2 Peter 1:12-21 (verse-by-verse)

Passage: 2 Peter 1:12-21

Title: Know Your Scripture

Summary: A wonderful passage as Peter is getting ready to go home and be with the Lord, and in some of the last strokes of the pen quill, Peter writes to remind them (and us); Remind us of what? The basic things….. for in the basic things is power, just ask Peter who finishes his last days in pure power, and tells us it was the basic things that held his faith through the hardest times.

2 Peter 1:12–21 (NKJV) 12 For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. 13 Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you, 14 knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me. 15 Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease. 16 For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17 For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” 18 And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. 19 And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; 20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, 21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

Prayer

The Word of God is Living and Powerful, and is ready, and will do a mighty work in our lives.

Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV) 12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

In Every Study

· Who Is God? (How Great is He?)

· What Does He Think of Me? (How Wonderful Are His Thoughts Towards Me?)

· What Does He Want Me to Do?

· What Can I Boldly Request of Him?

· What Do I Need to Be on Guard of When I Leave Here Today?

Boldly come to the throne of grace, ask God to reveal Himself in a mighty way to you, and to do I might work in you, and through you.

Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV) 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need

Written to – Like Precious Faith

People with like precious faith. These people as we know from the first epistle were scattered from their homes because of the persecution that was upon them, everything they knew as familiar was gone, and they are living in areas foreign to them. But this book is timeless, an it is written to each of you who have that same precious faith that Peter and these people did:

(2 Peter 1:1 NKJV) Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:

Written Peter / 66AD / Dies 67AD / From Prison

Written by Peter around 66AD, it has been about 30 years now since Jesus had ascended into heaven; and in less than a year (According to church tradition/early writings) that Peter will be crucified (67AD). Because of such a late writing, many deduce that Peter is writing this letter from a prison cell in Rome (and according to the writings of the early church fathers).

Peter’s Knew Time Near / Just as Jesus Said – John 21 / Hands Spread

Peter clearly knew that his time was near:

(2 Peter 1:14 NKJV) knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me.

Just as the Lord had shown him:

(John 21:18 NKJV) "Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish."

(John 21:19 NKJV) This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, "Follow Me."

Your hands will be spread Peter and you will have no control over where they take you. Church tradition says that Peter was crucified, but Peter did not feel worthy to die in the same manner of his Lord, so he asked to be crucified upside down.

Time Near – Must Write / Outward Pressures – Inward Pressures / False Teachers – Mocking 2nd

Peter knows that his death is near and writes to the church. In his first letter he had turned his attention outward pressures that were coming upon the church such as the attacks of Nero, and the pressures of the world. But in this second letter he writes concerning pressures within the church such as false teachers, and people mocking the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. You know false teachers are not just these guys with funny hair trying to fleece people of their money; but they are people who diminish the power of Christ in people’s life. They water down the Word, they wink at sin, they twist the Scriptures and say this is ok, and that no longer applies. I believe the church is seeing more false teachers than any other time in the history of the church.

Why he Writes - Stirs Us Up

Peter tells us in this Second Epistle why he writes to them (and us), to stir us up, to remind us, that we hang on to the things we have been taught in the Old Testament, the Epistles of the Apostles, and the teachings in the Gospels. He says remember these things, hold on to them, no matter how hard life may get.

(2 Peter 3:1 NKJV) Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder),

(2 Peter 3:2 NKJV) that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior,

Peter’s Heart / 30 yrs Later

Peters heart really comes across to us here, we see the heart of the Shepherd caring for his flock, and we see him 30 years later doing what Jesus told him to do, what a good shepherd is suppose to do, feed the flock:

(John 21:15 NKJV) So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Feed My lambs."

(John 21:16 NKJV) He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Tend My sheep."

(John 21:17 NKJV) He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep.

