Introduction:

Today, truth is often difficult to come by. It seems that whenever any form of media is involved, particularly the internet, the truth can quickly become overshadowed by the millions of opinions that are all too prevalent in our world today. So, I’ve gathered a collection of quotes from several “famous theologians” regarding truth and lies.

Quotes about truth and lies:

“Truth exists; only lies are invented.” – Georges Braque“Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth.” Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (…also Spock quoting Doyle)“Truth is like the sun. You can shut it out for a while, but it ain’t goin’ away.” – Elvis Presley“The truth is out there Mulder, but so are lies.” – Dana Scully

Obviously, these quotes come from individuals who are not regarded as “theologians”. However, these quotes were found online, so they are obviously authentic and reliability (sarcastically). Today, we’re going to study a passage in 2 Peter that deals with the authenticity and reliability of what we proclaim as truth: the gospel.

Several months ago (Jan. 3, 2021), Pastor Matt gave me an opportunity to preach for the first time, and for that sermon, we studied 2 Peter 1:1-15. At the beginning of this epistle (letter), Peter established a detailed reminder to his audience (churches in the minor Asia provinces) that they had received life and godliness through their knowledge of Jesus Christ (v. 3). Furthermore, he instructed them to grow in their knowledge and faith in order to be effective followers of Christ. However, as Peter continues his thoughts through this passage, he took the time to reassure his readers that the message they received (the message that brought them life and godliness through the knowledge of Jesus Christ) was both authentic and reliable. We’re going to handle this passage as if this were a courtroom proceeding. We’re going to consider eyewitness accounts, their reliability, as well as other sources of evidence. So, let’s look at our passage for today, and then we’ll break it apart and discuss what’s there.

(Read 2 Peter 1:16-21)

As we study this passage today, we’re going to divide Peter’s defense of the gospel into two categories, the first of which is this: the authenticity of an eyewitness.

Point I: The authenticity of an eyewitness (v. 16-18)

To being our discussion today, Peter starts his defense of the gospel with an eyewitness account: specifically, HIS eyewitness account of Jesus’ power, coming, and majesty. Let’s take another look at verse 16.

“16 For we did not follow cleverly contrived myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ; instead, we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.”

In this verse, Peter assures us that the message he proclaimed (the power and the return of Jesus) was not a fictional story (myth/fable). Rather, it’s an authentic message supported by numerous factors, the first of which is Peter’s eyewitness account. Let’s look further into the details of what he said. Peter referenced three aspects of his experience with Jesus:

The power of Jesus: Peter’s experience with Jesus performing countless miracles.

The great haul of fish (Luke 5:1-11)The healing of Peter’s mother-in-law (Mark 1:30-31)The calming of the storm (Matthew 8:23-27)

The coming of Jesus: Peter’s assurance of Jesus’ eventual return (Acts 1:9-11)

We understand that Jesus has NOT yet returned. However, Peter and the other disciples witnessed Jesus ascend into Heaven after His death and resurrection and was promised (by angels) to return again in the same way.

The majesty of Jesus: this statement refers to a specific instance that Peter witnessed.

We must look further into our passage to understand to what Peter is specifically referring as Jesus’ “Majesty”.

So, let’s look at what this experience was. Look again with me at verse 17-18 to see Peter’s reference of Jesus’ majesty.

17 For he rece