Lesson 1: Some Principles of Prophecy

[Chief]

Some Principles of Prophecy

Memory Text:
“ ‘But let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,’ says the Lord” (Jeremiah 9:24, NKJV)

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[Chief]

This lesson emphasizes the importance of studying biblical prophecy to deepen understanding of God’s character and His plans for humanity, particularly through books like Daniel and Revelation. Key themes include:

1. Purpose of Prophecy:
   • God desires believers to know Him intimately, including His prophetic messages (Jeremiah 9:24, Matthew 24:15). Prophecy is not meant to confuse but to reveal His salvation plan and prepare believers for the end times.
2. Principles for Study:
   • Ten principles guide effective engagement: reading the text candidly, carefully, contextually, and responding spiritually, ethically, etc. These require humility, surrender to the Holy Spirit, and using Scripture to interpret itself.
3. Daily Themes:
   • Sunday: Humility and openness to God’s truth are prerequisites.
   • Monday: God’s omniscience and His desire to be understood (2 Timothy 3:16).
   • Tuesday: Daniel’s sealed prophecies (Daniel 12:4) vs. Revelation’s immediacy (Revelation 22:10), highlighting our current "time of the end."
   • Wednesday: Jesus’ example (Luke 24:27) underscores holistic, contextual study that ignites spiritual passion.
   • Thursday: Symbols (e.g., horns as kings, swords as God’s Word) require cross-referencing for accurate interpretation.
   • Friday: Revelation’s clarity—it unveils God’s victory and the hope of eternity when studied alongside Daniel.
4. Historical Context:
   • The Advent Movement (post-1798) and Seventh-day Adventist insights into Daniel’s prophecies (e.g., the 2,300 days/years) illustrate evolving understanding of prophecy.
5. Application:
   • Proper study fosters trust in God’s character, addresses personal struggles, and equips believers to share hope. Symbols protect messages (e.g., Babylon for Rome) while conveying divine truths.

Prophecy reveals God’s unchanging love and sovereignty. By studying diligently, believers gain clarity for today and assurance of His triumphant future. As Ellen White noted, “None need be in darkness” about what lies ahead, The Great Controversy, p. 342.