Peter Feeds / Wants them to Know / 16X / Peter’s Solution – Through His Divine Power

Peter feeds the flock, and we see this as the theme of this epistle. He wants them to “Know”. The word knowledge appears in some form 16 times in these 3 short chapters. It is not too much to say that Peter's primary solution to false teaching is knowledge of true doctrine, the solution against misunderstanding the “end times” is knowledge of true doctrine. But this knowledge is also the solution to every problem and situation in your life. Whatever problem or situation is going on in your life, God has a promise or example in His Word to meet us where we are at. And, it is through the knowledge of Him, that we tap into His divine power, and it is through that power that we have all we need to live this life.

Theme

This knowledge, will give us power. The theme of this book is given to us in chapter 1:

(2 Peter 1:2 NKJV) Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord,

(2 Peter 1:3 NKJV) as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,

Outline of 2 Peter

Introduction - (1:1-3) Know Your Salvation - (1:3-11) Know Your Scripture - (1:12-21) Know Your Adversaries - (2:1-22) Know Your Prophecy - (3:1-18)

Outline of Know Your Scripture - (1:12-21)

Remind Them of the Word, and Remind Them Often - (1:12) Men Die, but the Word Lives On - (1:13-15) Experiences Fade, but the Word Endures Forever - (1:16-19) The World Darkens, but the Word Shines Brightly – (1:19-21)

More than Birth / Growth & Development / Can’t Live Godly Life

The Christian life is more than just a birth, it is also a growth and development. It is only through the knowledge of Christ that you can live down here and grow to be more a more godly person. Everything that you need to live a life of godliness is provided for us by God. We cannot live that life in and of ourselves. We don’t have the capacity. I can’t say, Well I’m going to live like God. And by my resolve, do it. But God has given to us all that is necessary to live that life of godliness. It’s imparted to us, that is, through the word of God.

Don’t Need Further Revelation – New Truth / New Experiences of Old Truths / Form their God

We do not need further revelation. We need not be interested in new truth. We just need to lay hold of the truths already revealed to us here in the Word. It’s all there! I am not interested in these religious systems that want to peddle their formulas for the church. Or the Cults like The Latter Day Saints with their special revelations, the Holy Laughter movement, etc. Don’t need it. All that is necessary to live the life of godliness has been provided for us, and we don’t need further revelations. That also applies to each individual; those who they form in their mind who they think God is, but that is incorrect, it is only though His Word can we know who He is.

Remind Them of the Word, and Remind Them Often - (1:12)

(2 Peter 1:10 NKJV) Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble;

(2 Peter 1:11 NKJV) for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

(2 Peter 1:12 NKJV) For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth.

This is Ministry – Putting People in Remembrance / The Struggle in Teaching

This is the ministry, putting people in remembrance of these things. Sometimes I struggle because I think I need to be creative, need to bring some new truth, some deeper truth that nobody has ever seen. But this is ministry Sunday School teacher, Bible Study Leader, Youth Group Worker, remind people of the things they already know, to remind them to do the things they know they are to do, and we will all live that Victorious Christian Life. That is why verse-by-verse is so wonderful, it always brings us back to remembrance of the word, because we are reading it line upon line.

Remind them 1001

Ministry is bringing people into remembrance of the things they already know, or have already heard. Parents if your child has heard it 1,000 times, then tell it to them 1,001. The key to learning is repetition.

Fallen Nature / Rugby / Songs - Scripture

In our fallen nature we forget the things we should remember, and remember the things we should forget. I use to play rugby in my college years before I was saved. Rugby is just legalized violence, bumper stickers use to say “give blood, play rugby”. It was pretty much a sport for the guys who weren’t good enough to play College football. If you know the sport, after the games the drinking began, and then it was customary to sing rugby songs, which were very rude and crude songs. I have to block them out of my mind, because I can remember every vulgar word to every crude song. They are like etched in my mind. Now ask me to quote Scripture, and I’m like aahhhhhhhhhhh. Ask me to remember the Bible Study I listened to last week and forget it. Our fallen nature remembers things we wish we would forget and forget things we wish we would remember.

But, I am happy to tell all, that over my years of feeding on the Word of God, how those old things get lesser and lesser, because the continual intake of the Word washes those things away.

