The Evaluating of a
Prophet
The New Testament prophet
operates in a different spiritual dimension, than that of the Old Testament
compatriots. They do stand in opposition to sinful and misleading actions, and
also a minister of Yahushua the Messiyah, sharing with all the other Five-Fold
ministry the responsibility for maturing or perfecting the saints and edifying
the body of the Messiyah. His prophetic ministry can be at a time of critical
importance. It could be in the form of corrections or judgmental, but the end
product is ultimately one of restoring, refueling, building up, and developing
trust in the ministry and the body as a whole.
The prophet in not the sole
voice of YAHVEH! He is a part of an interdependent, mutually complementing
ministry together releasing and demonstrating the full ministry of the Messiyah
to His Body.
According to Dr. Noel Woodroffe:
- Unlike the old testament prophet who prophesied to a people bereft of a
personal inner witness and with no personal access to the kingdom and mind of
YAHVEH. The New Testament prophet speaks to the saints of Jesus Christ, the
member of His Body, all of whom have access to the presence of YAHVEH to
increase them in wisdom and maturity and develop their spiritual senses to such
a degree that they might be able to discern the quality of any ministry.[1]
I John 4:1 Beloved,
do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of YAHVEH;
because many false prophets have gone out into the world. John is speaking
to believers in the context of prophetic ministry and clearly directs the
individual to exercise his or her power of discernment by testing every
manifestation of a spirit.
Prophets are not
manmade, or independent spiritual authority, but they are ministers of the
Spirit who are accountable to the Messiyah and to their fellow Five-Fold
ministries. Prophets are subject to the same spiritual standard of ministerial
ethics, as the other four ministries. All ministries must function under the
seven spirits of Isaiah 11:2 and Revelation 5:6, all in the power of the Holy
Ghost and presenting its own unique dimension in the totality of the Mighty
Hand ministry.
All true Prophets
will make it clear that the Excellency of his power is from the Holy Spirit and
not man. The Apostle Paul illustrated the truth that living in the principle of
death to the flesh releases that life and power of YAHVEH so it can flow and be
manifested in the prophet’s life. To be an effective prophet today, they must
be operating in the spirit, speaking the prophetic word, which is the Word of YAHVEH
that transmits and releases the very essence of the Holy Spirit. He or she must
die to the flesh, implies losing all confidence in his or her own ability.
II Corinthians 3:5 Not
that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from
ourselves, but our sufficiency is from YAHVEH, 6 who also made us
sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the
Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. Dr. Woodroffe
says: - Rejoice in the crucifying of the flesh. Remember that the smell of
burning flesh in the Old Testament was a sweet savior to YAHVEH. Allow YAHVEH
to crucify the flesh.[2]
The ministry of the Apostle points to a care and a concern for the
quality of the words, which is spoken. The prophetic ministry must be very
careful about the words, which are declared in the Name of YAHVEH. Prophets
must have an open heaven, which guarantees that the outflow of the word of
YAHVEH is free from corruption, deceit, uncleanness, guile, flattery, and self.
A prophet is the agent of YAHVEH’s sovereign will. The word of Adonai must be
spoken in simplicity and YAHVEHly sincerity not with the wisdom of the world,
but through the Spirit of Wisdom.
II Corinthians 1:12 For our
boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves
in the world in simplicity and YAHVEHly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but
by the grace of YAHVEH, and more abundantly toward you.
The prophetic
ministry like the other four ministries does not produce any form of
domination, but are helpers who guide the new converts along the way to
maturity.
Proverbs 16:17 The
highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way
preserveth his soul. II Corinthians 1:24 Not that we have
dominion over your faith, but are fellow workers for your joy; for by faith you
stand. Isaiah
35:8
And an highway shall be there and a way, and it shall be called The Way of
holiness: the unclean shall not pass over it: but it shall be for those: the
wayfaring men, though foods, shall not err therein.
The will of YAHVEH
is in the mouth of the Prophet, regarding the sovereign will of YAHVEH for our
lives. It will never come from outside, but has dominion in the Spirit of
understanding, knowledge and wisdom of the Prophetic Ministry.
