Where's the Faith?
Simon
Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have
received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of
our God and Savior, Jesus Christ: 2
Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of
Jesus our Lord; 3
seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining
to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called
us by His own glory and excellence. 4
For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent
promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the
divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by
lust. 5
Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith
supply moral excellence, and in your
moral excellence, knowledge, 6
and in your
knowledge, self-control, and in your
self-control, perseverance, and in your
perseverance, godliness, 7
and in your
godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your
brotherly kindness, love. 8
For if these qualities
are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor
unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9
For he who lacks these qualities
is blind or
short-sighted, having forgotten his
purification from his former sins. 10
Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about
His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these
things, you will never stumble; 11
for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.
2
Peter 1:1-11 (NASB)
Years
ago, we visited this area of Scripture to see the plan that Peter
gave us for growth in our Christian lives. Today, I feel the Lord
would like of us to revisit this area of Scripture. One
of the dilemmas of the Christian walk is faith. The world around us
throws us so many curves and we constantly are put into the position
of wondering where the faith is going to come from. We know that
without faith, it is impossible to please God. We know that if we
are to walk a fruitful walk and make a difference in the world around
us, it will have to be through faith in God and His only Son, but
where is the faith going to come from? Scripture makes it quite
clear in Romans 10:17 that faith comes from hearing and hearing comes
through the Word of God, but where do we start? Obviously, we can
start in Gen 1:1 and word our way through Revelation 22:21, but how
many people do we know who have read the Bible and still don't have a
clue? Maybe that's why Romans 10:17 says faith comes from “hearing.”
We can read the Word without hearing the Word. It's when the Word
is heard and takes root in our hearts that real change happens. What
we need is for that Word to stick and grow in us.
What
I love so much about this passage of Scripture is that Peter gives us
a plan. If we are going to see God move in a powerful way, we are
going to have to do things God’s way. He wouldn’t tell
us that we have to have faith, without giving us a plan to get there.
Peter gives us some sign posts. He gives us a starting point and an
ending point and some stop off points along the way.
Peter
starts in 2 Peter telling us that he is an apostle and he is writing
to those who have received the same kind of faith that they have.
(That's us.) Then he continues, praying for grace and peace to be
multiplied to us in the knowledge of God and of Jesus. Knowledge
doesn't come through osmosis. We need to receive it, but look close
at verse three. God has already granted to us all there is
pertaining to life and godliness. It comes (look again) through the
knowledge of Him who called us. It is by this that we receive His
promises. It is through this that we become partakers of the divine
nature. It is by this that we escape the world's corruption. Read
the first four verses again, slowly. They're incredible. What most
people miss, though, is that like salvation, this knowledge doesn't
come, just because. We find our salvation by seeking God until He
finds us and receiving what He has freely given already. Knowledge
is the same way. The knowledge is already there. God has given it
to us freely and if we will just seek knowledge until He finds us, we
will be absolutely amazed at what is already ours.
Diligence
Now
for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith
supply moral excellence, and in your
moral excellence, knowledge, 6
and in your
knowledge, self-control, and in your
self-control, perseverance, and in your
perseverance, godliness, 7
and in your
godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your
brotherly kindness, love.
2
Peter 1:5-7 (NASB)
At
the very beginning of the plan is faith. Peter is writing to those
who have received a faith like ours and he points out in verse four
that God has granted us precious and magnificent promises and that
through those promises, we can become partakers of the divine nature.
It is through accepting those promises that we can become partakers
of this nature. Did you notice the last part of verse four? Having
escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust is the past
tense. Partakers of the divine nature is the future tense. There is
an order here. So, I guess we could, in proper English, ask “have
we escaped the corruption of the world, so we can partake of the
divine nature, through those precious promises? It's something to
think about. Verse five starts with “Now, for this very
reason....” It is in the knowledge of His promise and in the
knowledge of what He has already provided that we apply all diligence
in pursuing these qualities.