Philippians 3:12–15 (NKJV) 12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

Romans 12:1–2 (NKJV) 1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Remind Kids Over and Over

So my job as a parent, as a pastor, is to say the same thing over and over again until people, my child, is established in them.

Not Exciting Sermons – Peter doesn’t Care / Are they Learning & Growing / After Every Study

Now that may not make for exciting sermons, or seem like a drain on our children, but Peter is saying I’m not concerned with what they say about my teaching, all I care about is that you are learning and growing in the Knowledge of Him. Therefore I won’t be negligent to remind you, to keep reminding you. After every study I prepare, and after I teach it, I ask myself – if they do these things, apply these things to their life, will they do well. If I can answer yes, then I can take comfort in that I did the best I could do, and the Lord is pleased.

Last study I talked about waiting for some special moment, that would change me forever, but how the Lord works in us daily (more than the moment), and He who began a good work is faithful to complete (Philippians 1:6), however daily it is! Well it was years ago that I also looked (had thought) that is how ministry would go, that there would be some special moment, some special Sunday, and there would be something spectacular in a teaching, and great changes and mass evangelistic salvations would happen…. But I soon saw that ministry is more about the daily than it is some spectacular (even though we know the spectacular does happen – Pentecost, Ashbury, and revivals we read of).

Philippians 1:6 (NKJV) 6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;

I am reminded of on the night He was betrayed, at supper, foot washing is done and Judas is on his way to betray, Jesus tells them He is leaving and they cant go with Him, there hearts are troubled we are told. I love it in that Phillip says to Jesus, show us the Father and that will be good enough, and Jesus said have I been with you so long that you have not known Me, that He who has seen Me has seen the Father. Phillip must have been waiting for something spectacular, fire from heaven, the earth to shake or something….. yet all the while the Father was sitting right there at the table with Him. How often I/we are longing for something of God, something spectacular, all the while there He is sitting right across the table from me/us. Waiting for the earth to shake, yet here at the table with us, speaking in the still small voice.

John 13:33 (NKJV) 33 Little children, I shall be with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come,’ so now I say to you.

John 14:1–2 (NKJV) 1 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

John 14:8–9 (NKJV) 8 Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?

1 Kings 19:11–13 (NKJV) 11 Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; 12 and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. 13 So it was, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him, and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

How Well do you Know Basic Truths

It is not how much you know, but how well you know what you know. It is how well do you know the basics truths, and how deep do they sink into you.

Pertaining to Life & godliness

(2 Peter 1:3 NKJV) as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,

Men Die, but the Word Lives On - (1:13-15)

(2 Peter 1:13 NKJV) Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you,

Stir – To Activate

The word here for “stir” means to awake, wake up, to arouse out of sleep. I like it also means to “activate”. I love it in our military or special forces sense; as we have an event, emergency, a situation and we “activate” the National Guard from rest, we activate special forces and deploy them on a special mission. So the Lord desire to continually “activate” us, from a place of standing down, to standing up, to deploy, for a mission that is before us.

(2 Peter 1:14 NKJV) knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me.

Death is Near / The Tent / Love Camping

Peter is an old man, death is near, and he reminds us that life is short by using the term “tent” which is a temporary dwelling place. I love to camp, my tent has a removable flap that when removed opens the roof of my tent up to just a screen. I love camping out, especially out west, and lay in my tent and look at the stars, they seem so close you can touch them. But after about a week, I’m ready to be home, in my house, with my shower, with my hot water, with my oven and refrigerator, with my bed. Living in a tent gets old, and we desire to get back in our permanent dwelling.

Peter – It’s Getting Old

Peter say’s it is getting old living in this tent, it’s starting to tear, fade, take on water; shortly I must put this tent off and move on and into my permanent abode. :

(2 Corinthians 5:1 NKJV) For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

(Hebrews 11:8 NKJV) By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.

(Hebrews 11:9 NKJV) By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise;

(Hebrews 11:10 NKJV) for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

The Lord Showed him

Verse 14 - just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me (Peter would be crucified):

(John 21:18 NKJV) "Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish."

