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TO THE GLORY OF GOD
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Study No 15 THE NATURE OF MAN - Part 5
THE PROPHET
Means - "A public sounder."
This ministry is coupled with the Apostle in both the lists of
Ephesians 4:11, and 1 Corinthians 12:28, and also in Ephesians 2:20.
This is the other Foundational ministry. Just as our natural body has
two legs as a foundation on the ground, so God has set these two
ministries side by side, as the foundations of His Body, of which
Christ is the Head. Christians disclaim Prophets for today as they do
Apostles. The honest and sincerely open reader should see that the
scriptural evidence given for the Apostles vindication today, applies
in the same way for the Prophet. God will show those who want to
"see", and are willing to lay aside their past ideas, for living
truth from the Word.
Jonah pronounced judgement against Nineveh. Jonah 1:1-2.
Young Prophet against the altar...1 Kings 13.
Micaiah - 1 Kings 22 - Notice in this case the three sources from
which the prophecies come:
1) A lying spirit - verses 22-23
2) The human spirit (Man's mind) - verse 13
3) God's Spirit - verse 17
Prophecy can come from any one of these three spirits today, hence
the need to "Judge" what comes forth.
a) False Prophets
i) Just as it is possible to have false Apostles, so it is
possible to have false Prophets. Notice the supreme judgement
of God upon such (Deuteronomy 13:1-5) and the way to prove
whether the Prophet is of God or not (Deuteronomy 18:20-22).
If that which he prophecies does not come to pass, then it is
proven that God was not the author of the Message. Peoples
then lose the "fear" of the Prophet.
False Prophets speak forth to please the people. Jeremiah
5:30-31, and 23:16-21.
ii) Test of the Prophet
1) His prophecy must be according to the written Word of God.
Deuteronomy 13:1-5.
2) It must come to pass. Deuteronomy 18:20-22.
3) It must produce a result of righteousness in the people.
Jeremiah 23:16-30.
Notice - All three of these criteria are necessary. It is
possible for a false prophet to predict something
through the inspiration of Satan that will come to
pass, but it is not according to the Word of God.
b) Fallibility of the Prophetic Office
It is good to realise also, that true Prophets of God can allow
their "own mind" to come into their message, if they are not
completely walking in the Spirit. We are still knowing "in part"
but when that which is perfect is come, that which is in part will
be done away with.
Note: Agabus, Acts 21:10-14.
The word declares that the true prophet will know the secrets of
God (Amos 3:7). It appears that the Revelation Gifts of the
Spirit are often manifested in the ministry of the prophet. He
has God given insight in hidden things.
c) Purpose of the Prophetic Office
i) Like the Apostle this office is located in the local Church.
Note Acts 13:1-2 and 1 Corinthians 12:28 - "set".
ii) While Old Testament prophets were primarily concerned with the
exposure of evil or pronouncing of judgement, the New
Testament prophet is a proclaimer of the revelation of God's
purpose in and for the Church. He will bring forth God's
counsels, especially in a Word of Wisdom. While there will be
an element of foretelling or the predictive element in his
ministry, there will be more forth-telling, speaking for God.
Often this will manifest itself in preaching or teaching by
the prophet as well as a spontaneous prophetic utterance.
iii) The office of the Prophet is also a Governmental gift. 1
Corinthians 12:28 shows that it is "set" in the local Assembly
and together with the Apostle is the foundation of the local
Church. Ephesians 2:20.
iv) This ministry, while based in the local Church, is often
"released" for travelling ministry to the whole body of Christ
to "set in order". The prophet has no right to usurp
authority in another local Church, but if he is God-sent his
ministry will make way for him. Proverbs 18:16.
d) The Difference between the Office and the Gift
i) All believers may exercise the gift of Prophecy, not all are
Prophets. 1 Corinthians 14:31; 12:29.
ii) The Prophet, having a direct message from God, becomes "the
mouthpiece of God." John 1:23, Acts 1:16; 1 Peter 1:21.
iii) The person with the gift of prophecy is primarily concerned
with edification, exhortation or comfort. 1 Corinthians 14:3.
While the person holding the office of the Prophet is more
motivated by the revelations of the purposes of God for the
Church. The first is concerned with the people, the second
with the church as a whole.
