Traditions serve as a way of remembrance. Since we are easily distracted and tend to forget what is of foundational importance, we need milestones as a peg to help us remember. The Holy Week is a Christian tradition; it defines what is of primary importance to us. Now, I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, . . .1 Long ago, at many times, and in many ways God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things through whom also he created the world.2
Even the most successful businesspeople admit that focus is essential in every endeavor. The “One-Thing” helps create clarity, determines importance, and orders priority. Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. I think it right, . . . , to stir you up by way of reminder,3 There were many qualities mentioned in the text; knowledge is one of them, particularly knowledge of him.4
All Scripture is the Living Word of God.5 Meaning everything that had been written is truth and important. Yet there are statements that are of “primary importance” or “most important” to help order our thoughts, from big picture to details. When challenged by a scribe as to what is the most important commandment, Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. . . .”6 Jesus was quoting from Deuteronomy7 but to emphasize its importance, he added your mind [the soul involves our emotions, mind, and will].
We cannot please God apart from knowing truth—God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.8 Nor can we receive salvation apart from knowledge of the gospel. And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God and Jesus Christ whom you sent.9 I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.10 We short change ourselves because of ignorance—in Paul’s letter to Philemon he prayed that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ.11 These every good thing Paul enumerates in the 1st Chapter of Ephesians—the Spiritual Blessings in Christ12 Peter likewise wrote, His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, . . .13
Therefore we must pay much close attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.14 Whether spoken or written, it is best to take heed.
Notes:
1. 1 Corinthians 15:1
2. Hebrews 1:1-2
3. 2 Peter 1:12-13
4. 2 Peter 1:3
5. 2 Timothy 3:16
6. Mark 12:28-34
7. Deuteronomy 6:4-5
8. John 4:23-24
9. John 17:1-3
10. John 14:6
11. Philemon 6
12. Ephesians 1:3-14
13. 2 Peter 1:3-11
14. Hebrews 2:1