They Were "Carried Along" (2 Peter 1:12-21)

I wanted to share a couple of thoughts regarding a passage of scripture that Pastor Beaty spoke to yesterday.  There is so much here that to really do it justice you should click on the following link (Why Believe the Bible? - ROCC 11/13/11) and take some time to listen to the sermon before we discuss it in small group.

As you can tell from the sermon title, in the service we focused on Peter's summary and validation of God's Holy Word. Notice below, beginning in verse 16, how Peter emphasizes the following:

• Scriptural accounts are NOT made up stories
• Peter was eyewitness to both the works of Christ and His Deity
• Old Testament prophecy is fully reliable and should be studied
• Man did not originate scripture, but he was used as a vessel, "carried along" by the Holy Spirit to record the inspired text

Of course, David went into greater detail on the subject of the Bible's origin and reliability, using Peter's writing as a starting point. As always, the message was extremely informative and moving. I particularly liked the reference to the term "carried along" in verse 21.  This phrase was used to describe how the wind moves a boat, by way of the sail.  In other words, each of the Biblical authors and prophets wrote in their own personality, style and experiential leanings.  However, ultimately it was God's directional pull and guidance that inspired the content (teachings, character, insight, prophecy). This particular choice of words provides us with a greater understanding relative to the unbelievable level of consistency provided through various voices and backgrounds.

Lastly, I have included verses 12-15, although Pastor Beaty did not cover them.  In short, keep preaching to the choir.  As a small group leader, it is incumbent upon us to continually refresh the memory of those in our groups.  Through these reminders, we strengthen accountability for all of us, and provide encouragement when it might be needed most.  Regardless of where we are in our walk, we are never above a word of instruction or teaching.  When you think about it, Peter is also providing further support for the idea of community and regular worship attendance. 

Anyway, hope everyone has a great week. Can't wait to talk through this further. 


 ¹² So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. ¹³ I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, ¹⁴ because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. ¹⁵ And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things.

 ¹⁶ 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. ¹⁷ 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.” ¹⁸ We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.
 
 ¹⁹ 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. ²⁰ Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. ²¹ For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.   - 2 Peter 1:12-21