God Speaks: Old Testament Prophecy and Prophets

Our Lecture on Lesson 11 PPKD today is presented by Dr David Talley, Talbot School Of Theology, who gives us an overview of God's ministry through prophets. He explains who prophets are, what their work entailed, and how to distinguish true from false prophets.  Passage readings: Amos 3:7; 2 Chronicles 36:15; Romans 15:4 The outline of his talk is as follows: 3 Kinds of Prophets Found In The Bible 1) Prophets whose messages were not recorded 2) Prophets whose messages are preserved in a book of the Bible 3) False prophets whose messages were self- serving and not of the LORD Kinds of Prophets Found In The Bible 1) Prophets whose messages were not recorded - E.g., prophets we read about in Samuel, Kings and Chronicles - None of their prophetic sermons were recorded 2) Prophets whose messages are preserved in a book of the Bible - Two types: . Major: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel . Minor: Hosea Through Malachi = “the 12” 3) False prophets whose messages were self- serving and not of the LORD - Not called; assumed the role True or False Prophet? True 1) Mediator/bridge between God and man 2) Prophecy only what comes true 3) Speak in the name of the LORD 4) Never call for rebellion against the LORD 5) Consistent with God’s already-revealed Word 6) Signs to verify message 7) Good shepherd False 1) Divination or witchcraft were disqualifiers 2) Speak presumptuously or in the name of another god Characteristics of Prophetic Messages 1) Not about the prophet 2) Address specific sins 3) Time period varies; some are timeless 4) Content varies by needs of people 5) Directed to leadership AND God’s people 6) Very poetic 7) Primary concerns: lack of love for God and/or neighbor; repentance 8 ) Relevant to us, as well = God’s eternal purposes 5 Prophetic Components 1) A statement of God’s legal suit against His people 2) An announcement of judgment 3) A call for repentance 4) A proclamation of the good news of God’s mercy in spite of Israel’s disobedience 5) An affirmation of God’s faithfulness to His covenantal (Mosaic) commitment The Focus of Written Prophecy 1) The immediate contemporary situation of the people 2) The immediate future of the people 3) The references to Christ and His Kingdom begin to increase 4) An ultimate focus on the future = ‘new heavens and new earth”, which will one day be ushered in Two Approaches To Avoid 1) An approach which stresses the predictive element 2) An approach which stresses the contemporary situation Key Truths: 1) Our questions about HOW prophesy was received are secondary. Of primary importance is the MESSAGE they brought to a people who desperately needed to hear from the Lord. 2) Any messenger of God will speak a message that is consistent with God's already revealed word. 3) Prophecy is God’s message to the present in light of His ongoing redemptive purposes and plan for humanity.