(John 21:19 NKJV) This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, "Follow Me."

(2 Peter 1:15 NKJV) Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease.

Leaves the Word / Parents pass the Word On

Verse 15 - Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease. Peter knows that he is going to die, so he leaves his children with the Word. He writes this epistle so that they may have the Word even after he dies.

Peter is looking death right in the eye, knowing his time has come, and he fully embraces it because of the life he lived. A life well spent, a life well invested, that when he leaves he knows that he has “left” something of great value and worth….. the word of God to his children, followers, disciples.

His influence, outlived his life….. and that is a mark of a well-spent life, and may that be so for all of us today.

The Word, the Word, the Word; parents make sure you pass this word unto your children so that when you die, they will have the Word. My son is a great 16 year old, but left to himself he will chase after the trinkets and glitter of the world, I must everyday bring him into this Word. When he says I know this already, I say I’ll know you know it, when I see it worked out and applied to your everyday life.

Teach them to Fish / IBS – Chuck Tapes

A Note: It has been said give a person a fish and you have feed them for a day, teach them how to fish and you have feed them for a lifetime. I can’t encourage you enough to make sure that you learn the Inductive Bible Study Method. It is taking the Word and using O-I-A. Observation, Interpretation, and Application.

· Observation, this is what the Word says,

· Interpretation, this is what the Word means in the context of the surrounding verses and the theme of the book, and

· Application, this is what it means to mean. The Pharisees had the Observation and Interpretation down, but they never let move into their heart for application in their lives. Take the time, make the investment in the IBS Method, and go through the whole Bible systematically with Pastor Chuck or another Pastor that has taught through the whole bible, and that will be equivalent to 2 years of Bible College.

Life & godliness

(2 Peter 1:3 NKJV) as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,

Experiences Fade, but the Word Endures Forever - (1:16-19)

(2 Peter 1:16 NKJV) For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty.

(2 Peter 1:17 NKJV) For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

(2 Peter 1:18 NKJV) And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.

Fables / The Plot of 13 / James – Thomas – Peter – Wife - John

Verse 16 - For we did not follow cunningly devised fables: We have an eyewitness account of Jesus Christ right here with Peter. Peter is saying this is not some manmade fable. Now it is true that Peter was a fisherman, and they have been known to stretch the truth a bit. Peter is saying this isn’t some story 13 of us got together and made up, and then Judas bailed on the plan so we had to kill him. It wasn’t ok we are going to make a name for ourselves, we are going to start a new religion. Jesus (actually his name was Fred but they didn’t think that name would be convincing enough) you will be the Messiah, and I’ll be the first Pope. It is so absurd, it might just work; in fact, I can see this lie so well received that they will divide time over it, people 2000 years from now will take old market centers and turn them into meeting halls to read the writings of our lie – it is so far-fetched, it might just work.

Stick to a Lie

How could 12 people stick to a lie? A lie that would bring death, at some point someone would crack. When they sawing James in half, whichever end they started with you think he might say stop it was all a lie. When the point of the spear was about a half inch deep you think Thomas might have said, confession time. How many nails would Peter have taken before he said, stop it’s all a lie (mind you Peter watched his wife die first – and his only remark according to church writings was – woman remember thou the Lord). How about the apostle John, how many inches would he allowed himself to be lowered into that boiling oil before he recanted the story. These men were so convinced that Jesus was the Messiah that he was willing to die for there belief.

Even Satan Says

Even Satan said that a man will give all that he has to stay alive:

(Job 2:1 NKJV) Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD.

(Job 2:2 NKJV) And the LORD said to Satan, "From where do you come?" So Satan answered the LORD and said, "From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it."

(Job 2:3 NKJV) Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil? And still he holds fast to his integrity, although you incited Me against him, to destroy him without cause."

(Job 2:4 NKJV) So Satan answered the LORD and said, "Skin for skin! Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life.