THE EVANGELIST
Comes from the word "evangelistes" - "to announce good news."
This ministry is spectacular, and emotional, going into new ground
to open the doors for the other ministries. Isaiah 52:7, says "How
beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good
tidings, that publisheth peace: that bringeth good tidings of good,
that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!"
This is the Evangelist. His ministry, as well as being to the lost
souls of men and women, is to the "body" (Ephesians 4:11-12) for their
edifying and building up in the Lord. Many Apostles are mentioned in
the New Testament, and many Prophets, but only one is named as an
Evangelist - that being Philip. Timothy was told by Paul to do the
work of an Evangelist, though it has been seen that Timothy was
actually an Apostle. 1 Thessalonians 1:1, and 2:6. Stephen also no
doubt did the work of an Evangelist before his stoning.
a) Philip - the Pattern Evangelist
Philip is the only Evangelist specifically mentioned in the Bible
(Acts 21:8) although Stephen was undoubtedly one also (Acts 6-7) and
Timothy is told to do the work of an Evangelist (2 Timothy 4:5.) While
God had appointed Philip as an Evangelist, he proved his faithfulness
and stability as a Deacon at Jerusalem. Acts 6:1-6. Often the Lord
works this way. Compare Elisha's serving Elijah till his time came to
take up the ministry God had ordained for him. Paul served with
Barnabas for a time until he took up his full ministry as the Apostle
to the Gentiles. "Though the vision tarry - wait for it, for it will
surely come!" Habakkuk 2:3. Many a Christian has not been able to
prove themself faithful in that which was least, so that God could
give them that which was great, and have given up just before their
time of proving has finished. Many have known what their ministry was,
and stepped out too soon, and things didn't go right. God has a time
set for everything, and He makes it quite plain when it is time to be
moving. In the meantime we must let patience have her perfect work,
that we may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:4.
There are two aspects of Philip's ministry, as recorded in Acts,
and that is (1) Public and (2) Personal. This is characteristic
of the Evangelist's ministry and more particularly do we see it
worked out in the Lord's work of evangelism, when He ministered
with His Disciples. John 4, and Luke 8:1.
1) Public
The story is in Acts 8:3-13. He was sent out in God's time.
It almost looks as if all of the disciples were "pushed" out
by the persecution at the time. This is a record of miracles
and display! The sick were healed, the lame walked, the demon
possessed were delivered, and the whole city was moved by the
power of God. Philip preached Christ unto them. No emotional
stories here! No pleading with the people. He preached
Christ, and the Lord worked with him, confirming the Word with
signs following. Philip is the pattern for modern-day
Evangelists.
Notice the Gifts of the Spirit, that were in operation in this
Samaritan campaign - Gifts of Healing (v.7); Discernment of
Spirits (v.7); Gift of Miracles (v.6), and no doubt others as
well. Notice that although the Discerning of spirits was in
operation, Simon the sorcerer was not exposed until Peter the
Apostle's ministry came along, and through the same Gift
revealed Simon's true condition (v.18-23). This shows us that
we still know in part only, and though we may have knowledge,
we do not have all knowledge, though we have prophecy, we do
not have all prophecy. That is why we need each other, and
the other ministries, to make up for our deficiencies. God is
not working through a single individual ministry any more, but
through a "body" ministry, to reach all needs.
Philip's work was Salvation, Healing and Water Baptism. Then
he called for the Apostles back in Jerusalem! This was
humility, and true recognition of ministries. No jealousy
here. He knew he had fulfilled his function, and now it was
over to the Apostles o continue the work of establishing the
souls of the converts. When they came, he moved on.
2) Personal
Acts 8:26-40. From the midst of revival, to one soul in the
desert. That is how much God values a soul. Philip was led
by the Spirit, to be at the right place at the right time.
This Gospel of the Kingdom must be preached to all nations
before the Lord returns. Matthew 24:14. The Gospel that
Philip preached was "this" Gospel of the Kingdom.
Here again we see Philip's work as: Salvation and Water
Baptism. Again there is no record of Holy Ghost Baptism as
part of his work. Healing was not recorded either, because
there was probably no need for physical deliverance. There is
no account of any "follow up work" as we know it today. The
Eunuch was left to God to take care of. Jesus also told most
of His converts to go back to their cities after He had set
them free! It is not the work of the Evangelist to found
Churches or Assemblies! That is for the Apostle and Prophet.
