember” three times in 2 Peter:12-15. Even though he knows they are “holding firmly to the truth” that they were given, he still feels it is vital that he tell them again. He no doubt knows (and fears) the normal human tendency to forget things that we once knew and understood. That forgetfulness leads to spiritual weakness and apathy. So he reminds them.

But what does he remind them about? First, the truth is that Jesus Christ will return with power—this isn’t a fairy tale. Secondly, he personally experienced a marvellous revelation on the Mount of Transfiguration—he saw the greatness of Jesus and heard God’s voice saying “This is my Son, whom I love; with him, I am well pleased” (Matthew 17:5 NIV).

Credible, personal testimony is important because it counteracts the tendency to dismiss what happened in the past. Stand against that tendency, Peter argues; remember, pay close attention and keep on paying attention. It is in doing so that light shines in dark places, not only in our own hearts but in the situations around us. And we can all do with more of that!

Respond in Prayer

Today, Oh Lord, I want to remember what I have learned about you. I commit myself again to paying attention to the words of Jesus and the presence of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Henry Friesen