The true prophetic
ministry affects the spirit and transforms the heart and changes the soul, by
flowing in the understanding, knowledge, wisdom, and power of the Holy Spirit,
producing the image of Yahushua. Every spiritual prophetic ministry produces an
open manifestation of the truth and character of Yahushua the Messiyah. An
anointed prophetic ministry functions in a balance between the Spirit and the
Word, producing an open manifestation of Yahushua the Messiyah, both in
character and ministry. The spirit of all true ministry is not self elevation,
but one of submission, servant hood, zealous for the things of the Master.
The prophetic
ministry brings to the people fresh revelation and an ongoing revelation of the
mind of YAHVEH.
The Book of Amos
3:7 Surely YAHVEH YAHVEH does nothing; Unless He reveals
His secret to His servants the prophets. The prophet reveals and declares the pure
mind of YAHVEH in every person, church or situation.
Philippians 2:5 Let
this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in
the form of YAHVEH, did not consider it robbery to be equal with YAHVEH, 7
but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and
coming in the likeness of men. Do we still consult the prophet or do we embark into
situations blindly?
The word of the prophet reveals the attitude, counsel,
desires, intents, and thoughts of Adonai. They are the Watchmen of the
ministry, making sure that any false doctrine does not creep into the Gospel.
The ministry of the prophet is a strong revelatory ministry, specially called
to be one of the foundation laying ministries in the Body of the Messiyah.
Ephesians 2:20 having
been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself
being the chief cornerstone.
The principle of identification will destroy the rising up of any
unclean spirit of arrogance, self-motivation, dominion, and lording over the
people.
In Hebrew 2:14 Inasmuch then as the children
have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that
through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the
devil, 15 and release those who through fear of death were all their
lifetime subject to bondage.
16 For indeed He does not give aid
to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham. 17 Therefore,
in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful
and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to YAHVEH, to make propitiation
for the sins of the people.
A prophet cannot and should not begin to minister in the things of the
Kingdom until there is an identification of that ministry by his peers.
The power of the Seven Spirits and the Fruit of the Spirits is in
direct relationship to the level of revelation of the Messiyah. The relation
with other ministries is also in direct revelation to the level of
brother-hood. The prophetic ministry is a brother among the other Five-Fold
ministry. He is the one who speaks the word of YAHVEH with the Wisdom of
YAHVEH.
The true prophetic ministry will always focus on, exalt, and manifest
the Head of the Body, who is Yahushua the Messiyah. He does not focus on the emotions,
nor does he rely on the excitement of his word, he will never exalt himself, he
only exalts Yahushua the Messiyah. The true prophetic ministry releases and
activates the believer into a stronger supernatural manifestation of the Messiyah.
A stronger relation to the Messiyah produces the increase; remember the parable
of the sower and the seed, some 30, some 60 and some 100 folds. Our connection
to the Head will determine what fold we will operate under.
The true prophet, according to form, has no
diversity of visions, but an unchanging index of scriptural work, such as the
annunciation of Him, who is the Beginning and the End, and who created all
things. A prophet is not only a seer, but he is the organ of the Divine will.
Instructing in the Spirit of wisdom, knowledge and understanding of Adonai,
spreading abroad YAH’S kingdom, which is truth and love, fighting against error
and wickedness, that which is of this world, and having domination over his
fellow men is never his affair.
He does not preach about the present, but about a future state of
happiness, genuine peace in Adonai, and the hope of eternal life in His
presence, not originating from a personal impulse or selfishness, or from human
considerations, but as a willing instrument of personal enlightenment, inspired
by The Spirit of Adonai. A worthy example in work and walk, as an
obedient servant and a mediator between Adonai and man, between time and
eternity, between the kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of earth.
Through prayer, words, and deed, the prophet continues in a living
relation with Adonai and his fellow human beings. True prophets do not isolate
themselves; neither do they sink into the absorbing depths of their own
visions, feeling, and relations. Their prophecy does not refer to
personalities, but to the fate of people, nations and the world, therefore they
are able in their works to exhibit supernatural powers, strengthened by the
omnipotent power of their faith, and will power. They exercise dominion over
their own bodies as well as over the bodies of others and over nature.
