Jesus: Prophet

Use this curriculum to help you further engage with the sermon, the scriptures, and each other. Allow the Holy Spirit to bring things up to encourage and guide you so that you are always growing in your faith. If the Spirit leads you away from these questions and into conversation and prayer that encourages and points you to Jesus, go for it.

scripture

Read the following scriptures together: Deuteronomy 18:14-22.

overview

The Church has entered the Advent season, four weeks that invite us to slow down and look back to the birth of Jesus, Immanuel – God with us. In our Advent series, we’ll be looking at four distinct roles that Jesus fulfills according to the Scriptures, giving us a more complete appreciation for his place in this world and our lives. This week we look at Jesus the Prophet. A prophet speaks divinely inspired, authoritative words from God, to which God will hold the people to account. A true follower of God desires to listen to his Word and obey, knowing that what God is asking from us is what is most beneficial for our lives.   

question 1

What changes can you make this December to bring about a slower, more balanced month so you have the time to savor the meaning of this season and hear God speak to you?

discussion

Read 2 Timothy 4:3. We are warned to be on guard against false prophets because many people have and will continue to claim to be a prophet of God. Three ways to tell a false prophet: they speak something in the name of other gods; they speak something out of line with God’s previously revealed commands; or they proclaim something future, and it doesn’t come to pass. Andrew read from 1 Kings 22 portraying true and false prophets, and we learn that false prophets speak messages to suit the audience’s preferences and communicate with skills of influence and theatrics. True prophecy is conveyed with simple integrity. Our current digital world is constructed to grab our attention and prioritize our preferences. We must be on guard so that we don’t get caught up in false or insignificant messages that lead us away from God – even if those sharing the message are Christians.

question 2

A common tactic used by Satan is to cause division – especially among believers. Discuss how getting caught up in theories or messages from the media can cause division. How can we prevent this kind of division?

Read John 1:1-18. Jesus chose to step out of heaven and into our chaotic world to bring us his peace and offer us an abundant life, not found in busy schedules and material things but in his presence. It’s imperative that we take the time to know God’s Word and therefore know the character and teachings of Jesus. In doing so, we can discern false messages from spiritual leaders or anyone whose purpose is to push their own ideas and agendas. The words of Jesus provide guidance for living a life of faith; they provide comfort and peace when we take them to heart, believe them for ourselves, and quiet the noise that isn’t important or adding to our spiritual health.

question 3

Can you name a place that has negatively affected your spiritual health this year? Possibly a lapse in scheduling time with God, those voices from media that cause anxiousness, or choosing to walk your own way? This isn’t a time to heap shame upon yourself, but to confess and get back on track so you can walk in the abundance Jesus provides.     

weekly application

Spend some time in prayer asking God if you have believed any false messages this year and ask him to get you back to the basics of his truths. If you don’t currently follow a Bible reading plan, you can download the Through the Word Bible app which has an advent devotional.