Sermons on 2 Peter 1:16-18

2 Peter 1:16-18 Interpretation:

Revelation, Redemption, and Restoration Through Jesus (The Gate Church) offers a unique interpretation by focusing on the Transfiguration as a pivotal moment of revelation, redemption, and restoration, connecting the event directly to 2 Peter 1:16-18. The sermon draws a linguistic insight from the Greek word "metamorphosis," emphasizing that the transformation Jesus underwent was not a mere change in appearance but a revelation of his true, divine nature. The preacher uses the analogy of a caterpillar becoming a butterfly to illustrate that Jesus' glory was always present but veiled, and the Transfiguration was a momentary unveiling. The sermon also uniquely interprets Peter’s desire to build three shelters as an attempt to equate Jesus with Moses and Elijah, which is gently but firmly corrected by the voice from the cloud, emphasizing Jesus’ unique sonship and authority.

Revering God's Glory: Lessons from the Transfiguration (Coffs Baptist Church) provides a notable insight by contrasting Moses’ reflected glory (like the moon reflecting the sun) with Jesus’ intrinsic radiance (the source of light itself). The sermon uses the Shekinah (divine presence) as a metaphor for the glory radiating from Christ, not merely reflected. It also interprets Peter’s impulse to build shelters as a misunderstanding of God’s purpose, suggesting that spiritual experiences are not for memorializing but for learning reverence and obedience. The preacher draws a distinction between hearing and adhering, emphasizing that reverence for Christ’s glory is demonstrated by obedience to his word, not by external acts or traditions.

Revelation and Hope: The Transfiguration of Jesus (Manahawkin Baptist Church) offers a fresh perspective by suggesting, based on scholarly speculation, that the Transfiguration may have occurred at night, drawing parallels to the radiant glory at Jesus’ birth and the disciples’ sleepiness. The sermon also explores the emotional and pastoral dimension of the passage, focusing on how the removal of Moses and Elijah teaches believers to find sufficiency in Christ alone, especially in times of loss or transition. The preacher uses the narrative detail that Peter wanted to prolong the presence of Moses and Elijah as a metaphor for our reluctance to let go of spiritual supports, highlighting God’s insistence that Jesus alone is sufficient.

Anchored in Christ: Navigating Life's Storms with Faith (Harmony Baptist Church of Waynesville, MO) interprets 2 Peter 1:16-18 through the metaphor of anchoring, drawing on the preacher’s naval experience. The sermon uses the imagery of anchors and anchor chains to illustrate the reliability of the apostolic witness and the necessity of being anchored to the right gospel (Jesus Christ) and the right place (God’s word). The preacher emphasizes that Peter’s testimony is not a cleverly devised myth but the authentic, eyewitness account of someone who staked his life on the truth of Christ’s majesty, using the anchor as a metaphor for the security and steadfastness found in Christ.

Finding Strength in the Glory of Jesus (Open the Bible) provides a unique interpretive angle by focusing on the pastoral application of the Transfiguration and 2 Peter 1:16-18 for those facing hardship. The sermon highlights the Greek term "metamorpho" to stress the transformation as a revelation of Jesus’ true form. It also draws a nuanced distinction between Moses’ borrowed radiance and Jesus’ intrinsic glory, using the analogy of Moses’ fading brightness versus Jesus’ self-originating light. The preacher applies Peter’s desire to build shelters as a metaphor for our tendency to cling to spiritual supports, and God’s response as a call to rest in the sufficiency of Christ alone.

Grounding Faith in the Authority of Scripture (Alistair Begg) interprets 2 Peter 1:16-18 as Peter’s deliberate effort to ground Christian faith in the eyewitness testimony of the apostles, especially in the face of false teachers who peddle “cleverly invented stories.” Begg draws a legal analogy, likening apostolic testimony to the strength of eyewitness evidence in a court of law, as opposed to hearsay. He uniquely emphasizes the verbs “saw” and “heard” in the passage, underscoring the apostolic experience as both visual and auditory, and connects the Transfiguration as a “sneak preview” of Christ’s return in glory. He also explores the linguistic ambiguity in verse 19 (“made more certain”), referencing Calvin’s view that the authority of the Old Testament is not increased by the New, but rather brought into full bloom by Christ’s advent. Begg’s interpretation is distinct in its focus on the sufficiency and certainty of Scripture, warning against the allure of “fresh revelation” and urging believers to anchor themselves in the written Word rather than subjective spiritual experiences.