The aim of the true prophet is the revelation of the Divine nature to
man, the spreading of the Kingdom
of Adonai
The
Prophet describes the Divine light as an instantaneous view, presented very
frequently in the most familiar symbols, of which the vision of Daniel, by the
great river, is one of the most remarkable illustrations of a vision.
Such a
condition such a penetrating and illumination of the Spirit can find its
agreement only in the original relation of the created with the Creator. The
created man should not exist for himself, nor by himself, but only in relation
with an Absolute Being. The more spiritually perfect the created, the more
inward and free is the communion between the creature and the Creator. The more
man is considered a co-worker with Adonai the more the revelation.
All true ministries produce the increase of Adonai, the Greek word auxano. Auxano is the natural growth or increase that takes place when
someone or something that has life does so under the normal conditions; this is
a natural and spiritual law. According to Dr. Woodroffe: - when prophetic
ministry is properly connected to the Head, then there flows the “”auxano”, the
life-releasing, growth-producing flow of the Spirit into the body that causes
increase.[3]
The Word of YAHVEH commands us to test, try, conform, and prove every
prophetic ministry.
I John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every
spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of YAHVEH; because many false
prophets have gone out into the world. 2By this you know the Spirit
of YAHVEH: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh
is of YAHVEH,
3and every spirit that does not
confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of YAHVEH. And this is
the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now
already in the world.
The Greek word dokimazo
to test or to prove, formulate the word try. We as believers must test the
spirit being manifested in the prophetic word. There are many false prophets in
the world today, but we have the authority and the tool to verify and confirm
everyone of them that manifest, keep holding fast to that which is good and
rejecting all that is against the sound doctrine of the Messiyah. I
Thessalonians 5:19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20
Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things; hold fast what
is good.
The prophetic word may originate from three sources: The human mind, an
evil spirit, and the Holy Spirit.
We are given an indicator of the source of the human mind in Ezekiel 3:1 And the
word of YAHVEH came to me, saying, 2“Son of man, prophesy against
the prophets of Yisrael who prophesy, and say to those who prophesy out of
their own heart, ‘Hear the word of YAHVEH!’
Here Adonai called on the true Prophets to speak against the false
Prophets who prophesy out of their own heart. Their ministry is based on
self-exaltation, self-deception, and self-proliferation. Because of their
falsehood, Adonai rejects them.
Ezekiel 13:9 “My hand will be against the
prophets who envision futility and who divine lies; they shall not be in the
assembly of My people, nor be written in the record of the house of Yisrael,
nor shall they enter into the land
of Yisrael
We are given the source of the evil spirit as elucidates, in I King 18
in that classic battle between the Prophet of Adonai and Baal. Elijah’s words
bring down the Power of Adonai, but the prophet of Baal when unanswered. We are
given an illustration of the divine source of YAHVEHly prophecy in II Peter 3:19 And so
we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that
shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your
hearts; 20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of
any private interpretation, 21 for prophecy never came by the will
of man, but holy men of YAHVEH spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
The Greek word (phero) which means to be carried or driven by a wind. True prophetic
words originate as the prophets of YAHVEH were driven by the wind of the Spirit
of YAHVEH. All ministry must operate
under the seven Spirits of Isaiah 11:2, manifesting the fruit of the Spirit of
gentleness along the way.
There are seven ways to judge the
prophetic word. They are found in the Seven Spirits of Adonai.
Isaiah 11: 2 The Spirit of YAHVEH shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of
wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and
might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of YAHVEH.
Revelation 5: 6 And I
looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living
creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been
slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of YAHVEH
sent out into all the earth.
The Spirit of YAHVEH is the Spirit
of the written Word. Every prophetic word is for the perfecting of the Body the
Messiyah.
Ephesians 4:11 And He
Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some
pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the
work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we
all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of YAHVEH,
to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of
Christ.
The word perfecting is the Greek
word ”Katartismos” the shaping or
molding to fit an already established standard. In the construction of the
golden Lamp stand a pattern was given to Moses and he was told four times to
build it Adonai’s way. All prophetic messages must be in line with the
principle or the written word the logos, which does not change.
