Practice Makes Perfect

Read 2 Peter 1:1-21

12. Therefore, I will always remind you about these things—even though you already know them and are standing firm in the truth you have been taught.
13. And it is only right that I should keep on reminding you as long as I live.
14. For our Lord Jesus Christ has shown me that I must soon leave this earthly life,
15. so I will work hard to make sure you always remember these things after I am gone.
16. For we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the powerful coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. We saw his majestic splendor with our own eyes
17. when he received honor and glory from God the Father. The voice from the majestic glory of God said to him, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”
18. We ourselves heard that voice from heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain. 2 Peter 1:12-18

Championship teams build their success upon the basics of their sport. The coaches routinely review the basics with the players. Good athletes practice them again and again. Great athletes strive to perfect them in their technique. Winners never forget the basics and build their game upon them like a house on a foundation.

In his second letter, Peter plays the part of the coach. He does not want Christians to forget the basics of their faith, so he reviews them in this passage. The key word here is remember. How’s your practice schedule?

As you read, watch also for God’s escape hatch and an amazing chain or fortification for your faith. And pay attention to a call to pay attention.

Peter was concerned about his readers’ faith surviving over the long run. Because Peter knew that he would die soon, he reviewed the basics of the faith to etch them into their memory (2 Peter 1:12-15). Peter wanted his readers to firmly grasp the gospel’s basic message, a goal that would take repetition to achieve. He wanted them to hear again and again that Jesus had come to die for their sins, had risen on the third day, had given them eternal life, and would one day return to judge the earth. Knowing and believing those simple basics would uphold their faith and keep them strong.

From time to time, it is good to review the basics of our faith in Christ. Doing this will refresh our memory, strengthen our faith, and dispel any spiritual falsehoods we may have begun to believe.

Do you remember the basics of the faith? Whether you do or not, be sure to review the Gospels and Epistles regularly to stay spiritually sharp.