Search the Scriptures on this point, and you will find why so
many God-sent Evangelists have spiritually died, after they
have set up an Assembly of their own converts, and stayed put
in that city instead of moving on...and not interfering with
another Minister's ministry. May the Lord set free the
Evangelists today, that are doing Pastor's work (as best they
can), instead of making full proof of their ministry in the
right office.
b) Evangelists in the Local Church
i) Like the Apostle and Prophet, this gift is based in the local
Church, as well as being a "travelling ministry." Some
commentators feel that 1 Corinthians 12:28 lists all five
Ministry Gifts - the Evangelist being identified as "miracles
and gifts of healings", set in the local Church. The
Evangelist, according to the only Biblical pattern (Acts 8)
does have a signs following ministry.
ii) Church growth analysts assess that in an average congregation
about 10% of the people have a natural evangelistic tendency
and if recognized and fostered will bring about much growth in
the local Church. However, these people are not necessarily
Ascension Gift Ministries.
THE NATURE OF MAN.
THE PASTOR
This word is "Poimen" in the Greek, and is translated "Pastor" on
once in the New Testament (Ephesians 4:11). All other 16 times it is
translated as "Shepherd". (Note this Greek word is used in connection
with "anthropos".) It is abundantly clear that though the word
"Pastor" occurs only once, he is intended to be recognized as a
shepherd of the flock of God. This is primarily a local ministry and
one identified by other names as well.
a) Definition of the Pastor
Pastors are to guide and feed the flock of God (Acts 20:28). From
verse 17 of this chapter compared with verse 28, we see that the terms
elder and overseer are used interchangeably for the shepherds of the
flock. 1 Timothy 3:1-2, and Titus 1:7 uses the word "bishop" for the
same office described in Acts 20:28 as "overseer" (Greek "Episkopes").
"Elder" comes from the Greek "Presbuteros" and indicates the
mature spiritual experience and understanding of those so described
while bishop or overseer describes the work they undertake.
It is clear from Philippians 1:1 that bishops and elders who are
the local Pastors or Shepherds were found in each local Assembly.
Note: Acts 14:23, James 5:14 and Titus 1:5.
The New Testament indicates only one office for the ministry of
caring for the flock by a variety of names: ie. Pastor, Shepherd,
Bishop, Elder, Overseer - all of these names convey a special aspect
of the Pastoral ministry.
Note: We need to observe that the word "Pastor" has become a
Title in modern times. Many Ministers are called "Pastor" when they
actually are Apostles or Prophets or Teachers or Evangelists, and
some of these attempt to fill a Pastoral role and cause frustrations
to everyone concerned, including themselves.
The Ministry of the Pastor:
1) The Pastor is required to guide, protect, tend and feed the flock.
He is probably referred to in the list of ministries "set" in the
Church by God. 1 Corinthians 12:28, ie. "helps, governments and
diversities of tongues".
a. His ministry is one of helping the flock.
b. His is a government gift to the local body of believers. He,
together with his fellow elders or bishops, has the rule over
the flock (Hebrews 13:17). One translation says he has the
gift of organizing and the Living Bible states that the
"government" referred to is "the ability to get people to work
together".
c. He will most likely have the Gift of Tongues and its companion
Gift of Interpretation and so be able to bring edification,
exhortation and comfort to the Church and because he exercises
these Gifts will be able to direct and develop others in these
manifestations.
2) The Pastor, as a shepherd:
a. Provides a secure fellowship home for his people so that they
don't need to wander from one local church to another seeking
deeper relationship with God. John 10:2, 3, 9, 16. Luke 14:27.
b. Leads his people to understand the ways in which God is moving.
He has a personal care for each one; by love, discipline and
correction he encourages them to find their place in the Body
of Christ. John 10:44, Acts 20:28; Jeremiah 3:15; and Ephesians
4:12-16.
c. As a watchman, he is guarding his people from the attacks of
Satan and influences in the world. John 10:11, 12; Jeremiah
23:1-4; Acts 20:28-29.
d. Watches out for people tending to go astray - he draws them
back into fellowship and an understanding truth. Luke 15:4, 7.
e. Ministers to those of his people who have spiritual and
material needs. Ezekiel 34:4, 5.
