Trust Worthy Word – Untrustworthy Teachers 1Peter1.19-2:3

Resuming Peter's letters to the scattered pilgrims (believers in Jesus) who are in the world but citizens of heaven – In the first letter, Peter warned of and comforted sufferers of physical threats. In the second letter, Peter addresses the threats of teaching that is contrary to the Word and character of God. Peter began this second letter reminding believers of the value of the relationship they have with God in Jesus and the source of that relationship – the Sovereign Lord.

He continues by writing about the danger of teaching that contradicts the revelation of God in Holy Scripture.

THE VALUE OF THE WORD OF GOD V.19

• More Valuable (“sure”)than personal experience or observation v.19 The experience of Peter and the other apostles (such as the experience on the mountain when Jesus was transfigured and Moses and Elijah appeared) confirmed the prophetic word that God gave to reveal His plan (Jesus). However, the proclaimed Word is a more sure evidence of Divine revelation than miracles.

  • The Old Testament words pointing to God's redemptive plan through Messiah can be studied as thorough and objective. i.e.

  • Phillip – Acts8:27-36

  • Jesus -

    • on the road to Emmaus Luke24:27

    • after eating with the disciples Luke 24:44-48

  • The prophesies were to bring about obedience of faith Romans 16:26

• Worth Heeding – As a light to one who is hopelessly lost in the dark. The heeding is to continue until the day of his second, last, and most glorious appearing to judge the world.

THE SOURCE OF THE WORD OF GOD V.21

• Not personal (human) source or origin v.20

• Not by human will v.21

• Rather, by the Continual Carrying/bearing along by the Breath of God (2Timothy 3:16) as winds in the sails moves a sailing vessel across the water.

• Therefore All Scripture is Worthy of All Belief. Acts24:14

DISTORTION OF THE WORD OF GOD 2;1-3a

• From Within the Church “among you”

  • Thus the need for teaching doctrine – 2Timothy 4:2-4; Romans 16:17

  • Thus the need to learn doctrine – Titus 1:9b

• Secret; Destructive (damnable KJV); Heresies

  • Deceptive – replacing God-centered worship with man-centered activities sin vs self-esteem; repentance and holiness vs felt needs

  • Destructive to the teachers and their followers

  • Heresies = opinions, especially self-willed opinions which substitute for submission to the power of truth and lead to division. (W.E. Vines) i.e. “How do you feel about this verse?” or “I just don't believe God would do that or be like that.”

• Denying the Master/Lord = sovereign ruler who:

  • Redeemed the elect out of the market place as when a slave who moves at the whim of his master, is purchased and set free

  • Made payment which was specific and effectual. There are none for whom Jesus died who are in Hell. Although His sacrifice is sufficient to save all mankind, it is only efficient/effective to save those who come to Him by faith (which is a gift of God).

  • Offered Himself as sacrifice for those absolutely powerless to redeem themselves. If I have any power over a situation, there is a good chance I will mess it up. But you and I have no power to set ourselves free from the bondage of sin. Therefore we need an all-sufficient Savior to do what we cannot.

  • NOTE: Since salvation is totally a work of God, it is totally trustworthy. If you have not been part of the work of salvation, except as you were moved by the Spirit of God, you have not messed it up. Phippians 2:13 For it is God who worketh in you, both to will and to accomplish, according to his good will.

• Senses Replace Scripture

  • Many will follow the message of: riches can be yours; pull yourself up by your own bootstraps; there are many roads to God, choose you that suits you...

  • The truth will be made light of.

So focus on the light of scriptural revelation until you get to see the revelation of the face of Jesus. The Word of God and Jesus the Son of God are trustworthy.