Life Transformed Radically

It has to be asked and must be examined, how can a cunningly devised fable transform lives so radically. How can a fable break someone of an addiction to cocaine, how can a fable heal a marriage, how can a fable turn a Hell’s Angel into an Usher.

Peter says I Saw It / Matt 17

Fables and fads, new waves and the latest rages, but Peter said we were eyewitnesses, we saw it with our very eyes. Peter is referring to Matthew 17 here, the Mount of Transfiguration:

(Matthew 17:1 NKJV) Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves;

(Matthew 17:2 NKJV) and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.

(Matthew 17:3 NKJV) And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him.

(Matthew 17:4 NKJV) Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."

(Matthew 17:5 NKJV) While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!"

Moses – Law / Elijah – Prophets / Jesus Could have Entered Heaven – Based on Works

Moses in the Scripture represents the Law, and Elijah represents the prophets.

They come to meet Jesus there on the mount; I believe that at that point Jesus could have entered into heaven based on His works. He was perfect, He was spotless, He was sinless, He had kept the Law to it’s perfection. At that very point He could have entered heaven and been received by God based on His works. He chose not to because then we would have been left adrift, because we could not do the same.

Had He – no Savior / We need a Transfiguration Moment

Had He walked into heaven, then we would have been left behind without a Savior. We would have needed to wait for our “transfiguration” moment, that would never have come because we fall short of the Law. God’s standard is perfection, anything less requires will be consumed by His fire.

(Hebrews 12:29 NKJV) For our God is a consuming fire.

Peter saw Perfection / Heard the Voice of God / yet Something Better

Peter saw Perfection with his very eyes, he was an eyewitness and an ear-witness when he heard God speak this is my beloved Son whom I am well pleased, hear ye Him. Wow, Peter was there he saw and heard it, yet he says we have something more sure than what we saw and heard, we have the Word; more specifically the Old Testament Scriptures with its prophecies.

(2 Peter 1:19 NKJV) And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts;

Only This Book is Bold Enough / 300 prophecies of Jesus / 25% of Book

Only this book has the boldness to prophesy. 300 prophecies of Jesus Christ fulfilled, and I am not talking about the several hundred other prophecies as they relate to Israel, empires, the Church, and other areas. Twenty-five percent of this book speaks of prophecies. And to date, not one has yet to fail.

Jesus said the Old Testament scriptures spoke volumes of Him and His Coming:

Hebrews 10:7 (NKJV) 7 Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come— In the volume of the book it is written of Me— To do Your will, O God.’ ”

The volume of the Book, painted a picture of the heart of God. If you wanted to know what God’s heart was toward those that were sick, just look at God touching the lepers; if you wanted to know God’s heart towards death and dying, just look at God weeping over Lazarus’ death; if you wanted to know God’s heart for forgiveness of sin, just hear His cry on the cross…. It is done.

All the prophecies, all the works of God, are/were like a master artist painting a portrait, that with every stoke the image of the person becomes clearer and clearer, and when that portrait is done there is no doubt about who the person is. That is the portrait painted of God who became man and dwelt among us, there is no doubt, Jesus is God who was prophesied to come.

What Peter Saw

On the Mount of Transfiguration, Moses represents the Law, and Elijah represents the Prophets, and Peter is rebuked for wanting to make three tabernacles (monuments) because he is putting all three of them on the same level…… for Jesus is the summation of both the Law and the Prophets.

All pointed to Jesus, and Peter is saying I saw his miracles (around 36 we read of in the Gospels), I saw Him on the Mount of Transfiguration, I saw Him on the Mount of Golgotha, I saw Him on the Mount of Olives….. I saw all that, but that is still not why I believe, he says he believes because the Word of God confirms it to be so. Peter says we have something greater than experiences; we have the sure Word of God confirmed.

