Interesting tidbit - 20 (2 Peter 1:20)

Q:  When I share Bible truth with some of my Greek Orthodox friends, they say, "That's your interpretation, and according to 2 Peter 1:20, we cannot have a private interpretation of the Bible apart from what the church teaches."  Is that really what 2 Peter 1:20 means?


A:  And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation.  For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit (2 Pet 1:19-21).

Peter is not talking about the interpretation that we give the Scriptures; he is talking about the interpretation that the Bible writers gave the Scriptures.

We know that the Bible writers wrote using their own words, for each one wrote in his own individual style.  Luke was a physician (Col 4:14), so his description of the healing of the lame man sounds like something a doctor would say (Acts 3:7).  This might lead you to think that when Bible writers sat down to write the Scriptures that God spoke to them and they just gave their own interpretation of what God said.  Peter is saying that Bible writers did not give their private interpretation of God's words, that the prophecy of the Scripture came when "men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit."

Remember, Peter is talking about how the Bible came to to us, not how we receive it.  It didn't come from someone's own interpretation.  Rather, they chose their words by the will of God.

Faith plus works versus faith alone

For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless, because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression (Rom 4:14-15).

This should be obvious to us all. If blessing is gained by the works of the Law, it is earned. This is why Gal 3:18 says: For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on the promise; but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise.

The Apostle Paul also declares in Rom 4:4-5: Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation. However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness.  We can, of course, decide that we'd like to go by way of verse 4 and receive payment for our works.  But if we do, we had better be perfect, because that's what's required (Rom 6:23; James 2:10).  And don't forget that Romans 3:23 clearly says that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

But let's go back to that phrase: "the law brings wrath." Many people somehow do not see this. Even some clergymen tell us that the Law was given to help us be good. But God Himself says, "the law brings wrath." Every criminal knows this, and every sinner should know it. God certainly places strong emphasis upon it:

"Why, then, was the law given at all? It was added because of transgressions" (Gal 3:19), "that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God" (Rom 3:19).

"Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin" (Rom 3:20).

If we come to God expecting eternal life because of our good works, whether they are performed before or after we trust in Him, are we not offering Him our terms, which He can never accept? He will never sell salvation at any price, and certainly not for a few paltry "good" works when our lives are filled with failure and sin.

Our only hope? God has promised to give eternal life to those who trust in His Son (John 3:35-36; Acts 16:31).  It's not our good works, nor is it faith plus our good works, that justify us.  It is faith in Christ — alone. 

For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law (Rom 3:28).

For...the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord (Rom 6:23).

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast (Eph 2:8-9).  

Sermon Notes on a Sunday Morning - Ephesians 1:1

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus:


Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus -

How do we know we can trust Paul?

• God Himself and other prophets vouched for him.

Why another apostle; there were already 12?

• The 12 were sent to Israel (Matt 10:6; cf. Matt 15:24).
• Twelve is a number associated with Israel (Matt 19:28).
• Someday God is going to rule the earth through the nation Israel.
• Paul was not "one of the gang" (Acts 20:24; Gal 1:11-12, 17-19; 2:2, 7-9; Rom 11:13; 15:15-16; 16:25; Eph 3:1-3).  (There is a school of thought that Paul should have been chosen to replace Judas, that the eleven were wrong to choose Matthias.  This school of thought is wrong - http://tis-justme.blogspot.com/2009/08/matthias-right-man-for-job.html )
• We are not the 13th tribe of Israel.  We are not spiritual Israel.  You can't serve efficiently if you don't know who your apostle is.

Paul was perfect for the job because he:

• started out in the other party.
• was Jew and Gentile
• was a Roman citizen
• spoke Greek

I urge you, then, be imitators of me (1 Cor 4:16) — KJV uses the word "followers"

 

In Ephesians and Romans (books of doctrine), Paul stands alone.  His other epistles were written with others.

by the will of God - Paul could have said no.

This is the will of God for us in the Church age, not just for Paul.

...who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim 2:4).

God's will is that all would be saved and come to the knowledge of truth.  He is not going to make you believe.  The power of salvation begins where your heart stops.  His will begins with salvation but doesn't stop there.  (Example:  In America, we have "the right to swing your fist, but your right ends where my nose starts.")

God's will can be found in Scripture alone.  All other sources are subjective - http://tis-justme.blogspot.com/2009/10/divine-communication-feelings-and.html

It is the will of God that we are sanctified.

For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality (1 Thes 4:3).
 
It is the will of God that we give thanks for everything.

...give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you 1 Thes 5:18).

It is the will of God that servants are obedient.

Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ (Eph 6:5).

