Peter’s epistles were written while he was in prison shortly before his execution. We could say it was his last will and testament. They were his final words. He expressed tremendous concern as he wrote the letters and had them sent to the churches that were scattered. He was a first generation disciple and apostle who knew the Lord and his Word.
I Peter 1:12 “Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. 13 Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; 14 Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me. 15 Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance. 16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts.”
Peter saw the entrance of false doctrine and the beginning of the mixture of secularism into Christianity as well as the formalities that were being weaved in. The churches were letting down their guard. It was the beginning of the “religionizing” of God’s only provision for salvation of the soul. These things happen when Christians lose faith in the integrity of the Savior and his Word. In verse 12 Peter said he put them “in remembrance of these things.” He was talking about the Word of God. He said they knew the Word, but they needed to be established in it—in its present truth. It’s the only truth.
We get a different version of truth every time we turn the television on. It’s easy to get confused. There were many subtle versions of untruth; the people were having a hard time. Peter said we have to be first settled in the faith that the Bible is the Word. We have to stick by that regardless of what others say or how we may be put down or branded. Settle it and keep it. Be convinced by it and not blinded to the obvious by listening to anything else.
Chapter 3:17 says “ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.” Beware. Be cautious. We can be confused and led away.
The best tactic to offset defeat is in 3:18. “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” When others fall, we can stand, and we can stand because we’ve grown in grace and the Word. We’ll be closer to the Lord.
Take care to fulfill Peter’s last wishes.
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 