Diligence
is translated from a Greek word meaning ““speed”,
that is, (by implication) despatch,
eagerness,
earnestness:
- business, (earnest) care (-fulness), diligence forwardness, haste.”
It does not, in any way form or fashion, mean sit there and wait for
it to happen. It clearly means to push forward and earnestly pursue.
It clearly means to exert effort. The fact that it is combined with
“all” tells me that we are to put everything we can into
it. The real question is this. Are these qualities those that it
would be nice to have? Or are they qualities that we would die for,
qualities worth fighting for?
Listen,
we all have a measure of faith according to Romans 12:3. (Some
translations render this as “the measure of faith.”)
Regardless of the translation, God has given each one of us all the
faith we need. If we have the faith is not the issue. We do! Why
do some seem to have more than others? (I'm not talking about the
supernatural “gift” of 1 Cor 12.) We are talking about
faith to walk the Christian walk and walk in the promises that God
has already given us. We have the faith. Where do we fall apart?
Remember James 2:20? “Faith without works is dead.” If
we have the faith, which we do, (unless God is a liar, and I'm not
going to be the one to call Him that.) let's add some works to it.
Let us put that faith in action. And in that faith, let us add moral
excellence... diligently! Let us choose to walk in the new creation
that we are in Christ. Let us put aside that old man, who never
amounted to much anyway, and let us press on to be the new creature
that we already are in Christ. How can we do that? How about being
diligent to say “No” to our old self and “yes”
to Him?
Moral
Excellence and Knowledge
Now
for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith
supply moral excellence, and in your
moral excellence, knowledge, 6
and in your
knowledge, self-control, and in your
self-control, perseverance, and in your
perseverance, godliness, 7
and in your
godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your
brotherly kindness, love. 2
Peter 1:5-7 (NASB)
Diligence
in faith is the the best start we can have in this road map. God has
already given us all the faith we need and all we got to do is take
Him seriously and chase down what matters most. Into faith we supply
moral excellence. It might pay for us to dig into what is being said
here.
Supply
is from the Greek word “epichorēgeō”
which, according to Thayer, means “to
furnish
besides,
that is, fully supply,
(figuratively) aid
or contribute:
- add, minister (nourishment, unto).” There are some very key
words here. Some are quick to point out that it is by faith that we
are saved. James is quick to point our that without works our faith
is dead. Faith is not a magical, hocus pocus deal. Faith is simple.
The Word of God tells us in Hebrews 11:1 that Faith is the substance
of things hoped for and the evidence of things that we don't see.
Basically, faith boils down to knowing that God stands behind
everything He says and He backs up every promise He ever made.
Knowing that is one thing. Acting on it is another. The Bible tells
us in James 2:19, “You believe that God is one. You do well:
the demons also believe, and shudder.” If we want to walk in
faith with God, we need to consider our walk. Look again at the word
“supply.” “Furnish besides, that is, fully
supply,...” what really catches my eye, though, is that to
supply is to add or minister nourishment unto our faith. When we add
a walk that is pleasing to our God, we nourish our faith. Our
relationship grows closer and our faith grows exponentially. The
moral excellence that we diligently add actually feeds and nourishes
our faith.
One
thing about moral excellence. Everybody has their own ideas of what
excellent morals are. In Mat 7:13, Jesus told us that the way is
broad that leads to destruction and many go through it. And in the
next verse, He tells us that the way is narrow that leads to life.
Excellent morals, defined by my standards are worthless. In fact,
moral excellence defined by ANY man means nothing. If we really plan
on walking with God and pleasing Him, we need to think about the
“moral excellence” that we add to our faith. If we
really want to grow closer to God, why would we try to impress him
with how “moral” and “upright” we are? Our
standards don't impress Him. No! If we really want to add moral
excellence to our faith, let us “study to show ourselves
approved” and “rightly divide the Word of Truth.”
Check out 2 Tim 2:15. Moral excellence and knowledge go hand in
hand. Let us diligently chase after knowledge so that we won't be
embarrassed by the “moral excellence” that we add and
expect God to be pleased with. Let's get knowledge of what pleases
God before we try to please Him.
