New Testament Prophets – Outline

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New Testament Prophets

- OVERVIEW

God spoke through prophets in both the Old and New Testaments. Although they lived at different times, their messages came from the same Holy Spirit.

This week, we'll discover how Jesus fulfilled prophecy, why God called apostles and prophets, and how their messages helped the early church.

We'll also learn how to recognise false prophets and why Jesus and the Bible must always remain at the centre of our faith.

- SATURDAY – Introduction

Memory Text [1 Corinthians 12:4-6

KJV 4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

CEV 4 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but they all come from the same Spirit. 5 There are different ways to serve the same Lord, 6 and we can each do different things. Yet the same God works in all of us and helps us in everything we do.

– Different gifts, one Spirit]

1 Corinthians 12:4-6

KJV 4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

CEV 4 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but they all come from the same Spirit. 5 There are different ways to serve the same Lord, 6 and we can each do different things. Yet the same God works in all of us and helps us in everything we do.

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- Lesson

Imagine comparing two cars made many years apart. They might look different, but both could have exactly the same engine.

God's prophets were a little like that. They lived in different times and had different experiences, but the same Holy Spirit guided them.

The prophets of the Old Testament pointed forward to Jesus. The prophets of the New Testament helped people understand His life, teachings, and promise to return.

Although God's messengers were different, the source of their inspiration remained the same.

Read Hebrews 1:1-3

KJV 1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; 3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:

CEV 1 Long ago in many ways and at many times God's prophets spoke his message to our ancestors. 2 But now at last, God sent his Son to bring his message to us. God created the universe by his Son, and everything will someday belong to the Son. 3 God's Son has all the brightness of God's own glory and is like him in every way. By his own mighty word, he holds the universe together. After the Son had washed away our sins, he sat down at the right side of the glorious God in heaven.

1. God Spoke Through Prophets – Hebrews 1:1

KJV 1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,

CEV 1 Long ago in many ways and at many times God's prophets spoke his message to our ancestors.

God communicated with His people in different ways throughout history.

2. God Spoke Through Jesus – Hebrews 1:2

KJV 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

CEV 2 But now at last, God sent his Son to bring his message to us. God created the universe by his Son, and everything will someday belong to the Son.

Jesus is God's Son, through whom He created everything.

3. Jesus Reveals God's Character – Hebrews 1:3

KJV 3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:

CEV 3 God's Son has all the brightness of God's own glory and is like him in every way. By his own mighty word, he holds the universe together. After the Son had washed away our sins, he sat down at the right side of the glorious God in heaven.

Jesus perfectly reveals what God is like.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that all true revelation comes through Jesus and points toward Him. She encourages us to study the Bible carefully, especially its prophetic messages, and remain faithful to the truths God has revealed.

- Conclusion

The same Holy Spirit guided God's prophets throughout history, and their messages ultimately point us toward Jesus.

- Reflection

Why did prophets from different times share the same message about God?

Reveal Suggested Answer

Why should Jesus be the centre of our understanding of prophecy?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- SUNDAY – Jesus as Prophet

- Lesson

Long before Jesus was born, Moses promised that God would send a special Prophet whom everyone should listen to – Deuteronomy 18:15

KJV 15 The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;

CEV 15 Instead, he will choose one of your own people to be a prophet just like me, and you must do what that prophet says.

That Prophet was Jesus!

But Jesus was much more than an ordinary prophet. He was also God's Son, the Creator, and our Saviour.

The Old Testament prophets pointed forward to His coming. Jesus fulfilled their promises through His life, death, and resurrection.

After His resurrection, Jesus explained to two disciples how the Scriptures had foretold His mission – Luke 24:27

KJV 27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

CEV 27 Jesus then explained everything written about himself in the Scriptures, beginning with the Law of Moses and the Books of the Prophets.

