Peter was in prison awaiting execution, but it was not his goal to get out by making these statements. He faced execution by crucifixion. Church history says that Peter asked to be crucified upside down because he felt that he was not worthy to be crucified like the Lord. He wasn’t concerned about himself but about God’s people. What would happen to the Christians?
II Peter 1: 12Wherefore 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. 13Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; 14Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me. 15Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.
Peter was saying “if you forget me, don’t forget the things I’ve taught.” The things we’re most familiar with are sometimes the things we tend to forget. He thought it necessary (meet) to remind them.
Now look at his very last words. Let these words lay heavily on your heart. It would do us good to mark this and every now and then come back and read it.
II Peter 3: 17Ye 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. 18But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen.
These are shaky times. From the highest to the lowest office in our government, even in our own personal lives at times, it’s hard. However, we still have a lot to be thankful for. The Constitution is still intact. We have more freedom than any other country on earth. Who do we thank for this? First off, thank God for allowing it and preserving our country and our freedom to the measure he has. We also owe a debt of gratitude to those gone on. There was a militia before America was officially established. Each colony had one. George Washington was Virginia’s leader. He was a backward man, yet a very capable, intuitive commander. When asked by the new Continental Congress to become head of their new country’s Armed Forces, he humbly considered it an honor.
Simon Peter was one of the first disciples to be called. His life had ups and downs. He would have made a good soldier had Israel not been under Roman rule. He was still a soldier. He fought the Sea of Galilee as a fisherman to make a living for his family. He was hard physically. He had a tough character. Quite the opposite of the tender-hearted John, Peter was hard-headed. He was still called as equally as John was called. Now he faces execution. Basically Peter didn’t want us to forget the example of his life. We suffer out of the will of God. When we are in his will, God empowers and helps us. Peter wanted them to hold onto the truth. After all the disciples and apostles were gone, the cry was to remember to keep it going.
It’s important this Memorial Day Sunday to remember those who contributed to our freedom both spiritually and in the military. Never forget what others fought for. Our freedom, our integrity, and our very identity as a nation were on the line. Many fight but never come back home. Our soldiers continually die. We need to remember why.
That’s what Peter is telling us today. Remember his words, the words of the Lord. Don’t be led away. Don’t set it aside. The best thing any of them could do or we can do for Paul, Peter, John, and the rest is hold fast to what they taught us, what they fought for, what they died for. Don’t take for granted the privilege to come to church or read the Bible. In the world today, intelligent people now believe they can get to heaven any old way. The only way they will know is if we don’t drop the gospel. You have to protect and defend yourself against the devil by your own relationship with Jesus Christ. Don’t become a casualty of the devil. Depend on your faith. Be consistent with God. Each of us is accountable for ourselves. Every soldier in the squad has to do his or her job. It was Peter’s last request. Don’t let Christianity die. Don’t fall by the wayside.
What kind of memory are you making in your life? The impression you make now will be the one many keep. How will you affect others? Will people remember you? Will it be good or will it be bad? Will they smile or frown? Will they know you at all?
If you want to help your country now, if you want to help the cause of Christ now, live right by your freedoms. Do right by the Word of God. Peter said don’t forget it. We need to remember because we need to continue.
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 