2 Peter 1:12-21
Today's Passage: 2 Peter 1:12-21
Do you ever wrestle with doubt? I know I still do from time to time. Most of my doubts come from my own sinful heart, but sometimes I am deceived by the lies of the world. If God’s Word was true, wouldn’t He have come back for us by now? Can I trust the Bible when it is so countercultural to the world? These are real questions and doubts that we face as believers, and they were real doubts shared by Peter’s audience as well.
Peter is writing to comfort his audience (and us) in the face of false teaching. Teachers are questioning the authority of God’s Word and when/if Jesus will return for his people. The world today would have us question the same things. Our jobs, teachers, and societies want our full allegiance and devotion. The enemy wants us to look to the world for comfort, security, and fulfillment, but, unlike the Bible, those things will pass away and leave us empty.
Peter combats this teaching by saying that he experienced the glory and majesty of Jesus first-hand. He saw the transfigured Jesus standing next to the prophets of old (Moses and Elijah). He points to his presence at the transfiguration for two reasons. One is to confirm his authority. Peter isn’t writing about something he made up. The gospel that Peter proclaims is one that he has witnessed first-hand.
Second, the transfiguration points to the truth and validity of ALL of Scripture. Jesus was not against the Old Testament, he was the fulfillment of the Old Testament. Moses and Elijah pointed to Him. Their words pointed to The Word made flesh.
If Peter’s arguments are true, then it should assure us of God’s Word. To read it, live it, and trust it. Cover to cover, the Bible is the word God has given to us. He calls Scripture a “lamp shining in a dark place.” It lights and guides our way through life. Peter calls his readers, and us, to take Jesus at His word and hold fast to ALL of scripture until he returns.
Written By: Joe Weaver
Do you ever wrestle with doubt? I know I still do from time to time. Most of my doubts come from my own sinful heart, but sometimes I am deceived by the lies of the world. If God’s Word was true, wouldn’t He have come back for us by now? Can I trust the Bible when it is so countercultural to the world? These are real questions and doubts that we face as believers, and they were real doubts shared by Peter’s audience as well.
Peter is writing to comfort his audience (and us) in the face of false teaching. Teachers are questioning the authority of God’s Word and when/if Jesus will return for his people. The world today would have us question the same things. Our jobs, teachers, and societies want our full allegiance and devotion. The enemy wants us to look to the world for comfort, security, and fulfillment, but, unlike the Bible, those things will pass away and leave us empty.
Peter combats this teaching by saying that he experienced the glory and majesty of Jesus first-hand. He saw the transfigured Jesus standing next to the prophets of old (Moses and Elijah). He points to his presence at the transfiguration for two reasons. One is to confirm his authority. Peter isn’t writing about something he made up. The gospel that Peter proclaims is one that he has witnessed first-hand.
Second, the transfiguration points to the truth and validity of ALL of Scripture. Jesus was not against the Old Testament, he was the fulfillment of the Old Testament. Moses and Elijah pointed to Him. Their words pointed to The Word made flesh.
If Peter’s arguments are true, then it should assure us of God’s Word. To read it, live it, and trust it. Cover to cover, the Bible is the word God has given to us. He calls Scripture a “lamp shining in a dark place.” It lights and guides our way through life. Peter calls his readers, and us, to take Jesus at His word and hold fast to ALL of scripture until he returns.
Written By: Joe Weaver
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