2 Peter 1:13
John Gill's sermon on 2 Peter 1:13 emphasizes the importance of remembrance and active faith in our temporary existence as believers.
John Gill emphasizes the importance of reminding believers of their duties and responsibilities in Christ, as he reflects on his role as an apostle and elder. He likens the human body to a temporary tabernacle, underscoring the transient nature of life and the urgency to live out one's faith actively. Gill points out that Christians often forget their obligations and become sluggish in their spiritual walk, hence the need for constant reminders to stir them up to action.
Text
Ver. 13. Yea, I think it meet,.... Or "just". This is the apostle's other reason for his conduct, taken from the duty of his place and office; judging it to be what became him as an apostle and elder, and the minister of the circumcision, and was what was due to God and Christ, whom he served, and the souls of men under his care:
as long as I am in this tabernacle: or "body", as the Syriac and Ethiopic versions render it, and so some copies; for the body is as a tabernacle for the soul to dwell in, pitched for a time, and, ere long, to be taken down; See Gill on "2Co 5:1",
to stir you up; to the lively exercise of grace, and constant performance of duty: by putting you in remembrance: of the said things; for saints are apt to be forgetful of their duty, and backward to it, and sluggish and slothful in it.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Understanding the Apostle's Duty
- The Role of an Elder
- Serving God and Christ
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II
- The Nature of Our Bodies
- The Tabernacle Analogy
- Temporal vs. Eternal Perspective
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III
- The Importance of Remembrance
- Encouraging Active Faith
- Overcoming Spiritual Sloth
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IV
- The Call to Action
- Living Out Our Faith Daily
- Stirring Up Grace in Our Lives
Key Quotes
“This is the apostle's other reason for his conduct, taken from the duty of his place and office.” — John Gill
“The body is as a tabernacle for the soul to dwell in, pitched for a time, and, ere long, to be taken down.” — John Gill
“Saints are apt to be forgetful of their duty, and backward to it, and sluggish and slothful in it.” — John Gill
Application Points
- Regularly remind yourself of your spiritual duties to stay engaged in your faith.
- View your body as a temporary dwelling, which encourages a focus on eternal matters.
- Actively seek to stir up grace in your life and the lives of others.