Self-Control
and Perseverance
Now
for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith
supply moral excellence, and in your
moral excellence, knowledge, 6
and in your
knowledge, self-control, and in your
self-control, perseverance, and in your
perseverance, godliness, 7
and in your
godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your
brotherly kindness, love. 2
Peter 1:5-7 (NASB)
As
we apply diligence in our faith and add to that moral excellence and
knowledge. (Remember that we gotta get it before we add it in. Also
remember that the only place we are going to get moral excellence is
through the grace of God, through the sacrifice of the Christ. Also
remember that the only place to get real knowledge is the Word of
God.) Now, we continue with Self-control.
Self-control
is from the Greek word “egkrateia”
and Thayer defines it as “self
control
(especially continence):
- temperance.” NASB translates it as self-control, as does the
CEV, the ESV and others. The KJV translates it as temperance.
Temperance, according to Websters, means, “Moderation;
particularly, habitual moderation in regard to the indulgence of the
natural appetites and passions; restrained or moderate indulgence; as
temperance in eating and drinking; temperance in the indulgence of
joy or mirth. Temperance in eating and drinking is opposed to
gluttony and drunkenness, and in other indulgences, to excess.”
It's kind of interesting that the Temperance Movement was all about
total abstinence. Temperance never did mean total abstinence. It
meant self control then and still means self control now. Why is
this an important? I may have the right to drink a beer, but,
through self control, I choose not to. We could pick on any number
of things and they all boil down to this. All things are lawful for
me, but I will not be mastered by anything. 1 Cor 6:12 What does
this have to do with self control? Through knowledge of God, I
choose to walk in freedom.
Perseverance
is the next quality to add to the mix and, like so many other words
in the Bible, it is one that we can dwell on while we add it into the
person God is creating. Perseverance is from the Greek word
“hupomonē.”
the NASB translates it as perseverance and in the KJV it is
“patience.” The CEV, a contemporary version, also
translates it as “patience.” The ESV is more literal and
translates it as “steadfastness.” Strong defines it as
“cheerful
(or hopeful) endurance,
constancy:
- enduring, patience, patient continuance (waiting).” So many
time, we think of ourselves as patiently enduring our painful trek on
this old earth until we finally fly away (if we're lucky.) or maybe
we identify with that “Poor Wayfaring Pilgrim.” or how
'bout that great spiritual “Nobody knows the trouble I've
seen!” STOP!!! Where is the cheerful? Doesn't cheerful go
right along with endurance? When did it become a painful journey?
And how can that journey be so painful, when we find that the One we
are holding onto is the One Who is holding on to you? You know, I
like cheerful. In fact I like cheerful steadfastness.
Godliness,
Kindness and Love
Now
for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith
supply moral excellence, and in your
moral excellence, knowledge, 6
and in your
knowledge, self-control, and in your
self-control, perseverance, and in your
perseverance, godliness, 7
and in your
godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your
brotherly kindness, love.
2
Peter 1:5-7 (NASB)
Diligence
in our faith and add in moral excellence and knowledge. We continue,
adding self-control and perseverance. Then we inject some godliness,
some brotherly kindness and some love.
Godliness
is from “eusebeia”
meaning “piety;
specifically the gospel
scheme: - godliness, holiness.” It come from the root word
that means “well reverent.” We really need to stress,
here, that there is a huge difference between “godliness”
and a “form of godliness.” John Wesley points out that
knowledge puffs up. Knowledge must be centered in and emanate from
the grace of God, through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. There is
nothing worse than having “technically correct” points
and no changed heart. The Gospel starts from the heart, as we accept
Jesus Christ and His Sacrifice. Knowledge that puffs up tries to get
everything right and, having cleaned themselves up, come to God. One
is the salvation of God. The other may look good, but it is the
righteousness of man. Consider, for instance, 2 Tim 3:5. Paul
starts in verse one of chapter three, telling us that in the last
days... and he describes self centered, arrogant, unloving,
treacherous, conceited men, who, interestingly enough, hold to a form
of godliness and deny its power. People can justify nearly anything
they want and make it sound acceptable. Real godliness, real piety,
specifically the Gospel scheme, will leave a path of changed and
healed lives in its path. Basically, Jesus came to change lives, not
to put on or teach us to put on a show. He IS “I AM.”
