| Major
Messages of the Old Testament ProphetsIntroduction:A. From approximately
760-460 BC, 16 men served God and his people asO.T. prophets.B. Though times
and circumstances were different, several major messages can be seen
throughout.I. The prophets asserted that God was speaking them (2 Pet
1:21).A. Repeatedly identifying their source – “Thus says the LORD”
(350) + “declaresthe LORD” (343).B. They declared God’s will in two
basic ways:1. – in oral (Jer 7:1-11)and written (Jer 36:1-10) forms.2. –
performing acts that demonstrated God’s purposes (lsa 20:1-6; Hos 1-3).II.
The prophets affirmed that God had chosen for covenant relationship.A.
Genesis records God’s choosing of Abraham as an avenue of blessing for all
nations (12:1-3).B. Through Moses in Exodus-Deuteronomy, God instituted and
defined his covenant with Israel.C. The prophets addressed Israel’s special
responsibilities based on this relationship (Ezek 16:1-14).III. The prophets
repeatedly reported that the majority of Israel had their relationship.A.
They failed to trust God. They broke the Ten Commandments. They worshiped
other gods. Theymistreated one another and failed to preservejustice. They
refused to repent (Jer 6:9-15).B. Ezekiel 16:15-34 provides graphic insight
into how God felt about Israel’s unfaithfulness.IV. The prophets warned that
was coming.A. In various contexts, they reference “the _ of the
LORD” (lsa 2:12-22; Joel 2:1-11; Zeph 1:7-18).B. The LORD’s and were
“poured out” on these “days” (Jer 42:18).V. The prophets
promised that lies beyond the day of punishment.A. Some of their promises
would be fulfilled in a matter of years or decades (Jer 29:10-14).B. The most
glorious promises revolved around a coming (lsa 9:2-7; 11:1-16; 52:13-53:12;
Dan 7:9-14; Jer 31:31-40; Ezek 34:25-31; 36:22-32; Isa 65:17-25;
66:18-24;Zeph 3:8-20).Conclusion: You will “do well to pay
attention”to the prophetic word (2 Pet 1:16-21;3:1-15). |