Isaiah 8:9 And when they say to you, “Seek
those who are mediums and wizards, who whisper and mutter,” should not a people
seek their YAHVEH? Should they seek the dead on behalf of the living? 20To
the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it
is because there is no light in them.
Acts 17:11 These
were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the
word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether
these things were so.
We should not be skeptical and
critical pertaining to the prophetic word, but we should be mature to judge
whether the Spirit of the prophet is according to the Spirit of the Word of YAHVEH.
What is the Spirit of wisdom? Luke 2:40 And the
Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of YAHVEH
was upon Him. Hosea 14:9 Who
is wise? Let him understand these things. Who is prudent? Let him know them.
For the ways of YAHVEH are right; the righteous walk in them, But transgressors
stumble in them.
The Greek word phronimos, “prudent, sensible, practically wise,” Matt. 7:24 “Therefore
whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise
man who built his house on the rock:
10:16 “Behold,
I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and
harmless as doves.
Luke 12:42 And
YAHVEH said, “Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will
make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due
season?
16:8
“So
the master commended the unjust steward because he had dealt shrewdly. For the
sons of this world are shrewder in their generation than the sons of light.
What is the Spirit of Understanding? The
Greek word. nous , for which we
find mind, it is translated
“understanding” in Luke 24:45 kjv And He opened their
understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. “Their mind”.
1 Corinthians. 14:14 For if I pray in a tongue, my
spirit preys, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 What is the
conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the
understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the
understanding.
Phil. 4:7 and the peace of YAHVEH, which
surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ
Jesus.
The
Greek work Sunesis, akin to suniemi, “means to set together, to understand,” denotes “the understanding,
the mind or intelligence,”
Mark 12:33 And to
love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and
with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is more than all
the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. “Understanding, reflective thought,”
Luke 2:47 And all who heard Him
were astonished at His understanding and answers;
Corinthians.
1:19, “prudence”, 19For it is written: “I
will destroy the wisdom of the
wise, And bring to
nothing the understanding of the prudent.”
Eph. 3:4 by
which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of
Christ),
(KJV, “knowledge”);
Col. 1:9 For
this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you,
and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom
and spiritual understanding; 2:2 that
their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to
all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the
mystery of YAHVEH, both of the Father and of Christ. Dianoia , for which see mind, No. 2, is rendered “understanding”
In Eph. 4:18 having
their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of YAHVEH, because
of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart;
What is the Spirit of Power? 1. The
Greek word dunamis (, for the different
meanings of which, might is sometimes used, as a metonymy, of a
persons or a things, e.g., That which manifests YAH’S
“power”: Christ, 1 Corinthians. 1:24 but to those who are called,
both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of YAHVEH and the wisdom of YAHVEH; the gospel, Rom.
1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the
power of YAHVEH to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and
also for the Greek; of mighty works example Mark 6:5 Now He could do no mighty work there,
except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them, “mighty work.” II
Corinthians. 12:12 Truly the
signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs
and wonders and mighty deeds.
The Greek
word ( "exousia"
denotes freedom of action, right to act; used of YAHVEH, it is absolute,
unrestricted, example Luke 12:5 (rv
marg., “authority”); in Acts 1:7 “right of disposal” is what is indicated; used
of men, authority is delegated.
The Greek word (ischus “ability force,
strength,” is nowhere translated “power” in the rv
or kjv in 2 Thess. 1:9 These
shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of YAHVEH and
from the glory of His power.
The Spirit of Counsel according to the
Greek word 1. sumboulion" “a uniting in counsel bringing together,” boule, “counsel, or advice by the prophetic word”, denotes (a) “counsel” which is
given, taken and acted upon, example Matt. 12:14 Then the
Pharisees went out and plotted against Him, how they might destroy Him, “took counsel,” for kjv, “held a council”; 22:15; hence “a council,” an assembly of counselors or
persons in consultation, Acts 25:12, of the “council” with which Festus
conferred concerning Paul. The governors and procurators of provinces had a
board of advisers or assessors, with whom they took “counsel,” before
pronouncing judgment. sunedrion , properly, “a
settling together” (sun,
“together,” hedra, “a seat”), hence, (a) “any assembly or
session of persons deliberating or adjusting.
