Growing In Grace – What Is It Then? (2 Peter 1:16-21)
We are in a transitional passage.
Between 2 Peter 1:15 and the discussion of false teachers in chapter 2 lies these verses discussing God’s Word.
16For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ… —2 Peter 1:16
The word for ‘fables’ was used to refer to mythical stories about gods and miracles. —John MacArthur
The myths being referenced may refer to false prophecies conjured up by Peter’s opponents or Graeco-Roman religious beliefs, such as prophetic utterances from mystery religions, being synchronized with Christianity. —Faithlife Study Bible
If not a fable then what is it?
Scripture is our
to a majesty not of this world.
16For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” 18And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. —2 Peter 1:16-18
Peter delivered first hand account of Jesus’ majesty.
Jesus, in His majesty, was delivered glory and honor.
The glory and honor came from the Excellent Glory – God.
1Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; 2and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. 3And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. 4Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” 6And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. 7But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” 8When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. —Matthew 17:1-8
Peter connected the audience to Jesus, His majesty, and the glory and honor given to Him from God. One of Jesus’ names was “Word.”
1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 14And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. 18No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him. —John 1:1, 14, 18
Scripture is a
in the darkness.
19And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; —2 Peter 1:19
You will do well to heed to the
4In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. —John 1:4-5
New Living Translation…
5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. —John 1:5
105Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. —Psalm 119:105
Peter wanted the audience to hear…
The
The
Scripture is
from the throne of God.
20Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, 21for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. —2 Peter 1:20-21
Man’s words are
Scripture is authoritative. People’s feelings and opinions aren’t. —Shane Pruitt
What is a verse that was impactful during a season of life?
How did that verse reveal the majesty of Christ?
How did it light your path?
How did the authority change the message?