The More Sure Word
Minister: |
Rev. Ronald Van Overloop |
Date: |
3/16/2014 PM
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Text:
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II Peter 1:19-21
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Psalters: |
280, 80, 2, 38 |
- The prophetic word.
- When Peter speaks of “every (or all) prophecy of scripture,” he is speaking of the Old Testament Bible.
- “Prophecy” is the product of a holy man to whom God revealed Himself.
- Thus this refers to the Old Testament Scriptures which the Christians accepted as God’s Word.
- In our text Peter is looking at the power and coming of Jesus (16) from the viewpoint of prophecy.
- It is one word concerning the power and coming of Jesus.
- This news tells us of the freedom given us from the power of sin and the gift given of holiness.
- The prophetic word came by means of the Holy Spirit moving holy men. Two negatives, then one positive.
- First, “it came not in old time by the will of man,” i.e., it did “not come by the will of man at any time (ever)” (21a).
- Second, the scripture is not “of private interpretation” (20b).
- The writers did not write privately, i.e., “of their own”, so its source or origin is in them.
- This implies that we may not impose our interpretation on Scripture.
- Third, men wrote and spake “as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (21b).
- “Moved” is to be guided, led, or carried.
- The “holy of God men” (literal) already had the Holy Spirit working in them (regenerated and sanctifying) so not, in addition, the Holy Spirit worked in a special way to guide them so they wrote His Word, not their own.
- The wonderful results.
- First, “we have a more sure word.”
- Peter is comparing the prophetic writings with the voice he heard at Jesus’ transfiguration.
- The writings are sure, reliable and trustworthy as a basis for right knowledge – the only sure basis.
- As a result, “ye do well to take heed.”
- There are three ways we take heed to the Bible.
- Those who take heed to it do well, and those who do not heed it, do ill (wrong).
- When we heed the Word, then “a light shineth in a dark place until the day dawn and the day star arise in your hearts.”
- The day star alerts one that the morning is coming, so we can have hope.
- God’s truth is as a light in us so we can see the truth and see our way.