The Need to Stir Our Memories
Introduction:
We all need reminders. Why? Because we forget! The
apostle Peter knew how important it was for his readers
that he stirred up their memories. (II
Peter 1:12-15)
The “great things” of religion need to be brought to our
remembrance. So what can a stirred memory do?
Body:
I.
Remember Blessings
·
Ezra recalled several past blessings that Jehovah had
given His people. (Ezra
9:8-9, 13-15)
·
Remembering blessings can prompt thankfulness on our
part. (Psalm
105:1-5,
Psalm, 77:11-12)
·
Christians should be the most thankful of all people
because we have more for which to be thankful.
Thankfulness needs to be always in our prayers. (Colossians
4:2)
·
Remembering can stir up generosity. (Exodus
35:21, 29)
II.
Increase Faith
·
Remembering keeps us from falling away. (I
Corinthians 15:1-2)
·
Remembering keeps us from drifting away. (Hebrews
2:1,
Proverbs 3:21-26)
·
Remembering keeps our faith from weakening. (Hebrews
5:11-12)
III.
Avoid Sin
·
Remembering God’s precepts helps us avoid sin. (Psalm
119:9-11,
Psalm 37:31)
·
Remembering God’s Word preserves us. (Proverbs
3:1-2,
Proverbs 4:5-6)
IV.
Provide Comfort
·
Remembering can help relieve grief. (Psalm
42:5-8,
Psalm 77:10-12)
·
Remembering may provide comfort to others. (II
Corinthians 1:3-4)
V.
Stir Up Repentance
·
Note the example of the apostle Peter. (Matthew
26:74-75)
·
Recall the admonition to the church at Ephesus. (Revelation
2:5)
Conclusion:
Stirring up our memories is a good thing. We need
reminding because we so easily forget.
Bobby Stafford
February 22, 2015