Did
you ever wonder why Philadelphia is called the “city of
brotherly love?” “Brotherly kindness” comes from
the Greek word “philadelphia”
which is defined as “fraternal
affection:
- brotherly love (kindness), love of the brethren.” (I don't
think the founders of Philly intended for there to be a crime rate
there. They were godly minded people of God.) And add into all that
love. Not just any love or any affection, but “agape”
love, the godly love that comes from God and changes our hearts and
lives. Think about this for a bit. We are adding in godliness (the
true godliness that taps us into the power of God as we walk with
him) and into that, a fraternal love that build a brotherhood and
it's all bound together with the love that only comes from God.
Peter, in verse eight, points out that if these are ours and are
increasing, we are neither useless nor unfruitful. (There's that
godliness that does have power.) and in verse nine, he points out
that if we lack them, we are blind and short-sighted. Short-sighted,
by the way, means “to shut the eyes, that is blink –
cannot see far off.” I have no intention of settling for short
sighted religion that denies God's power in its actions. I want
God!!! How 'bout you?
Therefore,
Be Diligent
For
if these qualities
are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor
unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9
For he who lacks these qualities
is blind or
short-sighted, having forgotten his
purification from his former sins. 10
Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about
His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these
things, you will never stumble; 11
for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you. 12
Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even
though you already
know them,
and have been established in the truth which is present with you.
13
I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly
dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder, 14
knowing that the laying aside of my earthly
dwelling is imminent, as also our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to
me. 15
And I will also be diligent that at any time after my departure you
will be able to call these things to mind.
2
Peter 1:8-15 (NASB)
We
started “these qualities” with “diligence in our
faith.” After reminding us that if these qualities are ours
and are increasing, we have the promise of never being useless or
unfruitful in true knowledge of Jesus. We also have the reminder
that if we lack these qualities, we are blind, short-sighted and have
forgotten where we came from. As we make our way to verse ten, we
see the conclusion of these statements, “Therefore, brethren,
be all the more diligent to make certain about his calling and
choosing you; for as long as you practice these, things, you will
never stumble.” We are all called to a purpose. We are all
called by a Holy God to a Holy calling and we have all been chosen.
Don't ignore or negate these qualities. They are so closely tied to
His calling that is upon us that after giving us the plan for
pursuing these qualities and nurturing them, that Peter ties them
with the simple word, “Therefore.” and tells us to
“diligently” make certain that calling, that choosing and
practice them.
Remember
that “diligent” means to “endeavor, to labor and to
study?” “All the more” is from the Greek word that
means “to a greater degree.” “Make certain”is
from two words, one meaning “do it!” an the other meaning
“firm, of force, stea*dfast, sure.” “Calling,”
from “klesis”, means “an invitation.” and
“Choosing” is from “ekloge,” which means
“(divine” selection” In other words, He has given
you an invitation. He has chosen you, specifically, to invite to His
calling. Chase it down with force. Run after that calling.
Diligently pursue these qualities and as you do, you will add a
stability to that calling that no ministry should ever be without.
And verse ten goes on, telling us that as long as we practice these
things, we will never stumble. Practice is from the very same word
that is translated as “make” earlier in this same verse.
It means, basically, “do it!” “These things”
are simply “these things.” and they obviously refer to
the previously mentioned qualities. The interesting word in this
verse is in the phrase, “you will never stumble.” The
word “never” is translated from three different words
that are various intensities of “never.” “Ou”
is “a primary word; the absolutely negative.” “Me,”
Thayer tells us, “expresses an absolute denial.” “Pote”
is an indefinite adverb “at some time, ever...”
