“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.” (2 Peter 1:12, AV)
When we lived in Portsmouth, we purchased a home that had a set of stairs that were a bit treacherous. The steps were somewhat short and it was very easy to miss one and fall down. Every time I had people over to visit, as they were leaving, I would remind them, “Be careful going down the steps.” We also had a step outside that was a bit dangerous also. I also reminded them about this step. Some people were bothered by my continual reminders. Every time they would visit, I would remind them again. The reason for this repetition was twofold. Primarily, I did not want them to get hurt when leaving our home. Yet, secondarily, I know that people, in the hustle and bustle of activity, like leaving for home, often forget things. Very often, reminders are vital.
Peter here stated that he was committed to reminding believers of some vital truths. In the previous verses, he wrote about characteristics of godliness that should characterize the lives of believers. The evidence of these characteristics will result in fruitful Christian living. These evidences of godliness will also grant assurance of the transformed life, of salvation. Peter was not afraid to be repetitive of these truths since he knew of their vital importance to the believer.
There have been times in the ministry where I have been criticized for being repetitive. Certain people will say, “I have already known all of that.” It is interesting that these same people will never complain about singing the chorus of a hymn over and over after each verse. Sadly, they forget about those around them who perhaps did not ever know or may have forgotten. Not only that, but we can hardly state that a reminder of the precious truths of Scripture is fruitless. There is a benefit to the repetition of Scripture. The Scriptures tells us that our faith comes by the “word of God” (Rom 10:17). Moreover, instructed the church to partake in the communion meal often as a remembrance of His atoning work on the cross. It is a repetitive act so that we will never forget a vital truth.
The point is this. Let us never grow tired of repetition of biblical doctrine. Let us not complain until we come to a point where we can say that we know everything there is to know about a subject and that we never forget anything. On that day we can complain but we will not. The reason is that we will have either matured to the point where we understand the importance of repeating Scripture or we will have entered our eternal dwelling place in heaven.
Renewing the Heart 