How to Study the Bible
New Lesson every Tuesday,
Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
How to Study the Bible -
DBS HSB #032
Interpret Prophecy Carefully
Today's Lesson:
Interpret Prophecy Carefully
This principle recognizes that the Bible very clearly foretells future events. The Bible also tells us very clearly that true prophecies come through men moved by the Spirit of God, and that “no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation” (2 Pet 1:19-21). There are many unique attempts at interpretation of prophecy, and sadly, many are totally deceptive. It is well known that cults often use special or unique interpretations of prophecy as a means to win converts. Let us remember that as Believers in Jesus Christ, we are all priests. Beware of anyone with a new and unique interpretation; beware of those who require you to believe their new and unique interpretation in order to be accepted into their group.
The interpreter of prophecy actually puts together a large picture that has been cut into many thousands of pieces (there are probably 10,000 verses of prophecy). When the picture is complete, we must see the face of Christ, who is the focal point of all history - past, present and future. The picture that emerges must account for all the known facts, and must take all pieces of evidence into consideration. It is not our privilege to discount facts that do not fit the picture we think we are going to see.
The study of the interpretation of prophecy can be a course unto itself, as over 1/4 of all Scripture is found in prophetic books. For our purposes in this lesson, however, there are three simple guidelines to be followed.
1- DETERMINE IF THE PROPHET MAKES THE INTERPRETATION
First, determine if the prophet gives his own interpretation like Jesus did in John 2:19-21 concerning the Temple. The passage says: “Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.’ The Jews therefore said, ‘It took forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?’ But He was speaking of the temple of His body.”
Some prophecies such as this one are easy to interpret. Realize too that God may leap over centuries of time without making a comment. He may also leap over centuries of time even within the same verse, such as is seen in a comparison of Luke 4:18-21 with Isaiah 61:1-2, which Jesus quotes and interprets for us.
2- DETERMINE IF THE PROPHECY HAS BEEN HISTORICALLY FULFILLED
We should first seek to determine whether other passages of Scripture might reveal the fulfillment of any given prophecy. This lets us know which prophecies are yet to be fulfilled and thus in our future.
One example of this principle is the Flood of Noah which was prophesied 120 years before it occurred (Gen 6:3). Scripture tells us that this was fulfilled (Gen 7-8).
Scripture also prophecies that the Lord will supernaturally regather the nation of Israel (Zech 9:14; Matt 24:31). This prophecy clearly has not yet been fulfilled. We determine this not only from Scripture but also from history.
We have to look at external sources, such as secular history books, to discover if and when some prophecies may have been fulfilled. Remember that secular history is not inspired by God and may disagree with His word at times, but the Bible student always must accept God’s word as accurate.
3- RECOGNIZE THE LANGUAGE OF PROPHECY
In prophecy we must consider figures of speech (such as the representation of the Lord as the “Lion of the Tribe of Judah” or the “Lamb of God” in Revelation 5), symbols (such as the “Beasts” of Revelation 13), and types (such as the earthly Tabernacle found In Exodus 25-40). It should be obvious by now that first we must look for Biblical explanations of prophetic language.
Remember that speculation is not interpretation. Speculations occur when one guesses at the meaning of prophetic language. It is easy for man to attempt to turn personal speculations into “doctrines.” We must realize however, that some prophetic language will not be understood until the appropriate time (Dan 12:4,8-10).
Free Online Bible All Versions
"You Version" Bible Software all versions
and lots of translations including Duetsch,
Espanol, Italiano and many, many more. No d/l.
http://www.youversion.com
Today's Questions:
1- Read the prophetic books.
2- Read them again.
Remember, send your answers to (PastorJeffLilley@Gmail.com), I will grade them and after the study is finished, those of you with a passing grade will receive a certificate from JJL Ministries.
Ask any questions you may have below in the comments.
Abundant Blessings
Pastor Jeff
Many of You have asked How You can Help our Ministries:
There is no charge for our JJL MInistries Bible Studies.
You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to:
JJL Ministries
1463 Senita Dr
Beaumont, CA 92223
"How to Study the Bible" is a dynamic life changing ministry of JJL Ministries Inc.
Please Support our ministry online, JJL Ministries
is a Federal 501(c)3 Org on file with the IRS.