Eternal Love: God's Adoption and Redemption Plan (Ligonier Ministries) interprets 2 Peter 1:16-18 as a profound revelation of the Father’s love for the Son, which is the foundation for the believer’s adoption into God’s family. The sermon highlights the Trinitarian context of the passage, noting that the Father’s declaration at the Transfiguration (“This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased”) is not only a historical event but a window into the eternal relationship within the Godhead. The preacher draws a unique parallel between the Father’s love for the Son and the believer’s status as “beloved” through union with Christ, using the analogy of David’s adoption of Mephibosheth for Jonathan’s sake to illustrate how believers are adopted for Christ’s sake. This interpretation stands out for its focus on the ontological and relational dimensions of the passage, rather than merely its apologetic or evidential value.

Proclaiming the Historical Truth of the Gospel (Ligonier Ministries) interprets 2 Peter 1:16-18 as a direct apostolic rebuttal to both ancient and modern skepticism regarding the historicity of the gospel. The sermon uniquely frames Peter’s insistence on eyewitness testimony as a pre-modern answer to the “ugly ditch” of historical skepticism (as articulated by Lessing and others), arguing that Peter’s words are not merely defensive but assert the reality of space-time events as the foundation of Christian faith. The preacher draws a sharp distinction between “myth” and “history,” emphasizing that the apostolic witness is not “history-like” but actual history, and that the certainty of faith is grounded in the factuality of these events. This interpretation is notable for its engagement with modern historiographical debates and its insistence that the authority of Scripture is not diminished by the passage of time or the rise of critical methods.

Listening to Jesus: Embracing Transformation and Our Crosses (Fishers of Men Port Isabel Texas) interprets 2 Peter 1:16-18 (in connection with the Transfiguration narrative) as a call to listen to the voice of Jesus above all other voices in the world. The sermon uses the metaphor of “clouds” (both literal and spiritual) to illustrate the presence of the Holy Spirit and the Trinity at the Transfiguration, and draws a contemporary analogy to the many competing voices (podcasts, social media, inner doubts) that vie for the believer’s attention. The preacher uniquely applies the passage by challenging the congregation to discern whose voice they are listening to, and to recognize the Transfiguration as God’s confirmation of Jesus as the “Chosen One” whose word is authoritative and life-giving. This interpretation is distinct in its practical, pastoral focus on spiritual attentiveness and the dangers of distraction in the digital age.

Anchored in Faith: The Essentials of Spiritual Growth (Alistair Begg, Truth for Life) interprets 2 Peter 1:16-18 as Peter’s defense against accusations of inventing stories, emphasizing that the apostolic message is grounded in eyewitness testimony, not speculation or myth. Begg uniquely highlights the Greek term for “knowledge” (epignosis) to stress the difference between the true knowledge of Christ and the false knowledge peddled by heretics. He uses the analogy of “preventive spiritual medicine” to describe Peter’s reminders, likening them to health care’s focus on prevention rather than cure. Begg also draws a parallel between the transfiguration as a “preview” of Christ’s return and the authority of apostolic witness, contrasting it with the modern tendency to seek new revelations or voices from heaven, insisting that the “voice from heaven” has already been given to the apostles and is now inscripturated for the church.

