2 Peter_3

Scripture2 Peter 3:1Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking.Observation - What does it say?Peter, in this letter he wrote to all believers everywhere, states his purpose for both letters. As one translation puts it, “to stir you up by way of reminder.” In other words, he wasn't writing with some new information or breaking news to blow their minds. He was writing to remind them of things they already knew.Understanding - What does it mean?We don’t always need a new truth or new revelation. Sometimes, what is most necessary is for us to be reminded of something we’ve already heard or read or known. And the Holy Spirit will use that reminder to stir us up inside and get our minds focused in the right direction. Life ApplicationIt’s easy to hear a sermon or open a passage of the Bible and start to half-listen or skim, thinking, “Oh, I’ve already heard this. I know where he’s going with this.” Or, “I’ve read this passage many times before and know it inside and out.” But as soon as we do, we close our spiritual ears and eyes and remove the possibility of God stirring us up. Possibly most harmful is doing this around the truths that are most central to our faith. If we aren’t careful, we become numb to phrases like, “God loves me,” “Jesus died on the cross,” “I’ve been forgiven of all my sins.” We experience little or no emotion around the most incredible truths in the universe! What a tragedy! This Christmas, that was my prayer; a request for God to open my eyes once again to see the power and great significance of Immanuel, God becoming man and dwelling among us. That God would restore my sensitivity where it’s been lost. And he's begun to do so!God, please forgive me! As I take time to remind myself and meditate on these great truths and promises, stir me up! Stir us up inside and change our thinking as you remind us of the truth. Amen.- Levi Thompson