The Ground Of Knowledge 2 Peter 1:12-18 Introduction

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Imogen Charles
6 years ago
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1 Introduction One of the key themes in the second epistle of Peter is knowledge. Chapter one begins with the gift of knowledge (vv.1-4); continues with our growth in knowledge (vv.5-11) and concludes with the ground of knowledge or how we know we are saved (vv.12-21). I talk with scores of people weekly on the radio and off the radio. Many times the subject of salvation comes up. Many people are either unsure or unable to articulate what it means to be saved; to be saved from sin; cleansed from guilt; made right with God through Jesus Christ. Their salvation experience, their encounter with the living Lord of the Universe means so little to them that their lives are left unchanged and they rightly wonder if they are in fact born again. Contrast that with the boldness of Peter, James and John. Think of the Apostle Paul and all the Apostles whose faith and confidence in the Lord Jesus Christ served to change the world forever. They stood for Jesus Christ with confidence and assurance and unwavering faith in the face of deep hardship and ongoing deprivation. Anyone who is willing to perform a superficial reading of the New Testament may not be convinced of the claims of Christ; but they must be convinced that Peter James John and Paul believed with all their hearts in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Does God expect that kind of confidence and trust from me? Peter presents three basic qualities of the Christian life that becomes central characteristics in the life of the believer; (1) a deep conviction of the truth (v.12); (2) a confident hope for the future (vv.13-14); (3) a firm basis for faith (vv.15-18). Truth and hope and faith are the necessary ingredients that will allow you to face the challenges of an unbelieving world; and the onslaughts of doubt that arise from personal skepticism. In this passage Peter relates the revelation given to him by God; that he will die a martyr s death for Jesus Christ (vv.12-14). Peter then requires the reader to remember the great spiritual truths given in his letters (v.15). Peter remembers the transfiguration of the Son of God (vv.16-18); both the sight (v.16) and the sound (vv.17-18). Peter was an eye-witness of the splendor of Jesus and heard the voice of the Father giving full approval of his beloved Son (vv.17-18). The Revelation To The Apostle of God (vv.12-15) 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. Peter has just given a list of those characteristics necessary for personal growth (vv.5-11). The list included faith; virtue; knowledge; self-control; patience; godliness; brotherly kindness and love (vv.5-7). Peter has admonished the Saints to add these things to their life; how there is great power in these things (vv.8-11) and now Peter discusses the great importance of these things. 1

2 Just because we have a good foundation in the simple truths of the gospel doesn t mean we don t need reminders. The words translated remind you always is hypomimnesko the intensive compound of mimnesko remind. Peter believed followers of Jesus should know basic Christian doctrine or basic Christian teaching. As J. Gresham Machen concisely defined it, Christianity is life founded upon doctrine. A creed, Machen pointed out, is not a mere expression of Christian experience, but on the contrary it is a setting forth of those facts upon which experience is based. Doctrine has fallen out of favor in many churches. Some suggest that it is unnecessary or even divisive to teach doctrine. Just point people to Jesus Christ. Which Jesus? The Jesus of the Mormons or the Jehovah s Witness? The Jesus of Oprah or the Jesus of Dan Brown? When a person says I believe in Jesus ask him or her; which Jesus? Why did Jesus die on the Cross? Do you believe Jesus rose literally and bodily from the grave? The sinner must have the basic understanding that Jesus is the Son of God and that God Himself took on human form to provide the sacrifice for sins; and that Jesus rose from the dead to break death s power. Clearly someone doesn t have to have a complete knowledge of every major Christian doctrine to enter into a salvation experience with the Lord Jesus Christ. Peter exhorts the Saints to embrace a deep conviction of the present truth. Paul exhorted Titus; You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine (Titus 2:1). Clearly doctrine is necessary to inform us how we may be saved by the Lord Jesus Christ; but it remains Jesus Christ who saves. Augustus William and Julius Charles Hare wrote; The question is not whether a doctrine is beautiful but whether it is true. When we wish to go to a place, we do not ask whether the road leads through pretty country, but whether it is the right road. Some cults opt for the scenic route; away from Bible integrity; away from historical Christianity; a destination that leads to a different Jesus and a different gospel and salvation by grace plus something else; despising the fact that the ultimate destination is marked gross error. 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, The word translated tent skenoman verb skenoo a temporary dwelling. Peter writes; to stir you up to deliberately motivate (literally wake-up or arouse) the believers to godly loving and godly living, godly activities. The need to understand and grow in the truth does not stop when a person is saved from their sin and reconciled to God the Father. Finding out what the Bible says about Jesus Christ and our relationship to Him is a life-long journey. Learning about the ministry of Jesus and intercessory prayer is the life-long endeavor of every Saint. 2

