11111111 The Truth of God s Word 2 Peter 1:16-21 Lesson 16 At the time Peter was writing his epistles, the church was surrounded by false teachers trying desperately to sway believers away from the simple and clear truth of God s Word. Peter fought back against these heretics by reminding the church that he was not making up clever stories when he laid out the facts about the powerful return of Jesus Christ. Rather, he told them that he and some of the other apostles were there when God Himself spoke on the Mount of Transfiguration. Together, they were eyewitnesses of the majesty of Jesus! On the other hand, the false prophets had not personally witnessed anything and were putting fables in the place of God s promises. There are still people today who argue that the Bible is no more than a collection of ancient myths based on clever stories. However, the epistle of 2 Peter strongly refutes that by telling us that Peter s message is based on history and facts about events he witnessed firsthand! While Peter could not personally share his experience with us, he did the next best thing. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, he recorded what he witnessed in Scripture. And that is what we are reading about in our lesson this week. No wonder Peter s heart broke for the believers who were being deceived and led astray. He knew they were being lied to and he had no need for the religious fables of men. As believers, we must listen to and obey the Word and let it rule over our lives. We should always remember that experiences fade, but the Word of God remains and lives on forever. The truth of God s Word is what we live by. It is eternal and, no matter how dark the world around us becomes, it shines on and on. As it is written in Psalm 119:105, Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. If we commit to standing upon the Word and diligently look for the coming of the Lord, we are not likely to be led astray by false teachers. These are dark days, so may God help us to stay alert, stay faithful, stay teachable and stay growing in Christ! 1
Open your Bible and begin with a word of prayer This Week s Scripture: 2 Peter 1:16-21 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. NKJV This Week s Memory Verse: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation. 2 Peter 1:20 1. In our first verse this week, Peter addresses cunningly devised fables. Apparently, people believed in myths and fables during this time as they continue to do in our time. Note what the Apostle Paul states regarding this issue in the following verses. a. 1 Timothy1:4: b. 1 Timothy 4:7: c. 2 Timothy 4:4: d. Titus 1:14: e. Why do you think it is so important to heed these warnings? 2
God s actual divine essence and his will, administration and works are absolutely beyond all human thought, human understanding or wisdom; in short, that they are and ever will be incomprehensible, inscrutable, and altogether hidden to human reason. Martin Luther (1483 1546) 2. What did Peter witness with his own eyes that established the fact that Jesus was not a fable or a myth? a. Another definition for majesty is royal power. What does Colossians 1:16 tell us about God s power? b. According to Ephesians 3:20, what is God capable of in our lives? c. How about you? Are you able to put your trust in the Lord, knowing His power? Note your thoughts. 3. Not only is the Lord majestic and powerful, He is so much more. What else is He to us, according to verse 19b of this week s scripture? a. How does Jesus statement found in John 8:12 confirm this truth? b. According to Matthew 5:16, how are we to follow Jesus example? 3
A Christian may for many days together see neither sun nor star, neither light in God's countenance, nor light in his own heart, though even at that time God darts some beams through those clouds upon the soul; the soul again by a spirit of faith sees some light through those thickest clouds, enough to keep it from utter despair, though not to settle it in peace. In this dark condition, if they do as Paul and his company did, cast an anchor even in the dark night of temptation, and pray still for day, God will appear, and all shall clear up, we shall see light without and light within; the day-star will arise in their hearts. Richard Sibbes (1577-1635) 4. Peter addresses the importance of scripture in verses 20-21 of this week s passage. What does verse 20 tell us about the Word of God? a. What reason is given in verse 21 for this statement? 5. How do the following verses reinforce the importance of God s Word? a. Proverbs 30:5-6: b. 2 Timothy 3:16-17: c. Hebrews 4:12: d. How important is God s Word to you? 4
Reflect and Respond What has touched your heart and encouraged your spiritual growth during this week s study? Result In what practical ways can you apply what you have learned this week? 5
Thoughts & Prayers 6