“For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’ We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain. We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:16-19, NIV).
Have you heard about the fictional super-hero, Captain America? He is famous for the shield he uses to defeat his enemies.
His shield is his “primary defensive and offensive piece of equipment.” It is “virtually inde-structible...” It could absorb the powerful assault of Hulk and could repel the attack from the mystical hammer of Thor without any visible damage. And what is also interesting about it: It is able to absorb all kinetic energy and transfers very little energy from each impact – thus, Captain America does not feel so much the force of the impact on his shield.
In the realm of reality, we need also a “shield” for our protection against doubts, uncertainties, negativism, or even false teachings that bombard us in all angles. It should also be “indestructible” and could absorb all kinetic energy of error, so that we could not be affected by the destructive or negative forces.
We need to have the “SHIELD OF CERTAINTY” and that’s what we are going to focus on as we deal with our text (2 Peter 1:16-19).
So, what are those things that believers could be certain? In our text, we could find at least two. Now, what are those?
Be reminded that 2 Peter was also written by Peter, but unlike 1 Peter, it was addressed not only to the believers scattered in Asia Minor, but it was directed to all believers who stayed beyond the said place.
In 1 Peter, the writer noted the persecutions suffered by the believers, but here in 2 Peter, he pointed out the false teachings that they would face not only after his death, but even in their current situation.
It was written when it was much closer to his death in A.D. 68, as Peter wrote in verse 14 that he would soon leave his physical body.
And Peter would like the Christians then besieged with false teachings to hold on to the truth they already knew.
For us, today, we could also learn from him to defend or protect ourselves from negative thoughts, bad attitudes, or even uncertainties in this world.
So, what could the believers be certain about?
First, CERTAINTY OF THE RETURN OF CHRIST.
We read verses 16-18: “For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’ We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.”
While false teachers then would say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation” (2 Peter 3:4), Peter assured his readers that what they related to them about Christ and His promise to return is true. While false teachers would inject just doubt, speculation or supposition, Peter declared his experience along with some other apostles (James and John), when they witnessed the transfiguration of Christ in His future glory at His return.
When he related the transfiguration of Christ in the mountain (Mark 9:2-7), Peter underscored the certainty that Jesus really rose again from the dead, “received honor and glory from the Father” and would return in power, not anymore as a helpless baby. And there was no mistake, he referred to Jesus, as Peter quoted the voice “from the Majestic Glory” – meaning, from God Himself, who said: “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
If the Glorious God, whom we called “our Father,” is well pleased with His begotten Son, our Savior and Lord Jesus, isn’t it that Christians should also be well pleased with Him and should love His appearing?
They should focus more on that wonderful certainty than the temporary pleasure that this world offers. They should speak the language of Paul:
“…there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day -- and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8).
There is no “crown” – recognition, honor, praise, acceptance, or reward in this world, even combine all the earthly crowns, could come close to the pleasure of having the crown of righteousness that would be given by the righteous Judge at His appearing.
Also, Christians should fix their eyes on Jesus and on His glorious coming than wallowing in their pain. They should be comforted by the words of Jesus, as He told His disciples when His crucifixion was drawing near and He was about to leave them to return to His Father.
We read His comforting words in John 14:1-3, as we read in the Revised Standard Version:
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also” (John 14:1-3).
During World War II (I was not yet alive then), it was said that when the Philippines was about to fall into the hands of the Japanese, Gen. Douglas MacArthur, who was then the commander of U.S. forces in the Pacific, was able to escape. However, his promise was left in the hearts of the Filipinos: “I shall return!”
Those words not only gave hope for the Filipinos, but also to fight on in spite of their limited resources. Those words strengthen their resolve to resist the enemies and endure their difficulties. Those words were like balm that soothed their pain. Those words gave the suffering Filipinos a joy they could cherish!
But the promise of the Captain of our salvation, “I will come again…” is more certain.
How about us – saints or believers? Do we also take seriously and with certainty the Word of the King of kings, “I will come again and will take you to myself…”? Are we comforted, strengthened, hopeful when He prayed:
“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me…” (John 17:24)?
We ought to be! Because that is destined to happen. It is certain. It is more certain than to realize the plan we carefully make. More certain than the accomplishment of our earthly ambition. More certain than we could have our own house, our own job, or our own family, if we have don’t have them yet. It’s more certain than we could have our own church building. It’s certain than all of us are still alive tomorrow.
If so, why be attached in the earthly leisure or pleasure, or approving words or praises of man that would surely fade? Why allow our mind to dwell on the harm we suffer caused by the negative treatment or painful words from others, or from the difficulty inflicted by circumstances?
Should we not set our mind on the certainty of the joy that is set before us -- the return of the Son?
Both young ones and once young, should we not be occupied more in promoting what our Savior did, what He is doing and what He will do in the future? Should we not be more motivated in doing things for God? Should we not persist in defeating our spiritual enemies, negative thoughts, earthly desires, or anything that would prevent us from telling others – even those who do not belong in our own culture – about the Goodness and Greatness of our Savior?
Or, should we just continue to build on our own dreams, build earthly hopes, build good standing in the community, build our own reputation, build good earnings, build more friends, build empires, build structures and be indifferent in building people – in preparing them to meet the coming Great Judge?
