Jan24-30: The Inspiration of the Prophet

(As a reminder, please use Iona’s Sabbath School Commentary as an additional tool to the lesson and not as a replacement of the lesson)

Revelation-Inspiration

1. Who said, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God”?

• 2Tim. 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness

• 2Tim. 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus

ANSWER:

• Paul

2. What is the Greek definition for inspiration?

ANSWER:

• 2315. theopneustos, theh-op´-nyoo-stos; divinely breathed in: — given by inspiration of God.

NOTE:

• See how the divined breathed in is connected to the Holy Ghost.

• John 20:22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost

• 2Pet. 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

3. How do we know that the Holy Spirit has inspired Paul’s words?

• Acts 9:5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

• Acts 9:6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

• Acts 9:15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel

ANSWER:

• Paul had a true conversion experience and called to speak for God

4. Which scripture was Paul talking about in 2 Tim. 3:16?

• 2Tim. 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

• 2Tim. 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

ANSWER:

• Old Testament –Read 2 Tim. 3:15 says, “From a child thou hast known the holy scriptures.” The only Holy Scriptures at the time of the childhood of Timothy was the Old Testament.

5. What does Paul say about his own writings?

• 1Cor. 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

• 1Th. 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

ANSWER:

• Teachings of the Holy Ghost

• The word of God

6. Did Paul receive any revelation from God?

• Gal. 1:12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

• Eph. 3:3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Eph. 3:4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

ANSWER:

• Yes

Verbal or Thought Inspiration

1. Compare the following passages of scriptures from the four gospels.

• Matt. 27:37 And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

• Mark 15:26 And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS.

• Luke 23:38 And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

• John 19:19 And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.

OBSERVATION:

• Notice how not two writers are exactly the same.

• Notice the phrase, “The King of the Jews” in every gospel.

• If we put all four gospels together then we have the full superscription; “This is Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews”

QUESTIONS AND DISCUSSIONS

• What can we learn about inspiration based upon above example and comparisons?

• Is the above example prove verbal or thought inspiration?

• What can we learn about how we should study the Bible based upon the above example?

Jan17-23: God’s Remnant Church (3 Phases of Church in Revelation 12)

Apostolic Church

1. The church before the time in the wilderness for 1260 years

• Rev. 12:1 And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:

• Rev. 12:2 And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.

• Rev. 12:3 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.

• Rev. 12:4 And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.

• Rev. 12:5 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.

• Rev. 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

• Rev. 12:12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.

• Rev. 12:13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.

OBSERVATIONS:

• Rev. 12:1-A symbol of God’s church through the ages

  • Woman-church Isa. 54:5, 6; 2 Cor. 11:2

  • Sun-Righteousness Mal. 4:2, Righteousness-Commandments Ps. 119:172

  • Moon-Faithful witness or testimony Ps. 89:37, Rev. 1:5

  • Stars-Messengers Dan. 12:3, Gal. 4:14

  • Twelve- twelve tribes for the Old Testament and twelve disciples for the New Testament

  • This church believes in the teaching of the righteousness by faith, keeping of the commandments, and stands on the testimony of Jesus. Similar characteristics can be seen in the remnant church. Rev. 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

• Rev. 12:2-At the time of the birth of Christ, the Jewish people were crying out for a Savior from Roman Power.

• Rev. 12:3, 4-Satan attempted to kill Jesus through the King Herod. Matt. 2:1-13.

• Rev. 12:5 Compare with Ps. 2:1-9. After the death and the resurrection, Jesus sat down at the right hand of the throne of God in the heavenly sanctuary.

• Rev. 12:10 The salvation has been secured on the cross and Satan, the accuser, is cast down.

• Rev. 12:12-13 After the death and the resurrection of Jesus, Satan began to persecute God’s people through Roman power.

Wilderness Church

1. The church during the time in the wilderness for 1260 years

• Rev. 12:6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.

• Rev. 12:14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.

• Rev. 12:15 And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.

OBSERVATION:

• Notice how “a thousand two hundred and threescore days” is same as “a time, times, and half a time” Therefore a time has to be 360 days.

• Notice the same expression in Rev. 11:3 “And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth” Perhaps God wants us to connect between the times of wilderness with the time of two witnesses clothed in sackcloth.

• Notice the similar expression in Dan. 7:25 “And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.” Dan. 12:7 “And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.” God wants us to connect between the times of wilderness with the time of the little horn power and the time when He shall gather His people after the time of scattering (1260 persecution).