Read Matthew 16:13-16

KJV 13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? 14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. 15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

CEV (Mark 8. 27-30; Luke 9. 18-21) 13 When Jesus and his disciples were near the town of Caesarea Philippi, he asked them, “What do people say about the Son of Man?” 14 The disciples answered, “Some people say you are John the Baptist or maybe Elijah or Jeremiah or some other prophet.” 15 Then Jesus asked, “But who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter spoke up, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

1. Jesus Asks a Question – Matthew 16:13

KJV 13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?

CEV (Mark 8. 27-30; Luke 9. 18-21) 13 When Jesus and his disciples were near the town of Caesarea Philippi, he asked them, “What do people say about the Son of Man?”

Jesus asks His disciples who people think He is.

2. Different Opinions – Matthew 16:14

KJV 14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.

CEV 14 The disciples answered, “Some people say you are John the Baptist or maybe Elijah or Jeremiah or some other prophet.”

Some people believe Jesus is one of the prophets.

3. Peter Recognises Jesus – Matthew 16:15-16

KJV 15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

CEV 15 Then Jesus asked, “But who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter spoke up, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

Peter declares that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.

Jesus is also described as the eternal Word through whom everything was created – John 1:1-3

KJV 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

CEV 1 In the beginning was the one who is called the Word. The Word was with God and was truly God. 2 From the very beginning the Word was with God. 3 And with this Word, God created all things. Nothing was made without the Word. Everything that was created

The wonderful truth is that our Creator loved us enough to become human and die for our sins.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White describes how Simon doubted Jesus because He allowed a repentant woman to show Him love. But Jesus understood both their hearts. He gently helped Simon recognise his own need for forgiveness, showing that God's mercy reaches everyone.

- Conclusion

Jesus is more than a prophet. He is our Creator and Saviour, who reveals God's love and offers us eternal life.

- Reflection

Why is Jesus greater than all the other prophets?

Reveal Suggested Answer

What does Jesus' willingness to die for us teach about God's love?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- MONDAY – Apostles and Prophets

- Lesson

In the New Testament, God called both apostles and prophets to share His message.

An apostle was someone sent out with a special mission. Paul, for example, was called to share the gospel with people who were not Jews.

Prophets received messages from God, while apostles helped spread the gospel and establish the early church.

Some apostles also received prophetic revelations, but not every prophet was an apostle.

Both groups helped people understand Jesus and grow in faith.

Read Ephesians 2:20

KJV 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

CEV 20 You are like a building with the apostles and prophets as the foundation and with Christ as the most important stone.

and Ephesians 3:5

KJV 5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

CEV 5 No one knew about this mystery until God's Spirit told it to his holy apostles and prophets.

1. A Strong Foundation – Ephesians 2:20

KJV 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

CEV 20 You are like a building with the apostles and prophets as the foundation and with Christ as the most important stone.

The church is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Jesus as its chief cornerstone.

2. Truth Revealed by the Spirit – Ephesians 3:5

KJV 5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

CEV 5 No one knew about this mystery until God's Spirit told it to his holy apostles and prophets.

The Holy Spirit revealed God's message to His apostles and prophets.

Imagine building a house. Without a strong foundation, the walls cannot stand safely.

In the same way, the church must remain firmly grounded in Jesus and the teachings God gave through His messengers.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White describes believers as living stones in God's spiritual temple. Every Christian has a part to play in building up the church through faith, love, and service.

- Conclusion

Apostles and prophets helped establish the early church, but Jesus remains its true foundation.

- Reflection

How did apostles and prophets help the early church?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How can we help build up God's church today?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- TUESDAY – Functions of New Testament Prophets

- Lesson

When we think of prophets, we often imagine someone predicting the future.

But New Testament prophets did much more than that!

They taught God's truth, encouraged believers, and helped the church remain faithful to Jesus.

For example, Judas and Silas strengthened the early Christians with encouraging messages – Acts 15:32

KJV 32 And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.

CEV 32 Judas and Silas were prophets, and they spoke a long time, encouraging and helping the Lord's followers.

