Discerning True Prophecy: Trusting God's Sovereignty and Promises

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the significance of prophecy and the importance of discerning true messages from God. We began with a light-hearted discussion about predicting the gender of a baby, which led us into a deeper conversation about the dangers of false prophecies. In our modern world, many claim to speak in God's name, predicting events that often do not come to pass. This casual approach to prophecy is not only misleading but also contrary to biblical teachings. In Deuteronomy 18, God clearly states that false prophets should be put to death, emphasizing the seriousness of speaking in His name without His command.

We examined historical examples of false prophecies, such as those made by the founders of Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormonism, which have led many astray. These instances highlight the need for discernment and the importance of relying on God's Word, which has proven true time and again. The Bible stands unique among religious texts, with its prophecies consistently fulfilled, demonstrating God's sovereignty and truth.

God's ability to predict the future is a testament to His divinity, setting Him apart from idols and false gods. In Isaiah, God challenges idols to foretell the future, knowing they cannot. This underscores the futility of idol worship and the importance of worshiping the one true God. Prophecy is concrete evidence of God's power and reliability, providing a foundation for our faith.

As we delved into Luke 21, we saw Jesus prophesying the destruction of Jerusalem, which occurred precisely as He foretold. This serves as a reminder of the accuracy and reliability of biblical prophecy. Jesus warns us to be vigilant, as His return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. We must live in readiness, not waiting for signs to change our ways.

In conclusion, we are called to trust in God's Word and live according to His commands. Prophecy is not just about predicting the future; it's about understanding God's plan and aligning our lives with His will. As we give to the poor and live out our faith, we trust in God's promises, knowing He will provide for us.

Key Takeaways:

- The Dangers of False Prophecy: In today's world, many claim to speak for God, making predictions that often fail. This casual approach to prophecy is dangerous and contrary to biblical teachings, which demand accuracy and truth when speaking in God's name. We must discern true messages from God and reject false prophets. [02:15]

- God's Unique Sovereignty: Unlike idols and false gods, the God of the Bible has consistently fulfilled His prophecies, demonstrating His sovereignty and truth. This sets Him apart and affirms our faith in Him as the one true God. [10:16]

- The Importance of Readiness: Jesus warns us that His return will be unexpected, like a thief in the night. We must live in readiness, not waiting for signs to change our ways, but aligning our lives with God's will now. [24:49]

- Trusting in God's Promises: As we live out our faith, we trust in God's promises, knowing He will provide for us. This includes giving to the poor and living according to His commands, confident in His provision. [42:22]

- The Call to True Worship: God does not share His glory with idols or false gods. We are called to worship Him alone, recognizing His power and truth as revealed through fulfilled prophecy. [13:07]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:19] - Predicting the Future
- [02:15] - The Dangers of False Prophecy
- [03:42] - Biblical Standards for Prophecy
- [05:49] - Historical False Prophecies
- [07:26] - God's Sovereignty in Prophecy
- [10:16] - The Futility of Idol Worship
- [12:32] - God's Unique Glory
- [14:46] - The Uniqueness of the Bible
- [19:27] - Defending the Truth
- [22:42] - The Importance of Readiness
- [25:37] - Jesus' Prophecy of Jerusalem
- [31:34] - Signs of the End Times
- [33:55] - The Cost of Discipleship
- [39:29] - Fleeing from Judgment
- [42:22] - Trusting in God's Promises

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Deuteronomy 18:20-22
2. Isaiah 41:21-24
3. Luke 21:5-36

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Deuteronomy 18:20-22, what is the consequence for a prophet who speaks presumptuously in God's name? How does this reflect the seriousness of prophecy in biblical times? [03:10]

2. In Isaiah 41:21-24, how does God challenge idols and false gods? What does this reveal about God's sovereignty and power? [09:42]

3. What specific prophecy does Jesus make in Luke 21 regarding Jerusalem, and how was it fulfilled historically? [21:28]

4. How does the sermon describe the modern casual approach to prophecy, and what are the dangers associated with it? [02:15]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why does God emphasize the importance of prophecy as a means to demonstrate His divinity and truth in Isaiah 41? How does this set Him apart from idols? [10:16]

