The Great Reminder: Scripture
The Great Reminder • Sermon • Submitted
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Introduction
Introduction
Why do we make a big deal about studying the Bible? Why do we emphasize each week what the Bible says?
The Bible is without a doubt an incredible book. It is the best-selling, most quoted, most published, most circulated, most translated, most influential book in the history of mankind. There is no close second.
Kings, dictators and whole societies have tried to abolish it but it still is able to provide a life-changing impact on those who read it. Its words contain a hope that no other religious writing can provide and has transformed millions of lives. The Bible promises what no other book does: Life, hope, and purpose as a gift from God Himself. The Bible has transformed murderers, tyrants, and nations because the Bible resonates as truth in the deepest part of the soul.
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
The Bible can be rejected, hated, or ignored but its impact on those that read and study it cannot be discounted.
No other book can be used to interpret itself the way the Bible does.
I am laid low in the dust;
preserve my life according to your word.
I recounted my ways and you answered me;
teach me your decrees.
Let me understand the teaching of your precepts;
then I will meditate on your wonders.
Psalm 119:25-27
Psalm 119:
I am laid low in the dust;
preserve my life according to your word.
I recounted my ways and you answered me;
teach me your decrees.
Let me understand the teaching of your precepts;
then I will meditate on your wonders.
My soul is weary with sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word.
With this in mind, we are continuing our study of 2 Peter and how this epistle is used as a great reminder to its readers. As you can imagine, the text for today gives us a great reminder about the importance of scripture.
So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things.
We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.
And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
In this beautiful passage, we can see scripture tested, scripture testified, and scripture trusted. First, let’s examine
Scripture Tested (vs. 12-15)
Scripture Tested (vs. 12-15)
We are reminded in verses 12-16 that we are to build our lives on the virtues described in verses 5-7 with our ultimate goal being love. Even though we have been taught this all of our lives, it is good to be reminded of them.
One writer said, “We need to have have the truth of God’s word sown in our hearts and watered by the Holy Spirit that this truth may grow and bring forth fruit.”
The way you and I learn and know the truth is to hear it, read it, study it, meditate on it and memorize it. Scripture is tested when we lean on these truths. Have you ever leaned on a wall and it moves?
Hopefully, when we lean on something it is strong and secure. It is unwavering and holds true. As a minister of the gospel, it is my duty to remind those I minister to of the assurance we have in God’s word and what His word reveals to us.
I have posted watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem;
they will never be silent day or night.
You who call on the Lord,
give yourselves no rest,
Isaiah 62
We can lean on the foundational walls that scripture has built for us. What is that you lean on daily to get you through life?
Peter says he is always going to remind you (those who are reading his letter) of those things- the building up of the virtues listed in verses 5-7, with again the ultimate goal being love. In fact, Peter spoke 3 times wanting to remind his readers of these truths (verses 12, 13, 15). He wanted them to be able to lean on these truths.
He also wanted to that scripture can be tested through learning. Peter states to his readers that they already know these things and are firmly established in the Truth. Yet, he is continuing to encourage them to learn more about the truths.
I have studied scripture most of my life yet I find that when I read a passage, God uses it to speak to me in a fresh new way. I am continually learning.
I am convinced that the scripture tested through learning provides for me an opportunity to be strengthened in my walk with Christ.
2 Thessalonians
encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
A problem I see in many lives is not that they do not know what God expects of them, but they either forget or are unwilling to live out the truth they have now. Peter states in verse 13 that he things it is right to refresh your memory.
Scripture is also tested through leaving a legacy.
Peter recognizes that his time on earth is coming to an end. Jesus warned Peter of his pending doom.
I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
John
Peter desires to leave a legacy of teaching that will live longer than he is to live. Jesus told Peter to strengthen his brothers
Luke
But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
Have you done all the Lord has called you to do?
Are you leaving a legacy?
Ate you teaching others like Peter did to carry on those virtues listed in ?
Peter gives us an example of a life that is making sure that the people would not forget the Lord’s work or forget His works.
Scripture is tested by leaning, learning and leaving a legacy. Next we see that scripture is testified.
Scripture Testified (vs. 16-19)
Scripture Testified (vs. 16-19)
We see that Peter claims that he was an eyewitness to the power and coming of the the Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible is not cleverly invented stories like a fable, it is based on eyewitness accounts. Isn’t absolutely incredible how these accounts have been preserved and shared through out the ages?
Peter uses an eyewitness account to that shows scripture is also testified through the exaltation of Jesus.
For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.
2 Peter 1:
Peter refers to seeing the exaltation of Jesus from God Himself. That had to change his life forever! What a phenomenal testimony!
Scripture is also testified through the EXCLAMATION of the word of the prophets.
And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
2 Peter
If it is not enough to have the eyewitness account and the exaltation of Jesus, Peter also is giving an exclamation in that we also have the word of the prophets. There are over 500 verses in the Old Testament that had some direct emphasis on the coming Messiah. This is a testimony that removes the question mark and gives an exclamation point that helps you and me understand the need to believe in God’s word.
Scripture is tested, it is testified, and finally, see how it is trusted.
Scripture Trusted (vs. 19-21)
Scripture Trusted (vs. 19-21)
Scripture can be trusted because it shines. The end of verse 19 says, “you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light, shining in a dark place.”
Remember ?
Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light for my path.
The unfolding of your words gives light;
it gives understanding to the simple.
Psalm 119:1
Then the rest of verse 19 says, “until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.” Oh my can you see that this is referring to the fact that Jesus is the Light of the world and the Morning star?
“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”
The Word of God can be trusted as it shines light into your life and illuminating Jesus as He lights your world!
Scripture can be trusted to be sovereign.
It
Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation.
2 Peter 1:20
This verse tells us that no word of the Lord came from the prophets own voice but indeed it came from God.
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
As the light of God’s sovereign Word shines into our lives, it gives our lives meaning and purpose.
The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,
shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
Scripture is trusted because it is Spirit-led.
For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
“The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me;
his word was on my tongue.
and said, “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus—
God used holy men that were moved by the Holy Spirit to dictate to them the mind of God. They were wisely and carefully assisted and directed by the Holy Spirit to express that which was revealed. So by the Holy Spirit, we have the plainness and simplicity, the power and virtue, the eloquence and harmony of the very words and expressions of God.
We can therefore mix faith with the scriptures and see the Bible as the authoritative and totally reliable Word of God! As a result, we can live by its principles and use it as the guide book for our lives.
I am at my best when I filter my life God’s Word. I am at my worst when I put it high on a shelf and fail to apply it to my life. Can you make a commitment to some how spend time daily in God’s Word? It has been tested. It has been testified. And praise God, it can be trusted!