We are going to continue our study on the 5 Fold Ministry. Today we are going to take a look at the office of the prophet. 

What Is A Prophet

According to the Blue Letter Bible a prophet is: in Greek writings, an interpreter of oracles or of other hidden things, one who, moved by the Spirit of God and hence his spokesman, solemnly declares to men what he has received by inspiration, especially concerning future events, and in particular such as relate to the cause and kingdom of God and to human salvation, the OT prophets, having foretold the kingdom, deeds and death, of Jesus the Messiah…of men filled with the Spirit of God, who by God’s authority and command in words of weight pleads the cause of God and urges salvation of men, they were moved by the Holy Spirit to speak, having power to instruct, comfort, encourage, rebuke, convict, and stimulate, their hearers.

Strong’s Definition of a prophet is: a foreteller an inspired speaker

A prophet hears a message from God and delivers it to God’s people. In the Old Testament these messages were generally either a warning or a description of Jesus. Old Testament prophets were often called to correct bad behavior, and thus despised. 

Why Are Prophets Despised

Nobody likes to hear they are making bad choices and need to correct their ways lest destruction come upon them. I actually know this from experience. There have been times when God has clearly told me to confront someone about the way they are living. I would sit back and watch how this wrong belief would sabotage them in their closest relationships. I would try my best to help them without actually confronting the root of their issues. The reason for this is to show them that what they think is the problem is really the fruit of their actual root issue. In time God would call me to talk to these friends about the root issue. 

Just like the people in the Old Testament, these friends would often reject the words God gave me to deliver to them. The lesson I have learned over the years is that I am not responsible for their reaction to the words God gives me to speak. I am only responsible to speak the words of truth in love to my friends and leave the rest up to God to sort out with them. 

Job Of A Prophet

Modern prophets are given the task of instructing the children of God in his ways. Prophets are called to give comfort and encourage other believers in their Christian walk. Sometimes prophets are called to rebuke fellow brothers and sisters. This rebuke should always come from a place of love. Ideally this rebuke will provoke them into action to become the people God created them to be. Modern prophets are called to always point people to who Jesus sees when he looks at them. Prophets are to draw out the authentic parts of people out. Prophets recognize this drawing out of the authentic person is sometimes difficult and even scary to the receiver. There will be times when a person completely rejects their authentic identity. They will choose to live their life stuck in a false identity. 

Simon “The Former Magician” 

We see this modern day prophetic gift in Acts with Simon “the (former) magician.” 

“But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.” And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip.

And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed. Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”

Peter’s Rebuke

But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” And Simon answered, “Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭8‬:‭9‬-‭24‬ ‭(ESV)‬‬

Simon’s Error

At the beginning of this story we see Simon declaring that he is great because of the magic works he could do. In reality he was only given this power through demonic agreements. So it wasn’t Simon who was powerful but the demons allowing him to do magic that were “powerful.” 

When Simon discovered true power, he quickly repented and surrendered his life to Jesus. Soon Simon witnessed the power given to the believer through the Holy Spirit. Simon was amazed and wanted this power too. 

Here is where Peter shows us how to speak like a New Testament prophet. Peter rebukes Simon for wanting to buy God’s power. To think that God could be paid off is laughable at best and deplorable blasphemy at worst. Peter tells Simon he must repent for his wicked intent. Furthermore Peter tells him he sees Simon in the bond of iniquity of bitterness. 

Simon was saved and even baptized yet he was still in bondage to demons. Peter recognized this and offered a way to freedom through deliverance. Essentially Peter tells Simon he is still living in his false identity of using power to manipulate others to like him. He is now a child of God. Simon doesn’t need to prove his worth because the blood of Jesus declares how valuable he is to God. 

Are Peter’s words harsh? Well it depends on if you want Simon to repent and live his authentic life or not. If you want Simon to feel good about himself then yes, those words are harsh. If you want Simon to become free from the iniquity of his past then perhaps Peter’s words are kind and loving. 

Simon’s Response

How did Simon react to Peter’s rebuke? Simon says, “Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.” Simon seems to want to repent from his evil thinking and come into complete agreement with all Jesus says about him. 

Jesus As A Prophet

In John 15:1-8, 12-17 (ESV) we see Jesus showing us how to be a New Testament prophet. 

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches.

Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

New Identity

By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples…This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.”

Our True Identity

Jesus calls out our true identity and purpose. He says we are the branches. Our job is to bear fruit lest we be cut off and thrown into the fire. Jesus tells us what it takes to be a branch that bears fruit. If we abide in him and allow Jesus to abide in us, we will bear fruit. We must stay rooted and grounded in Jesus so that we can bear fruit. Then we will know what to ask and when we ask for these things he will always say yes because our desires are Jesus’ desires. 

Jesus then tells us to love each other and gives us a new revelation of our relationship with him. Jesus tells us he no longer considers us just his servants. Rather he considers us to be his friend so we can know what he is doing. We know what his desires are and ask him to make those desires come to fruition. He will always say yes to those requests. 

As a New Testament prophet Jesus lovingly shows us who we are. He draws out our authentic identity and purpose. Then he allows us to make the decision to walk in that identity and purpose.

Job Of A Modern Prophet

Likewise, a prophet in modern day will do the same. He/she will see others like Jesus sees them and will try to draw that authentic person out. Sometimes the prophet will see success. Other times success will be the fact these prophets heard the prompting of the Lord and obeyed no matter the earthly cost. A modern day prophet may have a knowing about someone they just met and will discern what to say and how to say what they have been shown. 

New Testament prophets will often build relationships with broken people who need to hear the truth of what is holding them in bondage. As these relationships grow, the Holy Spirit will give a message to deliver. These messages may come in the form of a word from the Lord, a vision, a dream, you may feel what the other person is feeling, or even hear the voice of God audibly. Of course God may choose any number of other methods to deliver a message to his prophet, but that is solely up to him. Then comes the difficult part.

Prophet Must Make A Choice

The prophet must choose to be the truth teller God calls them to be and help free people from false identities. They will sometimes risk friendships for the sole reason God asked them to reveal a truth to someone. 

Sometimes people will be like Simon “the (former) magician” and repent. Other times they will dig their heels into their false identity and reject freedom. As a prophet, you must recognize their reaction, whether good or bad, is not a reflection of you or your character. Rather, it is a reflection of where this person is in their spiritual and physical maturity. It is between them and Jesus to work out the rest. 

Take heart if you are a prophet. Jesus dealt with the same rejection. He understands and will be there to comfort and guide you through the good times and difficult times. Again, make sure you are listening to his voice and remain in his timing for delivering the messages he gives you. Trust him and be faithful to the calling he has given you. There aren’t many people who are truth tellers because most people are too afraid to be one. 

Apostle — Prophet — Evangelist — Pastor — Teacher