2. How does the fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy about Jerusalem in Luke 21 serve as a testament to the reliability of biblical prophecy? What impact should this have on a believer's faith? [21:43]

3. The sermon mentions historical examples of false prophecies from groups like Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormonism. What lessons can be learned from these examples about the importance of discernment in faith? [04:51]

4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that believers should live in readiness for Jesus' return, and how does this align with the teachings in Luke 21? [24:49]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you encountered a claim of prophecy or divine revelation. How did you discern its truthfulness, and what steps can you take to ensure you are not led astray by false prophets? [02:15]

2. Considering God's challenge to idols in Isaiah 41, identify any "idols" or false beliefs in your life that may be competing for your trust and worship. How can you refocus your faith on God's sovereignty? [10:16]

3. Jesus warns that His return will be like a thief in the night. What practical steps can you take to live in a state of readiness and alignment with God's will, rather than waiting for signs to change your ways? [24:49]

4. The sermon highlights the importance of trusting in God's promises, including giving to the poor. How can you actively live out this trust in your daily life, and what specific actions can you take to support those in need? [42:22]

5. Reflect on the historical examples of false prophecies mentioned in the sermon. How can you apply the lessons of discernment and reliance on God's Word to your own spiritual journey? [04:51]

6. How does the fulfillment of biblical prophecy strengthen your faith in God's Word? Share a specific prophecy that has impacted your belief in the reliability of the Bible. [21:43]

7. In what ways can you encourage others in your community to discern true messages from God and reject false teachings? What role can you play in fostering a culture of biblical truth and readiness? [02:15]

Devotional

Day 1: Discernment in Prophecy
In a world filled with voices claiming divine insight, the ability to discern true prophecy from false is crucial. False prophecies can lead believers astray, causing confusion and doubt. The Bible warns against those who speak in God's name without His command, emphasizing the need for accuracy and truth. Deuteronomy 18 highlights the seriousness of false prophecy, where God commands that false prophets be put to death. This underscores the importance of discernment and the need to rely on God's Word, which has proven true time and again. As believers, we must be vigilant, testing every spirit and message against the truth of Scripture. [02:15]

Jeremiah 23:16-17 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord of hosts: 'Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you, filling you with vain hopes. They speak visions of their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord. They say continually to those who despise the word of the Lord, ‘It shall be well with you’; and to everyone who stubbornly follows his own heart, they say, ‘No disaster shall come upon you.’"

Reflection: Think of a time when you encountered a message claiming to be from God. How did you discern its truthfulness, and what steps can you take to ensure you are not led astray by false prophecies in the future?


Day 2: God's Sovereignty in Fulfilled Prophecy
The God of the Bible stands unique among all deities, consistently fulfilling His prophecies and demonstrating His sovereignty and truth. Unlike idols and false gods, who cannot predict the future, the God of Scripture has proven His divinity through the fulfillment of His Word. This sets Him apart and affirms our faith in Him as the one true God. Historical examples, such as the prophecies in Isaiah, show God's challenge to idols to foretell the future, knowing they cannot. This highlights the futility of idol worship and the importance of worshiping the one true God. [10:16]

Isaiah 46:9-10 (ESV): "Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.’"

Reflection: Reflect on a specific prophecy in the Bible that has been fulfilled. How does this fulfillment strengthen your faith in God's sovereignty and His ability to accomplish His purposes in your life?


Day 3: Living in Readiness
Jesus warns us that His return will be unexpected, like a thief in the night. This calls for a life of readiness, where we do not wait for signs to change our ways but align our lives with God's will now. The prophecy of the destruction of Jerusalem, as foretold by Jesus in Luke 21, serves as a reminder of the accuracy and reliability of biblical prophecy. As believers, we are called to live in a state of preparedness, always ready for His return, and not be caught off guard. [24:49]

1 Thessalonians 5:2-4 (ESV): "For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, 'There is peace and security,' then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief."

Reflection: What practical steps can you take today to live in readiness for Jesus' return? Consider how you can align your daily habits and decisions with God's will.