Jesus: The Fulfillment of God's Promises (Door of Hope Christian Church) interprets 2 Peter 1:16-18 as Peter’s retrospective realization of the transfiguration’s significance, seeing it as the confirmation that Jesus is “God’s Yes”—the fulfillment of all Old Testament promises. The sermon introduces the metaphor of Jesus as “God’s Yes,” a fresh linguistic angle, and frames the transfiguration as the moment when the hidden glory of Jesus is unveiled, connecting the event to the reliability of God’s promises. The preacher explores the Hebrew root of “glory” (heaviness, richness) and applies it to the overwhelming experience of the disciples, suggesting that the transfiguration is a tangible revelation of the kingdom of God breaking into the present.

Longing for the Unseen: Embracing the Resurrection (Harbor Point Church) interprets 2 Peter 1:16-18 as Peter’s attempt to describe an event for which there is “no category,” using the word “majesty” to capture the intersection of the seen and unseen. The sermon employs a unique analogy: the Space Mountain roller coaster, where the unseen track is finally revealed by technology, paralleling the disciples’ experience of seeing the reality behind Jesus’ identity. The preacher emphasizes that Peter’s testimony is not myth but the account of an encounter with the “majesty”—the intersection of the visible and invisible, the grounded and the transcendent. The sermon also explores the tension between secular and mystical approaches to Jesus, arguing that the transfiguration and Peter’s account resist reduction to either category.

Revealing the Divine Glory of Jesus (First Baptist Church Norfolk, NE) interprets 2 Peter 1:16-18 as Peter’s affirmation of his role as an eyewitness to Christ’s divine glory, not a purveyor of “cunningly devised fables.” The sermon draws a detailed connection between the transfiguration and John’s later vision of the glorified Christ in Revelation, suggesting that the transfiguration is a foretaste of the perfected glory believers will one day share. The preacher uses the Greek term “metamorphosis” to explain the nature of Christ’s transformation, emphasizing that the glory radiated from within, not reflected from without. The sermon also highlights the unique role of Peter, James, and John as witnesses to Christ’s majesty, linking their experience to the promise of believers’ future glorification.

2 Peter 1:16-18 Theological Themes:

Revelation, Redemption, and Restoration Through Jesus (The Gate Church) introduces the theme of the Transfiguration as the ultimate and final exodus, with Jesus’ redemptive work surpassing that of Moses and Elijah. The sermon uniquely frames the event as the convergence of the law (Moses), the prophets (Elijah), and the fulfillment in Christ, emphasizing that Jesus is not merely another prophet but the culmination of God’s redemptive plan. It also explores the idea that God’s revelation is ongoing and accessible, not hidden, and that believers are called to continual listening and obedience rather than memorializing past experiences.

Revering God's Glory: Lessons from the Transfiguration (Coffs Baptist Church) presents the distinct theological theme that true reverence for God’s glory is demonstrated not by external acts or spiritual experiences but by adhering to Christ’s word. The sermon adds the facet that right doctrine without reverence and obedience can actually undermine or "destroy" the glory of God, using the example of the scribes and Pharisees who had correct doctrine but missed the reality of Christ. The preacher also develops the idea that spiritual experiences are not the substance of discipleship; rather, following Christ in obedience is.

Revelation and Hope: The Transfiguration of Jesus (Manahawkin Baptist Church) introduces the theme of sufficiency in Christ, especially in the context of loss or the removal of spiritual supports. The sermon uniquely applies the narrative to the experience of bereavement, teaching that when God removes even the most cherished spiritual supports (Moses and Elijah), Jesus remains and is all-sufficient. It also explores the theme of assurance in the face of death, as Peter recalls the Transfiguration to find confidence for his own departure.

Anchored in Christ: Navigating Life's Storms with Faith (Harmony Baptist Church of Waynesville, MO) develops the theological theme of authentic assurance grounded in eyewitness testimony and the prophetic word. The sermon adds the angle that the reliability of the gospel is like a tested anchor, and that believers must ensure they are anchored to the true Christ and the divinely inspired word, not to myths, feelings, or works. The preacher also emphasizes the divine inspiration of scripture as the ultimate guide and anchor for faith.

