The More Sure Word

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