Small Group Teaching Plan

Session 77: Prophecy

Key Question: How do I know when prophecy is from God?
Biblical Truth: When God gives His Word to someone, it will always come to pass.

(Note: Questions or activities that are more appropriate for younger youth or for older youth are marked by “YY” or
“OY” respectively.)

Preparation: Preview the video for this session. (See clip on this CD.) Read Deuteronomy 13:1-4; 18:15-22; and
“Background for the Bible Passages, Session 77.

After the Video:

1. Ask: How were Boz and the others confused about prophecy? What do you know about prophecy? Do you think
the prophets in the Bible were all-knowing people? (No, they were all-telling. They may not have known how their
prophecies would be fulfilled; they simply told what God spoke to them.) Do you think there is a difference between
prophecy in biblical days and prophecy today? Distribute copies of the handout “What You Think About
Prophecy.” Direct students to complete the short-answer questions by writing appropriate answers. Review the
questions after everyone has had a chance to record their answers. Say: Today’s study will help lay the groundwork
for studying the return of Christ during the next three sessions.
2. Distribute the “Session 77 Outline”; review with students. Say: As we review this outline we will discover how to
know if a prophecy is truly from God or merely the invention of man.
3. Call on a volunteer to read aloud Deuteronomy 13:1-4. Ask:
 What did Moses (who wrote this passage) anticipate? (False prophets)
 What is one important way to know a prophet is false? (He attempts to lead people to worship other gods.)
 According to these verses can false prophets make correct predictions?
 Verse 3 states that false prophets may be God testing us. What is God testing? (Our love of God) (OY)
 How do you respond when you hear of someone claiming to be a prophet? (OY)
4. Call on a volunteer to read aloud Deuteronomy 18:15-19. Ask:
 According to verse 15, what must the people do regarding a prophet? (Listen to him) (YY)
 Where does a prophet get his words? (God) What does a prophet say? (What God commands him to say)
 As a Christian how capable are you of telling if someone is a true or false prophet? (OY)
 How would you respond if you knew someone was a false prophet?
5. Call on a volunteer to read aloud Deuteronomy 18:20-22. Ask:
 What did God command the people to do to a false prophet? (Put him to death)
 Why do you think He commanded false prophets be put to death? (OY)
 What would be one of the important tests of a false prophet as found in verse 22? (The message does not come
true.)
 How were people to respond to a prophet who speaks presumptuously? (They were not to be afraid of him.)
 What kind of things can you do to make sure you never begin to follow a false prophet?
 Who are the true prophets you need to follow? (Primarily those God has called whose words are recorded in
the Bible.)
6. Conclude in prayer asking God to protect your students from false prophets.

Options
1. Divide students into two teams and provide each team with a poster board and markers. Direct teams to create a poster
titled Look Out for False Prophets. Encourage youth to base their poster on Deuteronomy 13:1-4; and 18:15-22.

2. Divide youth into teams and give each team paper and a pen. Assign teams to reference any prophecies about Jesus that
were predicted in the Old Testament. Call on teams to share their findings, and provide a small treat as a reward for the
team with the most prophecies. (OY)

Continue
Hand out copies of “Exploring the Bible Daily 77.” Encourage youth to read the passages for today’s session. Direct
youth as they read to write down any questions or insights.
© 2007 LifeWay Press®. Fuel2: Owning Your Faith, Volume 7. Permission granted to reproduce this item for church use only. Published in the United States of America.