Value The Glory Of God’s Word

VALUE THE GLORY OF GOD’S WORD (Outline)

February 14, 2010 -

Transfiguration -

2 PETER 1:16-21

INTRO: Today we stand at the threshold of the Lenten season. Before we enter into the days that reveal the great humiliation of Jesus we are privileged to stand on the mount of glory. At Transfiguration the glory of Jesus as God’s Son was revealed to his disciples. Today’s text takes us to see that same glory of Jesus. We see the glory of Jesus by eyewitnesses and by inspiration. We see the very glory of Jesus in the word of God we call the Holy Scriptures – the Bible. "In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe" (HEBREWS 1:1,2). May the Lord speak to our hearts as we study the word of God chosen for growing our faith.

VALUE THE GLORY OF GOD’S WORD.

I. It comes from eyewitnesses.

II. It comes by the will of God.

I. THE GLORY OF GOD’S WORD COMES FROM EYEWITNESSES

A. Peter was writing to Christians who were being persecuted. They were driven out from their homes.

1. These believers ran into different cultures, teachings, and philosophies centered on false gods.

2. Verse 16a. The false gods they met had invented stories (myths) to try to explain them.

3. Verse 16b. Jesus was their real, only, true God. His story was not made up or invented.

B. Peter assures these believers that their faith was the true faith. Peter knows by grace and by sight.

1. Verse 17. Peter, James, and John saw Jesus changed before their very eyes (Gospel, below).

a. Jesus’ appeared with glory – God’s Son. b. Moses and Elijah were there – life after death.

2. Reread Peter’s testimony. He does not speak about the sight but about what he heard.

C. Verse 18. It was the mountain voice, God’s word that Peter testified about as the very glory of God.

D. Throughout the ages God’s word has been faithfully preserved. Generation after generation God’s word has been kept safe. Eyewitness after eyewitness has testified that God’s word is the truth. There may be many who outright reject the truth of the word of God. Man’s denial does not remove the glory of God from his word of truth. As believers the word of God is filled with his truth for our lives. "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encour-agement of the Scriptures we might have hope"(ROMANS 15:4). Our world seems to grow ever darker and ever more hopeless with every passing day. In the midst of hopelessness God’s word is our hope.

E. Eyewitnesses are considered to be very important in discovering the truth to a matter. Peter was an eyewitness to the many miracles of God. He saw Jesus changed before his very eyes on the mount of Transfiguration. Yet, his testimony was about the word/voice that revealed Jesus as God’s Son. This same voice of God still speaks to us today. We are the eyewitnesses of God’s glory. "’You are my witnesses,’ declares the LORD, ‘and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me’" (ISAIAH 43:10). This is God’s glory that we know him and believe him and understand that he is the Lord. All too many are still looking and seeking the meaning for life. We are witnesses that God brings life.

F. The glory of God’s word is not always like a lightning bolt or blinding light. It can be. More often the glory of God is revealed as the gentle whisper of the voice of God. Elijah wanted to see God. God placed Elijah on a mountain. A mighty wind blew, an earthquake shook the mountain, and finally a fire came. These were powerful displays of glory but the Lord was not in them. Next, a gentle whisper came – and, Elijah knew – this was the Lord. "God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him"(ACTS 5:31, 32). With his gentle whisper written in Scripture the Lord reminds us of repentance and forgiveness. We are eyewitnesses of God’s glory.

VALUE THE GLORY OF GOD’S WORD.

Eyewitnesses, past and present, see and declare glory.

II. THE GLORY OF GOD’S WORD COMES BY THE WILL OF GOD.