Finding Strength in the Glory of Jesus (Open the Bible) presents the theme of Christ’s sufficiency in the face of loss and hardship, applying the Transfiguration as a source of hope and assurance for believers facing suffering or bereavement. The sermon adds the facet that Jesus’ presence and word are sufficient when all other supports are removed, and that the experience of the Transfiguration gives believers confidence to face death, knowing that Jesus will welcome them into God’s presence.

Grounding Faith in the Authority of Scripture (Alistair Begg) presents the unique theological theme of the sufficiency and finality of Scripture as the “voice from heaven” for the church today, arguing that the apostolic witness—rooted in the Transfiguration and recorded in Scripture—renders further private revelations or mystical experiences unnecessary and potentially dangerous. Begg’s nuanced angle is his warning against the subtle ways in which contemporary Christians may seek “fresh words” or “prophetic utterances” that, even if not adding to the canon, functionally undermine the sufficiency of the Bible for faith and practice.

Eternal Love: God's Adoption and Redemption Plan (Ligonier Ministries) introduces the distinct theological theme that the believer’s adoption and experience of God’s love are rooted not in God’s generic benevolence, but specifically in the Father’s eternal love for the Son. The sermon’s fresh angle is its assertion that the primary object of divine love is the Son, and that believers are included in this love only by virtue of their union with Christ—a perspective that reframes assurance and identity in profoundly Christocentric and Trinitarian terms.

Proclaiming the Historical Truth of the Gospel (Ligonier Ministries) advances the theological theme that the authority and saving power of the gospel are inseparable from its historical factuality. The sermon’s new facet is its argument that the modern tendency to “demythologize” or treat biblical events as “history-like” is not merely a methodological error but a theological one, as it severs the link between revelation and redemption. The preacher insists that the certainty of salvation depends on the reality of the events attested by the apostles, and that to deny their historicity is to undermine the very basis of Christian hope.

Listening to Jesus: Embracing Transformation and Our Crosses (Fishers of Men Port Isabel Texas) offers the unique theological theme that the Transfiguration (and by extension, 2 Peter 1:16-18) is not only about Christ’s glory but about the believer’s call to “listen to him” in the midst of life’s distractions and trials. The sermon’s fresh application is its focus on the competing “voices” (internal and external) that shape identity and decision-making, and its assertion that the cloud of God’s presence (the Holy Spirit) continues to guide and confirm believers in their journey, especially as they bear their own crosses.

Anchored in Faith: The Essentials of Spiritual Growth (Alistair Begg, Truth for Life) introduces the theme of the sufficiency and authority of Scripture as rooted in apostolic eyewitness, not ongoing revelation. Begg’s nuanced application is that the “voice from heaven” is now mediated through Scripture, and that seeking new voices or revelations undermines the sufficiency of the Bible. He also explores the pastoral responsibility to provide “preventive spiritual medicine” by continually reminding congregations of foundational truths, rather than chasing novelty.

Jesus: The Fulfillment of God's Promises (Door of Hope Christian Church) presents the distinct theme of Jesus as “God’s Yes,” a personification of divine faithfulness and the fulfillment of all promises. The sermon’s fresh angle is the invitation to trust Jesus as the embodiment of God’s reliability, especially for those with “trust issues.” It also explores the idea that the transfiguration is the moment when the eternal glory of Christ is unveiled, connecting the Old Testament, the present, and the eschatological future in a single event.

Longing for the Unseen: Embracing the Resurrection (Harbor Point Church) develops the theme of Jesus as the intersection of the seen and unseen, the grounded and the transcendent. The sermon’s novel facet is its exploration of how the “majesty” Peter describes is the place where human confusion, fear, and awe meet the reality of God’s power. It also challenges both secular reductionism and mystical abstraction, insisting that Jesus cannot be confined to either.

Revealing the Divine Glory of Jesus (First Baptist Church Norfolk, NE) introduces the theme of metamorphosis as an inner transformation, not mere external change, and connects the transfiguration to the believer’s future glorification. The sermon uniquely frames the event as a three-stage revelation of Christ’s humanity: innocence, holiness, and perfected glory, and applies this to the Christian hope of being transformed “from glory to glory.”

