2 Peter 1:20–21 (NLT)
Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.
What is the primary purpose of prophecy in the Bible?
Isaiah 46:9–10 (NLT)
Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God!
I am God, and there is none like me.
Only I can tell you the future before it even happens.
Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish.
How does prophecy reveal the character of God?
How does prophecy reveal the character of God?
Jeremiah 7:25–26 (NLT)
From the day your ancestors left Egypt until now, I have continued to send my servants, the prophets—day in and day out. But my people have not listened to me or even tried to hear. They have been stubborn and sinful—even worse than their ancestors.
In what ways did Old Testament prophets function as covenant enforcers? How did they call Israel back to faithfulness, and how does that apply to us today?
Hebrews 1:1–3 (NLT)
Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe. The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.
Joel 2:28–29 (NLT)
“Then, after doing all those things, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions.
In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on servants—men and women alike.
What are the major differences between Old Testament and New Testament prophecy? Think about who even could prophesy, how messages were delivered, and the role of the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 5:17 (NLT)
“Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose.
How did the coming of Jesus shift the nature and focus of prophecy?
Revelation 1:3 (NLT)
God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near.
Titus 2:11–13 (NLT)
For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.
What value does End Times prophecy have for us as believers today? Does it inspire fear, hope, urgency, or something else?
2 Peter 3:10–12 (NLT)
But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment.
Since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live, looking forward to the day of God and hurrying it along.
How can focusing on End Times prophecy help shape our daily choices and spiritual priorities? Does, or should it influence how we live, serve, or evangelize?
Acts 1:7–8 (NLT)
He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
What does a balanced and faithful approach to prophecy look like in today’s church? How do we avoid extremes of either obsession or neglect?