The Beauty Of Second Peter-Part 2

 We left off at verse 8 in 2 Peter, chapter one the last time.  I know that it has been a few days, but I really write when I feel the Lord has something to say.  So, here goes with part 2.

Open your bible and follow along, this is for your benefit to ensure I am not teaching false doctrine and my benefit to ensure I am put to right, if I am wrong.  Starting in verse 8, this is an incredible verse, is it not?  I mean, if we have the things in us that were listed previously, (virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness and brotherly kindness), God promises that we will not be barren, nor unfruitful in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.  In John 5:42, Christ says that we have not the love of God in us.  WHAT, you say?  Hold on, it is not us that has anything in ourselves to offer, it is God within us (2 Cor. 9:14; Ezrah 6:8-10).  You need to see that our prayers for each other help supply the needs of those you are praying for, but to do what?  The work of God.  We cannot offer these works in ourselves, but Christ within us.

If you read on in 2 Peter, you will find that the word “remember” is used several times (vv 11-21).  This is important, but what are we to remember?  We are reminded of several things in these verses, like the power of Christ, His majesty, His grace, His glory, etc.  Then, in the end of the chapter, we are reminded of how God spoke to them of old, moving them by the Spirit.

In verse 11, we see what, exactly, Christ did for me and you.  It is because of Him that I can receive the gift of heaven.  But we don't stop there, He is paving the way for me so that I can have it abundantly!  (see Matthew 25:34; 2 Cor. 5:1; Psalm 36:8).

What God is saying in all of these passages is that we should not forget.  Never forget the length that God went to for me and you.  I should always call to memory how Christ suffered and died that I may inherit this blessing.  God says three times in four verses, do not forget this.  He even put it in the scriptures for us to read and see over and over again.  If God goes to such lengths for me, then it must be important to “remember”.

Oh, but He doesn't stop there.  God revealed these things to a certain, few men, whom witnessed all of the events, miracles, and teachings of Christ.  These things they witnessed are not wives tales, or fables!  Things that are absolutely true and we can be assured of this because Peter was one of those witnesses, he was there!

I can take great comfort that they (the disciples) had a more sure word (v19) because they were moved of the Spirit as witnesses, and when they are guided by the Spirit I can take comfort in that everything they said is absolute Truth (Psalm 19:7-9; Isaiah 8:20).

What this means is that I can take it to the bank!  I would do well to take heed to the knowledge presented to me here.  I can say, without a doubt, that Christ IS God's beloved Son and HE is well pleased with Him.  That He has power and majesty, His majesty has no bounds and He is the King of the universe and I can trust these words of the apostles because they had the LIGHT in them.  They spoke the Words of God! (2Cor. 4:4-6).

We must also understand that there are scoffers and nay sayers in this world (v20).  There are even false teachers and false prophets (2 Peter 3:3).  Only those that are truly saved in Christ can speak the things of God, (Romans 6:6), I am a new creature in Christ, my body of sin has been destroyed, and as such, God has given me a gift according to His grace and through Him, the enlightenment in His Word (Romans 12:6).  However, this is not just for me, or even a few, it is for all of us.  All those that have found salvation in Jesus Christ receive this gift of grace and enlightenment in His word.

What this means to me is that the scriptures are not for just anyone to interpret.  It is not for some college professor, or scientist to interpret.  In other words, there is no credibility with unbelievers interpreting scripture because they have not been spiritually enlightened.  This is encouraging be cause I don't have to be blown around by every wind of doctrine, I can trust God and His Word!

As you can see in verse 21, it is God's word and His word alone.  It is not one man's interpretation, but a moving of the Holy Spirit.  In fact, I would argue that God's word is the only true gage in which all other writing must match up to.  If it doesn't, throw it out!  I don't care who wrote it, the author can be a well know theologian, if his writings do not match with God's word, throw it out!  If it does match, then we know that the person writing and teaching is a true man of God, by the light within him.