“Stumble” is from one simple word, “ptaio”
which means “to trip, that is, (figuratively) to err, sin, fail
(of salvation): - fall, offend, stumble.” Put that all
together, and we find that the Greek is quite intense.
Peter
is basically saying, here, that if we endeavor to make these
qualities an integral part of our being as we chase after our calling
with force and run after it, we will never, absolutely never... EVER
trip or stumble of fall short. And in this way, our entrance into
our King's Kingdom will be literally handed to us. Does it say
that??? Yes, it does. It doesn't say that if we work at it really
hard we might get in. It says if we chase after these qualities and
our calling, the entrance is taken care of. If we are trying to come
to Jesus for fire insurance, we are missing the boat. Let us,
rather, chase after Him, His calling and as we chase down these
qualities, when the time comes, we'll just walk in the door,
smiling.
As
Long As I'm Here...
For
if these qualities
are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor
unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9
For he who lacks these qualities
is blind or
short-sighted, having forgotten his
purification from his former sins. 10
Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about
His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these
things, you will never stumble; 11
for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you. 12
Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even
though you already
know them,
and have been established in the truth which is present with you.
13
I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly
dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder, 14
knowing that the laying aside of my earthly
dwelling is imminent, as also our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to
me. 15
And I will also be diligent that at any time after my departure you
will be able to call these things to mind. 2
Peter 1:8-15 (NASB)
Knowing
the importance of these qualities, the stability that walks side by
side with them, their value and the insight that comes with nurturing
them, Peter continues in verse twelve with yet another “Therefore.”
Peter isn't thinking about entertaining the troops. He is thinking
about equipping them for a fruitful walk, a stability that will last
a lifetime, not just 'til Wednesday night.
In
verse twelve, the word “always” comes from the Greek word
that is “an obsolete primary noun (apparently meaning continued
duration); … by qualification regularly, by implication
earnestly...” The word “ready is from “mello”
meaning “A
strengthened form of G3199
(through the idea of expectation);
to intend,
that is, be
about
to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially
events; in the sense of purpose,
duty,
necessity,
probability,...”
“Remind” is from another word that means “to
remind quietly, that is, suggest to the (middle voice, one's own)
memory: - put in mind..” Peter is talking about an earnest
purpose, even a duty, to make sure these things are implanted in the
readers minds. Then the last part of verse twelve continues with
“even though you know them and have been established in the
truth which is present with you” Then in verses thirteen and
fourteen, we see that Peter is aware that his death (laying aside of
his earthly dwelling) is getting near, as long as he is here, he will
remind them of these things. And in verse fifteen, we see the reason
for his diligence.
Even
though you know these things; even though you practice these things;
even though you have been established, as long as I am here, it is
only right that I drill these things into your hearts so that whn I
am gone, you will remember them. He had no interest in baiting the
people for another service. His interest was a walk that would last
them a lifetime. The mood was not an issue. The psychological
implications and inferences were not the issue. A walk with the King
of kings was of paramount importance, since it is in that walk that
we find real freedom, real security and real life. You see, when we
have these qualities, the desire to make it to a church service isn't
driven by the desperation to hold on, as we barely squeak through our
lot in life. No! Our desire to go to church is driven by our desire
to bask, corporately, in the Presence of the Lord. Our desire is
driven by the desire for fellowship, not because we are falling
apart, but because we love being together. The fellowship of the
saints becomes true fellowship instead of a showcase of
believers.
Peter
knows that he is about to be martyred for the faith that he once
denied when Jesus was on trial. Most of the saints that I know would
be looking for a place to hide out. Peter has found such security in
his faith that his only thought, in the face of death, is how to
equip the saints to face life. His desire is that regardless of life
or death of their mortal bodies, their lives will be full. And it is
these qualities that will assure a walk that death has no power over.
So... as long as I'm here...