2 Peter 1:19 (KJV 1900) 19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

Top 8

His Birth & Lineage

1.) The Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Micah 5:2a / Matthew 2:1-2

2.) The Messiah would be a descendant of David. Isaiah 9:7 / Matthew 1:1

His Environment & the World Setting

3.) The Messiah would be announced to his people 483 years, to the exact day, after the decree to rebuild the city of Jerusalem. Daniel 9:25 / John 12:12-13

4.) The Messiah would be killed before the destruction of the temple. Daniel 9:26c / Matthew 27:50-51

5.) The Jew's authority to administer capital punishment would be gone when the Messiah arrived. Genesis 49:10c / John 18:31

His Death

6.) The Messiah would be sacrificed on the same mountain where God tested Abraham. Genesis 22:14 / Luke 23:33

7.) The Messiah's back would be whipped. Isaiah 53:5c Matthew 27:26

8.) The Messiah's hands and feet would be pierced. Psalm 22:16c Matthew 27:38

All facts that can be backed up by historical writings

The Law of Compound Probability / The Quarter – 10 to 17th / Blindfold

The following probabilities (The Law of Compound Probability) are taken from Peter Stoner in Science Speaks (Moody Press, 1963) to show that coincidence is ruled out by the science of probability. Stoner says that by using the modern science of probability in reference to eight prophecies, 'we find that the chance that any man might have lived down to the present time and fulfilled all eight prophecies is 1 in 10 to the17th." That would be 1 in 100,000,000,000,000,000. In order to help us comprehend this staggering probability, Stoner illustrates it by supposing that "we take 10 to the 17th silver dollars and lay them on the face of Texas. They will cover all of the state two feet deep.

"Now mark one of these silver dollars and stir the whole mass thoroughly, all over the state. Blindfold a man and tell him that he can travel as far as he wishes, but he must pick up one silver dollar and say that this is the right one. What chance would he have of getting the right one? Just the same chance that the prophets would have had of writing these eight prophecies and having them all come true in any one man."

The Evidence is In / Can’t be Neutral

In court cases evidence is gathered and presented, and the verdict will be decided based on the strength or weakness of the case. The evidence is in, and no one hearing this can stay neutral. Just as a juror sits on the juror and decides the fate of the one on trial, so too must each person who has been shown this evidence, except in this case it is not Jesus who is on trial, but each individual person. Again, the gospel of Jesus Christ is not to make Him acceptable to you, for He is and will remain God no matter what any man decides. The gospel of Jesus Christ is to make you acceptable to Him, for it is your sin that separates you from the Holy God. It must be noted, not to make a decision, is a decision, no. The question is posed:

(Matthew 16:13 NKJV) When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?"

(Matthew 16:14 NKJV) So they said, "Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets."

(Matthew 16:15 NKJV) He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"

(Matthew 22:41 NKJV) While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them,

(Matthew 22:42 NKJV) saying, "What do you think about the Christ? Whose Son is He?" They said to Him, "The Son of David."

(Matthew 27:22 NKJV) Pilate said to them, "What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?" They all said to him, "Let Him be crucified!"

The decision is today:

(2 Corinthians 6:1 NKJV) We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain.

(2 Corinthians 6:2 NKJV) For He says: "In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you." Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

Don’t Wait for Sign / It wouldn’t Matter / Children Israel / Red Sea – Manna – Rock – Shoe - Pillar

If you are waiting for God to give you a sign it wouldn’t matter, for if you won’t believe this Word, you won’t believe your eyes. I don’t agree with that, I think that is a stretch you may say. Well what generation saw more signs of God than any other? The Children of Israel who left Egypt under Moses. They saw the Red Sea part, the saw manna from heaven, they say a rock follow them throughout the desert and flow water, their shoes didn’t wear out for 40 years, they had a cloud above them by day to protect them from the blazing sun, and a pillar of fire by night for warmth, yet we are told they could not enter the land because of their unbelief:

(Hebrews 3:16 NKJV) For who, having heard, rebelled? Indeed, was it not all who came out of Egypt, led by Moses?

(Hebrews 3:17 NKJV) Now with whom was He angry forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose corpses fell in the wilderness?

(Hebrews 3:18 NKJV) And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who did not obey?