Day 4: Trusting in God's Promises
As we live out our faith, we trust in God's promises, knowing He will provide for us. This includes giving to the poor and living according to His commands, confident in His provision. Trusting in God's promises is not just about future hope but also about present obedience and faithfulness. The Bible assures us that God is faithful to His Word, and as we align our lives with His will, we can be confident in His provision and care. [42:22]

2 Corinthians 9:8 (ESV): "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."

Reflection: Identify one promise of God that you find challenging to trust fully. How can you take a step of faith today to trust in His provision and live out that promise in your life?


Day 5: The Call to True Worship
God does not share His glory with idols or false gods. We are called to worship Him alone, recognizing His power and truth as revealed through fulfilled prophecy. The Bible consistently emphasizes the futility of idol worship and the importance of worshiping the one true God. Prophecy serves as concrete evidence of God's power and reliability, providing a foundation for our faith and worship. As believers, we are called to give God the glory due to His name and to worship Him in spirit and truth. [13:07]

Psalm 96:4-5 (ESV): "For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the Lord made the heavens."

Reflection: Consider the things in your life that may be competing for your worship and attention. How can you refocus your heart and mind to worship God alone, giving Him the glory He deserves?

Quotes

If a prophet who presumes to speak in my name says anything that I didn't command him to say, well, if a prophet speaks in the name of other gods, he must be put to death. And then they go, well, how do you know when a message has not been spoken by the Lord? [00:03:00]

The Bible says, okay, this is the way you can tell that it's not of God. If anyone ever says something is going to happen and then it doesn't come true, you can know immediately that is not from God, and he says put that person to death. That's how they dealt with it in that time. [00:03:44]

God says, okay, you can say there's a bunch of gods and these idols are God because what it is won't you bring them in and have them tell you the future because how to present a case I'm open-minded, you know, if these are gods, have them tell me the future. [00:10:16]

God says, I am the Lord, that's my name. I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols. See, the former things have taken place and new things I declare before they spring into being I announce them to you. God says, look, I'm God, I'm the Lord, that's my name. [00:12:32]

He says, look, if you seek me first and you seek my righteousness first, he goes, then I'm gonna take care of all your physical needs. You'll have food on the table, yeah, you'll have clothes to wear, yeah, you have somewhere to live, you know what, just seek me first. [00:42:22]

Jesus gets rid of that. He says, listen, there's not gonna be some signal to you as to when I'm coming. I'm gonna come like a thief, but I could deep in the middle at night where you're asleep, you don't even know what's going on. He says you just better be ready. [00:24:49]

He says, look, it's not gonna be this great thing I'm gonna return and everything is under control. He goes, in fact, on the contrary, you're gonna be persecuted, okay? Not only am I not going in the temple right now to take over the world, but I'm gonna die for you. [00:32:55]

He says, look, there's been ordained, there's been predetermined a time when God's wrath is gonna be poured out upon the city and that time's coming up. So when you see the armies around this place, don't go, don't stay there because flee because it's gonna be horrible. [00:39:29]

He says, look, if you do this, this will happen in your future and I trust that. I believe that. Why? Because he's been right about everything else too. Even right now, we're about to take an offering right now, right? We're gonna take an offering and all the operator, none of it's going to Cornerstone. [00:42:22]

He who gives to the poor will lack nothing. I take that as prophecy. God says you give to the poor and you're not gonna lack anything. So I read that and I take it literally. I just go, okay, let's keep giving to the poor. God promises isn't matter how much I give to the poor. [00:42:22]

God says, you know what, as long as I look after the poor, ah, I'm cool. So I don't worry, you know, just give as much as you want. You know, it's talking about, you know what, just right now to check it's not gonna hurt us because God has already prophesied that as long as I look after the poor, I'm okay. [00:42:22]

I believe this wholeheartedly. I believe that when I die, I'm going to heaven because really it's in this whole book of prophecy. Really, it's all prophecy when you think about it. That's why this is so important because like when Jesus says seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. [00:42:22]

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Transcript
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