Eyewitnesses
For
we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you
the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were
eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17
For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an
utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, "This
is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased"-- 18
and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were
with Him on the holy mountain. 19
So
we have the prophetic word made
more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining
in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in
your hearts. 20
But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a
matter
of one's own interpretation, 21
for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved
by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. 2
Peter 1:16-21 (NASB)
Peter
states that he is always ready to remind us. He considers it right,
as long as he is here, to stir us up. He know that his time on earth
was drawing to a close and instead of considering the race finished,
he became even more diligent to remind us of these things. He even
goes so far as to tell us why.
So
many seem to think they have to have a “gimmick” to bring
people in, so that they can preach an emotion filled message to get
people saved. They get some saved on Sunday. The people live like
they want to get in all the sinning in that they can before they come
back to get saved again? What's wrong with that picture? Weren't
they saved in the first place? When the ushers count how many were
saved in the morning meeting, don't they remember that the same
people got saved a week or two earlier? What is wrong? Maybe we
forget 2 Peter 1:16. Maybe we forget that it isn't our eloquent
speech that makes the difference. It is the Blood of Jesus that paid
the price for the soul that comes to the Father. Peter makes it
abundantly clear that clever tales have NOTHING to do with this
message, regardless of how cleverly they are devised. NO! Peter
tells them, “We made known to you the power and coming of our
Lord Jesus” all right, but he qualifies it with, “we were
eyewitnesses...” What we have seen, we gave. What we saw, we
speak. We didn't have to spice it up. We didn't have to throw in a
cup of sugar to make it sweet enough to receive. What we saw... here
it is. Jesus received honor and glory from the God an Father of all
creation when the Father said, “This is My beloved Son with
whom I am well-pleased.” How can people think they can come
up with something better than the Father of all creation and the God
who made everything that is saying, “I am well-pleased.”?
By
the way, in verse sixteen, the “power” that Peter made
known is translated from “dunamis,” which means “force
(literally or figuratively); specifically miraculous power...”
Most of us take this for granted, but this is the “power”
of the “coming” of our Lord Jesus Christ. Hidden in the
word “coming” is “dunamis” for now. You see
the word that Peter used for “coming” does not mean that
Jesus came (although He certainly did come). Nor does it mean that
Jesus will come (although He certainly will come and He certainly
will come soon). The word that Peter uses is “parousia”
which is from the present form of “pareimi” (to be
near). This dunamis is not only near; it is. It is no only coming;
it is present. This “force; specifically miraculous power”
is here because it is in Jesus. And what we have seen, we share.
Are we sharing a principle that sounds good to us??? or are we
sharing what we have seen? We cannot separate the power from the
Savior because that power is in Jesus. When we get past the “story”
and into the experience, things happen. They have to. There really
is Power in the Blood.
Word
Made More Sure
So
we have the prophetic word made
more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining
in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in
your hearts. 20
But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a
matter
of one's own interpretation, 21
for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved
by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. 2
Peter 1:19-21 (NASB)
In
verse sixteen, Peter states, “... we were eyewitnesses...”
Then in verse seventeen, he recounts what they heard from heaven
when the Father said, “This is My beloved Son...” Then
in verse eighteen, he re-iterates that they heard this utterance
from heaven, when they were with Jesus on the mountain. Then he
concludes that we have the prophetic word made more sure and that we
would do well to pay attention to it as we would to a lamp shining in
a dark place until the day dawns. While many interpret this to be
talking about the entirety of Scripture, I have to point out that the
entirety of Scripture hadn't even been put together yet. Yes, I
believe that every verse of Scripture is inspired of God, breathed by
God and profitable teaching, reproof and training in righteousness.
2 Timothy 3:16 teaches that to us clearly. This passage, I believe
is talking about the prophecies concerning the Christ that had come
about in the presence of the apostles. What Peter is saying here is
simple and is only complicated by religious teaching. He's saying
that the prophets wrote about it. We saw it happen and heard the
Voice that authenticated it. We aren't just speculating on what the
prophets meant. We saw it happen. Now, we have a prophetic word and
we would do well to listen to it until we see the light in our
hearts.
