2 Peter 1:19-21 Amplified Bible
19 So we have the prophetic word made more certain. You do well to pay [close] attention to it as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and light breaks through the gloom and the [a]morning star arises in your hearts. 20 [b]But understand this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of or comes from one’s own [personal or special] interpretation, 21 for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
Word of God for the Children of God
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.
Brother’s, Sister’s, Friends, welcome. It is such a blessing to gather together today and delve into the profound truths in God’s Word. We encounter in 2 Peter 1:19 an affirmation of the uniqueness, power, and authority of the Bible.
Peter writes,
“We have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.”
The Bible isn’t just any book; it’s a divine revelation, a lamp guiding us through life’s darkest valleys.
Rev. Dr. A.W. Tozer said,
“The Word of God well understood and religiously obeyed is the shortest route to spiritual perfection. And we must not select a few favorite passages to the exclusion of others. Nothing less than a whole Bible can make a whole Christian.”
This quote underlines the uniqueness, power, and authority embedded by God in the Bible, which we will further explore today.
Let’s bow our heads in prayer.
Dear Lord, we thank You for Your Word, which is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. As we now study Your Word today, give us hearts that are receptive, minds that are attentive, and spirits that are willing to obey what You reveal to us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Now, let’s open our hearts and minds to the divine truths that the Lord wants to reveal through His Word today.
The Uniqueness of the Bible
The composition:
It was written over a span of approximately 1500 years by more than 40 authors diverse backgrounds, including kings, shepherds, fishermen, tree dressers and nomads, cup bearers, fugitives under sentence of death, fisherman, scholars.
Yet, despite the vast differences in time, background, culture, upbringing and authorship, the Bible maintains a highly remarkable consistency in its message.
This unity amidst diversity points to a divine authorship, a supernatural hand guiding human thoughts, hands of human authors to pen God’s revelation.
The content:
It contains historical narratives, poetry, prophecy, wisdom literature, law codes, and apocalyptic visions.
Yet, all these diverse genres are carefully woven together to tell one overarching story: God’s redemptive plan for humanity.
No other book presents such a comprehensive and coherent narrative that spans from the creation of the world to the end of time.
Its truth: As Hebrews 4:12 declares,
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
The Bible is unique because it is God’s living Word that penetrates our hearts, convicts us of our sins, and transforms us into the likeness of Christ.
The impact: The Bible has shaped civilizations, inspired great works of art, literature, and music, and transformed countless lives.
It has provided hope to the hopeless, comfort to the grieving, guidance to the lost, and salvation to the sinner.
The Bible’s enduring influence and transformative power attest to its divine origin and authority.
Its survival:
Despite numerous attempts throughout history to destroy or discredit the Bible, it remains the most widely read and distributed book in the world.
Its survival against all odds is a testimony to the truth of Isaiah 40:8, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.”
It’s not just a book; it is the living Word of God, a divine revelation that guides us, convicts us, transforms us, and ultimately leads us to salvation in Christ.
The Power of the Bible
It’s transformative:
It has the ability to change us from the inside out.
As we read and meditate on God’s Word, it shapes our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors.
It molds us into the image of Christ, helping us to grow in godliness and holiness.
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, affirms this when he writes,
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).
This transformation happens as we immerse ourselves in the powerful Word of God.
It’s healing:
It brings comfort and peace to troubled hearts.
It provides hope to the hopeless, strength to the weak, healing to the broken.
The psalmist testifies to this when he writes, “He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave” (Psalm 107:20).
God’s Word has the power to heal our emotional wounds, mend our broken relationships, and restore our joy.
It’s guiding:
It is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105).
It provides direction when we are lost, wisdom when we are confused, and clarity when we are in doubt.
It guides us in making decisions, choosing paths, and navigating life’s complexities.
Charles Spurgeon once said:
“A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t.”
This quote speaks to the power of the Bible in sustaining us through life’s trials and tribulations.
As we cling to God’s Word, it holds, binds, us together, giving us the strength to endure, the faith to believe, and the hope to persevere.
The power of the Bible is not just in its words, but in the God who speaks through them.
As we read, study, and meditate on the Bible, we encounter the living God, who uses His Word to transform, heal, and guide us.
The Authority of the Bible
Its ability to guide us in all areas of life:
It provides us with the moral and ethical standards by which we should live.
It gives us guidance on how to relate to God and to others.
It provides us with a worldview that helps make sense of the world around us.
It gives us hope for the future and comfort in times of sorrow.
It instructs us in the way of salvation and leads us to a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
Its ability to change lives:
Throughout history, countless individuals have been radically changed by the message of the Bible.
It has the power to convict people of sin, to bring them to repentance, and to lead them to faith in Christ.
It has the power to comfort, to heal, to guide, and to give hope.
It has the power to change hearts and minds, to transform societies, and to shape cultures.
Grounded in the character of God:
Because God is truthful, His Word is truthful.
Because God is faithful, His Word is reliable.
Because God is powerful, His Word is powerful.
Because God is loving, His Word is life-giving.
The authority of the Bible is an expression of the authority of God Himself.
To submit to the authority of the Bible is to submit to the authority of God.
Conclusion
As we wrap up today, let’s remember that the Bible isn’t just a book.
It’s a divine revelation, a guide through life’s darkest valleys, and a source of spiritual perfection.
Let’s not just randomly pick it up and choose our favorite passages, but let’s strive to understand and obey the whole Bible.
Because nothing less than a whole Bible can make a whole Christian.
And now, may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, now and forevermore.
Let’s pray.
Psalm 119:1-16 The Message
119 1-8 You’re blessed when you stay on course,
walking steadily on the road revealed by God.
You’re blessed when you follow his directions,
doing your best to find him.
That’s right—you don’t go off on your own;
you walk straight along the road he set.
You, God, prescribed the right way to live;
now you expect us to live it.
Oh, that my steps might be steady,
keeping to the course you set;
Then I’d never have any regrets
in comparing my life with your counsel.
I thank you for speaking straight from your heart;
I learn the pattern of your righteous ways.
I’m going to do what you tell me to do;
don’t ever walk off and leave me.
* * *
9-16 How can a young person live a clean life?
By carefully reading the map of your Word.
I’m single-minded in pursuit of you;
don’t let me miss the road signs you’ve posted.
I’ve banked your promises in the vault of my heart
so I won’t sin myself bankrupt.
Be blessed, God;
train me in your ways of wise living.
I’ll transfer to my lips
all the counsel that comes from your mouth;
I delight far more in what you tell me about living
than in gathering a pile of riches.
I ponder every morsel of wisdom from you,
I attentively watch how you’ve done it.
I relish everything you’ve told me of life,
I won’t forget a word of it.
* * *
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.
Dear Lord, thank You for Your Word and the truths we’ve explored today. As we go out into the world, help us to remember and live out these truths. Keep our hearts receptive, our minds attentive, and our spirits willing to obey what You reveal to us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Loving God, Living God, Loving Hope, Living Hope, Loving Living Life His Way! "Many things are possible for the person who has hope. Even more is possible for the person who has faith. And still more is possible for the person who knows how to love. But everything is possible for the person who practices all three virtues." - Brother Lawrence (1605-1691), Practicing the Presence of God (1692). 