Prophetic Guide to the End Times

Introduction to Biblical Prophecy

• Key Requirement: Right appreciation of God's sovereignty, majesty, and justice.
• God's Nature: He is always just and never makes mistakes.
• Focus on Daniel: Proclamation from Daniel 2 and 4 highlights God's sovereign majesty.

Sovereignty of God

• Nebuchadnezzar's Realization: After seven years of hardship, he acknowledged God's everlasting dominion.
• Personal Reflection: Interesting contemplation about meeting King Solomon vs. King Nebuchadnezzar in heaven.

Importance of Biblical Prophecy

• Significance: 25% of the Bible is predictive prophecy; neglecting it can deprive believers of understanding God's plan.
• Common Hesitation: Some believers are turned off by false prophets or incorrect predictions.
  • Peter's Warning: 2 Peter 1:19 emphasizes the prophetic word as more certain than personal revelations.

The Light of Prophecy

• Darkness of the World: The world is increasingly dark, highlighting the need for the prophetic word as a guiding light.
• Living in Darkness: Ignoring prophetic scripture leads to confusion and fear despite being saved.

Seven Principles for Approaching Prophetic Word

1. Secret and Revealed Things: Some things are secret, and it's futile to seek them out. Focus on obeying revealed things.
2. Purpose of Prophecy: Prophecy reveals God’s will and directs actions, leading to obedience.
3. Time-Specific Prophecies: Many prophecies will only make sense at the appointed time.
4. Guide for Prayer: Know what God says will happen to pray effectively; avoid praying against God’s revealed will.
5. Spirit of Prophecy: True prophecy glorifies Jesus; focus on Him rather than human personalities.
6. Plain Meaning: Interpret prophecies literally unless the scripture indicates otherwise. Allegorical interpretations should be justified.
7. God’s Sovereignty: Acknowledge God’s total sovereignty and justice. He never makes mistakes.

Example of New Testament Prophecy

• 2 Timothy 3:1-5: Last days will bring perilous times characterized by moral decay and unholy behaviors.
  • Main Features: Lovers of self, money, pleasure; unthankful, unforgiving.
  • Warning: These characteristics are prevalent among professing Christians denying the power of transformation.

Application to Contemporary Society

• Corruption: The progression of moral corruption is irreversible; solutions lie in radical transformation through Christ.
• Hope in Christ: Believing in the transformative power of Jesus leads to a new creation, as stated in 2 Corinthians 5:17.

Final Proclamation and Encouragement

• God's Remedy: Redemption of society must start with the transformation of individuals. God seeks a new creation ready to inherit His Kingdom.
• Vision and Motivation: Like Paul, believers are encouraged to endure for the sake of God's elect.

Conclusion

• Call to Action: Encourage believers to live according to biblical prophecy, uphold God’s standards, and be transformed by His grace.
• Prayer for the Elect: Recognizing the need to reach those who have not yet heard the gospel.