• Therefore if we connect the two witnesses, the little horn power and the woman in the wilderness then we can get the big picture of what took place during 1260 days.

• 1260 began in 538 AD and ended in 1798.

• Therefore, the apostolic church existed before 538 AD and the remnant church came to existence after 1798.

The Remnant Church

1. The church after the time in the wilderness for 1260

• Rev. 12:16 And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.

• Rev. 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

OBSERVATION:

• Notice how “the earth” helped the church. Therefore the woman is no longer in the “wilderness” Therefore the time period of the remnant church has to be after 1798.

• Notice the two major characteristics of the remnant church; “Keep the commandments of God” and “have the testimony of Jesus Christ”

The Testimony of Jesus

1. What is John’s role in the book of revelation?

• Rev. 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:

• Rev. 1:2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.

ANSWER:

• Bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.

2. What happened to John because he stood for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus?

• Rev. 1:9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

ANSWER:

• He was exiled to the island of Patmos by Roman Empire.

OBSERVATION:

• Notice how John was persecuted by Roman Empire, the dragon at his time. And the dragon will persecute the remnant church in the last time. It is interesting to see how John and the remnant church have the similar characteristics.

The Spirit of Prophecy

1. What is the spirit of prophecy?

• Rev. 19:10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

ANSWER:

• According to Rev. 12:17, the prophetic gift was to be manifested in the end-time remnant church.

• Rev. 19:10 says that the “testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy”

• But wait. How do we go from here to prove that there will be a prophet or prophets in the last day church?

• According to Rev. 19:10, who has the “testimony of Jesus”?

• Answer: “Thy fellowservant and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus”

• Who is or are fellowservant and brethren?

• We know that if we read Rev. chapter 19, 18, 17 (if we go backward) then you will see that the one that was speaking to John in Rev. 19:10 is “one of the seven angels” So does this mean that the last day church will have an angel? If so then how will an angel speak to God’s church?

• Now let’s compare above concept with Rev. 22:9.

• So who are “fellowservant” and “brethren” according to Rev. 22:9?

• Answer: “Prophets” and those that “keep the saying of this book” (the true followers of God).

• Therefore an angel will speak to God’s church through a prophet or prophets.

• Read Rev. 1:1. The revelation of Jesus Christ (or the testimony of Jesus Christ Rev. 1:2) was given unto Jesus and it was given to an angel and then it was given to “his servant” John (Prophet)

• Therefore in order to “have the testimony of Jesus”, there has to be a manifestation of the prophetic gift (a prophet or prophets) in the church.

2. Why the topic of the spirit of prophecy came about in Rev. 19:10?

• Rev. 19:10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

ANSWER: The angel was trying to tell John not to worship him because he is only a fellowservant and a brethren that has the testimony of Jesus. Therefore we should not worship the one that has the gift of spirit of prophecy.

3. What was shown to John by that angel in Rev. 17, 18, 19 that made him vow down before him?

• Rev. 17:1 And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters

• Rev. 18:1 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.

• Rev. 19:1 And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:

• Rev. 19:9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

ANSWER:

• Rev. 17-The judgment of Babylon

• Rev. 18-The final message of mercy and the destruction of Babylon

• Rev. 19-The marriage supper of the Lamb

• Notice how the scenes of the final result of the great controversy overwhelmed John with great awe and joy.

• Is it possible that this contextual understanding of Rev. 19:10 is giving us a clue that the gift of the spirit of prophecy for the remnant church is to help us to proclaim the final message of mercy and to prepare us for the marriage supper of the Lamb?

DISCUSSION:

• How important is the Spirit of Prophecy in God’s church today?

• How could we promote the Spirit of Prophecy in God’s church today?

Jan10-16: Spiritual Gifts and Prophecy

Spiritual Gifts

1. Read following four lists of spiritual gifts which was provided by Paul

• Rom. 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Rom. 12:7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Rom. 12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

• 1Cor. 12:8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 1Cor. 12:9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 1Cor. 12:10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues

• 1Cor. 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 1Cor. 12:29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? 1Cor. 12:30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

• Eph. 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers

OBSERVATION: Spiritual gifts

• Rom. 12:6-8 Prophecy, Ministry, Exhortation

• 1 Cor. 12:8-10 The word of wisdom, The word of knowledge, Faith, Healing, Miracles, Prophecy, Discerning of spirits, Divers of tongues, Interpretation of tongues

• 1 Cor. 12:28-30 Apostles, Prophets, Teachers, Miracles, Healing, Helps, Governments, Diversities of tongues.

