Sermon notes
II A WORD TO BE HEEDED.
- Development. There is an important development of ideas in the progress from we have to take heed. Possession of the Scriptures is to lead on to a careful consideration of their message. How many do not value or use what they have!
- ‘Close attention’. This is what Peter is urging. There is a nearness suggested by the word he uses for take heed. The Scriptures cannot benefit us as they may if we maintain a distance from them. We are to be closely acquainted with them.
- In your hearts. The seat of this attention is the heart and not simply the head. It is to be a question of love and life rather than merely an intellectual or academic interest. Cp Ps 119:11, 40:8.
- Illustration. The book of God is as a light in a dark place. There is nothing more important. It is the one thing needful! Cp Ps 119:105.
- A beautiful thing. The word Peter uses here (do well) indicates excellence and beauty. In the eyes of God such a Christian as takes heed to Scripture has a beauty. Cp 2Jn 4, 3Jn 4.
III TILL THE END OF THE AGE.
- Ongoing relevance. The whole of the Bible is for the present time. So much so that diligent heed is urged on us till the end of the age! It will never vary in being a more sure word of prophecy.
- An age of gross darkness. The illustration infers this. Cp Is 60:2. God’s people live in an age of great spiritual darkness, and in which the only light to guide their walk is to be found in Scripture.
- Till the day of the Lord dawns. There is one day preeminent in all Biblical revelation. It is the day of Christ’s return. That is the dawn that Peter is referencing. Cp v16. Interestingly the experience of the transfiguration was in the darkness of night! The light given by Scripture is a forerunner of the light of that day when the word of Christ shall illuminate the earth.
- Till the day star arises. This is a direct reference to Christ Himself. Cp Rev 22:16. The darkest days of earth’s history will precede His return. In that time Antichrist will prevail. Cp Is 14:12. Lucifer = ‘light bearer, morning star’. These are stolen titles. However many pretenders there are to this role, the day will come when the day star shall arise. Scripture is clear on this! This is what provides stable footing for the saint to walk forward on. Cp 3:11-12, 1Jn 3:2-3.
Let us live this year in the light of His word like the men of Luke 12:35-36, living and working in the light, waiting the King’s return.