2 Peter 1:16-18 Historical and Contextual Insights:

Revelation, Redemption, and Restoration Through Jesus (The Gate Church) provides detailed historical context by explaining the significance of Moses and Elijah as representatives of the law and the prophets, respectively, and their mountaintop experiences with God. The sermon also explains the Jewish expectation of the Messiah and the importance of the tabernacle or shelter as a place of God’s presence, highlighting how Peter’s suggestion to build shelters reflects a misunderstanding rooted in Old Testament worship practices.

Revering God's Glory: Lessons from the Transfiguration (Coffs Baptist Church) offers historical insights into the Jewish understanding of the roles of Moses and Elijah, the significance of the mountain as a place of divine encounter, and the tradition of waiting for Elijah as the forerunner of the Messiah. The sermon also references the cultural context of the scribes’ traditions and the expectation of restoration associated with Elijah, drawing on Malachi’s prophecy and the intertestamental period’s anticipation.

Revelation and Hope: The Transfiguration of Jesus (Manahawkin Baptist Church) provides historical context by discussing the possible timing of the Transfiguration at night, drawing parallels to other nighttime revelations in scripture. The sermon also explains the Jewish understanding of Moses and Elijah as figures who had died or been taken up centuries earlier, and the significance of their appearance as evidence of life after death and the continuity of God’s redemptive plan.

Anchored in Christ: Navigating Life's Storms with Faith (Harmony Baptist Church of Waynesville, MO) gives historical context by referencing the practice of eyewitness testimony in the ancient world, the role of apostolic witness in establishing the truth of the gospel, and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies as a foundation for Christian faith. The sermon also explains the significance of the voice from heaven as a divine endorsement of Jesus’ identity, connecting it to Jewish messianic expectations.

Finding Strength in the Glory of Jesus (Open the Bible) provides historical context by explaining the difference between Moses’ reflected glory and Jesus’ intrinsic radiance, referencing the Old Testament account of Moses’ shining face and the cultural significance of the cloud as a symbol of God’s presence. The sermon also discusses the Jewish expectation of resurrection and recognition in the afterlife, using the disciples’ recognition of Moses and Elijah as evidence.

Grounding Faith in the Authority of Scripture (Alistair Begg) provides historical context by explaining that Peter’s emphasis on eyewitness testimony was a direct response to the proliferation of false teachers and “destructive heresies” in the early church, who sought to undermine apostolic authority with fabricated stories. Begg also situates the Transfiguration as a “preview” of Christ’s return, connecting it to Jewish expectations of messianic glory and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, and notes the legal weight of eyewitness testimony in ancient judicial proceedings.

Proclaiming the Historical Truth of the Gospel (Ligonier Ministries) offers detailed historical context by tracing the development of historical skepticism from the Enlightenment (Lessing’s “ugly ditch,” Kant’s chasm, Bultmann’s demythologizing) and showing how these modern challenges parallel the ancient skepticism Peter faced. The sermon also explains the Greco-Roman and Jewish understanding of “myth” versus “history,” and how the apostles’ insistence on eyewitness testimony was a countercultural assertion of factuality in a world accustomed to legendary embellishments.

Anchored in Faith: The Essentials of Spiritual Growth (Alistair Begg, Truth for Life) provides historical context by referencing the accusations against Peter and the apostles as inventors of myths, situating the letter in a time of competing claims to spiritual authority and false teachers. Begg also references Jewish traditions of remembrance (Passover, standing stones) to explain Peter’s emphasis on memory and continuity with Old Testament practices.

Jesus: The Fulfillment of God's Promises (Door of Hope Christian Church) offers contextual insight into the Jewish understanding of the Law and the Prophets as the sum of the Old Testament, and explains the significance of Moses and Elijah as representatives of these two pillars. The sermon also discusses the ancient meaning of “glory” in Hebrew culture, emphasizing its connotations of heaviness, richness, and overwhelming beauty.