Prophets sometimes gave warnings, but their purpose was always to help people follow God.

Read 1 Corinthians 14:3

KJV 3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

CEV 3 But when you prophesy, you will be understood, and others will be helped. They will be encouraged and made to feel better.

and Ephesians 4:11-13

KJV 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

CEV 11 Christ chose some of us to be apostles, prophets, missionaries, pastors, and teachers, 12 so his people would learn to serve and his body would grow strong. 13 This will continue until we are united by our faith and by our understanding of the Son of God. Then we will be mature, just as Christ is, and we will be completely like him.

1. Strengthening Believers – 1 Corinthians 14:3

KJV 3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

CEV 3 But when you prophesy, you will be understood, and others will be helped. They will be encouraged and made to feel better.

Prophecy helps people grow in faith and gives them encouragement and comfort.

2. Different Gifts for the Church – Ephesians 4:11

KJV 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

CEV 11 Christ chose some of us to be apostles, prophets, missionaries, pastors, and teachers,

God gives different responsibilities to apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers.

3. Growing Together – Ephesians 4:12-13

KJV 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

CEV 12 so his people would learn to serve and his body would grow strong. 13 This will continue until we are united by our faith and by our understanding of the Son of God. Then we will be mature, just as Christ is, and we will be completely like him.

These gifts help believers serve others, become united, and grow more like Jesus.

The book of Revelation also reminds us that God's messages are faithful and true – Revelation 22:6

KJV 6 And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.

CEV 6 Then I was told: These words are true and can be trusted. The Lord God controls the spirits of his prophets, and he is the one who sent his angel to show his servants what must happen very soon.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that the Holy Spirit gives different abilities to God's people. Everyone has something valuable to contribute, and even ordinary people can accomplish wonderful things when they allow God to guide them.

- Conclusion

The gift of prophecy strengthens the church, encourages believers, and helps people grow closer to Jesus.

- Reflection

Why did God give the gift of prophecy to the early church?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How can you encourage someone who is struggling with their faith?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- WEDNESDAY – Female Prophets and Young Pastoral Associates

- Lesson

God doesn't choose His messengers based on whether they are young or old, male or female. He calls people who are willing to serve Him.

Anna was an elderly prophetess who spent much of her time praying and worshipping God. When she saw baby Jesus at the temple, she joyfully told others about Him.

Philip also had four daughters who received the gift of prophecy.

God used women as well as men to share His messages.

Read Luke 2:36-38

KJV 36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; 37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. 38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

CEV 36 The prophet Anna was also there in the temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, and she was very old. In her youth she had been married for seven years, but her husband died. 37 And now she was 84 years old. Night and day she served God in the temple by praying and often going without eating. 38 At this time Anna came in and praised God. She spoke about the child Jesus to everyone who hoped for Jerusalem to be set free.

and Acts 21:9

KJV 9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.

CEV 9 and he had four unmarried daughters who prophesied.

1. Anna the Prophetess – Luke 2:36-37

KJV 36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; 37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.

CEV 36 The prophet Anna was also there in the temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, and she was very old. In her youth she had been married for seven years, but her husband died. 37 And now she was 84 years old. Night and day she served God in the temple by praying and often going without eating.

Anna faithfully worshipped God through prayer and fasting.

2. Sharing the Good News – Luke 2:38

KJV 38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

CEV 38 At this time Anna came in and praised God. She spoke about the child Jesus to everyone who hoped for Jerusalem to be set free.

When Anna saw Jesus, she thanked God and told others about Him.

3. Philip's Four Daughters – Acts 21:9

KJV 9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.

CEV 9 and he had four unmarried daughters who prophesied.

Philip had four daughters who also received the gift of prophecy.

God also called young people to serve Him.

Paul trained Timothy and Titus to become church leaders. He encouraged them to remain faithful and confident in their work.