The Spirit of counsel is essential to give advice,
individually or corporately preaching. It is also required in deliberating and
adjusting doctrine in the Body.
The Spirit of Knowledge: - From the
Greek word “ginosko"
oida, ginosko, epiginosko, proginosko, epistamai sunoida
signifies “to be taking in knowledge, to come to know, recognize, understand,”
or “to understand completely to learn,” John 13:12; 1 John 2:5 in its past
tenses it frequently means “to know in the sense of realizing,” the aorist or
point tense usually indicating definiteness, Matt. 13:11; John 7:26; in 10:38
“that ye may know (aorist tense) and understand, (present tense)” Acts 3:6;
4:8;. In the sense of complete and absolute understanding on YAH’S part, is
used, in Luke 16:15.
In the New Testament ginosko frequently indicates a relation between the person
“knowing” and the object known. In this respect, what is “known” is of value or
importance to the one who knows, and hence the establishment of the
relationship, example, especially of YAH’S “knowledge,”
1 Corinthians. 8:3, “if any man love YAHVEH, the same is known of Him”; Gal.
4:9, “to be known of YAHVEH”; here the “knowing” suggests approval and bears the
meaning “to be approved”; so in 2 Tim. 2:19; Nah. 1:7; the relationship
implied may involve remedial chastisement, Amos 3:2. The same idea of
appreciation as well as “knowledge” underlies several statements concerning the
“knowledge” of YAHVEH and His truth on the part of believers,
example: John 8:32; Gal. 4:9; 1 John 2:3-13; such “knowledge” is
obtained, not by mere intellectual activity, but by operation of the Holy
Spirit consequent upon acceptance of Yahushua the Messiyah. Nor is such
“knowledge” marked by finality; see 2 Pet. 3:18.
Oida to
see,” is
a perfect tense with a present meaning, signifying, primarily, “to have seen or
perceived”; hence, “to know, to have knowledge of,” whether absolutely, as in
divine knowledge, example, or in the case of human “knowledge,” to know from
observation.
The differences between ginosko and oida demand
consideration: (a) ginosko, frequently
suggests inception or progress in “knowledge,” while oida suggests fullness of “knowledge,” e.g.,
John 8:55, “ye have not known Him” (ginosko),
i.e., begun to “know,” “but I know Him” (oida),
i.e., “know Him perfectly”; 13:7, “What I do thou knowest not now,” i.e. Peter
did not yet perceive (oida) its
significance, “but thou shalt understand,” i.e., “get to know (ginosko), hereafter”; 14:7, “If ye had known Me” (ginosko), i.e., “had definitely come to know Me,” “ye would have
known My Father also” (oida),
i.e., “would have had perception of”: “from henceforth ye know Him” (ginosko), i.e., having unconsciously been coming to the Father, as
the One who was in Him, they would now consciously be in the constant and
progressive experience of “knowing” Him; in Mark 4:13, “Know ye not (oida) this parable? and how shall ye know (ginosko) all the parables? Do ye not understand this parable? How shall ye come
to perceive all …” the intimation being that the first parable is a leading and
testing one; while ginosko frequently implies
an active relation between the one who “knows” and the person or
thing “known”, oida
expresses the fact that the object has simply come within the scope of the
“knower’s” perception; thus in Matt. 7:23 “I never knew you” (ginosko) suggests “I have never been in approving connection with
you,” whereas in 25:12, “I know you not” (oida)
suggests “you stand in no relation to Me.”
The Greek word epiginosko denotes (a) “to observe, fully perceive, notice
attentively, discern, recognize” it suggests generally a directive, a more
special, recognition of the object “known” than does; it also may suggest
advanced “knowledge” or special appreciation; therefore, in Rom. 1:32, “knowing
the ordinance of YAHVEH” (epiginosko) means
“knowing full well,” whereas in verse 21 “knowing YAHVEH” (ginosko) simply suggests that they could not avoid the perception.