Faith comes from hearing the word of Christ.

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ (Rom 10:17).
 
To the saints who are in Ephesus -

 

Saints = set apart unto God.  Act like it!

 

You're walking in Adam or in Christ.

 
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh (Gal 5:16; cf. Rom 8:4; Eph 2:2).
 
and are faithful in Christ Jesus -

 

You can be sanctified and not faithful.

 
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption (Eph 4:30).
 
Ephesians is for those who are grounded in the Word.

 

...and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here (Col 4:9; cf. Philemon 1). 

You have made us for Yourself

Heard quoted this week:

"You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you." — Augustine

Brilliant because everyone feels it — that restlessness, that sense that something is missing, that there must be more to life than what we observe and experience.  Only Jesus Christ can fill that void.  Only He can give us purpose and a sure hope for the future.  Won't you place your faith in Him, too?

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life (Jn 3:16).

How to be Confusing 101

You're probably wondering how you can best confuse people, really tie them up in knots, right?  I thought so.  Who wouldn't?  And by the way, you're doing a great job of it.

For those not sure of the basics, let me give you a few pointers.  The easiest way to confuse people is to present a portion of Scripture without first setting up the scene.*  Don't tell them who the audience is or what the circumstances are.

For example, teach Psalm 50 without first making sure everybody knows the audience is Israel:

He calls to the heavens above and to the earth, that he may judge his people: “Gather to me my faithful ones, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!” The heavens declare his righteousness, for God himself is judge! Selah. “Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, I will testify against you. I am God, your God (Ps 50:4-7).

Also make sure nobody knows what the circumstances are.  Keep secret that at the time Psalm 50 was written Israel had made a covenant** with God and were under the Law, that this chapter forecasts judgment to come because of their wickedness, and that the faithful among them are promised the salvation of God. 

But to the wicked God says: “What right have you to recite my statutes or take my covenant on your lips (Ps 50:16)?

The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!” (Ps 50:23; cf. Ps 50:8, 9, 14)

Pointing out these circumstances on the front end would make sense of verse 23 — "...to one who orders his way right I will show the salvation of God!" — and we don't want that, do we?  

Or do we?  

Important questions that could be raised in people's minds are: "Salvation is by faith plus works?  I thought it was by faith alone?"

And they would be right, wouldn't they?  Psalm 50 was written about Israel under the Law — faith plus works.  But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the Law.

But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus (Rom 3:21-26).

And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness (Rom 4:5).

Of course be sure to present the timeless principles in this chapter; principles that are obviously pertinent for all people no matter who they are or when they lived.  Like, God sees through our hypocrisy; God is the Mighty One, the heavens declare His righteousness for He Himself is judge; God is not dependent on our generosity since He owns everything, etc...  But the confusion you raise by not first setting up the scene will probably cause people to think only about how confused they are instead of how they can apply these principles to their lives. 

Hmmm...maybe you should rethink this?      

Well if you're still on board, here's a great way to wrap things up; sure to mess up the best of them.  End your talk by leading everybody to pray the very next Psalm — Psalm 51.  After all, once we're saved do we need to pray, "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love, according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin."?  No, that took place the moment we placed our faith in Jesus Christ! And do we need to plead Psalm 51:11 — "Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me."  Hardly. This is confusion at its very best. Keep at it and you'll be a pro in no time!***


*All Scripture is for us, but not all is written directly to us or about us (2 Tim 3:16-17).

**The Mosaic Covenant is a conditional covenant made between God and the nation of Israel at Mount Sinai (Ex 19-24). The blessings that God promises are directly related to Israel’s obedience to the Mosaic Law. If Israel is obedient, then God will bless them, but if they disobey, then God will punish them. At the time of the covenant, God reminded the people of their obligation to be obedient to His law (Ex 19:5), and the people agreed to the covenant when they said, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do!” (Ex 19:8).

***Psalm 51 was written by David, upon whom the Holy Spirit descended because he was the chosen one of God (1 Sam 16:13). The Holy Spirit departed from Saul when he was no longer the chosen one (1 Sam 16:14). But now we are sealed with the Holy Spirit as a guarantee for the day of redemption (2 Cor 1:22; Eph 1:13; 4:30).  He will never leave or be taken from us.

Questions to ponder...

ATHEISM IS A NON-PROPHET ORGANIZATION.

WHAT IF THERE WERE NO HYPOTHETICAL QUESTIONS?

IF SOMEONE WITH MULTIPLE PERSONALITIES THREATENS TO KILL HIMSELF, IS IT CONSIDERED A HOSTAGE SITUATION?

