Paying Attention to Scripture

2 Peter 1:12-21 – Part 3

12 Therefore, I will always remind you about these things—even though you already know them and are standing firm in the truth you have been taught. 13 And it is only right that I should keep on reminding you as long as I live. 14 For our Lord Jesus Christ has shown me that I must soon leave this earthly life, 15 so I will work hard to make sure you always remember these things after I am gone. (2 Peter 1:12-15 – NLT)

Peter is using the Old Testament injunction to remember. As we have discovered forgetfulness is part of humanity, even sanctified humanity, and Peter is aware that his flock includes the dedicated and the errant. Part of his role as shepherd is to encourage and warn, and, as preacher, to declare and recall; roles he is faithfully fulfilling. He has already reprimanded and refocused the errant and now he wants to encourage and inspire the faithful.

We are unaware of the circumstances that surround Peter that suggested an imminent death, but there is no doubt the experience is a catalyst in driving him is his efforts to pastor these royal priests of the holy nation. Above all, he wants his death in itself to be a constant reminder of all that God has done in bringing this new and holy nation into being.

The Christian must make peace with death while he is in life if he is to handle the transition to eternity. There is the natural human reaction to hang on to that which we know and experience; life. Although we have God’s promises and expectation about eternity, we are reticent to leave the ones we love for something we have not yet experienced.

Perhaps it is ego or more likely the belief that our life meant something, but we want to leave a legacy of some sort. For many, it is in material possessions. However, having embraced the kingdom lifestyle the more important legacy may well be our influence as it relates to our ministry in life.

16 For we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the powerful coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. We saw his majestic splendor with our own eyes 17 when he received honor and glory from God the Father. The voice from the majestic glory of God said to him, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” 18 We ourselves heard that voice from heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain.

19 Because of that experience, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. You must pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place—until the Day dawns, and Christ the Morning Star shines in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, 21 or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God. (2 Peter 1:16-21 – NLT)

Peter wants to appeal to his first-hand experience of history as a witness to his message. He had the privilege of sharing in the earthly ministry of Jesus; had witnessed his suffering, death and resurrection and the glory of His transfiguration. He is in absolutely no doubt of the veracity of what he is writing. He had seen the majestic splendor with [his] own eyes and heard the voice from heaven.

There is no word spin or clever stories here; Peter is dealing with the reality of a first-hand witness which cannot be disputed. The entire ministry of Jesus including his second coming is verified by Peter, as an on-the-spot, first-hand witness.

The matter of the authenticity of Scripture and the words of the prophets are highlighted in a similar vein and we must pay due diligence to what is being said for we believe in the inerrant authority of the Bible. They are the veritable words from God to humanity, not promoting the philosophies of writers, but moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.

We must insert a word of warning here about the use of a word of prophecy being dominantly used today, particularly within the charismatic movement and similar clones of it. The gift of prophecy referred to in Corinthians 12 is generally regarded as bringing a message from God through sound, biblical preaching and not a new word from God in the way of the prophets. This modern and dubious use of a word of prophecy, to utter words that are perceived as having a standing equal to that of Scripture, is not only highly doubtful, it borders on heresy.