Exploring Humility and Complexity in Prophetic Interpretation
Summary
In our exploration of the biblical doctrine of the second coming of our Lord, we are reminded of the importance of maintaining an open mind. Throughout history, even the most devout and learned men have disagreed on interpretations of this profound subject. It is crucial to approach these discussions with humility, recognizing that extreme dogmatism can often lead to division and misunderstanding. Our goal is not to present a definitive scheme or exposition but to explore various interpretations and ideas, encouraging a spirit of inquiry and reflection.
We have examined several key biblical passages that are central to understanding the second coming, including the ninth chapter of the Book of Daniel, chapters 24 and 25 of the Gospel of Matthew, and sections of the Thessalonians epistles. These texts, along with the Book of Revelation, provide a framework for our study. However, it is not our intention to delve into every detail of these books but to highlight their relevance to the doctrine of the second coming.
The complexity of prophetic interpretation is evident in the diverse views that have emerged over time. Since the 1830s, a new school of interpretation has gained prominence, largely influenced by figures like Edward Irving and J.N. Darby. This school has popularized a particular view of prophecy, further disseminated by influential evangelists and institutions. Yet, it is essential to consider these interpretations critically, understanding their historical context and the assumptions they carry.
In our study of Daniel 9, we encounter the concept of "seventy weeks," a period marked by significant events in God's plan for His people. The passage outlines six key developments, both negative and positive, that will occur during this time. These include the end of transgression, the reconciliation for iniquity, and the bringing in of everlasting righteousness. The interpretation of these events and their timing remains a subject of debate, highlighting the need for careful and thoughtful examination.
As we continue our journey through these prophetic texts, let us remain open to the insights they offer, while also acknowledging the limitations of our understanding. May we seek wisdom and discernment, trusting in God's ultimate plan and purpose.
Key Takeaways:
1. Humility in Interpretation: The history of biblical interpretation shows that even the most devout scholars have disagreed on the second coming. This calls for humility and openness in our approach, avoiding dogmatism and embracing a spirit of inquiry. [00:40]
2. Complexity of Prophecy: The prophetic texts, such as Daniel 9, are complex and open to various interpretations. Understanding these requires careful study and a willingness to consider different perspectives, recognizing the symbolic nature of biblical numbers. [16:56]
3. Historical Context Matters: The development of prophetic interpretation since the 1830s, influenced by figures like J.N. Darby, highlights the importance of understanding historical context. This helps us critically evaluate popular interpretations and their underlying assumptions. [07:47]
4. God's Sovereign Plan: The prophecy in Daniel 9 reveals God's sovereign plan for His people, marked by significant events like the end of transgression and the bringing in of everlasting righteousness. These events remind us of God's ultimate purpose and the hope we have in Him. [14:33]
5. The Role of the Church: The interpretation of prophecy often involves understanding the role of the church in God's plan. Some views suggest a distinct period for the church, while others integrate it into the broader narrative of God's redemptive work. This invites us to reflect on our place in God's unfolding story. [40:45]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to the Second Coming
- [00:40] - Importance of Open-Mindedness
- [01:31] - Exploring Various Interpretations
- [02:57] - Signs Before the Second Coming
- [03:49] - Key Biblical Passages
- [05:27] - Complexity of Prophetic Interpretation
- [07:11] - Historical Context of Prophetic Views
- [08:36] - Influence of Edward Irving and J.N. Darby
- [10:39] - Popularization of New Interpretations
- [11:45] - Examination of Daniel 9
- [14:15] - Understanding the Seventy Weeks
- [20:02] - Six Key Developments in Prophecy
- [24:06] - Timing and Interpretation Challenges
- [33:33] - The 70th Week Debate
- [38:50] - Reflection and Conclusion
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Second Coming of Our Lord
Bible Reading:
- Daniel 9:24-27
- Matthew 24-25
- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
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Observation Questions:
1. What are the six key developments mentioned in Daniel 9:24 that are to occur during the "seventy weeks"? How are these events described in the sermon? [20:02]
2. According to the sermon, what role did historical figures like Edward Irving and J.N. Darby play in shaping modern interpretations of prophecy? [08:36]
3. How does the sermon describe the complexity of interpreting prophetic texts, particularly in relation to the symbolic nature of biblical numbers? [16:56]
4. What are the key biblical passages mentioned in the sermon that are central to understanding the second coming? [03:49]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of "humility in interpretation" challenge the way believers approach the doctrine of the second coming? What might be the consequences of extreme dogmatism in this area? [00:40]