Remember donations are Tax Deductible.
http://bit.ly/19PY0f
Who We Are at JJL Minstries
Pastor Jeff & Janette Lilley
PastorJeffLilley@gmail.com
JanetteLilley@gmail.com
Copyright © 1999-2009
All Rights Reserved
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New Lesson every Tuesday,
Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
How to Study the Bible -
DBS HSB #032
Interpret Prophecy Carefully
Today's Lesson:
Interpret Prophecy Carefully
This principle recognizes that the Bible very clearly foretells future events. The Bible also tells us very clearly that true prophecies come through men moved by the Spirit of God, and that “no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation” (2 Pet 1:19-21). There are many unique attempts at interpretation of prophecy, and sadly, many are totally deceptive. It is well known that cults often use special or unique interpretations of prophecy as a means to win converts. Let us remember that as Believers in Jesus Christ, we are all priests. Beware of anyone with a new and unique interpretation; beware of those who require you to believe their new and unique interpretation in order to be accepted into their group.
The interpreter of prophecy actually puts together a large picture that has been cut into many thousands of pieces (there are probably 10,000 verses of prophecy). When the picture is complete, we must see the face of Christ, who is the focal point of all history - past, present and future. The picture that emerges must account for all the known facts, and must take all pieces of evidence into consideration. It is not our privilege to discount facts that do not fit the picture we think we are going to see.
The study of the interpretation of prophecy can be a course unto itself, as over 1/4 of all Scripture is found in prophetic books. For our purposes in this lesson, however, there are three simple guidelines to be followed.
1- DETERMINE IF THE PROPHET MAKES THE INTERPRETATION
First, determine if the prophet gives his own interpretation like Jesus did in John 2:19-21 concerning the Temple. The passage says: “Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.’ The Jews therefore said, ‘It took forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?’ But He was speaking of the temple of His body.”
Some prophecies such as this one are easy to interpret. Realize too that God may leap over centuries of time without making a comment. He may also leap over centuries of time even within the same verse, such as is seen in a comparison of Luke 4:18-21 with Isaiah 61:1-2, which Jesus quotes and interprets for us.
2- DETERMINE IF THE PROPHECY HAS BEEN HISTORICALLY FULFILLED
We should first seek to determine whether other passages of Scripture might reveal the fulfillment of any given prophecy. This lets us know which prophecies are yet to be fulfilled and thus in our future.
One example of this principle is the Flood of Noah which was prophesied 120 years before it occurred (Gen 6:3). Scripture tells us that this was fulfilled (Gen 7-8).
Scripture also prophecies that the Lord will supernaturally regather the nation of Israel (Zech 9:14; Matt 24:31). This prophecy clearly has not yet been fulfilled. We determine this not only from Scripture but also from history.
We have to look at external sources, such as secular history books, to discover if and when some prophecies may have been fulfilled. Remember that secular history is not inspired by God and may disagree with His word at times, but the Bible student always must accept God’s word as accurate.
3- RECOGNIZE THE LANGUAGE OF PROPHECY
In prophecy we must consider figures of speech (such as the representation of the Lord as the “Lion of the Tribe of Judah” or the “Lamb of God” in Revelation 5), symbols (such as the “Beasts” of Revelation 13), and types (such as the earthly Tabernacle found In Exodus 25-40). It should be obvious by now that first we must look for Biblical explanations of prophetic language.
Remember that speculation is not interpretation. Speculations occur when one guesses at the meaning of prophetic language. It is easy for man to attempt to turn personal speculations into “doctrines.” We must realize however, that some prophetic language will not be understood until the appropriate time (Dan 12:4,8-10).
Free Online Bible All Versions
"You Version" Bible Software all versions
and lots of translations including Duetsch,
Espanol, Italiano and many, many more. No d/l.
http://www.youversion.com
Today's Questions:
1- Read the prophetic books.
2- Read them again.
Remember, send your answers to (PastorJeffLilley@Gmail.com), I will grade them and after the study is finished, those of you with a passing grade will receive a certificate from JJL Ministries.
Ask any questions you may have below in the comments.
Abundant Blessings
Pastor Jeff
Many of You have asked How You can Help our Ministries:
There is no charge for our JJL MInistries Bible Studies.
You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to:
JJL Ministries
1463 Senita Dr
Beaumont, CA 92223
"How to Study the Bible" is a dynamic life changing ministry of JJL Ministries Inc.
Please Support our ministry online, JJL Ministries
is a Federal 501(c)3 Org on file with the IRS.
Remember donations are Tax Deductible.
http://bit.ly/19PY0f
Who We Are at JJL Minstries
Pastor Jeff & Janette Lilley
PastorJeffLilley@gmail.com
JanetteLilley@gmail.com
Copyright © 1999-2009
All Rights Reserved
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