Podcast Summary: The Westminster Shorter Catechism with Sinclair Ferguson

Episode: Question & Answer 24

Date: November 5, 2025
Host: Ligonier Ministries
Guest/Teacher: Sinclair Ferguson

Episode Overview

In this episode, Sinclair Ferguson examines Question 24 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism:
“How doth Christ execute the office of a prophet?”
Drawing on Scriptural foundations and theological insights, Ferguson explains how Christ serves as our ultimate Prophet—revealing God’s will for our salvation through both His Word and His Spirit. The discussion provides encouragement and practical wisdom for Christians dedicated to nurturing spiritual growth in themselves and others.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Understanding the Prophet’s Role

• Definition from the Catechism
  • At [00:01]:

    “Christ executeth the office of a prophet in revealing to us by his word and spirit the will of God for our salvation.”

• Ferguson unpacks the meaning behind the catechism response:
  • Jesus is not merely a messenger, but the very Word of God and its perfect interpreter.
  • Christ’s prophetic work is ongoing—He continues to speak to His people today.

2. Christ’s Word and the Holy Spirit

• Dual Means of Revelation
  • Christ reveals God’s will through:
    • His Word: Scripture, His teaching, and the testimony of the apostles.
    • His Spirit: The active work of the Holy Spirit illuminating hearts, making Scripture effective and understandable.
• Memorable Quote ([01:10]):

  “You see, Christ not only gives us the Scriptures; He also gives us the Holy Spirit in our hearts, so that word becomes alive to us, real to us, personal to us.” — Sinclair Ferguson

3. The Will of God for Our Salvation

• Ferguson stresses that Christ’s prophetic office is focused on what we most need to know: the pathway to salvation.
• Practical Application:
  • We need to listen to Christ daily—by prayerfully reading Scripture and asking the Spirit to teach us.

4. Helping Others ‘Digest’ Biblical Truth

• Spiritual growth involves moving from the “milk” to the “meat” of God’s Word.
  • Quote ([02:05]):

    “Our job as parents, pastors, and teachers is to help people not choke on the solid food of Scripture, but to learn to enjoy it and thrive on it.” — Sinclair Ferguson

• Emphasizes patience and gentleness in discipleship, leading others not just to facts, but to Christ Himself.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [00:01]—“Christ executeth the office of a prophet in revealing to us by his word and spirit the will of God for our salvation.” (Catechism quotation)
• [01:10]—“You see, Christ not only gives us the Scriptures; He also gives us the Holy Spirit in our hearts, so that word becomes alive to us, real to us, personal to us.” — Sinclair Ferguson
• [02:05]—“Our job as parents, pastors, and teachers is to help people not choke on the solid food of Scripture, but to learn to enjoy it and thrive on it.” — Sinclair Ferguson

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:01]—Catechism Question & Answer introduction
• [01:10]—Word and Spirit: How Christ continues to reveal God’s will
• [02:05]—Encouragement to guide others from milk to meat in Scriptural discipleship

Takeaway for Listeners

This episode provides both theological depth and practical encouragement, reminding Christians of Christ’s ongoing prophetic ministry. Listeners are called to seek God’s will through the daily, Spirit-empowered reading of Scripture and are encouraged in their roles as teachers and disciplers—to help others feed on the rich truths of God’s Word and grow in faith.