2. In what ways does understanding the historical context of prophetic interpretations since the 1830s help believers critically evaluate popular views today? [07:47]
3. How does the sermon suggest that the prophecy in Daniel 9 reveals God's sovereign plan for His people? What significance do the events like the end of transgression and the bringing in of everlasting righteousness hold? [14:33]
4. What are the implications of the sermon’s discussion on the role of the church in God's plan, particularly in relation to different interpretations of prophecy? [40:45]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you held a strong opinion on a biblical interpretation. How did you respond when faced with differing views? How can you cultivate a spirit of humility and openness in future discussions? [00:40]
2. Consider the symbolic nature of biblical numbers as discussed in the sermon. How might this understanding affect the way you read and interpret other prophetic texts in the Bible? [16:56]
3. How can you apply the lesson of understanding historical context to other areas of your faith, such as interpreting scripture or church traditions? [07:47]
4. The sermon highlights God's sovereign plan and the hope we have in Him. How can this perspective influence your daily life and decision-making, especially in uncertain times? [14:33]
5. Reflect on the role of the church in God's redemptive work as discussed in the sermon. How do you see your place and contribution within the church community? [40:45]
6. How can you engage with others in your community to explore different interpretations of prophecy while maintaining unity and respect? [02:22]
7. Identify one area in your life where you can practice discernment and seek wisdom, trusting in God's ultimate plan. What steps will you take this week to pursue this? [18:41]
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace Humility in Interpretation
In the journey of understanding the second coming, humility is essential. Throughout history, even the most devout scholars have disagreed on interpretations, highlighting the need for an open mind. Avoiding extreme dogmatism allows for a spirit of inquiry and reflection, fostering unity rather than division. By embracing humility, we can engage in meaningful discussions and grow in our understanding of this profound doctrine. [00:40]
"Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones." (Proverbs 3:7-8, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a time when you were certain about a belief or opinion. How can you practice humility and openness in your current understanding of biblical teachings?
Day 2: Navigate the Complexity of Prophecy
Prophetic texts, such as Daniel 9, are intricate and open to various interpretations. Understanding these requires careful study and a willingness to consider different perspectives. The symbolic nature of biblical numbers adds to the complexity, inviting us to delve deeper into the scriptures. By acknowledging the complexity, we can appreciate the richness of prophecy and its relevance to our faith journey. [16:56]
"For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away." (1 Corinthians 13:9-10, ESV)
Reflection: What is one prophetic passage you find challenging? How can you approach it with a fresh perspective and a willingness to learn?
Day 3: Understand Historical Context in Interpretation
The development of prophetic interpretation since the 1830s, influenced by figures like J.N. Darby, underscores the importance of understanding historical context. This awareness helps us critically evaluate popular interpretations and their underlying assumptions. By considering the historical backdrop, we can discern the intent and message of prophetic texts more accurately. [07:47]
"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.'" (Isaiah 46:9-10, ESV)
Reflection: How can understanding the historical context of a biblical passage enhance your interpretation and application of it today?
Day 4: Trust in God's Sovereign Plan
The prophecy in Daniel 9 reveals God's sovereign plan for His people, marked by significant events like the end of transgression and the bringing in of everlasting righteousness. These events remind us of God's ultimate purpose and the hope we have in Him. Trusting in God's plan allows us to find peace and assurance, even amidst uncertainty. [14:33]
"The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!" (Psalm 33:11-12, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust more in God's sovereign plan? How can you actively surrender this area to Him today?
Day 5: Reflect on the Church's Role in Prophecy
The interpretation of prophecy often involves understanding the role of the church in God's plan. Some views suggest a distinct period for the church, while others integrate it into the broader narrative of God's redemptive work. This invites us to reflect on our place in God's unfolding story and how we can actively participate in His mission. [40:45]
"So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone." (Ephesians 2:19-20, ESV)
Reflection: How do you see your role in the church's mission today? What steps can you take to actively engage in God's redemptive work in your community?
