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Certainty Of Things Believed Among Us 2 Pet. 1:12-21 Introduction: A. Luke (1:1-4) addresses his account of the life of Christ to Theophilus (God lover). We do not know for sure if Theophilus was a person or is used to indicate a general group of people. Nor do we know if Theophilus was already a Christian, or if the purpose of gospel was to convince Theophilus to become a Christian or to remain faithful in face of scoffers. B. But whatever the case may have been, Luke had information from eye witnesses; those who walked with the Lord from the first (1 Jn. 1:1-3; 2 Pet. 1:16-19). Luke is called the "greatest historian" who has ever written. To set forth an orderly account of the "doing and teaching of Christ." Written record important after death of apostles. C. Luke states his purpose in writing is that the reader may "know the certainty of things in which instructed" (v. 4)and "those things that have been fulfilled among us" (v. 1). Thus, the evidence for belief is certain. I. Certainty - A Basic Need Of All Men A. Before one is willing to make an "investment" in anything that costs 1. Wants assurance of value and safety 2. Illus: Money in bank insured by Federal Government as opposed to stock market B. Life is a big investment 1. Demands made of one who would follow Christ are great - Matt. 16:24 a. Must deny self of things that bring pleasure b. Endure hardship, persecution 2. Must be totally committed to the cause of Christ - Heb. 11:24-27 a. One will not be willing to "pay the price" if not persuaded of the "certainty" of such b. Will fear loss C. "Certainty" is what caused those of old to live as they did - see Rom. 4:18-21; 2 Tim. 1:12 II. "Can I Be Certain My Beliefs Are True?" A. Many question beliefs 1. Not sure what is right a. Should lead to investigation - 1 Tim. 2:15 b. Result in stronger faith - Rom 10:17 2. Bible encourages investigation - 1 Thess. 5:21 3. Some fear investigation a. Fear faith will not stand b. Such is "blind faith" B. Some say, "cannot be certain." 1. "Faith is a matter of speculation 2. There are those who demand "scientific proof" (sight) before they can believe 3. Historical proof accepted as vital in many areas a. Historical proof cannot be "duplicated." b. Christianity is an historical religion, i.e. based on events in history (1). Coming of God into the world in flesh - Jn. 1:1, 14 (2). His works have been recorded as historical events - Jn. 20:30-31 C. Luke suggests the capability of being certain 1. Denial is proof! (Certain that we cannot be certain!) 2. Like one who denies existence of God a. Must be in every place, know all things, must possess all power b. One place has not been, one thing does not know, one thing cannot control might be one thing in which God showed Himself 3. One would have to "be God" to deny His existence D. Certainty is produced in two ways: 1. Perception: Demonstration - appeal to physical senses (sight). 2. Faith: Based on reliability, certainty of testimony a. Value of faith depends on such b. Note: "Faith of unbeliever" based on false testimony III. God Aware Of Man's Need For Certainty In Things He Is To Believe - Heb. 2:14 IV. Certainty Of Things Believed: A. Jesus, The Divine Son Of God. Note record God gave - 1 Jn. 5:9-11 1. Great works testified Him to be God's Son - Jn. 3:2; 10:37-38; 20:30-31 a. Admitted by enemies - Jn. 9:32-33 2. Declared to be Son of God by resurrection - Rom. 1:4 B. Bible Is Inspired Of God. (This challenged by unbelievers. Called a "myth, only man's ideas about God, etc." There is so much as at stake. 1. Many areas of evidence: internal and external. Unity, fulfilled prophecy, writers with nothing to gain, etc., is strong evidence. 2. Evidence such that honest investigation leads to acceptance by most. (Illus., "Scientist" who will not examine evidence lest he be proven wrong.) 3. Gospel's certainty not of man - Gal. 1:12 C. We Have Complete Will Of God Revealed - 2 Pet. 1:3; Jude 3 1. Catholic claim: "Lost books, others rejected." Thus, need for the "voice of the church." a. But such were supposedly written during time of the apostles, when spiritual gifts to "discern spirits." b. These "books" were rejected then because did not meet test for scripture 2. Mormon claim: "As far as translated correctly; many errors, much not possessed by all." (Thus, need for continual revelation) a. Correct translation is necessary. Greek is a "dead language." Ancient manuscripts show little change. "Errors" not fill 1/2 page, none affect salvation. b. Can be more certain we have meaning of original text than we can be certain of Shakespeare's works. D. What To Do To Be Saved 1. Witness of Spirit - Rom. 8:16 a. Reveals requirements to be met b. Do not rely on "feelings." c. When meet requirements, can be certain of forgiveness - Rom. 6:17-18 2. Can say with certainty that those who obey are accepted: cannot say those who have not obeyed are accepted of God. E. Worship, Service Which Pleases God - Jn. 4:24 1. We can walk by faith; act in harmony with revelation. a. Troubles many b. "Others sincere, worship differently, engage in other practices, etc." 2. If such is of the truth, it was obtained in same place I obtain it, by the same way, can be understood by others F. There Is A Place Of Blessing (Heaven), Punishment (Hell) 1. Christ came that men might be forgiven of sins, eternal consequence a. Hope laid up in heaven - Col. 1:5 b. Note the confidence of Paul - 2 Tim. 4:8 2. Wicked, disobedient reserved - 2 Pet. 2:9 a. Day of Judgment as certain as death - Heb. 9:27 b. If persuaded of certainty, eternal suffering for those who are adversaries of God, would turn without delay. Conclusion: A. We live in a world of uncertainty. We have no idea whether we will wake up to the birds singing, not wake up at all or somewhere in between. But when God speaks, we can depend on Him to do what He says. When He promises forgiveness and eternal life to those that are obedient, HE IS FAITHFUL TO DO HIS PART. B. You can be pleasing to God if you are willing to obey His word. |