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The Search by the Prophets
Introduction:
In 1 Peter 1:10–12, we find one of the most remarkable testimonies
to the greatness of the salvation we now enjoy in Christ. The
apostle Peter speaks of a deep longing—a diligent, consuming
search—by the Old Testament prophets to understand the message they
were privileged to proclaim. Though they were God’s mouthpieces,
they did not fully grasp the meaning of the message given to them.
They searched, inquired, and prophesied about the coming grace, the
sufferings of Christ, and the glory that would follow. They were
told that their work was for a future people, and that people
includes us.
This sermon builds upon the powerful truth that
salvation was never incidental to God's plan. It was His eternal
purpose. The Spirit of Christ spoke through the prophets, revealing
the cross and the crown. Even the angels longed to understand the
depth of what was unfolding. Today, we live in the age they longed
to understand. We are the recipients of the full gospel and the
spiritual blessings of the Christian age. Let us reflect on what
they sought so earnestly to understand and rejoice in the truth that
has been revealed.
The Prophets Searched Diligently
Peter says, “Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and
searched carefully” (1 Peter 1:10). Their search was not
superficial. They inquired with purpose and passion. The same term
is used in Hebrews 11:6, where God promises to reward those
who seek Him diligently. Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and others were
not indifferent. Though they could not see the fulfillment of what
they proclaimed, they wanted to know more.
This was not idle interest. They searched like
someone searching for treasure hidden deep in a house—checking every
corner, every shadow, every crevice. They understood the subject was
of supreme importance: the salvation of souls.
The Prophets Prophesied of Grace to Come
These prophets faithfully spoke the words they were given. They were
the means by which God's message was communicated. Just as Aaron
spoke on Moses' behalf (Exodus 4), prophets were appointed to
deliver God's words to the people. They did not originate the
message—they spoke it because it came from God.
2 Peter 1:20–21 teaches that prophecy
did not come from human interpretation, but that holy men of God
spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. The prophets delivered
messages about Christ’s suffering and the blessings that would
follow (1 Peter 1:11). Isaiah 52 and 53 clearly
describe the agony and rejection Christ would endure. The blessings
that followed include forgiveness, redemption, peace, and hope, as
taught in Ephesians 1:3–14. These spiritual blessings are for
those who are in Christ. The prophets foretold these things, even
though they could not receive them in their own time.
The Prophets Ministered for Our Benefit
Peter tells us in 1 Peter 1:12 that the prophets were told
they were not ministering for themselves but for us. Their work was
service for future generations. Their words were preserved to guide,
teach, and bless those living in the Christian age.
The apostle Paul further explains in
Ephesians 3:3–5 that the mystery of Christ was not previously
made known but has now been revealed through the apostles and
prophets by the Spirit. God revealed everything we need to know
about salvation during the first century. These messages are
complete and available to us today in Scripture.
The Old Testament prophets played a
foundational role. Their efforts prepared the way for the gospel and
the church. Romans 15:4 reminds us that the things written
before were written for our learning. When we study the Old
Testament, we gain deeper understanding and appreciation for the New
Testament and the salvation it reveals.
The Legacy Fulfilled in Christ
Peter writes that the message proclaimed by the prophets has now
been reported through those who preached the gospel by the Holy
Spirit. The message has not changed; it has been completed. The
prophetic word has been confirmed (2 Peter 1:19).
In Psalm 16:8–11, David foretells that
God’s Holy One would not see corruption. In Acts 2:25–31,
Peter explains that David, speaking as a prophet, was describing the
resurrection of the Christ. David was not speaking about himself,
but about the One to come. His words were fulfilled in Jesus.
Many Old Testament passages were fulfilled in
the New Testament. The location of Jesus’ birth (Micah 5:2),
His rejection (Psalm 118:22), His suffering (Psalm 22),
and His resurrection (Psalm 16) were all part of the divine
plan. These fulfillments demonstrate the accuracy of Scripture and
God’s sovereignty over history.
Even the angels were deeply interested. Peter
says in 1 Peter 1:12 that the angels desired to look into
these things. They recognized the magnitude of what was taking
place.
Our Role in the Eternal Plan
Ephesians 3:10–11 tells us that through the church, the
manifold wisdom of God is made known to the powers in the heavenly
places. This was in accordance with His eternal purpose,
accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Before the world began, God purposed salvation
through His Son. The church is part of that eternal plan. We are not
merely observers—we are recipients of the grace that was foretold.
The blessings of the gospel were spoken of by prophets, fulfilled in
Christ, and now preached to us. Let us be good stewards of the
message they delivered at great cost.
Sermon Outline: "The Search by the Prophets"
I. The Prophets Searched Diligently
1 Peter 1:10; Hebrews 11:6
Sought salvation with seriousness and effort
Searched like one seeking valuable treasure
II. The Prophets Prophesied of Grace to Come
- 2 Peter 1:20–21; Isaiah 52–53; Romans
5:1–2
- Declared what was revealed by the Holy
Spirit
- Spoke of Christ’s suffering and the
blessings that would come through Him
III. The Prophets Ministered to Us
- 1 Peter 1:12; Ephesians 3:3–5; Romans
15:4
- Their messages were for future generations
- We are the ones who now receive and
benefit from their service
IV. The Legacy Fulfilled in Christ
- Psalm 16:8–11; Acts 2:25–31
- David’s prophecy fulfilled in Christ’s
resurrection
- Dozens of Old Testament prophecies
confirmed in the New Testament
V. The Church’s Role in the Eternal Plan
- Ephesians 3:10–11
- God’s wisdom is made known through the
church
- The blessings of salvation are now
revealed to all
Call to Action:
The prophets longed to see what has now been revealed. They spoke of
a Savior they never met in the flesh and foretold blessings they
would not live to receive. Today, that message has come to us in
full. If you believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and
you are ready to repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of your
sins (Acts 2:38), the opportunity is yours. Let us not ignore
the message that was revealed with such care and proclaimed with
such love. The time to respond is now.
Key Takeaways:
- The prophets diligently searched for the
meaning of the salvation they proclaimed (1 Peter 1:10–11)
- Prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit to
speak God's message (2 Peter 1:21)
- They foretold the suffering of Christ and
the blessings of the gospel age (Isaiah 53; Ephesians 1:3)
- Their messages were intended for future
generations—we are among those blessed by their work (1 Peter
1:12; Ephesians 3:5)
- The resurrection of Jesus was foretold by
David and confirmed in the New Testament (Psalm 16:10; Acts
2:31)
- God’s eternal purpose was revealed in
Christ and His church (Ephesians 3:10–11)
- We are stewards of a gospel foretold and
fulfilled—our response matters (Romans 15:4; Acts 8:35–38)
Scripture Reference List:
- 1 Peter 1:6–12 – The search and
service of the prophets
- Hebrews 11:6 – God rewards diligent
seekers
- 2 Peter 1:20–21 – Prophecy from the
Holy Spirit
- Isaiah 52–53 – The suffering
servant
- Ephesians 1:3–14 – Spiritual
blessings in Christ
- Ephesians 3:3–5, 10–11 – Revelation
of the mystery and eternal purpose
- Psalm 16:8–11; Acts 2:25–31 –
Prophecy and fulfillment of the resurrection
- Micah 5:2; Psalm 22; Psalm 118:22 –
Messianic prophecies fulfilled
- Romans 15:4 – Old Testament written
for our learning
- Acts 8:35–38 – Preaching Jesus
includes baptism
Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of
Christ at Granby, MO
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