Quotes
it is indeed of the greatest import that we should realize that when the mightiest and the Saint leest Men of God of the past centuries have of times disagreed with one another in matters of interpretation it ill behoves any of us to be dogmatic or certain or G and if these discussions and talks of ours Friday by Friday do nothing else than just cause us all to realize that I attender shall be more than satisfied [00:27:55]
there is nothing it seems to me that is so sad and indeed often times sinful as an extreme dogmatism in this particular realm therefore I say again that I'm not standing here here to give you a scheme or an exposition which I regard as perfect and absolute and which alone must be right I would not dare venture to say such a thing I am simply trying to put before you some of the various schools and ideas and various types of interpretation [00:81:79]
the um matter the books that have been written the ideas that have been propagated with regard to these particular chapters to which I've referred is so voluminous that it is indeed a great test to know how to organize one's matter to know what not to consider what to leave out and what to stress and to emphasize what any man who preaches the gospel likes to do of course is to read a passage and to expound it to explain the meaning of the words and to show the general tenor and the trend and to say well that's the statement of scripture here are the lessons [05:31:12]
there are many who in handling these prophetic questions simply stand up and give their own understanding and interpretation and leave it at that well of course the that's a very simple and a very nice thing to do but to me it isn't sufficient for this reason that there are other ideas and people may have been brought up on these other ideas and they want to know well if if if there's something different why is it different and what is there wrong in their idea it is to me the an essential part of teaching that we really should help one another as far as we can [06:35:47]
a new school of interpretion came into being round about that particular date and it's had a most profound influence it the two leaders that really stand out in this new teaching uh are first and and foremost in a sense the Reverend Edward Irving who was a Scottish Minister a minister of the Church of Scotland who came down to a church here in London having been first of all the assistant of the great and famous Dr Thomas Charmers in Scotland Edward Irving came down to London and he exercised the most amazing ministry here [07:41:96]
the famous DL Moody the Evangelist adopted that teaching and of course because of his popularity because he was such a well-known man and as the result of his Evangelistic campaigns the very fact that he adopted the teaching meant that it was popularized immediately then the formation of the Moody Bible Institute popularized it still more and then of course came the scoffield Bible which I suppose has been the chief agency of all in popularizing this particular view now then it is a view that is quite a scheme it covers most of these chapters which I've mentioned it has its own view of them [10:25:48]
God has determined and decided something with regard to the people 70 weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city the first thing therefore is to understand that God had a plan for these people here determined that certain things should be done to them and should happen to them we needn't stay with that there I think we're all agreed what happens to Israel is not something haphazard or accidental it is all determined by God and here now we have a for view we have a foretelling prophecy includes foretelling it isn't only foretelling but it does include foretelling [14:23:60]
I suggest to you that in Prophecy numbers are symbolical that they're not meant to be exact but that they are meant to convey an idea now I want to was a phrase that was used by a man who was perhaps the greatest Evangelical commentator of the last century at in it he certainly was the greatest in Germany a man called hansenberg and if ever you see a book with the name of henin bber on it buy it and keep it and devour it a great biblical commentator honberg now he said and it's a very wonderful phrase I think that these numbers in scriptures can be described as having concealed definiteness [16:46:92]
God wants us to know that the time is definite in his mind it's going to happen at a definite time but you and I can never say exactly which is the date there are indications which should make us think and be ready but we can never say it must happen on such and such a date the whole history of Prophecy is stwn with a wreckage in a sense of the reputation of men who have forgotten this term about concealed definiteness exact and yet not exact the exactness is concealed from us [18:41:56]
the first thing we notice here is this phrase from the going forth of the Commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the prince what's meant by this going forth of the word well there of course comes in the disagreement and people who are anxious to make this in exact 490 years are bound to dis agree amongst themselves as to the exact way in which they interpret that some of them say that it happened in the first year of Cyrus which means BC 538 others say no it means the 20th year of Ares which means 445 BC [24:77:88]
there is a view I need keep you with this because I suppose that there is nobody here who would want to subscribe to this the view of those who don't believe in the divine inspiration of the scriptures and those who don't believe that prophecy ever means foretelling they say they can easily expound all this by saying that it's something that has long since happened and even happened before the birth of our Lord and savior they say that this is nothing but an account of what was done by men called entius epiphanies and that the anointed one was just one of the priests of Israel who was killed by him [35:16:07]
the Old Testament knows nothing about the church nothing about the Gentiles coming in and be blessed and being saved nothing about the church that is a part of the exposition when the church age will end and the 70th Week begin you see the implication that there is a great Gap at least 2,000 years between the end of the 69th week and the beginning of the 70th week a gap is introduced by this interpretation we are told then that at the end of that time when the church age is finished when the church age will end and the 70th week will begin is nowhere revealed [40:45:44]
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