"I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me.   And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things."

Throughout the Old Testament God made His authority and His word known through specially chosen prophets. A true spokesman of God speaks the words of God - no more and no less. Peter had a personal knowledge of Christ and was eyewitness to the truth. Jesus told Peter to pass it on, feed his sheep, and tend his lambs, meaning give the truth to my followers. From the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended on Peter and the disciples, they went in the power and the authority of the Almighty willing and ready to die at any time. Peter was excited that God would use him to speak truth.      

What was Peter’s tactic for spreading the message to the people? Tell it well and tell it often. Peter had a responsibility before God to take the words and teachings of Jesus and pass them on in the world so people can be saved and live by following Christ, not traditions, not experiences, not opinions, but in truth as it had been revealed by the Son of God.      

It is good to remember the truth, but which truth? Everyone says they teach the truth. Since Peter realized his time on earth was short, he was even more zealous for Jesus to be lifted up. He was more committed to passing on that which he received from Christ Himself. Don't forget the benefit of being a believer. Don't forget your responsibility. Put into practice with God's power those qualities that bring joy and growth in your spiritual life.  He wanted them to learn to stand strong against false teachers and wait with hope for the Lord's coming.

Pastors can be criticized for 30-minute sermons.

The basis of any message must be evaluated through the teachings of Christ as revealed now in the Bible, which is what the apostles passed on, not having church that appeals to individuals’ tastes.      

There is nothing legalistically more pious for a two-hour sermon, over a 30-minute sermon, over a 10-minute sermon. What is being taught? Is it truth from Christ or something that is people pleasing?      

Peter's time was short and so is ours. Jesus told him in John 21 the type of death he was to die. It would be by crucifixion. Peter was told it would be soon. What would you do if you knew you only had just a few weeks or months to live? How would your life be different toward God? Peter was looking forward and acknowledging death as transition from one stage to another, an exit of this world is passage into the next. His only earthly desire was to keep before the people the truth of God.

Application:   God’s authority must be proclaimed by His servants now, tell it well!

Prayer:   Lord, I feel the urgency in this teaching.   Holy Spirit instruct me in the way I should go and tell this good news to our hurting world.