October 8, 2006
"Bible Interpretation and the End Times"
God is Not Slow in Keeping His Promise—Part 2
Selected verses
Understanding Prophesy
We believe the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, to be the inspired Word of God, without error in the original writings, the complete revelation of His will for the salvation of men and the Divine and final authority for Christian faith and life.
—EFCA Doctrinal Statement, Article 1
1. Can only Bible scholars understand prophesy?
...knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
—2 Peter 1:20-21 (NKJV)
Read 2 Timothy 3:14-17, Psalm 119:130
The clarity of Scripture means that the Bible is written in such a way that its teachings are able to be understood by all who read it, seeking God's help and being willing to follow it.
—Systematic Theology, Wayne Grudem
2. How do we approach prophetic Scripture?
"We must not seek to make the Bible say something it does not."
- Contextually
- Literally
- Historically
"If the plain sense makes good sense, then make no other sense."
3. What is the purpose of prophesy? The purpose of the Bible and prophesy go hand in hand.
- The Bible is necessary for knowledge of the Gospel.
"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent?... Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.
—Romans 10:13-15,17
- The Bible is necessary for maintaining spiritual life.
Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
—Matthew 4:4
Read: Matthew 7:24
Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.
—Revelation 1:3
- The Bible is necessary for certain knowledge of God's will.
The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.
—Deuteronomy 29:29
"At some point in history, all Scriptural promises were unfulfilled. At some point in history, all Scriptural promises will be fulfilled."
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming...
—2 Peter 3:10-12
"Prophecies offer proof of the power of God to perform His promises."
Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf...
—Hebrews 6:17-20
"Two unchangeable things are God's promise and God's oath."
4. Is God still at work in and through His chosen nation?
I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: "The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob. And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins." As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies on your account; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs, for God's gifts and his call are irrevocable.
—Romans 11:25-29
Lifework
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
—2 Timothy 2:15
"Bible Interpretation and the End Times"
Personal and Small Group Study
Getting Started
- What experience of rejection do you remember most vividly in your life? Were you ever able to reconcile or did you just give up and make a new set of friends?
- What is your understanding of the place of Israel in the fulfillment of God's ultimate plan for history? How did you come to understand this?
Digging Deeper: Read Romans 10:14-11:10
- What is Paul's purpose in these verses? How might his quote in 10:21 lead someone to ask the question in 11:1?
- How do the examples given here answer that concern?
- On what basis are Paul and others of the remnant chosen? Why would this be so difficult for Paul's fellow Israelites to grasp? (Consider 10:3 as you formulate your answer.)
- Are church people today relying more on their performance of religious rituals or good works than on God's grace? How so?
Applying It To My Life
- When have you felt like the only one left who seems to care about God? What were the circumstances? How did God respond?
- How is it possible for someone to try so hard to please God that they actually resist His love for them? Has this ever been your experience?
- How can you bring the "good news of God's love into someone's life this week? Who comes to mind? What opportunity will you pray for?