ReveNation Mag

"Office of the N.T. Prophet / Teacher"

by: Pastor Bill Cahill, BCh.M

"The Prophetic Office" 1) To constitute the Office of a Prophet, a person is first of all called to the ministry (i.e. a minister; has the calling of God upon their life.) *** We also see in: Judges 4:4-6 "Deborah the Prophetess" and II Kings 22:12-20 "Huldah the Prophetess" they also moved in the "Revelation Gifts"; In the N.T., Luke 2:36-38 "Anna the Prophetess" she also moved in the "Revelation Gifts". 2) They must have (according to scripture) at least two of the revelation gifts (The Word of Wisdom, The Word of Knowledge, and/or Discerning of Spirits) plus prophecy operating in their ministry. 3) A Layman may receive a Word of Knowledge occasionally, something might be revealed to them as they need it; the same is true of The Word of Wisdom; and Discerning of Spirits (these "Revelation Gifts" operate occasionally.); But to constitute the Office of a Prophet, there has to be a continued manifestation of these "Gifts", but if the person hasn't been called to be a minister/preacher of the Word, that would not constitute them to stand in a "Prophetic Office" (for this "Office" is a ministerial "Gift" of Christ to the Church, The Body of Christ; for the perfecting and maturing of his people. IF IT WASN'T, THEN NEITHER ARE THE OTHER FOUR MINISTRIES (Including the ministry of "Pastor")! (Ephesians 4:8, 11-13) 4) When Christ ascended on high, he gave gifts unto men. He gave some Apostles, some Prophets, some Evangelists, and some Pastors and Teachers (i.e. "The Five Fold Ministry"). It is God who has called us to this particular ministry and His Holy Spirit will equip us for that particular "Office" wherein we have been called and stand in! (Ephesians 4:8, 11-13) 5) Notice that the revelation gifts are not called: "The Gift of Knowledge", It's "The WORD of Knowledge" which is supernatural revelation by the Holy Ghost concerning people, places, or things in the present or in the past. The same is true with "The WORD of Wisdom" (Not natural wisdom, but rather Supernatural), It is supernatural revelation by the Holy Ghost concerning people, places, or things in the future. 6) Sometimes "The WORD of Knowledge" comes by inward revelation, (by impression of the Holy Spirit) also in an "Open Vision"; it can follow when calling out an individual or when addressing the congregation with tongues and interpretation or even after prophecy; (It bypasses the mind and like tongues and interpretation and prophecy, it flows out of the inner man... "The spirit man"). 7) Although one might have a "Word of Knowledge" that wouldn't necessarily make them a Prophet, the revelation gifts (The Word of Wisdom, The Word of Knowledge, and/or Discerning of Spirits) will operate in connection with prophecy many times. It is not called the "Gift of Prophecy" (they, the nine manifestations of God's Spirit, "Three Revelation Gifts"; "Three Power Gifts"; and "Three Vocal Gifts", these are called collectively "spiritual gifts" because they come from the Spirit of God (I Cor. 12:4-11), even as the "Five Fold Ministry", is called "Gifts" to the Body (Ephesians 4:8,11-13)), because the simple gift of prophecy has no revelation with it; The Word says, "But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to Edification, and Exhortation, and Comfort" (I Cor. 14:3). *** The simple Gift of Prophecy is not given for revelation. 8) Very often in the Prophet's ministry, the utterance they give will have revelation in it because they have other "Gifts" operating also (they have the revelation gifts, in order to stand in their "Office"). ~ The fact that one prophesies does not make them a "Prophet". The Prophet is equipped by the Holy Spirit to stand in this "Office" (as with the other four ministry's, an Evangelist is equipped for this "Office" different than the other ministries, a Pastor is equipped for this "Office", etc. (as the O.T. teaches us, all the Levites ministered about the tabernacle but only the "High Priest" was allowed (not when he felt like it, but once a year he could enter the most holy place to offer before the Ark of the Covenant.) to stand in this special "Office". Others have tried to offer up sacrifices when they were not called to this "Office" (i.e. The sin of Korah and those who followed him in his rebellion against those God ordained to this particular "Office" (Numbers 16); King Uzziah (II Chron. 26:16-21), etc.). 9) In the order of service: I Cor. 14:26-33 Tells us then when we come together we all have a psalm, a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation, let all things be done for edification... let two or three of the "Prophets" ("Ministerial Office") Speak, and let the others judge... vs. 31) For you all can prophesy one by one, (The laity using the simple gift of prophecy; The simple gift of prophecy has no revelation with it; The Word says, "But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort" (I Cor. 14:3). *** The simple Gift of Prophecy is not given for revelation. 