In looking at the great things God has done, we need to know that we can trust his word. As we read the Christmas story, we will relate it back to Old Testament prophecy that foretold the coming of the Messiah (Savior). A prophecy is the foretelling or prediction of what is to come. The birth and death of Jesus fulfilled many of the prophecies in the Old Testament; the second coming of Jesus will fulfill the others.
2 Peter 1:12-21
12 Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. 13 I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, 14 since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. 15 And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.
Christ’s Glory and the Prophetic Word
16 For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” 18 we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. 19 And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, 20 knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. 21 For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS:
Why did Peter want to refresh the memory of those he was writing to?(14-15)
How did Peter know he was not following a cleverly invented story?(16-18)
How was the word of the prophets made more certain? (16-18)
What should we do as a result? (19)
Where does prophecy have its origin? (21) What does that mean for us?
THOUGHT QUESTIONS:
What are ways people try to discredit the truth of Jesus’ coming?
Why do people want to discredit Jesus?
How is the celebration of Christmas being used for purposes other than honoring God?
How can you put your focus at Christmas more on Jesus?
PRAYER:
Thank God that the coming of Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecy. Pray that you would learn more of and trust more in God’s word of truth.
FOCUS VERSE: 2 Peter 1:19
And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.