Timothy was reminded not to let anyone look down on him because of his youth – 1 Timothy 4:12

KJV 12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

CEV 12 Don't let anyone make fun of you, just because you are young. Set an example for other followers by what you say and do, as well as by your love, faith, and purity.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White describes Anna's joy when she recognised Jesus at the temple. She also explains how Paul trained younger workers, giving them opportunities to learn and serve. Experienced believers should encourage young people to develop their own faith and abilities.

- Conclusion

Whether young or old, male or female, everyone can have an important role in God's work.

- Reflection

What do Anna and Philip's daughters teach us about God's choice of messengers?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How can children and young people serve God today?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- THURSDAY – False Prophets in the New Testament

- Lesson

Imagine someone offering you a beautiful-looking apple. From the outside, it looks perfect, but inside it is rotten.

Jesus warned that false prophets can be like that. They may appear good and trustworthy while teaching things that lead people away from God.

Some may even perform amazing signs to deceive others.

That's why we must never believe something simply because it looks impressive or sounds convincing.

Jesus taught us to examine people's teachings and the results of their lives.

Read Matthew 24:23-24

KJV 23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. 24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

CEV 23 Someone may say, “Here is the Messiah!” or “There he is!” But don't believe it. 24 False messiahs and false prophets will come and work great miracles and signs. They will even try to fool God's chosen ones.

and Matthew 7:15-20

KJV 15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

CEV (Luke 6. 43-45) 15 Watch out for false prophets! They dress up like sheep, but inside they are wolves who have come to attack you. 16 You can tell what they are by what they do. No one picks grapes or figs from thornbushes. 17 A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot produce good fruit. 19 Every tree producing bad fruit will be chopped down and burned. 20 You can tell who the false prophets are by their deeds.

1. Beware of Deception – Matthew 24:23-24

KJV 23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. 24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

CEV 23 Someone may say, “Here is the Messiah!” or “There he is!” But don't believe it. 24 False messiahs and false prophets will come and work great miracles and signs. They will even try to fool God's chosen ones.

Jesus warns that false prophets may use impressive signs to mislead people.

2. Wolves in Sheep's Clothing – Matthew 7:15

KJV 15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

CEV (Luke 6. 43-45) 15 Watch out for false prophets! They dress up like sheep, but inside they are wolves who have come to attack you.

False prophets may appear harmless while hiding dangerous teachings.

3. Recognising Their Fruits – Matthew 7:16-20

KJV 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

CEV 16 You can tell what they are by what they do. No one picks grapes or figs from thornbushes. 17 A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot produce good fruit. 19 Every tree producing bad fruit will be chopped down and burned. 20 You can tell who the false prophets are by their deeds.

We can recognise false teachers by examining their actions and the results of their teachings.

How can we protect ourselves?

Read Ephesians 6:10-18

KJV 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

CEV 10 Finally, let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong. 11 Put on all the armor that God gives, so you can defend yourself against the devil's tricks. 12 We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world. 13 So put on all the armor that God gives. Then when that evil day comes, you will be able to defend yourself. And when the battle is over, you will still be standing firm. 14 Be ready! Let the truth be like a belt around your waist, and let God's justice protect you like armor. 15 Your desire to tell the good news about peace should be like shoes on your feet. 16 Let your faith be like a shield, and you will be able to stop all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Let God's saving power be like a helmet, and for a sword use God's message that comes from the Spirit. 18 Never stop praying, especially for others. Always pray by the power of the Spirit. Stay alert and keep praying for God's people.

Paul describes God's protection as spiritual armour.

Just as a soldier wears armour for protection, Christians need truth, faith, righteousness, God's Word, and prayer to resist deception.

The better we know Jesus and the Bible, the easier it becomes to recognise teachings that are not from God.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White warns that false teachers may appear religious while failing to reflect Christ's character. She encourages us to study Jesus, follow His example, and develop a humble, loving spirit.