3 How thrilling to learn about Jesus our Substitute; how invigorating to experience the personal power of the Holy Spirit. How amazing are the doctrines of salvation, justification, sanctification, glorification. When I first got saved I was breathless to discover what the Gospel of John had to say about my Savior. What happens to the Christian who lapses into the old patterns of a life lived apart from Jesus Christ? What happens to the person who neglects personal Bible reading, prayer and study? What happens to the person who neglects friendship with Jesus and fellowship with the saints? What happens to the person who simply goes through the motions of prayer? What happens to the person who allows little thorns to fester into mortal wounds? Backsliding, generally first begins with neglect of private prayer (J.C. Ryle). The great preacher C.H. Spurgeon wrote; You, who have the most familiarity with Christ, and enjoy the most holy fellowship with him, may soon become the very leaders of the hosts of Satan if your Lord withdraws His grace. David s eyes go astray, and the sweet psalmist of Israel becomes the shameless adulterer, who robs Uriah of his wife. Sampson one day slays a thousand of his enemies with the might of his arm and the valor of his heart; another day his honor is betrayed, his locks are shorn, and his are eyes are put out by a strumpet s treacherous wiles. How soon are the mighty fallen! An old hymn by A. Catherine Hankey reads; Tell me the story slowly That I may take it in, That wonderful redemption, God s remedy for sin. Tell me the story often, For I forget so soon; The early dew of morning Has passed away by noon. Tell me the same old story When you have cause to fear That this world s empty glory Is costing me too dear. Yes, and when that world s glory Is dawning on my soul, Tell me the old, old story: Christ Jesus makes thee whole. We still need memory aids; reminders. We need reminders that grace is not a license for immoral living. We need reminders that knowing the gospel and basic Christian teaching is never a substitute for obeying God s commands and applying God s promises to our lives. Peter 3

4 reminds them to stand firm in the faith; reminding themselves of the truths of the gospel; even though they already knew the basics; and to reestablish themselves in the truths that they had been taught. 2 Peter 1:14 (NKJV) knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me. Peter is deeply aware of his impending death. Peter will die a horrible painful death. According to church tradition Peter was ordered to be crucified. When he learned that he would share the same death as the Savior he humbly requested that he be crucified upside down. Showed me is the verb deloo from the adjective delos clear. What had Jesus shown Peter? The events of John 21 had taken place some 30 years earlier. 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. The march of time and the ministry of Jesus has brought Peter well into the sixth decade of his life. Nero s relentless persecution has finally found its way into the very leadership of the young church of Jesus Christ. How will Peter face his own death? Clearly with a concern for others. Peter was filled with hope for himself. Jesus had said, I am the resurrection and the life, he who believes in me, even if he dies, yet shall he live. Whoever lives and believes in me will never die. When Peter wrote these words either his arrest and imminent death were in the immediate future; or his arrest and imprisonment had recently taken place and the sentence of death hung over him. 2 Peter 1:15 (NKJV) Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease. Peter s death is not his chief concern. The word decease is the Greek word exodos (exodus); departure (NASB, NIV). The little letter of second Peter was meant to serve as a reminder; something that could be read over and over again. He wants to make sure the suffering saints have all the resources necessary to honor, to love, to serve, to continue in Christ Jesus the Lord. The Church still faces the onslaught of persecution from an unbelieving world; but it will also face the ruthless and relentless onslaught of false teaching and false teachers within the church. 4

