OLD TESTAMENT SURVEY SESSION 8: PROPHETS & PROPHECY IN THIS SESSION In this Session, we will look to define the term prophecy and confront some of the common misconceptions associated this term in today’s culture with a biblical perspective. With this definition in hand, the role of the prophets in Israel’s history will also be clarified. KEY PASSAGES
• Deuteronomy 18:15, 18-‐19 15 The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen…. 18And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. 19 And whoever will not listen to my words that he shall speak in my name, I myself will require it of him.
• 2 Chronicles 24:19 19 Yet he sent prophets among them to bring them back to the LORD. These testified against them, but they would not pay attention
• Jeremiah 1:4-‐5, 9 4 Now the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” 9 Then the LORD put out his hand and touched my mouth. And the LORD said to me, “Behold, I have put my words in your mouth.
DISCUSS
• “The prophets reveal God’s heart and God’s mind to people—they are trying to clarify and communicate on God’s behalf.” How does this definition of prophecy differ from common beliefs about it in our culture? What perspective changes result in understanding prophecy as the unfolding of the mind and heart of God to people?
• How does the appearance of Jesus in the 1st century clarify the role of prophecy for us in the 21st century? In what ways should we read the Old Testament prophets in light of his appearing? How might God use the biblical concepts associated with prophecy to help us see the significance of Jesus in our own lives (consider reading John 1.1-‐3 and 1 Pet. 1.10-‐12 as you reflect on this question)?
• “The joy of prophecy is the fact that God has not been silent?” Begin to reflect on the ways God has spoken to you in the past. How has He communicated his heart and mind to you through his word, the Bible? How has He helped you tangibly experience his love, guidance, care and protection for you through Jesus’ body, the church? How might that be an encouragement for you in the future as you continue to investigate and/or follow Jesus?
PRAY
• Ask the Lord for an increased sensitivity to the message of the biblical prophets and a keen insight into how they reveal his heart and mind in pointing to Jesus Christ.