Next, what’s another thing that we could be certain about?
Second, CERTAINTY OF THE SCRIPTURE.
Let’s read verses 19-21, “We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”
Peter pointed out to the Christians, who were bombarded then with wrong teachings, that the message of the Scripture was “completely reliable.”
Because it was certain, they should pay close attention to what was written. And close their ears to those who promote destructive heresies: claiming the blessing that Jesus also bought them or saved them, but their life styles were shameful (2 Peter 2:1-2); who followed the corrupt desire of the sinful nature and despised authority (verse 9); who scoffed at the truth and would do every evil thing they desire (3:3); who distorted what was written in the Scripture (3:16), etc.
But though they were surrounded with “darkness” – erroneous teachings, wrong practices, evil behavior, Peter emphasized to the believers that they have the word of the prophets – the Scripture – as a “light” that shone in a dark place. And it was so, because the message was not just man’s idea or what was written was just product of the will of man, or just God’s inspired idea, but the message came from God. It is the very Word of God.
Every word is the product of the guiding power of the Holy Spirit. Thus, though men were the writers of Scripture, they wrote the words according to their educational abilities and their own distinctive styles, the Holy Spirit was carrying them along, ensuring the accuracy of all they were writing.
Do you know Benjamin Franklin?
He was one of the Founding Fathers who drafted the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States. He was a writer, printer, publisher, statesman, scientist. He was also an inventor.
Until now, I treasured a passage from his letter to his son: “Young man, my advice is that you cultivate an acquaintance with and a firm belief in the Scriptures, for this is your certain interest.”
Not only young men, but all Christians today ought to cultivate an acquaintance with and a firm belief in the Bible. It is not just a Book that contains the Word of God; it is the Word of God. Thus, it is truly completely reliable. It is for our certain interest. As Paul also wrote:
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
“All Scripture is God-breathed…” – the message of the Book originated from God. It is God’s Word. And it is useful in many ways. Certainly useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. Why? So that we could criticize or find fault in others?
It says, “…so that the servant of God (referring to the believers) may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Now, let’s observe how the New Living Translation paraphrased the last part of verse 16: “…useful to teach US what is true and to make US realize what is wrong in OUR lives. It corrects US when WE are wrong and teaches US to do what is right.”
So, primarily, we ought to use the Word of God, the two-edged sword, to “dissect” or diagnose not others, but ourselves.
And we could use it to light our path. As the Psalmist declared in Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
If we are in the “dark” and we do know what to do, we do not know where to go, we do not know what to believe, we do not know even what to say, do we consult the “Letter” of our Heavenly Father – the Bible – to be enlightened or to light our path?
How about us here in this church – how is our appetite for the Word of God?
Do we read or study the Bible, because we are just told to do so, or we have a natural craving for it?
Could we also say with the Psalmist, “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (Ps. 119:103)?
Usually, we cannot treat the words differently from the One who speaks. We need to understand that Jesus is the Personal Word; the Bible is the written Word. If we despise God’s written Word, we also despise Him. If we regard His words as sweeter than honey, we regard His Person sweeter, desirable than anything in this world. If we enjoy great comfort, encouragement, strength in His words, we feel the same toward Him.
When we express how much we love His words, we declare also how much we love Him. When we rejoice at His words, we also rejoice in Him. When we store His words in our heart or when we keep His words in our mind, we don’t want to lose Him, we want Him always by our side.
So, if we just read His Word once a week, it’s as if we just want to see Him weekly. And if we study or read His Word just for one minute a day, it’s as if we just want to spend our time with Him briefly.
Young ones and once young in the church, what do you think is the primary reason why we should be excited to come here every Sunday, or every Wednesday evening?
Because everything we hear from others would be pleasing to us? Because everyone will welcome us with open arms and captivating smiles? Because everyone behaves godly? Because the tempo or melody of the music fits our desire? Because the place is air-conditioned?
We have our own reasons. And, I hope no one has no reason to be excited in worshipping God. But I pray that we could have also this reason to be excited in coming: Because the Bible would be expounded to us. We would be hearing the Word of God. Not only we will worship God, but we will be listening to Him. For if we want or excited to hear His Word, we desire or excited to listen to Him.
And we ought to be grateful here in this church, because we are not just listening to the words of man, but we are being taught how the Word of God should really be explained. God’s Word is not just quoted here and explained differently, but it is explained in accord with how the Divine Author would like His people to understand.
The Bible is the Word of God and it should not be used to promote our own ideas or opinion.
In closing, you would notice that the title of this message is “Shield Of Certainty.” But the Bible tells us that as we put on the full armor of God, we need to “take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one” (Ephesians 6:16).
Actually, the shield of faith is more powerful and truly indestructible than any man-made shield. It is not just a kind of faith that means “I wish…” or “I hope so…”
But, when we say, I have faith that Jesus Christ paid for all my sins, clothed me with His perfect righteousness, praying for me that I will not be lost and soon He will come again, I am certain for what He did, what He is doing and what He will do in the future.
And when I say that I have faith that the Bible is the Word of God and it will benefit me, I am certain that it is God’s Word and it is certainly for my interest and for the revelation of His glory.
So, let us take up the shield of faith – the shield of certainty, with which we can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
