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