IS THERE ANOTHER WORD FOR SYNONYM?

WOULD A FLY WITHOUT WINGS BE CALLED A WALK?

WHY DO THEY LOCK GAS STATION TOILETS? ARE THEY AFRAID SOMEONE WILL BREAK-IN AND CLEAN THEM?

IF A TURTLE DOESN'T HAVE A SHELL, IS HE HOMELESS OR NAKED?

IF THE POLICE ARREST A MUTE, DO THEY TELL HIM HE HAS THE RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT?

WHY DO THEY PUT BRAILLE ON THE DRIVE-THROUGH BANK MACHINES?

ONE NICE THING ABOUT EGOTISTS: THEY DON'T TALK ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE.

IF ONE SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMER DROWNS, DO THE REST DROWN TOO?

IF YOU ATE BOTH PASTA AND ANTIPASTO, WOULD YOU STILL BE HUNGRY?

IF YOU TRY TO FAIL, AND SUCCEED, WHICH HAVE YOU DONE?

WHOSE CRUEL IDEA WAS IT FOR THE WORD 'LISP' TO HAVE 'S' IN IT?

WHY IS IT CALLED TOURIST SEASON IF WE CAN'T SHOOT AT THEM?

WHY IS THERE AN EXPIRATION DATE ON SOUR CREAM?

CAN AN ATHEIST GET INSURANCE AGAINST ACTS OF GOD?

Interesting tidbit - 19

Q:  What exactly does our Lord mean when He uses the word "generation" in Matthew 23:36 and Luke 11:51?

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous, saying, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’ Thus you witness against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers. You serpents, you brood of vipers, how are you to escape being sentenced to hell? Therefore I send you prophets and wise men and scribes, some of whom you will kill and crucify, and some you will flog in your synagogues and persecute from town to town, so that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah the son of Barachiah, whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar. Truly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation (Matt 23:29-36).
 
Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets whom your fathers killed. So you are witnesses and you consent to the deeds of your fathers, for they killed them, and you build their tombs. Therefore also the Wisdom of God said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles, some of whom they will kill and persecute,’ so that the blood of all the prophets, shed from the foundation of the world, may be charged against this generation, from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who perished between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, it will be required of this generation (Lk 11:47-51).


A:  The word "generation" can have many different meanings.  Its most common meaning refers to those who are born to their parents, of natural lineage, or descendants.  For example, the natural lineage of Jesus Christ is given in Matthew 1:1-17.  He was born from this traceable line of descendants.

The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham (Matt 1:1)

In this context the natural lineage is the meaning of the word "generation."  When Jesus Christ spoke to the Pharisees in Matthew 23 and Luke 11, He was speaking to a diverse group of Pharisees. They were not all from the same natural lineage.  Many of them were from different parents. This being the case, the most common definition of the word "generation" does not fit in this context.

Sometimes the word "generation" refers to a group of people who live at the same time, such as the "baby boomer" generation. This meaning cannot apply because God's judgment did not fall on the Pharisees that were in His immediate presence when he talked of "this generation." The Pharisees who were there died without experiencing this judgment.

There is another meaning to the word "generation" which helps us understand how the Lord used it in Matthew 23 and Luke 11. Here the word refers to those who belong to a certain group, who are similar in thought and belief, those who are related by way of actions or faith.

God uses the word "generation" in this way many times in Scripture. For example, He has a "generation" of men of faith, men who have been declared righteous.  All who are in this generation are related one to another because God has declared them righteous. This generation of the righteous is ongoing and added to daily, as men come to Jesus Christ through faith. This generation spans all of time and is not natural but spiritual.

There they are in great terror, for God is with the generation of the righteous (Ps 14:5).

Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob (Ps 24:6).

His offspring will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed (Ps 112:2).

Jesus Christ used this meaning of the word "generation" when He spoke with the Pharisees. During His conversation, Christ talked about all those who make up the generation of Pharisees beginning with Cain, and not just those in his immediate presence. Christ has the whole spiritual lineage in view, all the Pharisees, from the first to the last. This evil generation is described in Proverbs:

There is a generation that curses its father,
And does not bless its mother.
There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes,
Yet is not washed from its filthiness.
There is a generation—oh, how lofty are their eyes!
And their eyelids are lifted up.
There is a generation whose teeth are like swords,
And whose fangs are like knives,
To devour the poor from off the earth,
And the needy from among men (Prov 30:11-14).

It is rebellious and murderous, filled with those who are self-righteous, and puffed up with their own goodness. The description of this generation matches the description of the Pharisees by the Lord Jesus Christ.  This generation is spiritual and continues to grow even through our day.