Main Idea: Believers persevere in truth by trusting in God’s Word.

Trusting the Word as Historical Truth

• 16–18  For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain.
  • Matthew 17:1–8
  • Proverbs 30:5

Trusting the Word as Transformative Truth

• 19 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,
  • Romans 12:1, 2
  • Psalm 119:105
  • 2 Timothy 3:16, 17

Trusting the Word as Authoritative Truth

• 20, 21 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.
  • 1 Peter 1:22–25

So What?

• Do I trust in God’s Word alone as His rich provision of truth for his persevering church?
  • 2 Peter 1:3, 4
  • John 17:12–19

Definitions

• Inerrancy of Scripture:  When all facts are known, the Bible (in its original writings), properly interpreted in light of the culture and communication means that had developed by the time of its composition, will be shown to be completely true (and therefore not false) in all that it affirms, to the degree of precision intended by the author, in all matter relating to God and his creation.
• Authority of Scripture: All the words in Scripture are God’s words in such a way that to disbelieve or disobey any word of Scripture is to disbelieve or disobey God.