A More Sure Word of Prophesy

[PATrobas]

Reminders – A More Sure Word of Prophesy

            2 Peter 1:16-18 reminds us of the power and importance of our personal testimony. Our experience adds credibility to the Scripture when we relate to people how God changed our lives through a new birth when we believed Him about the Gospel. Peter testified how he and James and John were eyewitnesses of seeing, hearing, and being in the presence of Jesus when He was transfigured for a short time into His future glorified body and Kingdom. ^{Matthew 16:28-17:8; John 1:14} Peter said that this occurrence wasn’t some deceptive conspiracy theory, but that they were present when the Old Testament prophesy of the Messiah’s coming in power and glory was confirmed. They saw the glory, and heard the voice of God saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” When we give our testimony or “eyewitness account,” we re-enforce the work that the Holy Spirit is doing in their lives.

            As important as our personal testimony is, a more important aspect of sharing the Gospel is the Word of God itself. All Scripture comes directly from the mouth of God, ^{2 Timothy 3:16} and after referring to his personal experience on the Mount of Transfiguration, Peter tells us, “We have also a more sure word of prophesy…” ^{2 Peter 1:19} That is, the Scriptures are surer, or more important than man’s experience or testimony, even though they confirm the Scripture. Our experiences can, and often do confirm the truth of Scripture, but they must not dictate the meaning of the Scriptures. The Scriptures should dictate and confirm the experiences of men. We are told in 1 Corinthians 2:12 “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Spirit teaches; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” In other words, the Bible will interpret itself in context as the Holy Spirit leads our study. In addition, there is no interpretation of Scripture that is being held in secret, then is suddenly exposed as a new revelation to the church. “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” ^{2 Peter 1:20-21} No Scripture will ever be isolated from the rest in its meaning.

            Final Thoughts: After saving a man from indwelling demons, Jesus told the healed demoniac to go home and tell his friends and family “…what great things God has done for you. And he went his way and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.” ^{Luke 8:39} The demoniac gave his testimony, and the Holy Spirit gave confirmation that Jesus and the Father are one. Jesus, the Word of God said, “My Father works hitherto, and I work” ^{John 5:17} which is a Scriptural confirmation of the demoniac’s experience.

[Michael37]

11 minutes ago, PATrobas said:

Reminders – A More Sure Word of Prophesy

Hi @PATrobas

Where was the above post sourced from? It seems to have the format of something copied from a commentary, in which case there needs to be an acknowledgement of its author or link to its origin.

Thanks

Michael37.

[Marilyn C]

13 minutes ago, PATrobas said:

Reminders – A More Sure Word of Prophesy

 

            2 Peter 1:16-18 reminds us of the power and importance of our personal testimony. Our experience adds credibility to the Scripture when we relate to people how God changed our lives through a new birth when we believed Him about the Gospel. Peter testified how he and James and John were eyewitnesses of seeing, hearing, and being in the presence of Jesus when He was transfigured for a short time into His future glorified body and Kingdom. ^{Matthew 16:28-17:8; John 1:14} Peter said that this occurrence wasn’t some deceptive conspiracy theory, but that they were present when the Old Testament prophesy of the Messiah’s coming in power and glory was confirmed. They saw the glory, and heard the voice of God saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” When we give our testimony or “eyewitness account,” we re-enforce the work that the Holy Spirit is doing in their lives.

            As important as our personal testimony is, a more important aspect of sharing the Gospel is the Word of God itself. All Scripture comes directly from the mouth of God, ^{2 Timothy 3:16} and after referring to his personal experience on the Mount of Transfiguration, Peter tells us, “We have also a more sure word of prophesy…” ^{2 Peter 1:19} That is, the Scriptures are surer, or more important than man’s experience or testimony, even though they confirm the Scripture. Our experiences can, and often do confirm the truth of Scripture, but they must not dictate the meaning of the Scriptures. The Scriptures should dictate and confirm the experiences of men. We are told in 1 Corinthians 2:12 “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Spirit teaches; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” In other words, the Bible will interpret itself in context as the Holy Spirit leads our study. In addition, there is no interpretation of Scripture that is being held in secret, then is suddenly exposed as a new revelation to the church. “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” ^{2 Peter 1:20-21} No Scripture will ever be isolated from the rest in its meaning.

            Final Thoughts: After saving a man from indwelling demons, Jesus told the healed demoniac to go home and tell his friends and family “…what great things God has done for you. And he went his way and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.” ^{Luke 8:39} The demoniac gave his testimony, and the Holy Spirit gave confirmation that Jesus and the Father are one. Jesus, the Word of God said, “My Father works hitherto, and I work” ^{John 5:17} which is a Scriptural confirmation of the demoniac’s experience.

 

Good PAT,

Some get that muddled up and think it means no scripture is for us to privately interpret. 

However, as you rightly said it means that no scripture is to be taken on its own but in the context of the whole of scripture.

regards, Marilyn.

[PATrobas]

34 minutes ago, Michael37 said:

Hi @PATrobas

Where was the above post sourced from? It seems to have the format of something copied from a commentary, in which case there needs to be an acknowledgement of its author or link to its origin.

Thanks

Michael37.

No outside sources Michael.  All came from the H.S. through the Bible. (Although I don't know why it appears that the middle paragraph is double spaced. It wasn't that way in my Word doc. format)

Edited June 3, 2023 by PATrobas
added reason for funny format

[Michael37]

1 minute ago, PATrobas said:

No outside sources Michael.  All came from the H.S. through the Bible.

Accreditation verified. All good.

[PATrobas]

3 minutes ago, Michael37 said:

Accreditation verified. All good.

I'm glad we have guys like you to keep guys like me honest. You're like a padlock. Not to keep thieves out but to keep honest men honest. (Even though there are none good. No not one.) Blessings.