March 3, 2013

Are You Stirred Up? (II Peter 1:12-15)

Preacher: Bryce Morgan Series: Misc. Messages Topic: II Peter Scripture: 2 Peter 1:12–1:15

Are You Stirred Up? (II Peter 1:12-15)

March 3rd, 2013

(One Truth: Walk in Truth)

 

I. Intro: In your mind, which image best describes the inner life of a follower of Jesus Christ: a rough, choppy, and turbulent sea, or a still, a quiet, a placid lake? Keep that question in mind and turn with me to II Peter 1:12-15

 

II. The Passage: “To Stir You Up” (1:12-15)

Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. [13] I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, [14] since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. [15] And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.

Key word here: (English: four words, Greek: one) diegeiro. (uses in 3:1) My first consideration, I imagined a pitcher with sediment settling on bottom; stir it up, the water is changed. But this word is used in three other places outside this letter: Mark 4:39; Luke 8:24; John 6:18. Mark, Luke use it as “awoke” (Jesus asleep in storm). John has similar story, but uses it as “became rough” (water was “stirred up”). So two perspectives: Peter wants to “rouse” his readers from sleep, and/or he wants to “make some waves” in their hearts.

 

A. What Needs to Be Stirred Up (v. 12): Notice that Peter's readers already know and are established in the truth. “Qualities” (vs.5-7). God's word is the truth. No doubt Peter is greatly encouraged by this. [I John 2:21] But no doubt, it is clearly not enough. Is it enough for you to know/be established in the truth? Some of you need to be more so. That's the first step. But for those have been given the essentials, we cannot become complacent. I love cruise control. But when learn and feel confident behind the wheel, we cannot put our faith on cruise control. It's easy isn't it?

B. How We Are Stirred Up (vs. 13, 14): Some say only stirred up by certain spiritual experiences or suffering or advanced studies, deeper knowledge. These things can rouse us. But Peter has something more fundamental in mind. “...by way of reminder” (“always to remind you” (v. 12)). The waters of our knowledge can become inactive. We can still fall asleep in our established faith. (I've met many who act like the basics are beneath them) [Rom 15:14, 15, Phil. 3:1] But Peter writes in love with a rousing reminder. Wake up! Don't get comfortable! Remember what you heard, what you believed. Remember His promsies (1:3, 4). Remember His warnings (chp 2). Remember your hope!

C. Why We Are Stirred Up (v. 15): Why does Peter write these rousing reminders? So that when he is not there to remind them, they will not only have a grip on the word, but that the word will grip their hearts at all times! “that...you may be able...at any time...to recall these things.” Peter rouses them in order that they may be able to more effectively rouse themselves! “But grow...” (II Peter 3:18)

 

III. Stirred to Stir

Look at Peter's heart: “I intend always” (12), “in this body” (13), “putting off...soon” (14), “every effort” (15). Doesn't his example stir you? Brothers/sisters, I believe God is reminding us that we need three things: 1) we need to be stirred up, and 2) we need to stir others, and 3) we need to stir ourselves by reminder.

At the end of this month we celebrate Holy Week. But before we join that worldwide celebration, we should prepare our hearts. How? By being stirred up by way of reminder. At Way of Grace we call this time of preparation Passion Month. Read more on back of insert. These word-filled reminders come not only on Sunday, but also through daily readings. I hope you will take a calendar and join us this month. Is God rousing you this morning? Making waves in your heart? Let's pray he does just that!

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