Sermon Notes + 12.10.2023 | Northpoint Church

12.10.2023

SERMON NOTES

The Last and Greatest Prophet
Deuteronomy 18:18-22
Taylor Mendoza, Pastor of Students + Adults

Overview: Amidst the glittering lights and festive melodies of the Christmas season, our hearts naturally turn to the message of hope. In a world often plagued by uncertainty, the promise of hope fulfilled guides us through the noise of the season. As we unwrap the gift of God’s Word, our journey aligns with the overarching theme of our series, Christ Our Hope Fulfilled. Today, we hear the Old Testament whispers of a future prophet. In our exploration of Deuteronomy 18:18-22, the prophetic promises find their culmination in the Christ of Christmas. The teachings of Jesus, our last and greatest Prophet, become a guiding star leading us to the heart of Christmas. He teaches God’s Word perfectly, He is the Word of God Himself, and He speaks to us today through the Bible.

Outline:

1. The Prophet in the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 18:18-22).

2. The Last and Greatest Prophet (Matthew 7:28-29; John 14:10; Matthew 17:1-13; Hebrews 1:1-3; 1 Peter 1:10-13; 2 Peter 2:16-21).

3. Our Response to the Last and Greatest Prophet.

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION & DISCOVERY

1. What specific qualities or characteristics does the Old Testament promise about the future prophet, likened to Moses? (see Deuteronomy 18:18-22) How does the anticipation of a future prophet like Moses impact your understanding of God’s plan throughout the Old Testament?

2. What criteria does the Old Testament provide for discerning between true and false prophets? (see Deuteronomy 18:18-22) What steps can you take to enhance your ability to discern the messages you encounter, ensuring they align with God’s truth?

3. How does viewing obedience as a response to God’s Word rather than a human messenger impact your understanding of following God?

4. What evidence in Matthew 7:28-29 and John 14:10 supports the claim that Jesus is the perfect teacher of God’ Word? Reflect on how Jesus’ perfect teaching impacts your view of Him as the ultimate authority in your life.

5. How do 1 Peter 1:10-13 and 2 Peter 2:16-21 emphasize the enduring nature of God’s Word, spoken through Jesus? Consider the role of Scripture in your life. How can you approach the Bible with the awareness that it contains the words of Jesus?

Further Reading: Belcher, Richard. Prophet, Priest, and King: The Roles of Christ in the Bible and Our Roles Today (Phillipsburg, NJ: P & R Publishing, 2016).