Qualifications of Pastors:
Paul lists numerous qualifications for Bishops or Elders or
Shepherds of the flock in 1 Timothy 3.
i) Must be blameless.
ii) The husband of one wife, not divorced and remarried or a
polygamist.
iii) Vigilant - a hard worker, not lazy.
iv) Sober - thoughtful and creative, not shallow or flippant.
C. v) Of good behaviour - modest, especially in his relationships
with the opposite sex
- this also means orderly, able to get people
to work together
vi) Given to hospitality
vii) Able to teach the Word adequately
viii) No given to wine
ix) Not a striker - not a quarrelsome person
x) Not greedy of filthy lucre - not a hireling serving only for
financial gain (Note 1 Peter 5:2)
xi) Patient
xii) Not a brawler - ready for a fight, but a peacemaker, a kind
person
xiii) Not covetous, but one content in whatsoever state he finds
himself
xiv) One that ruleth well his house with his children in subjection
(this refers especially to young children)
xv) Not a new Christian lest he be lifted up in pride
xvi) Having a good report of those which are outside the church
Three other qualifications listed by other Apostles are:
xvii) Able to be an example to the flock (1 Peter 5:3)
xviii) Not lording it over God's heritage (1 Peter 5:3); and
xix) Able to pray the prayer of faith for the sick (James 5:14-16)
D. The Pastors or Elders in the Local Church
i) This ministry is almost completely a local ministry. While the
Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist and Teacher may travel to other
Assemblies, the shepherds appear to be totally occupied with
the local ministry. The only time the New Testament speaks of
the Elders out of their Assembly setting is at the Jerusalem
Conference (Acts 15). Note Philippians 1:1, Acts 14:23; James
5:14; Titus 1:5.
ii) There is almost always a plurality of Pastoral Gifts in one
location.
E. The Support of the Ministry Gifts
The scripture is explicit that though the Pastors or Elders (or
any other Ministry Gift) is not to serve for a profit motive or to
get rich, they should be supported financially so that their
ministry will be effective. In fact James 6:7-8 teaches that this
is essential. Note also Philippians 4:15-19, Paul declares
abundant financial blessings on the Assembly at Philippi because
of their financial care of his ministry. 1 Timothy 5:17 says that
the elders who labour in the Word and doctrine are worthy of twice
the average renumeration. Paul also declares that they which
present the gospel should live off the gospel - 1 Corinthians 9:14.
The Teacher
a. This word comes from the Greek word "didaskalos" and is translated
as Doctor once, Master forty-six times, and Teacher ten times.
The God-appointed Teacher is one who has a special ability in the
Word of God and is skilled at communicating the truth of God from
the scriptures.
He has a unique ministry in interpreting the Bible and putting it
in clear, simple terms, and is yet revelatory. The elder or
pastor has to be "able to teach" (1 Timothy 3:2), but this is no
the same as the office of the Teacher who is enabled to so
completely establish a truth with authority that error, heresy and
misconception are destroyed. He has a ministry of both revelation
of the word and restoration of truth. Note Acts 18:24-28. 2
Chronicles 15:3 shows the state of Israel when they were without a
"Teaching Priest". The Kingdom was in turmoil and disorder.
Few teachers are identified in the New Testament - with possibly
21 apostles and eight prophets referred to, there are only a
possible three teachers - Acts 13:1 and 2 Timothy 1:11.
b. One good example of a teacher is found in the Old Testament in
Ezra. He was a teaching priest who was able to bring restoration
to a destroyed people. It is generally accepted that Ezra wrote
Psalm 119. Note the emphasis on the Word of God in every verse.
c. Some commentators feel that the Teaching Gift is related to other
Ascension Gift Ministries, ie. that there are Apostle-Teachers,
Prophet-Teachers, Evangelistic-Teachers and that each one actually
carried a dual gift. The greatest example of the Teacher in the
New Testament is Jesus - John 3:2.
d. The Teacher is a waterer of the Church. He nourishes and supports
what the Apostle has established. 1 Corinthians 3:6-9. Note that
this is how the Lord is maturing His Church - by the washing of
water by the Word of God. Ephesians 5:27.
END of STUDY Part 5 May the Lord Bless You. Amen
