Thursday, October 23, 2008

A More Sure Word of Prophecy

2 Peter 1:19-21 "We have also, a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto you do well to take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the daystar arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came in old time not of the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Spirit."


In today's world, it's hard to know what to believe and what not to believe. Especially during political seasons with both sides going back and forth trying to get those last 10% of undecided voters to swing in their direction. Then you have our so-called unbiased news media, who would never slant their coverage to favor one side or another [I say this tongue in cheek.]. Anyway, I digress. The fact remains that it is hard to answer the question, "What is truth?"


And to tell you the truth, that is the wrong question to ask. The real question is who is truth? The Scripture tells us that God is Truth, Jesus is Truth and the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth. Jesus told us that God's Word is truth (John 17:17)! Is it any wonder then that man cannot live by bread alone, but by every word which proceeds from the mouth of God!?! We must read and study God's word in order to discern what is truth.




I love this passage in 2 Peter, because he tells us that we have "a more sure word of prophecy." Now, the prophets if you will in our news media want to predict outcomes, and then there are would be prophets in the world predicting this and that as well. But they are uncertain prophecies, because they may or may not come true. But the Bible on the other hand is sure! It is a more sure word of prophecy. Why? Because holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. Paul puts it this way:

2 Timothy 3:16-17 "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. That the man of God might be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."


He gives us the insight that Scripture was given by inspiration of God. That literally means that Scripture was God breathed! When you pick up your Bible and study it, you are studying words that came literally from the breath of God. It is a living book. It is a breathing document! That means I can pick it up at any time like I did this morning and hear from God by reading its pages. I can hear from God directly relating to the problems I am facing in my life! What an awesome God we have, and what an awesome book we have!



Now, listen to Isaiah.


Isaiah 40:8 "The grass withereth. The flower fadeth: but the word of God standeth forever."



Now, what did the Psalmist have to say?


Psalm 119:89 "Forever O Lord, thy word is settled in Heaven."


The truth is this: God has honored His Word above His name. Just as you can trust Him, you can trust His Word. The Bible is God's infallible and inerrant word. It is His complete revelation of Himself to mankind. Therefore, we can trust it; we can live by it; we can die by it; and we must follow it. We must hide it in our hearts, heed what it has to say, and herald it everywhere we go. In a world where we don't know what is true and what isn't, we have a book that is forever settled as being true - God's Holy Word! You can trust the Bible!


Therefore...


  • Read it Privately.


  • Read it Passionately.


  • Read it Publicly.

  • Read it Faithfully. And


  • Read it Daily!

In our post-modern world, where they say there is no absolute truth and everything from morality to politics to religion is just relative, let us hold fast God's Absolute standard of truth - His very Word! Let us heed the words of 2 Timothy 2:15 - "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of Truth." As we do, let us not forget John 8:32 - "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." Be set free by God's word today, and use it to see others set free as well!

1 comment:

Wilson S. said...

God's word truly is the most precious treasure we have. It's important that we not take it for granted. More and more our culture is becoming anti-Christian and anti-Bible, and it's totally within the realm of possiblity that in our lifetime we could see it outlawed.
It's imperative, then, that we hide as much of it as possible in our hearts so that if/when that day comes and the Bible police confiscate them all, we will still be able to meditate on His word.
The Navigators have a great system of Bible memorization called the "Topical Memory System". I believe you have a link to their website on Parkerscreek.org, discipleshiplibrary.org.
It's really helped me to not only learn the passage, but the reference and an appropriate topic for the passage.
God Bless!