Longing for the Unseen: Embracing the Resurrection (Harbor Point Church) provides detailed historical context by explaining the roles of Moses and Elijah as the first and last prophets, their mountain encounters with God, and the cultural practice of the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) as a possible background for Peter’s suggestion to build shelters. The sermon also situates the transfiguration within the broader narrative of Israel’s captivity, exodus, and prophetic tradition.

Revealing the Divine Glory of Jesus (First Baptist Church Norfolk, NE) gives a thorough historical and geographical description of Mount Hermon, the likely site of the transfiguration, including its height, location, and significance in ancient Israel. The sermon also explains the Shekinah glory cloud as a symbol of God’s presence in the Old Testament, connecting it to the cloud that envelops the mountain during the transfiguration.

2 Peter 1:16-18 Cross-References in the Bible:

Revelation, Redemption, and Restoration Through Jesus (The Gate Church) references several passages to expand on 2 Peter 1:16-18: Luke 9 (the Transfiguration account), Exodus (Moses’ mountaintop experience and the Exodus), 1 Kings (Elijah’s confrontation with the prophets of Baal), Revelation 1 (John’s vision of the glorified Christ), John 1 (the Word becoming flesh and the disciples seeing his glory), Luke 24 (Jesus explaining the scriptures on the road to Emmaus), and John 17 (Jesus’ prayer for restoration to glory). Each reference is used to show the continuity of God’s revelation and the fulfillment of the law and prophets in Christ, as well as to highlight the unique identity and mission of Jesus.

Revering God's Glory: Lessons from the Transfiguration (Coffs Baptist Church) draws on Exodus 34 (Moses’ shining face after encountering God), Deuteronomy 18 (Moses’ prophecy of a future prophet to whom the people must listen), Malachi 3 and 4 (the prophecy of Elijah’s return), Luke 7 (the Pharisees’ rejection of John’s baptism), and Romans 10 (confession of Christ as Lord). These references are used to connect the Transfiguration to the broader biblical narrative of revelation, obedience, and restoration, and to emphasize the importance of adhering to God’s word.

Revelation and Hope: The Transfiguration of Jesus (Manahawkin Baptist Church) references Genesis 22 (Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac), Mark 8 and 9 (Peter’s confession and the Transfiguration), Romans 10 (confession and salvation), 1 John 3 (the hope of being like Christ at his appearing), and Acts 2 (the apostles’ doctrine). These passages are used to illustrate the themes of faith, profession, assurance, and the fulfillment of God’s promises in Christ.

Anchored in Christ: Navigating Life's Storms with Faith (Harmony Baptist Church of Waynesville, MO) references Matthew 17 (the Transfiguration), Acts 1 (the ascension of Jesus), 1 Corinthians 15 (the resurrection appearances), Isaiah 42:1 (the servant prophecy), Genesis 12:3 (the promise to Abraham), Isaiah 7:14 (the virgin birth), Isaiah 53 (the suffering servant), and other Old Testament prophecies. These references are used to demonstrate the fulfillment of prophecy in Christ and the reliability of the apostolic witness.

Finding Strength in the Glory of Jesus (Open the Bible) references Matthew 17 (the Transfiguration), Exodus (Moses’ shining face), Psalm 34 (radiance from looking to God), Luke (the account of the Transfiguration and the Garden of Gethsemane), Isaiah 53 (the suffering servant), and 2 Peter 1 (Peter’s recollection of the Transfiguration). These passages are used to illustrate the themes of glory, suffering, sufficiency, and assurance in Christ.

Grounding Faith in the Authority of Scripture (Alistair Begg) references Acts (Peter’s Pentecost sermon and his speech in Cornelius’s house) to show the continuity of apostolic witness, as well as 2 Corinthians (Paul’s defense against accusations of deception), and 1 Corinthians 13 (the “day will dawn” and “we will know fully” motif). Begg also alludes to Luke 9 (the Transfiguration account), Acts 17 (the Bereans examining the Scriptures), and the Old Testament prophets (Isaiah) to reinforce the unity and authority of Scripture.