• Eph. 4:11 Apostles, Prophets, Evangelist, Pastors, Teachers

2. What is the purpose of spiritual gifts?

• Eph. 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

• Eph. 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

• Eph. 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

• Eph. 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive

ANSWER

• To make God’s people perfect

• For the work of the ministry

• For the edifying of the church

• For the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God

• For the perfection of the fullness of Christ in God’s people

• To protect God’s people from cunning deceptions

Spiritual Gifts in the Church Today

1. What do the following texts say about the permanence of spiritual gifts?

• 1Cor. 1:6 Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: 1Cor. 1:7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:

• 1Cor. 13:9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 1Cor. 13:10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

• Eph. 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; Eph. 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Eph. 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

ANSWER:

• 1Cor. 1:6 -7. Testimony of Christ is the Spirit of Prophecy( Rev. 19:20) or the gift of prophecy or prophet. This spiritual gift was confirmed among the Corinthian through Paul However this gift is needed especially those who are “waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” at the end time. Therefore this gift of prophecy should exist especially during “the time of end” which began from 1798.

• 1Cor. 13:9 -10. Every prophecy gives only a part of the actual event. The complete picture of the prediction is given only after the fulfillment. (I personally do not think this text says that the gift of prophecy exists until the end of time.)

• Eph. 4:11 -13. The gift of prophet is needed in the church until the saints are perfected. We know for sure this has not happened yet. However according to the book of Revelation, there will be perfect saints in the last days, not that we cannot have perfect saints today. Therefore we need the gift of prophecy until the end of the time.

2. Read Rev. 12:17. What is the connection between the testimony of Jesus and the existence a prophet or prophets in the last day church?

• Rev. 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

• Rev. 19:10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

• Rev. 22:9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.

ANSWER:

• According to Rev. 12:17, the prophetic gift was to be manifested in the end-time remnant church.

• Rev. 19:10 says that the “testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy”

• But wait. How do we go from here to prove that there will be a prophet or prophets in the last day church?

• According to Rev. 19:10, who has the “testimony of Jesus”?

• Answer: “Thy fellowservant and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus”

• Who is or are fellowservant and brethren?

• We know that if we read Rev. chapter 19, 18, 17 (if we go backward) then you will see that the one that was speaking to John in Rev. 19:10 is “one of the seven angels” So does this mean that the last day church will have an angel? If so then how will an angel speak to God’s church?

• Now let’s compare above concept with Rev. 22:9.

• So who are “fellowservant” and “brethren” according to Rev. 22:9?

• Answer: “Prophets” and those that “keep the saying of this book” (the true followers of God).

• Therefore an angel will speak to God’s church through a prophet or prophets.

• Read Rev. 1:1. The revelation of Jesus Christ (or the testimony of Jesus Christ Rev. 1:2) was given unto Jesus and it was given to an angel and then it was given to “his servant” John (Prophet)

• Therefore in order to “have the testimony of Jesus”, there has to be a manifestation of the prophetic gift (a prophet or prophets) in the church.

Counterfeit Gifts

1. What does the Bible say about the false prophets?

• Matt. 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

• Matt. 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

• Matt. 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

• Luke 6:26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.

• 2Pet. 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

• 1John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 1John 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 1John 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

• Rev. 16:13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. Rev. 16:14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

ANSWER:

• Matt. 7:15 –They have a form of godliness

• Matt. 24:11 –They shall deceive many

• Matt. 24:24 –They “shall show great signs and wonders” and work together with the false Christs.

• Luke 6:26 –Many people speak well of them.

• 2Pet. 2:1 –They teach heresies

• 1John 4:1-3 –They teach that Jesus did not come in the fallen human nature

• Rev. 16:13-14 False prophet working together with the Beast and the Dragon

2. What would be the ultimate test to distinguish between true and false prophet?

• Is. 8:20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

ANSWER:

• To the law and to the testimony

CONCLUSION:

• False prophets can perform miracles, have the form of godliness, are loved by many, and are

The Gift of Prophecy

1. Observe a pattern in the following prophecies in the Bible.

• 120 years –Noah was the prophet in the beginning and at the end of 120 years prophecy (Gen. 6:3).

• 400 years –Abraham was the prophet in the beginning and Moses was the prophet at the end of 400 years prophecy (Gen. 15:13).

