When we attend church, we tend to expect to hear a “fresh word” from the Lord each time. But sometimes, the preacher’s message may be void of any new biblical truths. Everything he or she says may be things you already know.
Still, you can be greatly blessed through those sermons or teachings. That’s because sometimes, we don’t need to hear anything new. Rather, we need to hear again things we already know.
Many years ago, I returned from the office having had a rough day. I was feeling the heavy weight of ministry. When I got home, I turned on the TV to a Christian network. One of my favorite ministers was on preaching. He is known for his keen sense of humor. He amazes me by the humorous points he comes up with and weaves into his sermons.
As I listened to him that day, he didn’t say one thing I did not already know. But I was immensely blessed. What he preached was what I needed to hear at the moment. What he shared, I knew already. But at the moment, those truths lay dormant in me and needed to be stirred.
I believe many believers are like that. They are going through a difficult time. They have enough biblical knowledge to get through those rough times in their life. But they are so preoccupied with their test that they can’t hear the Word of God speaking to them. They need to hear again the truths they already know.
Keeping the Word of God Alive in You
The same is true about our personal Bible study also. It’s not enough for us to read through the entire Bible just once or twice or even three times. We must continue to hear again what God says to us in His Word to keep us reminded of those things.
For instance, in Peter’s second epistle, he writes, “This is now, beloved, the second letter I am writing to you in which I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder” (2 Peter 3:1, NASB). He wanted to stir their memory about two things: the words spoken by the prophets, and the apostles’ commandments (verse 2).
Why did Peter aim to put the believers in remembrance about these things? Because mockers would be coming and asking, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation” (verse 4). Peter wanted to equip the believers by giving them biblical affirmation of the coming of the Lord.
We are living in those very times Peter wrote about. Some people mock our boast of the Lord’s coming. Amidst this mockery, one of the best things we can do is to hear again the Scriptures regarding the coming of our Lord. To stand firm, we need to have our memory stirred regarding these end-time truths.
It is important for us to continue to grow in the knowledge of the Word. But equally important, we need to hear again the truths we already know. We need to be stirred about the truths we have allowed to become dormant.
Copyright © 2022 by Frank King. All rights reserved.