2 Peter 1 12 22
The Word of God
2 Peter 1:12-22
Introduction:
Last week we talked about the knowledge of God: Relational knowledge
This week focus is on the Word of God
Ä They are established in the truth
Ä Have not followed cunningly devised fables
Ä We have the prophetic Word.
I. The Word of God needs to be remembered
Peter said that he would be negligent not to remind them v. 12
Peter took every opportunity to remind them
Peter would remind them in life and in death
Why does the Word need to be remembered?
1. It gives knowledge: “though you know and are established”
How does it add to our knowledge by remembering what we already know?
See things in a different light
Gives assurance of those things
There is something about having them fresh in our minds
We are more apt to make application of those things
There is enjoyment in remembering those things
2. It gives a foundation v. 12
Mentions that they are established in them
Established = having a foundation
They had taken the knowledge that they already had and were established
The truth of God’s Word is the only sure foundation that we have
Science, feelings, friends, experiences all change
Matt. 7:24-27 wise man hears says of Word and does them
3. It gives motivation v. 13 “stir you up by reminding you.”
This means to arouse you or wake you up
Ever notice when not in Word that we lack the motivation to do the things of the Lord?
Most of the time when I preach or teach I am speaking to mature Christians. Seldom am I teaching something new, but I am reminding so that we might be motivated to practice or do these things.
4. It gives hope vv. 14-15
Peter is telling them that he would shortly leave this life
Lord told him about it in John 21:15-19
Interesting that Peter is told that if he follows Christ he will be put to death
Yet he follows him anyway, and now sounds assured as he faces death
I believe that his hope/assurance came from the Word of God
The Word gives us hope:
1) For the difficulties in this life
2) For the certainty of the end of life
I. The Word of God needs to be remembered
II. The Word of God is Truth vv. 16-18
We live in a day when men say that there is not certain, absolute truth
Unfortunately this is not only taught in world but in Churches (I have heard it)
1. The Word is not a fable v. 16
Titus 2:5-16
Peter says that they are following fables (untruth) 2:2, 15
2. The Word is truth: How can Peter say that?
1) We made known what we saw: We saw His majesty
Transfiguration Luke 9:28-35 Matt. 17:1-9
2) We made known what we heard vv. 17-18
III. The Word of God is a Surety vv. 19-21
As great as the transfiguration was we have a more sure word
1. Because of its basis v. 19
It was confirmed
We are witnesses to the truth of it
Put yourself in their shoes:
Not NT Scriptures
Peter is telling some great things that he witnessed
Go to a more sure word, OT Scriptures
Look and see the truth as to what he is saying
Today the written Word is the surety of God’s message
AWANA we have the Bible so that we know God’s Word is true
We don’t base our message on what feels good or seems right
2. Because of its effect v.19 “heed as a light that shines in a dark place”
Remember the night a few years ago that the power went off in the Church
Share the experience
Take heed as a light: how did we take heed after we saw that darkness?
Quickly installed emergency lighting
The light of God’s Word points out the darkness so that it can be dealt with
The Word causes the day to dawn in the hearts of men
3. Because of its source vv. 20-21
Inspired by God as the Holy Spirit moved men
Men did not make up the Bible, God gave it.
