Some Principles of Prophecy – Outline

[ CLICK ON HEADINGS TO EXPAND ]

Some Principles of Prophecy

- OVERVIEW

This week we’ll learn how to study prophecy correctly. God gave us prophecy to prepare us, not confuse us. Prophecy often uses symbols and follows certain patterns. When we follow the Bible's own rules for understanding prophecy, we’ll see how it tells real history, gives hope for the future, and leads us closer to Jesus.

- SATURDAY – Introduction

- Memory Text

Jeremiah 9:24

KJV 24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.

CEV 24 If you feel you must brag, then have enough sense to brag about worshiping me, the Lord. What I like best is showing kindness, justice, and mercy to everyone on earth.

B L H T G G I T
T H U A K M
T I A T L W E L
J A R I T E
F I T T I D
S T L

- Lesson

Some people think Bible prophecy is hard to understand. Others avoid reading books like Daniel and Revelation. But God gave us prophecy to teach us and give us hope. For most of Christian history, believers agreed on many of the key ideas in prophecy.

God wants His people to study prophecy and understand it together. Prophecy shows us who God is—full of kindness, justice, and truth. Instead of fear or confusion, prophecy should lead us to know and love God more.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Those who believed in Jesus’ coming felt the need to change their hearts. The Holy Spirit gave power to their words, and many were encouraged to stand for God. The teachings of prophecy helped them prepare for Jesus.

- Conclusion

God gave us prophecy to guide us, not scare us. Studying it brings us closer to Him.

- Reflection

Why do some people avoid studying prophecy?

Reveal Suggested Answer

What is the true purpose of prophecy?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- SUNDAY – Whoever Reads, Let Him Understand

- Lesson

Read the following:

Matthew 24:15

KJV 15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand: )

CEV (Mark 13. 14-23; Luke 21. 20-24) 15 Someday you will see that “Horrible Thing” in the holy place, just as the prophet Daniel said. Everyone who reads this must try to understand!

Daniel 12:10

KJV 10 Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.

CEV 10 Many people will have their hearts and lives made pure and clean, but those who are evil will keep on being evil and never understand. Only the wise will understand.

Revelation 1:3

KJV 3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

CEV 3 God will bless everyone who reads this prophecy to others, and he will bless everyone who hears and obeys it. The time is almost here.

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.

Jesus told us to read and understand prophecy. Revelation even promises a blessing to those who read and follow it. Prophecy is not hidden knowledge. It’s truth revealed by God to help His people.

Daniel didn’t understand all he was shown, but the book was written for a time when people would study and understand it. That time is now.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

God gives truth little by little. If we are faithful with what we learn, He gives us more light. Prophecy is like a treasure, waiting to be discovered by those who study it with faith.

- Conclusion

God promises blessings when we read and obey His prophetic Word.

- Reflection

What does Revelation 1:3

KJV 3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

CEV 3 God will bless everyone who reads this prophecy to others, and he will bless everyone who hears and obeys it. The time is almost here.

say about reading prophecy?

Reveal Suggested Answer

Why is now the right time to understand Daniel and Revelation?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- MONDAY – Our Loving Creator

- Lesson

Read the following:

Psalm 139:1-6

KJV 1 O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. 2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. 3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. 4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether. 5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.

CEV (A psalm by David for the music leader.) 1 You have looked deep into my heart, Lord, and you know all about me. 2 You know when I am resting or when I am working, and from heaven you discover my thoughts. 3 You notice everything I do and everywhere I go. 4 Before I even speak a word, you know what I will say, 5 and with your powerful arm you protect me from every side. 6 I can't understand all of this! Such wonderful knowledge is far above me.

Jeremiah 29:11

KJV 11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

CEV 11 I will bless you with a future filled with hope — a future of success, not of suffering.

Hebrews 4:12

KJV 12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

CEV 12 God's word is alive and powerful! It is sharper than any double-edged sword. His word can cut through our spirits and souls and through our joints and marrow, until it discovers the desires and thoughts of our hearts.

John 3:16

KJV 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

CEV 16 God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die.

The same God who knows all about us also speaks to us through prophecy. He gave us prophecy because He loves us and wants us to be prepared. He sees the future and guides us with His Word.

God’s prophecies are not just warnings—they’re full of hope and show us His plan to save and restore us.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

God doesn’t want anyone to be lost. He sends messages to warn and encourage us so that we can turn to Him and be saved. That’s true love.

- Conclusion

Every prophecy shows God’s desire to bring us back to Him.

- Reflection

Why is it important to know that God is loving and knows everything?

Reveal Suggested Answer

What does John 3:16

KJV 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

CEV 16 God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die.

remind us about prophecy’s purpose?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- TUESDAY – God’s Prophetic Gift

- Lesson

Read the following:

Amos 3:7

KJV 7 Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.

