Why is it important to remember the "message you have heard"? Our Starting Point: The Old Command You Already Know “Beloved, I am not writing you a new commandment, but an old one you have had from the beginning; this commandment is the message you have heard.” (1 John 2:7) Anchoring Our Faith to the Foundation • It ties us back to what Christ Himself taught—nothing added, nothing removed (John 13:34). • It keeps us from chasing “new” but unsound ideas (Jude 3). • Remembering stabilizes us when culture shifts; God’s truth does not (Malachi 3:6). Guarding Against Deception and Drift • “We must pay closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away.” (Hebrews 2:1) • False teachers thrive where forgetfulness reigns (2 Peter 2:1). • Holding the original message protects us like an anchor in a storm. Fueling Genuine Love for One Another • The “old commandment” is to love (1 John 3:11). • Forgetting it cools our love and fractures fellowship (Revelation 2:4-5). • Remembering ignites practical acts of care—meeting needs, forgiving quickly, serving humbly. Nurturing Ongoing Obedience • “My son, do not forget My teaching, but let your heart keep My commands.” (Proverbs 3:1) • Obedience flows from memory written on the heart (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). • Each recalled truth becomes daily marching orders, not merely head knowledge. Growing into Full Assurance • “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11) • Remembering convinces us we belong to Him when our hearts condemn us (1 John 3:19-20). • It supplies confidence for prayer and boldness in witness (1 John 5:14-15). Guiding Our Witness to the World • Consistent love validates the gospel we proclaim (John 13:35). • A remembered message produces recognizable fruit; people see Christ in us (Matthew 5:16). Practical Ways to Keep the Message Alive • Read the same passage aloud each morning for a week. • Memorize key verses—start with 1 John 2:7-8. • Share the command of love with someone daily; speaking reinforces remembering. • Journal concrete ways you applied it; review weekly. • Sing Scripture-based songs; melody aids memory. Holding fast to the message we have heard keeps us rooted, protected, loving, obedient, assured, and effective—exactly what our Lord desires for His people. |
    |