Why study prophecy?

This is a summary and reflection on the first sermon in our senior pastor’s four part series on biblical prophecy, “So What’s Next?”. For an intro to the topic, see this post.

The first sermon in the four part series on prophecy was well done; the purpose was to show us the importance and necessity of studying biblical prophecy.

He started with the question: why study prophecy? It doesn’t appear to be immediately relevant to my life, marriage, family, work or day to day life. It’s not warm and fuzzy, it’s mysterious and hard to understand; so why study prophecy at all?

He made the impressive point that 25-30% of the bible is prophecy; to ignore it is to ignore a huge portion of God’s word to us. That alone should convince us of it’s necessity and relevance for us as God’s people.

He went on to make four major points, all dealing with the question he raised, and answering it in terms of one overarching effect of studying prophecy – it gives us confidence:

1. It gives us confidence in God’s Word
2. It gives us confidence in God’s character
3. It gives us confidence in the future
4. It gives us confidence in our walk with Christ

Note: the comments under each point are my own and not necessarily what was delivered in the sermon itself.

It gives us confidence in God’s Word
When you stop to consider the staggering amount of prophetic statements made in Scripture that came to fulfillment in the course of history, it blows you away. This really does set the Scriptures apart from sacred texts of other religions. He gave one quick example, from Micah 5:1-5 – a very specific prophecy about the Messiah coming from Bethlehem.
God’s Word is true, it is steadfast, it is reliable. Studying biblical prophecy can only increase our convictions about the rock solid Word of God.

It gives us confidence in God’s character
Having greater confidence in God’s Word makes a big difference, but even more importantly, studying prophecy gives us confidence in God Himself. The Word cannot be marveled at on it’s own, apart from the One who has given it. God will do what He says He will do. God doesn’t lie. When God says He’ll be there, God always shows up. When God says He’ll do something, rest assured He will do it. Studying biblical prophecy shows us the unchanging and steadfast character of God, and increases our confidence in Him and His purposes.

It gives us confidence in the future
Much of the life of a Christian is putting our faith in the promises of God for the future. We confess and believe that Christ is coming back, and it is in this future day that we place much hope. We believe that Christ’s death on the cross has paid for our sins so that on the final judgment day, we will be welcomed into eternal life. By seeing how God has spoken in the past and brought promises to fulfillment, our confidence in the future promises of God grows tremendously.

It gives us confidence in our walk with Christ
As we have confidence in God, His Word, and the future, our present existence following Christ now will also increase in confidence. We are not walking aimlessly, but following the one whom we know will return to take us home. We are not living each day with sweaty palms and anxious worry, but living in the knowledge that the God of fulfilled prophecy is the same God who knows my next steps.

Confidence. Confidence in God, His Word, the future, and in our present walk with Christ. That’s why we should study biblical prophecy. That’s why we should listen.

I don’t think we can underestimate the importance of studying biblical prophecy for increasing our faith and giving us hope now as we follow Christ and await His return in the future.