CEV 7 Whatever the Lord God plans to do, he tells his servants, the prophets.

2 Peter 1:19-21

KJV 19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

CEV 19 All of this makes us even more certain that what the prophets said is true. So you should pay close attention to their message, as you would to a lamp shining in some dark place. You must keep on paying attention until daylight comes and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 But you need to realize that no one alone can understand any of the prophecies in the Scriptures. 21 The prophets did not think these things up on their own, but they were guided by the Spirit of God.

1 Corinthians 12:7-11

KJV 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

CEV 7 The Spirit has given each of us a special way of serving others. 8 Some of us can speak with wisdom, while others can speak with knowledge, but these gifts come from the same Spirit. 9 To others the Spirit has given great faith or the power to heal the sick 10 or the power to work mighty miracles. Some of us are prophets, and some of us recognize when God's Spirit is present. Others can speak different kinds of languages, and still others can tell what these languages mean. 11 But it is the Spirit who does all this and decides which gifts to give to each of us.

God speaks through prophets to help His people. Prophets don't make up their own ideas—they share what God shows them. The Holy Spirit gives different spiritual gifts, and prophecy is one of those gifts.

True prophets help people stay close to God and understand His will. Their messages always agree with the Bible.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

God has always spoken through prophets. We must test their words by the Bible, and when they are true, we must listen. Prophecy is part of God's way to guide His church.

- Conclusion

True prophecy will always lead us to follow God's Word.

- Reflection

Why does God give the gift of prophecy to His people?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How can we know if a prophet is from God?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- WEDNESDAY – Symbols and Reality

- Lesson

Read the following:

Daniel 7:2-7

KJV 2 Daniel spake and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea. 3 And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another. 4 The first was like a lion, and had eagle's wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man's heart was given to it. 5 And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh. 6 After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it. 7 After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns.

CEV 1  1-2 Daniel wrote: In the first year of King Belshazzar of Babylonia, I had some dreams and visions while I was asleep one night, and I wrote them down. The four winds were stirring up the mighty sea, 3 when suddenly four powerful beasts came out of the sea. Each beast was different. 4 The first was like a lion with the wings of an eagle. As I watched, its wings were pulled off. Then it was lifted to an upright position and made to stand on two feet, just like a human, and it was given a human mind. 5 The second beast looked like a bear standing on its hind legs. It held three ribs in its teeth, and it was told, “Attack! Eat all the flesh you want.” 6 The third beast was like a leopard — except that it had four wings and four heads. It was given authority to rule. 7 The fourth beast was stronger and more terrifying than the others. Its huge teeth were made of iron, and what it didn't grind with its teeth, it smashed with its feet. It was different from the others, and it had horns on its head — ten of them.

Revelation 13:1-2

KJV 1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. 2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.

CEV 1 I looked and saw a beast coming up from the sea. This one had ten horns and seven heads, and a crown was on each of its ten horns. On each of its heads were names that were an insult to God. 2 The beast I saw had the body of a leopard, the feet of a bear, and the mouth of a lion. The dragon handed over its own power and throne and great authority to this beast.

Matthew 13:24-30

KJV 24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: 25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. 26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. 27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? 28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? 29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.

CEV 24 Jesus then told them this story: The kingdom of heaven is like what happened when a farmer scattered good seed in a field. 25 But while everyone was sleeping, an enemy came and scattered weed seeds in the field and then left. 26 When the plants came up and began to mature, the farmer's servants could see the weeds. 27 The servants came and asked, “Sir, didn't you scatter good seed in your field? Where did these weeds come from?” 28 “An enemy did this,” he replied. His servants then asked, “Do you want us to go out and pull up the weeds?” 29 “No!” he answered. “You might also pull up the wheat. 30 Leave the weeds alone until harvest time. Then I'll tell my workers to gather the weeds and tie them up and burn them. But I'll order them to store the wheat in my barn.”

Prophecy often uses symbols like beasts, horns, and numbers. These symbols aren’t meant to scare us—they are meant to teach us. The Bible always gives clues or meanings for these symbols.

For example, a “beast” in prophecy often represents a kingdom or power (see Daniel 7:17

KJV 17 These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth.

CEV 17 “The four beasts are four earthly kingdoms.

). Jesus also used parables and symbols when He taught, to help people understand spiritual lessons.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

We must study the Bible carefully and let it explain its own symbols. The Holy Spirit will guide us as we search for truth. God never leaves us in darkness.

- Conclusion

Prophetic symbols help us understand God’s plan, but we must let the Bible explain them.