• 70 years –Jeremiah was the prophet in the beginning and Daniel was the prophet at the end of 70 years prophecy (Jer. 25:11).

• 490 years –Daniel was the prophet in the beginning and John the Baptist was the prophet at the end of 490 years prophecy (Dan. 9:24-25)

• 2300 years –Daniel was the prophet in the beginning of 2300 years prophecy.

OBSERVATION:

• God provided a prophet in the beginning and at the end of every major prophecy that was dealing with His people.

• Therefore we can conclude that God should provide a prophet at the end of the longest prophecy in the Bible, 2300 day/year prophecy.

Spiritual Gift: Tongue

1. When did God confuse the language?

• Gen. 11:3 And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter. Gen. 11:4 And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth. Gen. 11:9 Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.

ANSWER:

• During the building of the tower of Babel.

• By confounding the language, God destroyed the first plan of one world kingdom.

2. Observe what happened on the day of Pentecost.

• Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

• Acts 2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

• Acts 2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

• Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

• Acts 2:5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.

• Acts 2:6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.

ANSWER:

• God reversed what He did during the building of the tower of Babel.

• By giving the gift of tongue, God established the first church for the Kingdom of God. God did not give one language but through one Spirit, He made it possible for all to understand the message of the Kingdom of God.

Jan3-9: The Prophetic Gift

Patriarch and Prophet

1. Where is the first mention of the word “prophet” in the Bible and who was he?

• Gen. 20:7 Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine.

ANSWER:

• Genesis 20:7

• Abraham

2. What was Abraham’s role as a prophet in Genesis chapter 20?

• Gen. 20:7 Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine.

ANSWER:

• Intercessor

3. Who was the first prophet in the Bible?

• Jude 1:14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints

ANSWER:

• Enoch

NOTE:

• Luke 11:50 That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation; Luke 11:51 From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.

• Compare Luke 11:50-51 with Matthew 23:35.

• Matt. 23:35 That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.

• According to Luke 11:50-51, it seems as though Abel is called as a prophet. However in Matthew 23:35, Abel is called as a righteous person. Therefore we can conclude that Jesus was saying all righteous people and the prophets that are martyred. Therefore, Able was a righteous person and not so much a prophet.

4. What kind of life did Enoch live when he was on the earth?

• Gen. 5:24 And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.

ANSWER:

• Enoch walked with God

5. Who was the second prophet in the Bible?

• Gen. 7:1 And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.

ANSWER:

• Noah

6. What kind of life did Noah live on the earth?

• Matt. 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

• Gen. 6:9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.

ANSWER:

• Noah walked with God

OBSERVATION:

• Noah was a just and a perfect man because he walked with God.

7. What did God ask Abraham to do in Gen. 17:1?

• Gen. 17:1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

ANSWER:

• To walk before or with Him

8. What does it mean walk with God?

• Deut. 10:12 And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,

• Deut. 10:13 To keep the commandments of the LORD, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good?

ANSWER:

• To love and to obey God

CONCLUSION

• Certain men were chosen to be God’s prophet and patriarch because they were men who “walked with God”

The First Named Prophet of Israel

1. Who was the first named prophet for Israel?

• Deut. 34:10 And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face

ANSWER:

• Moses

2. What does it mean for God to know Moses face to face?

• Ex. 33:11 And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend.

ANSWER:

• To know Moses as His friend

3. How did Jesus describe who are His friends?

• John 15:14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

ANSWER:

• Obedient

4. What do the following texts tell us about Moses’ personality and character?

• Ex. 4:10 And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.

• Ex. 32:11 And Moses besought the LORD his God, and said, LORD, why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people, which thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand? Ex. 32:12 Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people. Ex. 32:13 Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swarest by thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit it for ever.

• Ex. 32:32 Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.

• Num. 12:3 (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)

• Num. 20:10 And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock? Num. 20:11 And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also. Num. 20:12 And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.

ANSWER:

• Ex. 4:10 –Humble

• Ex. 32:11 –Persistent

• Ex. 32:32 –Self-sacrifice

• Num. 12:3 –Meek

• Num. 20:10 –Impetuous

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

• Why did God allow the water to come out of the rock when Moses disobeyed His command by striking the rock?

• Why didn’t God choose Aaron to be the leader of Israel?

• What is the major difference between Moses and Aaron?

CONCLUSION:

• God called Moses to be His prophet because Moses was humble and willing to obey whatever God asked him to do although Moses may be impetuous.