On
a second note, the prophetic word is made by the Voice of the Living
God. This is another issue that is widely downplayed in religion.
Jesus said, “My sheep know My Voice.” We say, “What
do you feel in your heart?” with a lengthy explanation that we
have asked Jesus to come into our hearts and so we can trust our
“heart.” Yet, the Bible tells us clearly that the heart
is the most deceptive part of man and that we are not to lean on our
feelings. The best advice that I have for those who have not heard
the Voice of God is to pray and spend more time with God with one
major qualification. What does the Word of God say. The Word is the
measure, period. As we dig into the Word, He will confirm it and
when He speaks to His children, the Word that has been implanted in
your heart will become more sure. The best advice I have for those
who do know His Voice is to weight what they hear with the Word of
God. If the Voice you hear is God, He will never contradict His
Word.
If
the reader hasn't guess yet, I am encouraging you to seek God until
you find Him. Pursue Him until you catch Him. And while you are
seeking and pursuing, listen, until you hear Him. His Word is a lamp
unto our feet, well able to stop us from stumbling. And when He
speaks, the day dawns. No longer merely spectators with a theory, we
become men and women of God who, because of experience cannot be
swayed. Just as Peter tells us that through his experience we have a
word more sure, we stand on the Word until He confirms what we know
and we see the Light we have perceived.
No
Prophecy...
So
we have the prophetic word made
more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining
in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in
your hearts. 20
But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a
matter
of one's own interpretation, 21
for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved
by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. 2
Peter 1:19-21 (NASB)
As
long as I have been a Christian, I've heard verses twenty and
twenty-one quoted and the depth of it still stands. The KJV
translates verse twenty as “Knowing
this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private
interpretation,” While the NASB translates appears to be
telling that the Scriptreu is not a matter of an individual's
interpretation, the
KJV could be taken to mean that no prophecy of scripture can be
interpreted out of context. The difference in interpretation is not
because of the differences in translation, though. Scofield says of
this verse, “Its own interpretation; that is, not isolated from
all that the Word has given elsewhere.” Wesley, on the other
hand, writes, “Ye do well, as knowing this, that no scripture
prophecy is of private interpretation - It is not any man's own word.
It is God, not the prophet himself, who thereby interprets things
till then unknown.” While I personally think this is telling
us that no one individual has a monopoly of Scriptural
interpretation, it is also true that there
is no prophecy of Scripture that can be interpreted individually.
Both interpretations are true.
One
thing that I keep foremost in mind when I look at the Word of God is
that no individual verse will disagree with the rest of the Word.
There may be depths of revelation, as we read the Bible and we often
find that the meaning of a verse is deeper than we ever imagined as
He reveals it to us through His Holy Spirit, but that “deep”
interpretation disagrees with the weight of Scripture, it is wrong.
The Word of God will not disagree with itself. ALL Scripture is
inspired by God. It wasn't written by men; it was written through
men, by the Holy Spirit. He doesn't disagree with Himself. If we
have verses that we think don't agree with each other, we're missing
something. For instance if we use “God is Love” to
interpret 1 Cor 13:5, we could say that since God is Love and Love is
not jealous.... but wait a minute. Other Scriptures like Exodus 20:5
and Exodus 34:14 tell us plainly that our Lord is a jealous God. One
way or another, we aren't dividing the Word correctly. God will not
disagree with Himself. Maybe we're missing the whole point of the
great chapter on love, 1 Corinthians 13.
Equally
true is the interpretation that no Scripture is of any one person's
interpretation. One man tried to tell me “this is what I think
this particular Scripture means.” He not only misquoted the
verse, his interpretation did not agree with the rest of the Word or
the nature of God. I interrupted him, “I don't care what you
think! In fact, what I think doesn't matter either. The only thing
that really matters is this. What did God mean???” If we
develop a theology on what a verse means, no matter how good or
“logical” it sounds, it is worthless if it does not agree
with God. Rather than attempting to mold God into our image, let us
seek Him, Seek His Truth and let His Word mold us in His Truth.