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Prophecies concerning the Kingdom of God

Text: Isaiah 41:21-29
30 June 2012

BASIC UNDERSTANDING OF PROPHECY

1. The prophets of God (Old Testament)

a) Non-writing prophets

i) Elijah

ii) Elisha

b) Writing prophets

i) Major Prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel)

ii) Minor Prophets (Hosea- Malachi)

2. Claims of Prophecy

a) False prophets abounded          Jeremiah 23; Ezekiel 13

b) Severe warning given to the false prophets

c) Genuine prophets were fewer in number

3. Challenge to all who claim the gift of prophecy

a) Present claims          Isaiah 41:21a

b) Present strong reasons          Isaiah 41:21b

c) Show what happened in the past          Isaiah 41:22

d) Show what will happen in the future          Isaiah 41:22-23

e) Conclusion: False prophets are unable to reveal the future          Isaiah 41:26

BIBLE MEMORY
Key Text about Prophets and Prophecy          2 Peter 1:19-21

19. And we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to take heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts,

20. Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation,

21. For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

1. Key elements to note

2. The prophetic word as light

a) Beginning… as a light that shines in a dark place

b) Then the day dawns

c) Finally the morning star arising in our hearts

d) Challenge… to take heed

3. Prophecy

a) Not of private origin

b) Nor of private interpretation

c) Not of the will of man

4. Prophets

a) Holy men

b) Speaking as they were moved by the Holy Spirit

c) They also wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit          2 Tim. 3:16-17