Prophets in the Bible

1. This is a general list of many prophets in the Bible and not a comprehensive list.

• Enoch (Jude 1:14)
• Abraham (Genesis 20:7)
• Joseph (Genesis 37:5 - 11)
• Moses (Deuteronomy 34:10)
• Miriam (Exodus 15:20) (Female)
• Aaron (Exodus 7:1)
• Eldad (Numbers 11:26)
• Medad (Numbers 11:26)
• Deborah (Judges 4:4) (Female)
• Samuel (1 Samuel 3:20)
• Nathan (2 Samuel 7:2)
• David (Psalms)
• Solomon (Proverbs, Song of Solomon, and Ecclesiastic)
• Gad (2 Samuel 24:11)
• Ahijah (1 Kings 11:29)
• Jehu (1 Kings 16:7)
• Elijah (1 Kings 18:22)
• Elisha (1 Kings 19:16)
• Micaiah (1 Kings 22:8)
• Shemaiah (2 Chronicles 12:15)
• Eliezer (2 Chronicles 20:37)
• Huldah (2 Kings 22:14) (Female)
• Iddo (2 Chronicles 13:22)
• Azariah (2 Chronicles 15:1)
• Oded (2 Chronicles 15:8)
• Jahaziel (2 Chronicles 20:14)
• Zechariah son of Jehoiada (2 Chronicles 24:20)
• Agur (Book of Proverbs 30:1)
• Isaiah (2 Kings 20:1)
• Jeremiah (2 Chronicles 36:12)
• Ezekiel (Ezekiel 1:3)
• Daniel (Matthew 24:15)
• Hosea (Hosea 1:1)
• Joel (Acts 2:16, Joel 1:1)
• Amos (Amos 7:8)
• Obadiah (Obadiah 1:1)
• Jonah (2 King 14:25, Jonah 1:1)
• Micah (Jeremiah 26:18, Micah 1:1)
• Nahum (Nahum 1:1)
• Habakkuk (Habakkuk 1:1)
• Zephaniah (Zephaniah 1:1)
• Haggai (Haggai 1:1)
• Zechariah son of Berechiah (Zechariah 1:1)
• Malachi (Malachi 1:1)
• Anna (Luke 2:36) (Female)
• John the Baptist (Luke 7:28)
• Barnabas (Acts 13:1)
• Simeon Niger (Acts 13:1)
• Manaen (Acts 13:1)
• Lucius of Cyrene (Acts 13:1)
• Agabus (Acts 21:10)
• John of Patmos (Revelation 1:1)

2. Those who prophesied or saw a vision

• Elisabeth, mother of John the Baptist (Luke 1:41)
• Joseph, stepfather of Jesus (Matthew 1:20)
• Mary, mother of Jesus (Luke 1:26-28)
• King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon (Daniel 2:1)
• King Saul (1Samuel 10:10)
• Simeon of Jerusalem (Luke 2:25, 26)
• Philip’s four daughters also prophesied (Acts 21:8, 9)
• The seventy elders of Israel (Numbers 11:25)
• Zechariah, father of John the Baptist (Luke 1:67)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS BASED UPON ABOVE LISTS:

• What makes someone a prophet?

• Could someone prophesied and not be a prophet?

• Why would God use an obvious imperfect person like Jehu to speak for Him?

• Does God want all of His people to be His prophets (Num. 11:29)?

• Does God require a perfect life before He calls the person to be His prophet?

• What does God look for when He calls someone to be His prophet?

• Could someone be a prophet of God just for a day or a week?

• What would happen to the message of that “one week” prophet if he decided to walk away from God?

Dec27-Jan2: Heaven's Means of Communication

Repeat and Enlarge

1. What is the only thing that God Himself wrote for all people?

• Ex. 31:18 And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.

• Deut. 9:10 And the LORD delivered unto me two tables of stone written with the finger of God; and on them was written according to all the words, which the LORD spake with you in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly.

