Therefore I will always remind you about these things, even though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. And I think it is right to keep on reminding you as long as I am alive. (2 Peter 1:12-13)

Scholars often make bizarre speculations about the historical context of the biblical text, and this approach has warped their interpretation. They would favor factors outside of the text and theories about the intentions of the writers more than the words of the texts themselves. The result defies basic reading comprehension and makes them look like lunatics.

One of their awful habits is to infer that whatever a biblical writer said, the opposite must be happening in the reader, so that the writer was correcting the situation. For example, Paul wrote to Timothy, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and self-control.” Some scholars would infer that Timothy was timid and fearful. However, Paul referred to love and self-control as well, so should we think that Timothy was also characterized by hatred and insanity? For some reason, the scholars do not take it this far. When this way of inferring the historical context has been implemented hundreds of times, their representation of the Scripture becomes drastically warped and mistaken. Don’t be afraid to disagree with biblical scholars. They are far less competent than they want you to think.

Suppose I say to you, “Living in the grace and power of the Lord Jesus, we should be full of joy.” Does this mean that you are sullen and fearful, the very picture of depression, and I am rebuking you for it? Certainly not! My statement is something that we can say to a believer at any time. If I say to a congregation, “Let us praise the Lord,” does it mean that the people constantly curse God? When Jesus said to his disciples, “Have faith in God,” did he think that they were atheists? But you would see this insane approach to biblical interpretation in scholarly literature, even the most professional and technical resources.

Here we have evidence that the scholars are wrong. Peter said that he wanted to remind his readers of the things he wrote about, and he said that these readers knew the things he was saying, and that they were established in them. When the Bible teaches something, we cannot automatically infer that something opposite is happening with the readers. All Christian doctrines and admonitions can be said to those who already know them and practice them. It is good to be reminded and be strengthened in the truth.

Reminders are important in Christian teaching and Christian living. Repetition is appropriate, and should not be despised. Peter was aware of what he was doing, that he was repeating what his readers knew, and he was doing it on purpose. A little later in the letter, he said again, “Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking.”

Do not think that you are making progress as a preacher only if you are continuously presenting new information and addressing new topics. Sometimes preachers do that to build up their own pride, and because they wish to impress the congregations with how much they know. Resist this temptation. Repetition is good for the ministry, and good for the audience. Paul wrote to the Philippians, “Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.” Although Paul told them to rejoice, this does not mean that they were depressed. The Philippians were some of the most dedicated and generous Christians that Paul had worked with. But the apostle wrote the same things to them that he had said before, and he said that it was a safeguard for them.

Do you want the people who hear you to be safe in their faith, to stay on the right path, and to be able to resist deception and temptation? Then teach them the word of God, and teach them again. And then do it again. What if the people already know the basics of theology, but you teach them over and over again about the nature of God, the work of Christ, and the power of the Spirit? You might save their faith and prevent their apostasy. What if the people already know about receiving healing from God by faith, and you teach it again and again? You might save their lives. And what if the people already know about God’s teachings on love and faithfulness in marriage? If you repeat what God said to them, you might save their homes and their children.

Repeating a teaching often enables some people to understand or experience it for the first time. But even if they are established in the truth, repetition continues to produce benefits for them. Put down your pride, and do what is good for the people.

Likewise, cast away your pride and lust, and your evil ambitions, and do what is good for yourself. If a book teaches the truth, especially if the way it is written increases your understanding and confidence, read it again. If a sermon encourages you to follow Jesus with more love and dedication, listen to it again. If a teaching enables you to receive healing and prosperity from God, and to help others receive and better their lives, then review it again. Use what is available to you to remind yourself of the teachings of God’s word.

Do not think that you are making progress in the faith only if you are constantly learning new information or reading a new author or a new topic. So what if you already know the basics of theology? Review them again. It will make your grasp of the Christian faith more coherent, and make you more resistant to deception. So what if you have already heard the teachings on faith and healing dozens of times? Listen again. It will make you stronger and more immune to diseases, so that you can be a more effective follower of Jesus Christ. And it might even save your life.

By teaching something over and over again, the people will more likely practice and experience what you are teaching. Likewise, by reading or listening to something repeatedly, you will make that teaching a reality in your life, or experience it stronger than before. You will rekindle the words and the gifts of God that are within you.