5 This is Peter s confident hope for the future. Peter s death is not the end of Christianity or even of Peter. Every Christian can share that same calm confident assurance about their own death. How will you face your exodus; your departure? Will your deep convictions about the truth and your confident hope for the future survive in your family? How will your children and your grandchildren remember you? Will they embrace the Jesus you love? This week I read some helpful suggestions that you may want to incorporate as a part of your life now. Talk to your children and grandchildren about the Lord Jesus Christ. Keep it simple. Start a scrapbook that tells the story of faith in your family; include important dates and records; baby dedications and baptisms, funeral announcements etc. Make an audio or video tape of the real you. Tell the story of how you came to know and love Jesus; its OK to talk about your fears and failures but also include His grace and mercy and forgiveness and hope! Talk about the struggles you have faced and how Jesus helped you overcome those struggles. Talk about God and talk about the Lord Jesus Christ in your last will and testament. Plan your Christian funeral so everyone; without doubt or disappointment will know exactly where you stand with God and Christ. Make sure that you put in writing and in some tangible record your assurance of hope in Christ and hope for heaven; and that Jesus is the eternal source of joy and happiness in your life (see Life Application Bible Commentary; p.173). The Transfiguration Of The Son Of God (vv.16-18) 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. Nothing ruins the truth like stretching it. Here the phrase cunningly devised fables means cleverly inventing false myths or cleverly devised tales (NASB) or cleverly invented stories (NIV). Peter does not want to leave false assurances or communicate wishful thinking. Peter s going to die. Humor the old Apostle. Indulge his delusion that Jesus Christ is the Lord. How could Peter talk so calmly, so emphatically, with such certainty? Because the story of Jesus is not myth or legend. The truth is not based on dreams or delusions or hearsay. The story of Jesus Christ s life, death and resurrection and ascension into heaven were written by individuals who were companions of Jesus. The life and death and resurrection of Jesus is rooted and grounded in historical fact; not hysterical fiction. Peter denies the claims that the Apostles and disciples turned a human Jesus into some supernatural figure by borrowing supernatural elements from the mystery religions; rather Jesus was and is the true Son of God; based on the facts of his true life and ministry. 5

6 Look closely at the word majesty in verse 16. The noun megaleiotes (Luke 9:43; Acts 19:27) means splendor or magnificence. Because the word relates to Jesus as Christ it rightly means majesty. Even the enemies of Christianity and the Gospel are hard pressed to overthrow the facts surrounding the ministry of Jesus, His death and resurrection. They may want to change its meaning; they may want to rewrite its purposes; they may want to discourage belief; but the truth is vindicated by the best available scholarship. Millions can testify that through Jesus Christ they have received forgiveness of sins; freedom from guilt; deliverance from bondage; freedom from addictions; even more can testify of inner peace; 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. The phrase Excellent Glory translates megaloprepes (only here in the Greek NT) meaning befitting a great person, great magnificence, majestic in combination with glory a title for God. Luke 9:29 (NKJV) As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening. Peter James and John followed Jesus up an unnamed mountain and watched a preview of coming attractions in the Kingdom of God. The face and garments of Jesus shone like pure light. For a brief moment the veil of humanity was stripped away and the presence of glory shined. In the same moment Moses and Elijah appeared discussing the upcoming journey to Calvary s Cross and the plan of God. 2 Peter 1:18 (NKJV) And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. This is My beloved Son; hear Him. When the cloud lifted, Jesus was alone with his disciples. In the closing moments of Peter s life he relived that event. The truth of the Gospel is confirmed historically, scientifically, and experientially. You can stake your life on it--and your eternal destiny (Richard W. De Haan; Studies in Second Peter; p. 50). Conclusion Do you truly believe in the Lord Jesus Christ? Do you have a deep conviction about the truth? How would you describe your faith? Would it include a deep conviction that the Bible s representation of the life and death and resurrection of Jesus is accurate? Are you deeply convinced that what you believe about Jesus is true? Are you able to explain your faith and 6

7 support that belief with Biblical evidence? Are you convinced that a glorious future awaits you when you reach the end of life? Are you still unsure about what you believe and fearful about the future? The writer of Hebrews says; Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith (Hebrews 10:22). Will you draw near to God with a sincere heart? Will you make the serious decision to know and love the Lord Jesus Christ; to accept His sacrifice for your sin; to place your trust and confidence in the Lord Jesus Christ; will you receive Him as your Lord and Savior? Will you begin a the daily habit of praying, reading your Bible; and embark on a journey of becoming acquainted with the basic doctrines of the historical Christian faith; are you willing to experience assurance of your salvation and grow spiritually as a man or woman of God? We would love to help you grow. We would love to point you to resources that will help you learn to love and trust the Bible; its reliability; we would love to help you answer critics questions. We would love to help you understand basic Christian teachings; and how Christianity s teachings in relationship to other world religions. We would love to help answer the questions most asked about Christianity and the Christian experience. 7

The Certainty of God s Word 2 Pt. 1:12-21

The Certainty of God s Word 2 Pt. 1:12-21 In His first sermon he preached, He appealed to the testimony of the O.T. prophecies to establish the Messiah-ship of Jesus. To explain the coming of the H.S.