Eternal Love: God's Adoption and Redemption Plan (Ligonier Ministries) cross-references 1 John 3 (“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us”), Romans 8 (the Spirit of adoption, “Abba, Father”), and the story of Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel to illustrate the principle of adoption for the sake of another. The sermon also references the baptism of Jesus (the Father’s voice at the Jordan) and the broader Trinitarian framework of redemption.

Proclaiming the Historical Truth of the Gospel (Ligonier Ministries) references Luke’s prologues (Luke 1, Acts 1) to highlight the emphasis on eyewitness testimony and orderly historical accounts, as well as 1 Corinthians 15 (the historical basis of the resurrection), Genesis 1 (the beginning of history), and Matthew’s fulfillment formula (“these things took place to fulfill the Scriptures”). The sermon also alludes to the Old Testament Exodus and the story of Adam to argue for the comprehensive historicity of biblical revelation.

Anchored in Faith: The Essentials of Spiritual Growth (Alistair Begg, Truth for Life) references Luke 9 (the transfiguration account), 2 Timothy 2:8, 2 Timothy 2:14 (Paul’s reminders to Timothy), Deuteronomy 16 and 5:15 (remembrance in Passover), Joshua 4 (standing stones), Colossians (dunamis/power), Philippians 1:6 (God’s sustaining power), 1 Corinthians 13 (future revelation), and John’s testimony in his epistles. These references are used to reinforce the continuity between Old Testament prophecy, apostolic witness, and the sufficiency of Scripture.

Jesus: The Fulfillment of God's Promises (Door of Hope Christian Church) cross-references Mark 9:1 (promise of seeing the kingdom), Exodus (Moses’ encounter with God), 2 Corinthians 3 (unveiled faces and transformation), and Hebrews (faith as the evidence of things not seen). These passages are used to connect the transfiguration to the broader biblical narrative of promise, fulfillment, and transformation.

Longing for the Unseen: Embracing the Resurrection (Harbor Point Church) references Mark 9 (transfiguration), Exodus 24 and 34 (Moses’ mountain encounters), Malachi (prophecy of Elijah’s return), Matthew 3 (John the Baptist as Elijah), Hebrews 12:2 (fixing eyes on Jesus), and Colossians 1 (Christ as the image of the invisible God). These cross-references are used to situate the transfiguration within the prophetic and redemptive arc of Scripture.

Revealing the Divine Glory of Jesus (First Baptist Church Norfolk, NE) cites Matthew 17 (transfiguration), Revelation 1:12-16 and 4:1-2 (John’s vision of the glorified Christ), John 1:14 (the Word made flesh), 2 Corinthians 3:18 (transformation into Christ’s image), 1 John 3:2 (future glorification), Luke 9:29-31 (Moses and Elijah discussing Jesus’ “exodus”), 1 Kings 8:10-11 (Shekinah glory), Hebrews 1:1-4 (Christ as the radiance of God’s glory), and John 14:6 (Jesus as the only way). These references are used to draw connections between the transfiguration, Christ’s exaltation, and the believer’s hope.

2 Peter 1:16-18 Christian References outside the Bible:

Grounding Faith in the Authority of Scripture (Alistair Begg) explicitly references John Calvin, quoting his view that the authority of the Word of God is unchanged by the advent of Christ, but is brought into “full bloom” by it. Begg also cites Dick Lucas, who comments on the human craving for a “voice from heaven,” and Isaac Watts, whose hymn is used to reinforce the centrality of Scripture. These references are used to support the sufficiency and clarity of the Bible over against claims of new revelation.

Proclaiming the Historical Truth of the Gospel (Ligonier Ministries) references a range of modern and historical theologians and scholars, including Gotthold Lessing (the “ugly ditch”), Emmanuel Kant (the chasm between reason and history), Friedrich Schleiermacher (religion as feeling), Albert Schweitzer (the quest for the historical Jesus), Rudolf Bultmann (demythologizing), Karl Barth (Historie vs. Geschichte), Francis Schaeffer (the two-story theory of truth), Hans Frei (the “history-like” nature of the New Testament), and Van Harvey (The Historian and the Believer). The sermon uses these references to trace the intellectual history of skepticism about biblical historicity and to argue for the enduring relevance of apostolic testimony.

