PROPHETS
Today we shall be considering the next leadership gift given to the body of Christ that is the PROPHETS.
The function of the prophets include:
a. Work With Apostles. The following verses seem to imply that the apostle and
prophet would work closely with each other.
“…I will send them prophets and apostles…” (Luke 11:49). “And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets…” (1 Cor 12:28).
“And are built upon the foundation
of the apostles and prophets … ” (2:20). “Rejoice… you holy apostles and
prophets; for God hath avenged you on her” (Rev 18:20). The prophetic ministry
is kept in balance by working with an apostle.
b. Foretold Events And Warned Of
Danger. By the revelation of the Holy s
Spirit (John 16:13)., New Testament
prophets like Agabus foretold events before they happened (Acts 11:28); and
gave illustrated prophecies, warning of dangers to come (Acts 21:10,11). Other
New Testament prophets were Judas and Silas (Acts 15:32).
c. Confirmed What God Had Spoken. Paul said we are not to despise prophecy (1 Ths 5;20).
Yet he refused to be governed or guided by prophets or prophecy (cf. Acts
20:23; 21:4; 11-14). The New Testament prophets’ primary ministry was to
confirm something God had ALREADY spoken to the individual believer. “…separate
me Paul and Barnabas for the work for which I have [past tense] called them…”
(Acts 13:1,2). The Lord had already called them. The prophets only confirmed
this call.
d. Their Words Should Be Examined. Therefore the words of prophets are to be carefully examined
(Deut 18:22; Jer 28:9; 1 Cor 14:29; 1 Ths 5:19-21) as they may be wrong. If the
word spoken by the prophet disagrees with the words written in the Bible, these
words of the prophet must be rejected (Deut 13:1-5). See the notes on 1
Corinthians 12 and 14 (Gifts of the Spirit) for an explanation of the
difference between simple prophecy and the prophetic office.
In conclusion, if any man calls himself a prophet and does not perform any of the above function. he or she should be examined.
credit: the shepherd staff.
If you have missed any part of of this series kindly read them from the links below. God bless you
THE FIVE LEADERSHIP GIFTS IN THE CHURCH OF GOD. PART 4
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