2 Peter 1:12
The Apostle Peter resolves to not be negligent in reminding the saints of the importance of exercising grace and discharging duty, despite their knowledge and stability.
John Gill emphasizes the importance of continual reminders in the Christian faith, as the Apostle Peter expresses his commitment to keep the believers aware of their duties and the exercise of grace. He acknowledges that even those who are knowledgeable and established in their faith can benefit from regular reminders of the truths of the Gospel. Gill highlights that the 'present truth' refers to the unchanging nature of the Gospel and the significance of Christ's return, urging ministers to diligently teach and reinforce these truths to prevent complacency among believers.
Text
Ver. 12. Wherefore I will not be negligent,.... The apostle having made use of proper arguments to excite the saints he writes to regard the exhortation he had given, to the diligent exercise of grace, and discharge of duty, proceeds to give the reasons of his own conduct, why he gave such an exhortation to them, and pressed it, and continued to do so, and determined for the future to go on with it, as particularly the usefulness and profitableness of it; and therefore, seeing it would be attended with so many advantages before mentioned, he was resolved that he would not be careless, nor omit any opportunity that should offer:
to put you always in remembrance of these things; of the exercise of the above graces, and the performance of the above duties, which saints are too apt to forget, and therefore should be reminded of; and it is the duty and business of the ministers of the word frequently to inculcate those things:
though ye know them, and be established in the present truth; for those that know the most, know but in part; and may have their knowledge increased; and those that are the most established in the truths of the Gospel, may be confirmed yet more and more. This the apostle mentions as an apology for himself, and to prevent an objection that might be made, as if he had suggested that they were ignorant and unstable; or which might insinuate that there was no necessity of such frequent putting in remembrance; since they were both knowing and stable: by "the present truth" may be meant, either the whole scheme of the Gospel, which was now come by Christ, in opposition to the exhibition of it under the former dispensation, by promise and type; and it being so called, shows that it is always now, and new; that there will be no alteration in it, nor addition to it, it being like the author of it, the same yesterday, today, and for ever, and will not give place to another scheme of things; or else the particular truth of the coming of Christ, either to take vengeance on the Jewish nation, or to judge the world in righteousness, and introduce his own people into the new heavens, and new earth, 2Pe 3:1.
Sermon Outline
- I. The Apostle's Resolve to Not Be Negligent
- A. The usefulness and profitableness of the exhortation
- B. The duty of ministers to frequently inculcate these things
- II. The Reason for the Apostle's Conduct
- A. The saints' tendency to forget the exercise of graces and performance of duties
- B. The importance of reminding them of these things
- III. The Saints' Knowledge and Stability
- A. Their knowledge is incomplete
- B. Their stability can be increased
- IV. The Present Truth
- A. The Gospel scheme, always new and unchanged
- B. The particular truth of Christ's coming
Key Quotes
“Wherefore I will not be negligent,.... The apostle having made use of proper arguments to excite the saints he writes to regard the exhortation he had given, to the diligent exercise of grace, and discharge of duty, proceeds to give the reasons of his own conduct, why he gave such an exhortation to them, and pressed it, and continued to do so, and determined for the future to go on with it, as particularly the usefulness and profitableness of it;” — John Gill
“though ye know them, and be established in the present truth;” — John Gill
“for those that know the most, know but in part; and may have their knowledge increased;” — John Gill
Application Points
- We should not become complacent in our knowledge and stability, but continue to seek growth and increase in our understanding of the Gospel.
- Ministers have a duty to frequently remind the saints of the importance of exercising grace and discharging duty.
- We should be grateful for the reminder of the Gospel scheme and the particular truth of Christ's coming.