Worth Remembering

                                 
 
2 Peter 1:8-15
8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. 10 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, 11 and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 12 So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. 13 I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, 14 because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. 15 And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things.
 
There are times…more now than ever! That I would ask my wife to remind me to do certain things. For example, I would ask her to remind me of my appointments. To add certain things to our grocery list.  Please remind me to pick up some communion bread, or juice. Those kind of things. We all do it right? Then eventually, I have discovered post it’s! Our bedroom mirror, and our fridge is filled with post its… reminders.
 
We tend to forget things right? Going to the buffet, or the grocery store we sometimes forget where we parked. Then you press that panic button on your keys, and wait for that loud…annoying sound, that will make everyone look. “Oh there it is”.
 
Many things that we forget will not have a lasting impact. But there are some things that will last throughout eternity. If we forget or disregard what we have been taught concerning how we should live for the Lord in this life, that will have an eternal impact.
 
Peter realized the importance of his readers remembering those things that they have been taught. The importance of this information is seen in his words to them in verses 12-15. Notice if you will… “12 So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. 13 I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, 14 because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. 15 And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things.
 
Peter states that he would continue to remind them of "these things" as long as he lived. "These things" refer back to verses 2 Peter 1:5-7…
 
2 Peter 1:5-7
5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.
 
Jesus had revealed to Peter that he would die a martyr's death. He knows at this point that the end of his life was drawing near. Knowing this, Peter felt an immense desire to remind the brethren of "these things". “And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things”. His desire was for these truths to be remembered long after his life had ended. Thankfully, by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, through the word of God, we are benefitting from these truths. ( The Bible )
 
Even though The Apostle Peter, has gone to be with the Lord, we still have these great reminders.  The word of God… the Bibles that we have, are filled with great reminders, for  example, as mentioned in…
 
2 Peter 1:8
8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 1:8 ( ESV )
8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
                                                              ( Please Keep In One Screen )
 
As children of God we have a wealth of knowledge at our fingertips. Everything that we need to know can be found in the Word of God. Solomon said …
 
Proverbs 8:33
Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it.
Proverbs 13:1
A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not respond to rebukes.
                                                             -Keep In One Screen-
 
A wise Christian will hear and heed the Father's instruction. Peter is referring to the instructions given in the previous verses concerning "supplementing our faith" If you follow the instruction that you have received..
1. We will be fruitful for the Lord.
2. We will be a witness of Jesus Christ.
3. We will reach others with the Gospel.
4. We will have an impact on the Kingdom.
5. Our life will bring glory to the Father.
 
All of this is possible, IF we remember our instruction. If we forget or disregard what we have received... we will be "barren & unfruitful". The Christian life that is marked by virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, kindness and charity. If these qualities are not present in a Christian's life, he or she will be compared to one who is still lost. There are some who no longer exhibit these traits. Why? Because they have forgotten their instruction. They have lost sight of the main goal. They have abandoned their calling.
 
That is when we will see, brothers, & sisters leaving the church, turning their backs on God, hoping that the world would give them a better life. Did they forget? Or maybe…just maybe, they never received the Truth, and that is why there was no truths to be reminded.
 
Peter's says in verse 13 that his desire was to "refresh your memory " the Christians by way of remembrance. To "refresh" means to wake fully. If you have forgotten your instruction, I pray that today will be the day that you "awake from your sleep" and return to the instruction provided in the Bible. If you will, then you can once again be fruitful for the Lord.
 
Let's move a little deeper in the text. Consider what we see in verse 9. Let Me Remind You-To Remember Your Salvation, You-are SAVED, FORGIVEN, PURCHASED BY HIS BLOOD.
 
2 Peter 1:9-10
9 But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. 10 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble.
 
You would think that it would be a near impossibility to "forget that we have been cleansed of our sins". Unfortunately, it is far too common. There are days and moments in life that will stand out above the others. I will never forget the first time I saw my wife. After being separated growing up. San Jose Airport, when she came to visit for the first time. She’s still as beautiful as ever. I remember the day we were married. I vividly remember the day that each of my boys were born. I don’t remember the times, their weight. I remember standing in the pulpit for the first time. But above all I remember August of 2004…That was the day that my life was changed forever. It was the day that I went from death unto life. That was the day that I was born again.
 
Remembering our salvation involves more than a specific date or a memory of a special place. Remembering our salvation involves reflecting on the fact that Jesus did something for us that we could not do for ourselves. In salvation we were cleansed, forgiven, redeemed, transformed, regenerated and set apart. There are some who have truly experienced this salvation, but to some…somewhere along the way they have forgotten that they were "purged from their old sins". They need to be reminded. And being saved is “Worth Remembering”.
Peter says here in verse 9 that this person is "nearsighted and blind". - If your life is not marked by the characteristics mentioned in verses 5-7 “make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love”. then there is a real possibility that you doubt your salvation. When this evidence of salvation is not present, assurance is difficult. Not only will others question the genuineness of your faith, you will lack confidence as well.
 