ANSWER:

• The Ten Commandments

2. How would you summarize the first five books of Moses (Genesis to Deuteronomy) in the light of the Ten Commandments?

OBSERVATIONS:

• The first five books of Moses

  • Genesis- Reveals how the law was broken from the beginning and the result of sin in humanity

  • Exodus- Reveals the restoration of the law of God in a chosen people

  • Leviticus- Reveals the consequences of sin and the salvation from sin through sanctuary service

  • Numbers-Reveals God preparing a people and a nation to live according to God’s law

  • Deuteronomy- Reveals practical ways to keep the law of God as a people and a nation

3. How would you summarize the Historical books (Joshua to Esther) in the light of the Ten Commandments?

OBSERVATION:

• Spiritual and political ups and downs of Israel based upon their trust in God and their obedience to the law of God

4. How would you summarize the Wisdom books (Job to Song of Solomon) in the light of the Ten Commandments?

OBSERVATION:

• An Expression of emotional and intellectual understanding of God’s law

5. How would you summarize the Major and the Minor Prophets (Isaiah to Malachi) in the light of the Ten Commandments?

OBSERVATION:

• Messages of calling Israel to repent and to come back to God and to His law.

6. How would you summarize the Four Gospels (Matthew to John) in the light of the Ten Commandments?

• Matt. 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

OBSERVATION:

• Jesus came to teach fuller meaning of the law and the writings of the prophets.

7. How would you summarize the book of Acts in the light of the Four Gospels?

OBSERVATION:

• To show how the apostles spread the teachings of Jesus to the world

8. How would you summarize the Pauline Epistles and the General Epistles (Romans to Jude) in the light of the Four Gospels?

OBSERVATION:

• Expounding and explaining the teachings of Jesus

9. How would you summarize the book of Revelation?

OBVERVATION:

• The Final conclusion of those who keep the commandments of God and those who do not keep the commandments of God

CONCLUSION:

• The Ten Commandments is repeated and enlarged in the first five books of Moses. The first five books of Moses are repeated and enlarged in the Historical Books, the Wisdom Books, the Major and the Minor Prophets. The Old Testament is repeated and enlarged in the Four Gospels. The Four Gospels are repeated and enlarged in the Acts, Pauline and General Epistles. The conclusion of Genesis to Jude is in the book of Revelation.

Jesus’ Recommendation on Authors and Books

1. What did Jesus say about the Old Testament?

• John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

ANSWER:

• They testify of Jesus

2. What books or authors from the Old Testament did Jesus mention by name?

• Luke 16:31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

• Matt. 13:14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:

• Matt. 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)

• Luke 20:42 And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand

• Matt. 12:40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

• Matt. 2:17 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying

• Matt. 12:42 The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.

• Luke 24:44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.

ANSWER: (This is not meant to be a comprehensive answer but to provide a general overview)

• Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, David, Solomon, Jonah, Psalms.

CONCLUSION:

• It is pretty clear that Jesus basically recommends the entire Old Testament. If Jesus had no problem using them then we shouldn’t either.

Jesus, the Communicator

1. Verse study on John 1:14

• John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

OBSERVATIONS AND QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:

• Jesus is described as the Word

• Word means-3056. logos, log´-os; from 3004; something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, (with the article in John) the Divine Expression (i.e. Christ): — account, cause, communication, x concerning, doctrine, fame, x have to do, intent, matter, mouth, preaching, question, reason, + reckon, remove, say(-ing), shew, x speaker, speech, talk, thing, + none of these things move me, tidings, treatise, utterance, word, work.

• Therefore Jesus is the great Communicator

• How did Jesus communicate the message from heaven?

• “The Word was made flesh”

• What type of “flesh”?

• Jesus came in the “likeness of sinful flesh” Rom. 8:3

• Therefore God decided to communicate to us in “the likeness of sinful flesh”

• What was Jesus’ method of communication?

• Jesus communicated the message from heaven by dwelling among men.

• Therefore the best method of communication is to dwell among with those whom we are trying to communicate.

• What is the message from heaven that Jesus was trying to communicate in the likeness of sinful flesh?

• God’s glory is “full of grace and truth”

• Therefore we can summarize the entire message of Jesus in few words; God’s glory is full of grace and truth.

• What is the purpose of God’s grace?

• 1Pet. 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

• Eph. 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

• Rom. 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: Rom. 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

• What is the purpose of God’s truth?

• John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

• John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

• Therefore the ultimate conclusion of the message of heaven is Jesus can justify and sanctify us through His grace and truth that we may be restored back to the glory of God.

CONCLUSION:

• Heb. 1:1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,

• Heb. 1:2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

• Heb. 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high

• God is speaking to us today through the Bible, His word.

• The Bible is full of words of God’s prophets and Gods’ Son.

• The Bible gives us the complete picture of the origin and the future of all humanity.

• This complete understanding God’s grace and truth in Jesus is our only hope to return to the glory of God.