- Reflection

Why does God use symbols in prophecy?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How can we understand what the symbols mean?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- THURSDAY – History and Prophecy

- Lesson

Read the following:

Isaiah 46:9-10

KJV 9 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, 10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

CEV 9 I alone am God! There are no other gods; no one is like me. Think about what happened many years ago. 10 From the very beginning, I told what would happen long before it took place. I kept my word

Daniel 2:31-45

KJV 31 Thou, O king, sawest, and behold a great image. This great image, whose brightness was excellent, stood before thee; and the form thereof was terrible. 32 This image's head was of fine gold, his breast and his arms of silver, his belly and his thighs of brass, 33 His legs of iron, his feet part of iron and part of clay. 34 Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces. 35 Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth. 36 This is the dream; and we will tell the interpretation thereof before the king. 37 Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory. 38 And wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath he given into thine hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all. Thou art this head of gold. 39 And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth. 40 And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things: and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise. 41 And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters' clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay. 42 And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken. 43 And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay. 44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. 45 Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.

CEV 31 Your Majesty, what you saw standing in front of you was a huge and terrifying statue, shining brightly. 32 Its head was made of gold, its chest and arms were silver, and from its waist down to its knees, it was bronze. 33 From there to its ankles it was iron, and its feet were a mixture of iron and clay. 34 As you watched, a stone was cut from a mountain — but not by human hands. The stone struck the feet, completely shattering the iron and clay. 35 Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold were crushed and blown away without a trace, like husks of wheat at threshing time. But the stone became a tremendous mountain that covered the entire earth. 36 That was the dream, and now I'll tell you what it means. 37 Your Majesty, you are the greatest of kings, and God has highly honored you with power 38 over all humans, animals, and birds. You are the head of gold. 39 After you are gone, another kingdom will rule, but it won't be as strong. Then it will be followed by a kingdom of bronze that will rule the whole world. 40 Next, a kingdom of iron will come to power, crushing and shattering everything. 41-42 This fourth kingdom will be divided — it will be both strong and brittle, just as you saw that the feet and toes were a mixture of iron and clay. 43 This kingdom will be the result of a marriage between kingdoms, but it will crumble, just as iron and clay don't stick together. 44-45 During the time of those kings, the God who rules from heaven will set up an eternal kingdom that will never fall. It will be like the stone that was cut from the mountain, but not by human hands — the stone that crushed the iron, bronze, clay, silver, and gold. Your Majesty, in your dream the great God has told you what is going to happen, and you can trust this interpretation.

John 14:29

KJV 29 And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.

CEV 29 I am telling you this before I leave, so when it does happen, you will have faith in me.

God doesn’t guess the future—He knows it! The prophecies in Daniel, especially the one about the statue made of different metals, showed kingdoms that rose and fell just like God said they would.

God tells us what will happen before it does. That way, when it happens, we can believe and trust in Him more. Prophecy helps us build faith.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

The rise and fall of empires happened just as prophecy said. God’s Word never fails. Prophecy is a light shining in a dark world.

- Conclusion

History shows that God’s prophecies are true. We can trust Him.

- Reflection

Why is fulfilled prophecy important to our faith?

Reveal Suggested Answer

What should fulfilled prophecy help us do today?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- FRIDAY – Further Thought

- Lesson

Read the following:

Isaiah 28:10

KJV 10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:

CEV 10 You don't even listen — all you hear is senseless sound after senseless sound.

2 Peter 1:20

KJV 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

CEV 20 But you need to realize that no one alone can understand any of the prophecies in the Scriptures.

1 Corinthians 2:13

KJV 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

CEV 13 Every word we speak was taught to us by God's Spirit, not by human wisdom. And this same Spirit helps us teach spiritual things to spiritual people.

We don’t need to guess what prophecy means. The Bible teaches us to compare verse with verse—“here a little, there a little.” When we let the Bible explain itself, we find the truth clearly and safely.

Prophecy becomes clearer when we study it slowly and prayerfully, always asking the Holy Spirit to guide us.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

All truth in the Bible connects. God’s Word is like a puzzle that fits together when studied with care. We must trust God and let His Word speak.

- Conclusion

Letting the Bible interpret itself is the best way to understand prophecy.

- Reflection

What happens when we try to interpret prophecy without the Bible’s help?

Reveal Suggested Answer

Why is prayer important when studying prophecy?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

How can prophecy help you grow closer to God?

Reveal Suggested Answer

What can you do when you don’t understand a prophecy?

Reveal Suggested Answer

Why should we keep studying prophecy even if we think we know it already?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- LESSON SUMMARY

Some Principles of Prophecy

This week we learned that God wants us to understand prophecy. He gives it to us because He loves us. Prophecy is often symbolic, but the Bible explains itself. When we compare verses and pray for the Holy Spirit’s help, we can know the truth. Prophecy helps us prepare, stay faithful, and trust in God's plan.