Chances are that every believer here has doubted his/her salvation at one time or another. Peter wants his readers to know…reminds them that if you will "if you possess these qualities" with these Christian qualities you can have full assurance of your salvation.
 
There are four basic categories concerning salvation:
Those who think they are saved, but aren't.
Those we think are saved, but aren't.
Those who are saved, but don't act like it.
Those who are saved, and they do act like it.
 
- Bill Hybels gives a great illustration of assurance in his book Too Busy Not To Pray - If you are ever in an airport, observe the difference between passengers who hold confirmed tickets and those who are on standby. The ones with confirmed tickets read newspapers, chat with their friends or sleep. The ones on standby hang around the ticket counter, constantly pacing and fidgeting. They can't get comfortable or relax... The difference is caused by the assurance factor.
 
Those who doubt their salvation lack comfort and assurance. Those who are certain of their salvation, are able to live an abundant victorious Christian life. There are some here today who are missing out on that victory. But there are others who need to be reminded of what Jesus has done for them! The good news is that we can have assurance of our salvation.
 
Maybe we need to be reminded of these great truth, that is mentioned in…. v10 “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble”.
 
Church, let me remind you…let Peter remind you of something, “Worth Remembering”.
When we have this assurance, that we saved, we can rest in the hope of eternal life. We can live with peace because we have been forgiven of our sins and delivered from Hell. We can rest assured that we have a hope in Heaven.
 
Let's consider that a little more as we move on to verse 11...
 
 
2 Peter 1:11
11 and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
 
As Christians, we have a glorious hope of a wonderful place. Jesus has assured us of a home in Heaven. All who are saved can look forward to this special place. One day, when this life is over we will experience a grand welcome home. We will enter the everlasting kingdom where Christ reigns. We have a new body waiting for us. We will be given a robe of white. We will receive crowns. Throughout the Bible we are told of the crowns that we may receive:
 
1: The Incorruptible Crown - Awarded for faithfulness to the Lord:
 
1 Corinthians 9:25
Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
 
2: The Crown Of Life - For the person who endures and overcomes temptation:
 
James 1:12
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
 
3: The Crown Of Rejoicing - This is the soul winner’s crown:
 
1 Thessalonians 2:19
For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you?
 
4: The crown of glory. This will be given to the faithful ministers who give themselves to lead and feed the flock of God. ( Pastors, deacons, Sunday school teachers)
 
1 Peter 5:4
And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
 
And, we will also enjoy the "marriage supper of the Lamb".
 
 
 
 
 
Revelation 19:6-10
6 Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:
“Hallelujah!
For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!
For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.
Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.)
9 Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” And he added, “These are the true words of God.”10 At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers and sisters who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For it is the Spirit of prophecy who bears testimony to Jesus.”
 
We are those glorified saints who Christ "will bring with Him" They that are with Him are called, chosen and faithful! We will experience this great triumph. We will hear our Savior say… 21 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.’ Matthew 25:21
 
In Conclusion:
 
Let us never forget that the only reason this Triumph is possible. The only reason that we will enter that land is because of Christ and His work at Calvary. Even as unworthy as we are, we are assured glorious entrance into the eternal Kingdom. 
 
What a great promise we possess. This place of beauty... everlasting life... a reunion with our loved ones... the mansion and the rewards... deliverance from Hell. Our unworthiness should motivate us to live each day for the Lord. These things should prompt us to follow the instruction given in this message and to supplement our faith.
 
All of the factors that Peter describes in these verses work together. When we remember our salvation, we will be reminded of our destination, and when we consider our destination it should motivate us to follow the instruction that is given to us in scripture. Do you remember the instruction that has been given to you? If you remember it, will you obey it? Do you remember your salvation? Do you remember the day that you surrendered to Christ? Do you remember that you have been "purged from your old sin's?" YES! YES! YES!!!
 
 
 
Perhaps some of those old sins have crept back into your life. If so… now would be a good time to address that issue...Repent and return to a right relationship with your Father. Maybe you are here and you don't remember your salvation. Perhaps it is because you have never been born again. If that is the case, you can be today! Cry out to God…Be drawn to His Son. Be forgiven. If you will surrender to Christ, then you too can look forward to our destination. You can rest in the promise of an "abundant entrance into the Kingdom of Christ."
 
These are “Worth Remembering”.
 
Let Us Pray:
 
Lords Supper: