Why It Is Necessary to Study Prophecy
God does nothing without giving advance warning; this applies to both believers and non-believers. The people in Noah's time were warned beforehand, yet because they did not listen, they came to destruction. Even Pharaoh of Egypt, a non-believer, was warned that seven years of abundance would be followed by seven years of famine. He believed this warning and made preparations accordingly.
Jesus taught that those who cannot discern the signs of the times are hypocrites (Matthew 16:1–4). Furthermore, Christ repeatedly commanded us to prepare for His return and wait for it (Matthew 24:40–44; 25:1–13; Luke 12:36–40; 21:34–36). Early believers waited expectantly for the Lord's coming (Philippians 3:20; 1 Corinthians 1:7; Titus 2:11–14; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 2 Peter 3:12).
The Shining Lamp
"And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit." (2 Peter 1:19-21)
No one has the courage to walk or run through darkness because they are concerned that they might stumble. Today's believers also remain in fear because they stay in the dark and lack courage. Those who dwell in darkness do not even feel disgust toward filthy things. Therefore, those who are spiritually dark do not abhor sin but continue to commit it with pleasure.
In darkness, one can only sleep or commit sin. That is why people either sleep or persist in sinning. This condition exists because dawn has not broken and the morning star has not risen within their hearts.
That dawning of light and rising of the morning star can only come through understanding the prophetic word.
Wicked and Hypocrites
Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing Him asked that He would show them a sign from heaven. He answered and said to them, “When it is evening you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red’; and in the morning, ‘It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times. A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.” And He left them and departed. (Matthew 16:1-4)
Many people do not care about, nor are interested in, the events of the future. Jesus describes such people as "a wicked and adulterous generation" and "hypocrites." A hypocrite is one who is unrighteous yet finds fault with others; someone who is stingy yet demands alms from others. The term "hypocrite" comes from a Greek word literally meaning "one who plays the part of an actor," though it was often associated with those who played the part of righteousness while living in sin. Therefore, those who disregard prophecy are adulterers and hypocrites. The reason is that ignoring the things prepared by God and being uninterested in the coming of the Lord is a great sin.
The reason a wife is not excited about or prepared to greet her husband returning from a far journey is that she has an extramarital affair.
The reality is that today many believers do not know about or care for the coming of the Lord because they love the things of this world. To love the world means to love Satan, the ruler of this world. Those who love Satan are engaging in a love affair outside of their own marriage. This is a great sin in the eyes of God.