- Conclusion

We can avoid spiritual deception by knowing Jesus, studying the Bible, and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us.

- Reflection

Why shouldn't we trust someone simply because they perform impressive signs?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How can we protect ourselves from false teachings?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- FRIDAY – Keeping Jesus and His Word at the Center

- Lesson

Why does God send prophets?

Their main purpose is to help people know Him, understand His truth, and follow Jesus.

This was also the focus of Ellen White's ministry. She loved Jesus and wanted others to experience His love.

In her book Steps to Christ, she explained that growing as a Christian depends on staying close to Jesus every day.

She also encouraged people to study the Bible for themselves.

Ellen White described her writings as a smaller light pointing people toward the greater light of Scripture.

Her writings were never meant to replace the Bible, but to help people understand and appreciate God's Word.

Read John 5:39

KJV 39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

CEV 39 You search the Scriptures, because you think you will find eternal life in them. The Scriptures tell about me,

and 2 Timothy 3:15-17

KJV 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

CEV 15 Since childhood, you have known the Holy Scriptures that are able to make you wise enough to have faith in Christ Jesus and be saved. 16 Everything in the Scriptures is God's Word. All of it is useful for teaching and helping people and for correcting them and showing them how to live. 17 The Scriptures train God's servants to do all kinds of good deeds.

1. Scripture Points to Jesus – John 5:39

KJV 39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

CEV 39 You search the Scriptures, because you think you will find eternal life in them. The Scriptures tell about me,

Jesus explains that the Scriptures testify about Him.

2. God's Word Leads to Salvation – 2 Timothy 3:15

KJV 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

CEV 15 Since childhood, you have known the Holy Scriptures that are able to make you wise enough to have faith in Christ Jesus and be saved.

The Scriptures help us understand salvation through faith in Jesus.

3. Scripture Teaches and Guides Us – 2 Timothy 3:16-17

KJV 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

CEV 16 Everything in the Scriptures is God's Word. All of it is useful for teaching and helping people and for correcting them and showing them how to live. 17 The Scriptures train God's servants to do all kinds of good deeds.

God's Word helps us recognise what is right and prepares us to live faithfully.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White taught that our spiritual growth depends on a daily relationship with Jesus. She encouraged believers to study Scripture, trust God's promises, and allow His Word to guide their lives.

- Conclusion

True prophecy leads us to Jesus and strengthens our trust in the Bible as God's Word.

- Reflection

Why did Ellen White encourage people to study the Bible?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How can we keep Jesus at the centre of our daily lives?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Why is Jesus the most important person in Bible prophecy?

Reveal Suggested Answer

2. What can we learn from the different people God called to serve Him in the New Testament?

Reveal Suggested Answer

3. How can we recognise false prophets and avoid being deceived?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- LESSON SUMMARY

This week, we learned that God continued speaking through prophets in New Testament times.

1. Jesus as Prophet

Jesus fulfilled the promises of the Old Testament prophets. He is more than a prophet because He is also God's Son, our Creator, and our Saviour.

2. Apostles and Prophets

God called apostles and prophets to share His message and help establish the early church, with Jesus as its foundation.

3. Functions of New Testament Prophets

Prophets taught God's truth, encouraged believers, and helped the church grow in faith and unity.

4. Female Prophets and Young Pastoral Associates

God used women such as Anna and Philip's daughters, as well as young leaders such as Timothy and Titus. Everyone has a part to play in His work.

5. False Prophets in the New Testament

Jesus warned that false prophets would try to deceive people. We must study the Bible and remain close to Him to recognise the truth.

6. Keeping Jesus and His Word at the Center

Ellen White encouraged believers to keep Jesus first and use the Bible as their highest authority.

- Final Thought

God gives spiritual gifts to help His people grow in faith and share His love.

Whatever gifts we receive, our greatest responsibility is to follow Jesus and remain faithful to His Word.

True prophecy always leads us closer to Jesus.