12 Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. 13 I think it right, as long as I am in this body,[h] to stir you up by way of reminder, 14 since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. 15 And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.

2 Peter 1:12-15 (ESV) 中文 

Preparing a legacy

Peter knows his time is near so he is urgently admonishing and encouraging his readers to press on in their Christian walk. In particular, to develop these character qualities of 2 Pet 1:5-7. Even though they already know this, he finds it of utmost importance to remind them and stress these things. Beyond that, they are established in the truth. He’s preparing his legacy.

In the rest of the letter he will refute the false teachers. However, “These verses make it obvious that Peter’s primary concern in this epistle is not to refute the false teachers but to ground his readers in personal holiness.” (Constable Commentary quoting Heibert)

Clock is ticking

In John 21:18-19, Jesus told Peter a bit about the circumstances of his death, the “putting off” of his body. Jesus may have told him more details that are not recorded in the Bible. But at the point of this writing, he has a clear understanding that the clock is ticking. It is now even more imperative that he imparts to his readers these key concepts. So he makes every effort. 

Pastor Peter’s priority

Pastor Peter’s priority with his readers is to make sure they know these character qualities so well that they’re front and center in their thinking and play out in their actions. That’s what I think he means by “at any time to recall these things.” They become a part of life. They overpower our sinful tendencies toward their opposites and take control. Rather than giving into our desires and lusts, we show self-control. Instead of giving up when the going gets tough, we “get going” and persevere. 

Peter has reminded his readers in verses 5 and 10 to be diligent. He “practices what he preaches” and is likewise diligent, “making every effort”. 

RЯeflection

• How well do you know these character qualities? Let’s challenge one another to memorize them. And don’t stop there. Do as Peter urges: develop them so they are expressed in our lives daily. So much so that they’re controlling our actions. Have a review of these character qualities of 2 Pet 1:5-7. 
• Not many of us know the timing of our “putting off of our body”. Yet at the same time, we have no guarantees on the length of our days here. So we need to be ready. We need to be diligent. We, too, need to develop and put these character qualities into practice.