(Hebrews 3:19 NKJV) So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.

Experiences Fade – Word Endures / Boring Bible Study / Don’t Look for Entertainment

Experiences will fade, but this Word will endure forever. It is easy to think in our mind, its only Bible Study, sometimes it is rather boring. Don’t replace excitement with the Word. Don’t look for entertainment in your Christian walk, look for the Word.

(Hebrews 4:12 NKJV) For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

(Hebrews 4:13 NKJV) And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

Experiences Fade / Remember Holy Laughter / People Devoured

Experiences fade that is why there is such a danger in highly emotional churches. Does anybody remember the Toronto Blessing, the Holy Laughter Movement? I say remember because that is past tense, it lasted about 18 months and faded away. Unfortunately many a people were devoured in the process; I personally saw Christians walk away from solid Bible teaching churches for the emotion, and they haven’t been back since, that was over 5 years ago.

Experiences Don’t Produce Faith – Craving for More Experiences

Experiences do not produce faith, they produce the craving to see and need more experiences.

Life & godliness

(2 Peter 1:3 NKJV) as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,

The World Darkens, but the Word Shines Brightly – (1:19-21)

(2 Peter 1:19 NKJV) And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts;

(2 Peter 1:20 NKJV) knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation,

(2 Peter 1:21 NKJV) for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

Dark – Murky / Clearer the Word / Murky Situations – More Precious

The word dark means obscure, murky. Christian the murkier the world gets around us, the clearer the Word gets, the more clearer we see God’s Word and His ways. The darker or murkier your situation gets, the clearer the Word – maybe in your marriage, with your children, on the job, your health things are getting darker, more confusing, then know this if you allow it, the Word will shine brighter and brighter and be more clear to you, and more precious. Again it is not the Bible, it is the God of the Bible, and as you look at His Word you will enter into a dialog with the One who created you for fellowship and it will be sweet. And that Word will guide you through the dark and hard times:

(Psalms 119:103 NKJV) How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth!

(Psalms 119:104 NKJV) Through Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way.

(Psalms 119:105 NKJV) Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.

No Private Interpretation / Mormons – JW’s

The word is not of private interpretation, take the Mormons and the Jehovah Witnesses to this passage, and then invite to church here. Joseph Smith’s special revelation from the angel Moron, or the JW’s that Jesus returned to earth in 1914, lies for there are no private interpretations.

New – Old Saying / Whole Counsel – Cultist & False Teachers

The old saying goes, If it is new, then it is not true, if it is true, than it is not new. This also means that the whole counsel of God must be considered. Cultist and False Teachers do this also, they take one verse and then they build a doctrine off of it. They build prosperity doctrines, healing doctrine, Holy Laughter, and the like. That is why it is important that we know the whole counsel of God. All 31,102 verses in this Bible must agree.

Breathed by God

The OT Scriptures were inspired (God breathed) by God. The writer was God, the pens name was Jeremiah, Isaiah.

(2 Timothy 3:16 NKJV) All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

(2 Timothy 3:17 NKJV) that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Give Thanks

Thank the Lord for the Scriptures, how blessed we are to have this book.

Life & godliness

(2 Peter 1:3 NKJV) as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,

Outline of Know Your Scripture - (1:12-21)

Remind Them of the Word, and Remind Them Often - (1:12) Men Die, but the Word Lives On - (1:13-15) Experiences Fade, but the Word Endures Forever - (1:16-19) The World Darkens, but the Word Shines Brightly – (1:19-21)

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Prayer

The Word of God is Living and Powerful, and is ready, and will do a mighty work in our lives.

Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV) 12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

In Every Study

· Who Is God? (How Great is He?)

· What Does He Think of Me? (How Wonderful Are His Thoughts Towards Me?)

· What Does He Want Me to Do?

· What Can I Boldly Request of Him?

· What Do I Need to Be on Guard of When I Leave Here Today?

Boldly come to the throne of grace, ask God to reveal Himself in a mighty way to you, and to do I might work in you, and through you.

Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV) 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need