Anchored in Faith: The Essentials of Spiritual Growth (Alistair Begg, Truth for Life) explicitly references Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase The Message to illuminate Peter’s intent in reminding his readers, as well as John Calvin’s commentary on the authority of the prophetic word, quoting Calvin’s assertion that the authority of God’s word is unchanged but confirmed by Christ’s advent. Begg also cites Dick Lucas, who notes the “natural craving for a voice from heaven” and argues that the apostolic voice is now inscripturated, and Martin Lloyd-Jones, who insists that the business of preaching is to remind believers of fundamental truths rather than to present novel ideas. These references are used to reinforce the sermon’s emphasis on the sufficiency and authority of Scripture.

2 Peter 1:16-18 Illustrations from Secular Sources:

Anchored in Christ: Navigating Life's Storms with Faith (Harmony Baptist Church of Waynesville, MO) uses detailed secular analogies from the preacher’s experience in the United States Navy to illustrate the message of 2 Peter 1:16-18. The first story recounts a sea trial where the ship’s anchor chain broke due to a weak link, symbolizing the danger of relying on a faulty or insufficient foundation (such as good works or feelings) rather than the true gospel. The second story describes another ship losing its entire anchor and chain by dropping it in the wrong place, illustrating the peril of anchoring one’s faith in the wrong place (such as a false gospel or misinterpretation of scripture). These vivid naval stories are used to reinforce the necessity of being anchored to the right foundation (Christ) and the right place (God’s word), and the importance of guidance (charts and depth measurements) in ensuring security and steadfastness in the storms of life.

Listening to Jesus: Embracing Transformation and Our Crosses (Fishers of Men Port Isabel Texas) uses several detailed secular illustrations to make its point about competing voices. The preacher references popular podcasts and media personalities, specifically naming Joe Rogan (noting his 14.5 million listeners) and his interview with Elon Musk about the future of AI, as well as other top podcasts like “Call Her Daddy,” “Crime Junkie,” and “Anything Goes with Emma Chamberlain.” The sermon uses these examples to illustrate how modern people are constantly listening to voices that shape their worldview, often to the exclusion of God’s Word. The preacher also humorously notes that people listen to music, nature, and even their own inner voices (especially at 3 a.m. when guilt surfaces), but rarely prioritize listening to Scripture. This detailed engagement with contemporary media culture serves as a vivid analogy for the challenge of spiritual attentiveness in a distracted age.

Anchored in Faith: The Essentials of Spiritual Growth (Alistair Begg, Truth for Life) uses several secular analogies: the “preventive medicine” analogy from the healthcare industry, comparing Peter’s reminders to preventive care rather than reactive treatment; the story of Glasgow trams as a metaphor for the importance of remembering one’s roots; the anecdote of a history teacher’s obsession with Bradford City’s 1911 FA Cup win as an illustration of the power of repetition in memory; and the aeronautical analogy of sustained power in jet engines to describe the ongoing power of God in the Christian life. Begg also references Shirley MacLaine’s “plugging into God” as a point of contact with New Age spirituality, and the absence of batteries in a childhood Christmas gift as a metaphor for a form of godliness without power.

Longing for the Unseen: Embracing the Resurrection (Harbor Point Church) uses the Space Mountain roller coaster at Disneyland as a central metaphor: the unseen track, revealed by a LiDAR camera, represents the hidden reality behind Jesus’ identity, which is only fully revealed in the transfiguration. The analogy is extended to the human longing to see the reality behind appearances. The sermon also references the New York Times interview between Nicholas Kristof and Timothy Keller to illustrate the tension between secular and traditional approaches to faith, and Ross Douthat’s commentary on American religious trends to contextualize the search for spiritual experience outside institutional religion.