10) *** Some Full Gospel Churches will permit tongues and interpretation and prophecy ("He That Prophesieth Speaketh Unto Men To Edification, And Exhortation, And Comfort" (I Cor. 14:3). ) as part of the acceptable service, but shy away from the "Prophetic Office". These same "Full Gospel Churches" accept all of the other "Four Ministries" (with some accepting the "Apostolic Office" as only "Overseer of other churches they might be associated with; or as Missionaries etc." ~ *** But these same Churches will with "Gusto" promote and allow to function to the fullest, God's Office work in the Evangelist; Teacher; Pastors (All pastors not only the Senior Pastor (i.e. associate, youth, etc.) 11) Some of the things that a Prophet's ministry may include are/maybe demonstrative (i.e. That of the Prophet Agabus in: Acts 21:8-11 took Paul's girdle and bound himself and proceeded to give the Word of the Lord under the revelation of the Holy Ghost! *** It is interesting to note that Agabus had four daughters who prophesied ("speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort" (I Cor. 14:3). *** the simple Gift of Prophecy is not given for revelation ... Agabus was a Prophet and as such did bring Revelation to Paul.)! 12) The "Office of a Prophet" is to be the mouthpiece of God to his people: Amos 3:7(Amp.) "Surely the Lord God will do nothing without revealing His secret to His servants the Prophets." ~ The "Office of a Prophet" / The Prophet's Ministry, is that, they speak for the Holy Ghost as we have seen with Agabus the Prophet, he did not tell Paul not to go to Jerusalem, he merely told him what would happen there and it prepared Paul for what was to come to pass if he went there; It was still Paul's choice, to stay or go; He chose to go knowing the fate which laid before him; (This prepared him to be prayed up and be ready). 13) The true test of a Prophet is accuracy and credibility which comes from the Holy Ghost, and is credible before men! (See: II Kings 6:9-12 Elisha tells the king of Israel the battle plans of the king of Syria, and the king of Syria was troubled thinking that there was an informer among his soldiers / household but one of his servants spoke up and said that the words that he spoke in his bedchamber were revealed by the "Prophet" Elisha!) 14) There are some that believe that we do not need a Prophet's Ministry in this New Testament dispensation since we all have the Holy Ghost; In the Old Testament the Holy Ghost did not come upon the laity, but upon the Priest, the King, and the Prophet to anoint them to stand and minister in those "Offices" and minister unto God's people; We see that although the King and the Priest had the Holy Ghost upon them, they would still go to the "Prophet" for guidance. Though we the New Testament believer, have the Holy Ghost, that doesn't mean we have the revelation gifts in operation; (i.e. The same is true of the "Office" of the Pastor, Teacher, Evangelist, one could quote: Jer. 31:33-34 "... I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts... And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother... for they shall all know me..." ~ *** John 14:26 "... The Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance..." If we go by these scriptures then we have no need to have a Pastor/Teacher over us, to teach us and guide us; This would make the "Five Fold Ministry" of: Eph. 4:11-13 look out of place and contrary to itself; God set up each and every ministerial office for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: *** Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the "Knowledge of the Son of God". 15) We are not to blindly follow the Prophet's ministry, but we need to heed to the revelation, (listen to it, and pray about it, and wait for God's witness of the "Revelation"). We are led by the Holy Ghost, usually by an inward witness. The Prophet is used many times to confirm the leading that we already have from the Lord (we've seen this with Paul and Agabus the Prophet in "Acts") The Holy Ghost does use Prophets to reveal even those things that are hidden, spoken only in our prayer closet, as a confirmation to what God's purposes are and even to give guidance/direction from the Holy Ghost concerning our innermost questions etc. 16) When the "Word of Knowledge" and/or the "Word of Wisdom" are in operation in the Prophet's ministry they are "Supernatural" out of the mind of God (i.e. "Revelation Gifts") into the mouth of the Prophet, and directed to the heart of a person or congregation. ~ *** The "Word of Knowledge" and/or the "Word of Wisdom" are just what it is called, usually it is not a whole sentence but a part, a Word or Words; As with any of the nine gifts they operate by "Faith" some take more "Faith" to step out in, with only a word or impression/or being led by the Holy Ghost to operate! Why? Because we need (as ministers and humans), confidence that what we receive by whatever means, a Word, Impression, etc. is by the Holy Ghost and not by self, this comes by experience, by "Stepping out on the waters", by gaining credibility wrought by following the leadership of the Holy Spirit, even when our footing seems unsure, we must walk by "Faith" and not be afraid to make a mistake, repent if necessary and keep on walking! If God has truly called a person to the "Office of a Prophet" or any other of the "Five Fold Ministry" then he will equip them for that particular ministry, and they will be "Approved of God and man" as to your calling (i.e. you don't need to label yourself, it will be evident in your life as to what God has called you to!). 17) The "gift of prophecy" is often confused with the "Prophetic Office" There is the "Office of the Prophet", but not everyone that prophesies is a prophet. Someone may win souls but that doesn't necessarily put him in the "Office of an Evangelist"; For all believers are commissioned to witness, we have been given the ministry of reconciliation (Matt. 28:19; II Cor. 5:18) *** I Cor. 12:28 "And God Hath Set in the Church, first Apostles, secondarily Prophets, thirdly Teachers..." We see the "Five Fold Ministry" in Eph. 4:11; Paul asked the question in: I Cor. 12:29 "Are all Apostles?" of course the answer is NO! Not everyone can stand or minister in that "Office", then he asked "Are all Prophets?" of course the answer is NO! Not everyone can stand or minister in that "Office" either. He then asked the same of the "Teacher" (and we could ask the same of the "Pastor" and "Evangelist" of course the answer is NO! Not everyone can stand or minister in that "Office" either. *** It is one thing to label yourself in one of those "Offices" listed, but only God can EQUIP you for it!!! (The old saying states: "Some were sent, and some just went!") Remember it is the ANOINTING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT THAT EQUIPS US FOR THE WORK OF THE MINISTRY; Without it (the anointing) you are in DANGER of INTRUDING into an "Office" or ministry you are not called to and will answer to God for such an intrusion! *** The same is true if you know your calling and walk away from it, or do not allow it to function to its full potential... WE ARE TALKING ABOUT: ACCOUNTABILITY BEFORE GOD! ~ *** It is not your Ministry to do with as you please (Remember the parable of the "Talents" (Matthew 25:14-30) ). *** You have been given this "Office" for the "Perfecting/Maturing" of the body of Christ! Not for your personal Self Exaltation (Titles; Recognition; etc.) *** If you have to keep telling people what you are, then that is a good sign you are not walking in accordance to the calling of God, For he will EQUIP you and it will be "EVIDENT" of your Calling/"Office", God will "Promote and give Credibility to you calling!" (Acts 2:22 "... Jesus... a MAN APPROVED OF GOD among you by miracles and wonders and signs, *** which GOD DID BY HIM IN THE MIDST OF YOU, AS YE YOURSELVES ALSO KNOW." "The Office of the "Prophet/Teacher" 1) The Prophetic "Office" is usually not separated from the teaching ministry: The calling is usually "Prophet/Teacher", This is the way that God Conveys His "Revelation" to his People, through the ministry of the Teacher (Instructor/Guide). *** Although the Prophet may be a Teacher, not every thing they teach is by Supernatural Revelation! The "Gifts of their Office" as a "Prophet", "The Revelation Gifts" (The Word of Wisdom, The Word of Knowledge, and/or Discerning of Spirits) may not be in operation at the time they are teaching the Word of God, Granted what they are teaching is inspired of God and Anointed for that "Office" as a Teacher, and they will be equipped for it! (The same is true for The Five Fold Ministry, each will be equipped according to their Calling and may occasionally move as the Holy Spirit leads to minister by "The Revelation Gifts" (The Word of Wisdom, The Word of Knowledge, and/or Discerning of Spirits) 2) The main thrust of the "Prophet/Teacher's" message is: To call God's people to "Repentance" (i.e. Self Examination and Change) and "Revival" (i.e. To stir, to awaken, and recognize who she is and to deeper revelation of God) *** Our Theology ("Study of God"), would be totally impossible and useless, unless God gave Self Revelation (Ephesians 2:20 "And are built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets..."). ~ "The Prophetic Office" (continued) *** We have the Word of God to direct us and cause us to grow spiritually, but without the "Self Revelation of God" we would be blind to the deep truths of His Character/Attributes and very Being, for the letter has no life, but it must be breathe upon by the Spirit of Revelation (The Holy Ghost) to cause a "Self Revelation of God" to be seen! ~ 18) *** This is done not only through "Signs and Wonders" but by "The Revelation Gifts" (The Word of Wisdom, The Word of Knowledge, and/or Discerning of Spirits) *** Discerning of Spirits: This is not only evil spirits but all spirits good or evil and also to see into the realm or dimension of the spirit world; *** God is Spirit!!! ~ (Example: The book of Revelation, It is called the "Revelation of Jesus to St. John" it incorporates not only Discerning of Spirits (seeing into the realm or dimension of the spirit world; but also: The Word of Wisdom, The Word of Knowledge; all carried to the Churches by the tongue of Prophecy and written down for our understanding!) 19) John not only reveals the future of the Church but also warns the churches to straighten up or else... ! *** He also by the "The Revelation Gifts" foretells what is the past, present, and future; and what will happen to this world, as well as he foretold the condition of the churches then and now and to come! 20) The message of the "Prophet" is as a "Watchman" *** They Admonish, Warn, Direct, Intercedes, Teaches, and Counsels the Body of Christ (And some "Prophets" are called to minister to the World as the Mouthpiece of God; to Warn and call to Repentance before the wrath of God falls!). *** John 5:19 "... Jesus... said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what he SEETH the Father do... these also doeth the Son likewise." ("The Revelation Gifts") 21) The "Prophet" as the O.T. calls him is a "SEER" (I Sam. 9:9 "... when a man went to inquire of God, thus he spake, Come and let us go to the "SEER": for he that is now called a "Prophet" was beforetime called a "SEER".") *** The "Prophet" sees what is in the mind of God as the Holy Spirit opens the "The Revelation Gifts" unto him while in this "Office" *** He is then moved to speak or to communicate/intercede for the situation! 22) Much Discipline, Training, and the Art of Listening (being still and hearing God is a must!!!) It is a life of total consecration to the will and purposes of God; It is constant Self Examination; Repentance; and Dying to Self in order to allow the "Holy Spirit" to have free access/movement as "He" sees fit to "FLOW". To be so submissive that self has no place in "His" operation (lit. seeing yourself standing on the sidelines as you allow "Him" free access to use your body as "His" own!!!). 23) Literally the "Prophetic Office" is unusual in that some things they do are "STRANGE" out of the "Norm" but the evidence is in the way God moves... God always gets results! And so the "Prophets" ministry/office is usually misunderstood by those around Him and of his own house/church. (Matthew 13:57 "And they were offended in Him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honor, save (except) in his own country, and in his own house." (Also see: Mk. 6:4) *** The problem was they kept their eyes on the messenger and could not hear the message! *** This is true today in that as soon as God raises up a Ministry people look not at what God is doing or saying, but rather who is doing or saying it, and they miss God altogether! (Acts 5:38-39 "And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God!") 24) The Greater The "Office" The Greater The Responsibility; The More The Persecution!!! Satan is out to stop the "VOICE of GOD" from being effective and coming forth in the Church or the World! (*** John the Baptist said "I AM" the voice of one crying in the wilderness! "It was not John crying, but the Great "I AM" crying through him." Such is the office of the "Prophet.") This is also true of all the "Five Fold Ministry" *** WE MUST REMEMBER: "THAT IF PERSECUTION FROM SATAN DOESN'T GET TO US, LOOK FOR ITS COUNTERPART: "COMPROMISE" 25) We must be people of "Integrity" not only in our daily lives but in our ministry!!! *** Never Compromise Your "INTEGRITY" or that of your Ministry. Regardless of what people say of you, keep faithful to God and His Calling on your life, *** Strive to allow your "Office" to function to its fullest potential. 26) Above all any "Office" within the Church is SUBJECT TO THE "PASTOR" AS THE PHYSICAL HEAD OF THE CHURCH (i.e. the under shepherd of Jesus Christ!) As he that must give account for his "Office" and Calling, He has been given the Responsibility of Watching out for the Souls that have been entrusted to Him; And also with the Responsibility of allowing The "Five Fold Ministry" to "Function and Grow" within the Local Body as one that must give account for all Ministry that Functions within His Church; With Knowledge and Guidance from The Holy Spirit He Assist's these Ministries to "Function and Grow" to its Fullest Potential: and thereby as a Faithful Steward of God's Gifts ("The Five Fold Ministry") to the Church He also shares in their Reward! Amen! Pastor Bill Cahill, BCh.M