Strengthening His Brothers

Perhaps recognizing that new ones in particular can easily be deceived, Peter tenderly encourages them:  "Brothers, all the more do your utmost to make the calling and choosing of you sure for yourselves; for if you keep on doing these things you will by no means ever fail."  (2 Peter 1:10; 2:18) Anointed Christians who supply to their faith these seven things will enjoy a grand reward, as Peter says:  " There will be richly supplied to you the entrance into the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 1:11) The  "other sheep" will receive an everlasting inheritance in the earthly realm of God's Kingdom. -John 10:16; Matthew 25:33, 34. 

Peter sincerely wants such a grand reward for his brothers.  "For this  reason," he writes, "I shall be disposed always to remind you of these things, although you know them and are firmly set in the truth."  (2 Peter 1:12)  Peter uses the Greek word ste-ri/zo, here translated  "are firmly set" but rendered "strengthen"  in Jesus' earlier admonition to Peter:  "Strengthen  your brothers."  (Luke 22:32)  The use of that word may suggest that Peter remembers the powerful admonition he received from his Lord. Peter now says:  "I consider it right, as long as I am in this tabernacle [human body], to rouse you up by way of reminding you, knowing as I do that the putting off of my tabernacle is soon to be." -2 Peter 1:13, 14.

Although Peter kindly says that his readers "are firmly set in the truth," he realizes that their faith could experience shipwreck.  (1 Timothy 1:19)  Since he knows that he is soon to die, he strengthens his brothers  by mentioning things that they can later call to mind to keep themselves spiritually strong.  (2 Peter 1:15; 3:12, 13) Similarly, we today need constant reminders to remain firm in the faith. Regardless of who we are or how long we have been in the truth, we cannot neglect regular Bible reading, personal study, and attendance at congregation meetings.  Some make excuses for not attending, saying that they are too tired or that the meetings are too repetitive or not well presented, but Peter knew how fast anyone of us can lose faith if we become overconfident. -Mark 14:66-72; 1 Corinthians 10:12; Hebrews 10:25.

Next time: Firm Basis for Our Faith

From the Watchtower magazine, 1997