Even Though You Know I Will Remind You

2 Peter 1:12
So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have.

2 Peter 1:13
I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body,

2 Peter 1:15
And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things.

Reminding someone who hasn’t forgotten doesn’t sound like a very nice thing to do. Telling someone what they already know seems a waste of time. But in our text today, Apostle Peter tells the church that he always reminds them what they already know.

As Peter preached, taught, and wrote, he realized that these are things the people already knew. Probably someone had complained that what they were listening to they already knew. Peter in our text today tells them that he knows that they know. Even though you know, I will remind you!

Peter says the purpose of reminder is to refresh their memory. To refresh memory is to ensure information remains present in the mind and attempts to apply it continue. Refreshing is like increasing the speed of that which was slowing down. Refreshing is like strengthening that which was weakening. Refreshing is an encouragement that we stick to what we were told or what we know. We have many responsibilities as believers and we know them, but we need refreshing messages so that we do not let go or give up. Even though you know, I will remind you!

Peter tells the church that his purpose for reminding them what they already know is that repetition will ensure that after he dies they will never forget. Reminding of what we know helps to permanently mold the message in our hearts and mind. There is a future permanent effect if we continue getting reminders of that which we already know. The reminder of what they already knew was therefore for purposes of a future permanence of the teaching. Even though you know, I will remind you!

Do you appreciate the reminders we get from worship sermons? You have been in church long enough and you know all these things, but you still need a reminder. During Bible study, do you as leaders and members who have been in church for long, leave new people to attend Bible study as you plan the next service and a series of probably boring announcements? Take note today, even though you know, you too need a reminder of that which you know. Are you an excellent theologian? You too need to listen to what you know, understand and teach. Even though you know, I will remind you!

Those who do not know, need to learn. Those who have forgotten need reminders. Those who know and haven’t forgotten also need a reminder. No one is mature enough to stop listening, learning, and reading God’s word. Peter tells them, I know you know, but I will remind you anyway. Even though you know, I will remind you!

Those of us who must remind through teaching, preaching and writing, need to make it palatable. Since many already know and will have to hear it again, making it attractive and enjoyable, so that those who know enjoy the reminder. Do not be so obvious and predictable. Say the same thing with new approaches and perceptions. We should avoid extremes of being too dramatic that the message is distracted. Beware that it is a reminder for the majority. Even though you know, I will remind you!

Peter’s message that this is a reminder saves us from the unhealthy appetite for the so-called new truths. Present truth is what is already known but is relevant for the moment. In prophetic studies and even health messages sometimes we get excited by only what is new, yet what we need is a reminder of what we already know. While we live at the end of time and prophecies are getting fulfilled, we also need reminders of other simpler obvious truths. Even though you know, I will remind you!

Those you love know about your love, but it is healthy to remind them even though they know. Dangerous places and moments are known to be dangerous, but reminding those who know is the best thing you can ever do. Giving guidance to children and students is full of repetition, you tell them what you had already talked about. Even though you know, I will remind you!

Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy, Exodus 20:8-11. Remember your Creator while you are still energetic and can serve Him well, Ecclesiastes 12:1. Remember where you have fallen from and repent, Revelation 2:5. Even though you know, I will remind you!

Dear God, teach me what I don’t know and remind me what I have forgotten and even what I still know. Remind me of Your love and care. Remind me of Your promises to protect me and bless me. Remind me that You will never leave me nor forsake me. Remind me that the world will end and Jesus will come back soon. Remind me to number my days so that I gain a heart of wisdom. Remind me that weeping is for the night but joy is coming in the morning. Remind me that in the end, You will grant me victory. Remind me even if I already know, in Jesus’ name, Amen!