How does Romans 1:2 encourage us to study Old Testament prophecies? Setting the Stage “which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures” (Romans 1:2) Why This Brief Phrase Matters • Paul anchors the gospel in what God had already revealed—showing absolute continuity between Old and New Testaments. • Because God “promised beforehand,” our confidence in the gospel grows as we trace those promises back through inspired prophecy. • “Holy Scriptures” refers to the Hebrew Bible; Paul affirms its authority, reliability, and literal accuracy. Reasons Romans 1:2 Invites Us into Old Testament Prophecies • They validate the gospel’s divine origin. – 2 Peter 1:19 – “We also have the prophetic word as confirmed…” • They reveal God’s unchanging plan. – Isaiah 46:10 – “I declare the end from the beginning…” • They strengthen faith by showing fulfilled details. – Luke 24:27 – Jesus points to Moses and the Prophets concerning Himself. • They deepen worship: the same God who spoke then still speaks now. – Psalm 33:11 – “The counsel of the LORD stands forever.” • They equip us to share Christ confidently. – Acts 17:2–3 – Paul “reasoned from the Scriptures… proving that the Christ had to suffer.” Key Prophecies Worth Exploring • Genesis 3:15 – First promise of the Redeemer. • Genesis 12:3; 22:18 – Blessing to all nations through Abraham’s Seed. • Deuteronomy 18:15 – A Prophet like Moses. • 2 Samuel 7:12–13 – David’s everlasting throne. • Psalm 22; Isaiah 53 – Details of Messiah’s suffering. • Isaiah 7:14 – Virgin birth. • Micah 5:2 – Birth in Bethlehem. • Zechariah 12:10 – Pierced Messiah. • Jeremiah 31:31–34 – New Covenant. Practical Ways to Dive In • Read the Gospels with the margins open to prophetic cross-references. • Keep a running list of prophecies and their New Testament fulfillments. • Memorize a few foundational texts (e.g., Isaiah 53, Psalm 110). • Look for repeated themes—seed, sacrifice, covenant, king, restoration. • Use study aids but let Scripture interpret Scripture first. Living Out the Encouragement • Let fulfilled prophecy assure you that every remaining promise will come true—Christ’s return, bodily resurrection, eternal kingdom. • Share prophetic fulfillments when explaining the gospel; many listeners find evidence compelling. • Approach daily Bible reading with expectant hearts, knowing the same Spirit who inspired the prophets illumines the text today. |
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