26 May, 2025
Post By : Admin
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DIGGING DEEP NO: 1085 – May 27, 2025 UNDERSTANDING PROPHECY
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Introduction
Prophecy is a significant theme throughout the Bible, serving as a means through which God communicates His will, plans, and truths to humanity. This study explores both the telling (the proclamation of God’s truth) and foretelling (the prediction of future events) aspects of prophecy, emphasizing its role in revealing God’s story.
Definition of Prophecy
Prophecy can be understood as a divinely inspired message delivered by a prophet. It encompasses both the declaration of God’s truth and predictions about future events.
Biblical Context
Prophets in the Old Testament, such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, were called to relay God’s messages to His people. In the New Testament, Jesus and the apostles also engaged in prophetic ministry, revealing God’s redemptive plan through their teachings.
The Telling of God’s Story
Proclamation of Truth
Example: Isaiah 61:1-3
In this passage, Isaiah proclaims the coming of the Messiah, who will bring good news, healing, and restoration. This is a telling of God’s story, providing hope and direction.
Role of the Church
Matthew 28:19-20
Jesus commands His followers to spread the gospel, making disciples of all nations. This reflects the ongoing telling of God’s story through the Church.
The Importance of Testimony
Revelation 12:11
Believers overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. Sharing personal experiences of God’s work is vital in telling His story.
The Foretelling of God’s Story
Prophetic Predictions
Example: Micah 5:2
This prophecy predicts the birthplace of the Messiah in Bethlehem, showing God’s detailed plan for salvation.
Fulfillment of Prophecies
Matthew 1:22-23
The New Testament often references Old Testament prophecies to confirm Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises, illustrating the continuity of God’s story.
End Times Prophecies
Revelation 21:1-4
The prophetic vision of a new heaven and new earth points to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan, offering hope for believers.
The Purpose of Prophecy
Encouragement and Comfort
Prophecy serves to encourage believers, reminding them of God’s faithfulness and His sovereign plan 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
Call to Repentance
Many prophecies challenge individuals and nations to turn back to God, highlighting the necessity of repentance Joel 2:12-13.
Revelation of God’s Character
Prophecies reveal God’s holiness, justice, mercy, and love, deepening our understanding of His nature Jeremiah 29:11.
Application for Today
Listening to God’s Voice
Encourage participants to seek God’s guidance through prayer and scripture, being open to His prophetic word for their lives.
Sharing God’s Story
Challenge individuals to share their testimonies and the truths of Scripture in their communities, acting as modern-day prophets.
Hope in God’s Promises
Reflect on the fulfillment of God’s promises throughout history and trust that He will continue to fulfill His word in the future.
False prophecies
The Bible warns of many false prophets arising in the last days, particularly leading up to Christ’s return, and emphasizes the importance of discerning true from false teachings. These false prophets are described as wolves in sheep’s clothing who will deceive many, even performing great signs and wonders to mislead people.
“And many false prophets will arise and deceive many.”
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”
“But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you.”
Describes a “false prophet” performing great signs and wonders, leading people to worship an image of the beast.
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
False prophets are often motivated by personal gain, seeking popularity, wealth, or power rather than genuine concern for truth or the well-being of others. They may be driven by greed, desire for attention, or a false sense of self-importance. In essence, they use their perceived prophetic abilities to manipulate and exploit others for their own benefit.
Here’s a more detailed look at their motivations:
Greed and Financial Gain:
False prophets are often motivated by money and may make false promises or use manipulative tactics to extract funds from their followers.
Desire for Power and Control:
They may seek to exert undue influence over their followers, manipulating them through fear or false hope.
Personal Ambition and Self-Promotion:
They may be driven by a desire for fame, recognition, or to inflate their own egos.
Lust for the World:
Some may be motivated by immoral desires, using their position to exploit or manipulate others for their own pleasure.
- Seeking Approval and Admiration:
False prophets may be more concerned with pleasing their audience than with delivering the truth.
- A Lack of Genuine Faith and Love:
True prophets are motivated by love for God and a desire to share His truth, while false prophets may lack this genuine spiritual connection.
- Using Scripture as a Means to an End:
False prophets may twist or misinterpret scripture to serve their own selfish motives.
Conclusion
Prophecy is a powerful aspect of God’s story, encompassing both the telling of His truths and the foretelling of His plans. As we engage with prophetic scripture, we gain a deeper understanding of God’s character, His redemptive story, and our role in sharing that story with the world. Let us be attentive to His voice and bold in proclaiming His truth.
Daily giving thanks to God: A grateful heart offers continual thanksgiving unto God and does not allow themselves to be influenced by negative circumstance or situation.A heart of gratitude is no place for the enemy to tread. Throughout scriptures we are reminded to give thanks to God. psalm 107:1, Jeremiah 33:11. When we are grateful for little things as being able to walk on our own two feet, see with our own eyes, hear with our own ears, eat with our own mouth, breathe with our own nose and so on and so forth, we will not fall into the trap of discontent and self pity. A grateful heart is a merry heart and has the ability to see God in all things.
CONCLUSION: Father lead me not into temptation but deliver me from all evil and grant me the grace to be victorious in every circumstance and situation should be a daily prayer for all believers.