Topics – Holy Spirit, Spiritual Gifts, Presence of God
In the Bible, prophecy refers to much more than simply foretelling events of the future. According to 2 Peter 1:21 any time the Holy Spirit uses a person to speak the truth it is considered prophecy.
Focus Scripture – Luke 22:63-71HIDESHOW
63 The men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating him. 64 They blindfolded him and demanded, "Prophesy! Who hit you?" 65 And they said many other insulting things to him.
Jesus Before Pilate and Herod
66 At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and the teachers of the law, met together, and Jesus was led before them. 67 "If you are the Messiah," they said, "tell us."
Jesus answered, "If I tell you, you will not believe me, 68 and if I asked you, you would not answer. 69 But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God."
70 They all asked, "Are you then the Son of God?"
He replied, "You say that I am."
71 Then they said, "Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from his own lips."
Jesus Before Pilate and Herod
66 At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and the teachers of the law, met together, and Jesus was led before them. 67 "If you are the Messiah," they said, "tell us."
Jesus answered, "If I tell you, you will not believe me, 68 and if I asked you, you would not answer. 69 But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God."
70 They all asked, "Are you then the Son of God?"
He replied, "You say that I am."
71 Then they said, "Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from his own lips."
Extended SummaryHIDESHOW
In the Bible, prophecy refers to much more than simply foretelling events of the future. According to 2 Peter 1:21 any time the Holy Spirit uses a person to speak the truth it is considered prophecy. Prophecy is about what God is doing, not about what people want. In Luke 22:63-71 Jesus’ guards commanded him to prophesy regarding who was hitting him. They were mocking Jesus. Obviously Jesus felt no compulsion to participate with their game.
We sometimes try to force God to do “magic” on our behalf by setting up scenarios and assuming that we’ve locked God into our game somehow. Greg gave the example of an atheist who says, “If God is real, strike me dead right now…The fact that I’m alive proves there is no God.” But actually, all this proves is that God isn’t locked into our games. God makes up the rules, not us. Likewise, Christians will try get God to answer questions for them by setting up either/or scenarios. For example: “God, if you want me to marry this man, have him call me today…if he calls I’ll say ‘yes,’ if not, I’ll say, ‘no’.” Again, God makes up the rules not us.
2 Peter 1:21 gives a clear definition of prophecy. Acts 2:17-18 expresses the importance of prophecy and shows that it is available to all Christians. Paul, in 1 Cor. 14:1,5 encourages us to seek the spiritual gifts—including and especially prophecy—because it builds up the body of Christ.
We sometimes try to force God to do “magic” on our behalf by setting up scenarios and assuming that we’ve locked God into our game somehow. Greg gave the example of an atheist who says, “If God is real, strike me dead right now…The fact that I’m alive proves there is no God.” But actually, all this proves is that God isn’t locked into our games. God makes up the rules, not us. Likewise, Christians will try get God to answer questions for them by setting up either/or scenarios. For example: “God, if you want me to marry this man, have him call me today…if he calls I’ll say ‘yes,’ if not, I’ll say, ‘no’.” Again, God makes up the rules not us.
2 Peter 1:21 gives a clear definition of prophecy. Acts 2:17-18 expresses the importance of prophecy and shows that it is available to all Christians. Paul, in 1 Cor. 14:1,5 encourages us to seek the spiritual gifts—including and especially prophecy—because it builds up the body of Christ.
Practical Applications (homework)HIDESHOW
Prophecy is one of the most mysterious, amazing aspects of God’s Kingdom. But it also is one of the most misunderstood! As Christians, we can slip into magical formulas when it comes to prophecy by imposing our theological interpretations onto events. Get together with someone you’re close to this week (could be a spouse, friend or small group) and go through the following exercise:
- Christians can be tempted to interpret events through our own perception of God’s will. Be careful not to gossip – you don’t need to share names or specific details – but talk with each other about ways you’ve noticed friends, family or coworkers doing this. These are often explanations for why bad things happen to people, but they can also be about people who seem to have been blessed by God. For example: God is punishing the Nelsons by giving them a son who acts out. Or if the Jacksons went to church more regularly, maybe God would bless them with the sale of their home!
- Talk with each other about other, more likely explanations for these events. Maybe the couple with the challenging son just needs different jobs so they can spend more time with him? Maybe the neighbors’ house isn’t selling because of the housing market? Or maybe their house did sell because they priced it right and had a good realtor?
- Are there painful events in your life that you’ve been tempted to explain with this kind of magical thinking? Spend some time encouraging one another and reminding yourselves that God loves you immensely. If you’re struggling, it’s probably not because God is manipulating your life. Talk openly about more likely reasons for your situation, and brainstorm ways you can take actions to change your circumstances and help one another.
Reflection QuestionsHIDESHOW
- What stood out to you most from this message and the supporting texts?
- In the tradition you were raised in, what role did prophecy play in the life of your church? What was understood by this word? Was it affirmed as active today? Share your experiences with one another.
- How does the description of prophecy in 2 Peter 1:21 broaden the usual understanding of prophecy?
- Given this message—consider again—what was the purpose of prophesying to Peter that he would deny Christ three times?
- How have you seen prophecy (in this broader sense) work in your community? What role would this group like prophecy to play in the life of this community?