Sometimes epiginosko implies a special
participation in the object “known,” and gives greater weight to what is stated;
thus in John 8:32, “ye shall know the truth,” ginosko is
used, whereas in 1 Tim. 4:3, “them that believe and know the truth,” epiginosko lays stress on participation in the truth. Cf.
the stronger statement in Col. 1:6 (epiginosko) with
that in 2 Corinthians. 8:9 (ginosko), and
the two verbs in 1 Corinthians. 13:12, “now I know in part (ginosko); but then shall I know (piginosko) even
as also I have been known (epiginosko),” “a
knowledge” which perfectly unites the subject with the object; (b) “to discover,
ascertain, determine,” e.g., Luke 7:37; 23:7; Acts 9:30; 19:34; 22:29; 28:1; in
24:11 the best mss. have this verb instead of No. 1; hence the rv, “take knowledge.” J. Armitage
Robinson (on Ephesians) points out that epignosis are
“knowledge directed towards a particular object, perceiving, discerning,”
whereas gnosis is knowledge in the abstract.
The Greek word proginosko “means
to know beforehand,” is used (a) of the divine “foreknowledge” concerning
believers, this could implies the action of the Prophet, Rom. 8:29; Yisrael,
11:2; Christ as the Lamb of YAHVEH, 1 Pet. 1:20, “foreknown” “foreordained”);
(b) of human previous “knowledge,” of a person, Acts 26:5, “having knowledge
of” (“which knew”); of facts, 2 Pet. 3:17.
The Greek word epistamai “to know, know of, understand” is used in Mark
14:68, “understand,” which follows oida “I
(neither) know; most frequently in the Acts, 10:28.
The Greek word sunoida, sun, “with,” a perfect tense with a present meaning, denotes
(a) “to share the knowledge of, be privy to,” Acts 5:2; (b) “to be conscious
of,” especially of guilty consciousness, 1 Corinthians. 4:4, “I know nothing
against myself.” The verb is connected with suneidon, found
in Acts 12:12.
The
Greek word gnorizo signifies “to come to
know, discover, know,” Phil. 1:22, “I know not,” “I have not come to know” (the
renders it, as under, “I do not make known”);
“to make known,” whether communicating things before “unknown,” Luke
2:15, 17; in the latter some have the verb diagnorizo; John
15:15, “I have made known” 2 Corinthians. 8:1, “we make known to you,” “shall make known shall declare”); 2 Pet.
1:16; or reasserting things already “known,” 1 Corinthians. 12:3, “I give (you)
to understand” (the apostle reaffirms what they knew); of the gospel; Gal. 1:11 he reminds them of
what they well knew, the ground of his claim to apostleship.
Spirit of the fear of YAHVEH: - The
Greek word phobos (1) of YAHVEH, as a controlling motive of the
life, in matters spiritual and moral, not a mere “fear” of His power and
righteous retribution, but a wholesome dread of displeasing Him, a “fear” which
banishes the terror that shrinks from His presence, Rom. 8:15, and which
influences the disposition and attitude of one whose circumstances are guided
by trust in YAHVEH, through the indwelling Spirit of YAHVEH, Acts 9:31. The
fear of the Messiyah, Phil. 2:12; 1 Pet. 1:17 a comprehensive phrase: the
reverential “fear” of YAHVEH will inspire a constant carefulness in dealing
with others in His “fear”.
2. The
Greek word eulabeia
signifies, firstly, “caution”; then, “reverence, YAHVEHly fear,” Heb. 5:7;
12:28, in best mss. “reverence”; in general, “apprehension, but especially holy
fear,” “that mingled fear and love which, combined, constitute the piety of man
toward YAHVEH; the OT places its emphasis on the fear, the NT … on the love,
though there was love in the fear of YAH’S saints then, as there must be fear
in their love now.”
The gift of prophecy is
demonstrated in the life of Yahushua to the woman at the well, John 4 and in
the prophets of the Old Testament demonstrated revelation gifts such as word of
wisdom, word of knowledge and discerning of spirits. Prophets can know about a
person or a situation because YAHVEH reveals it to them. The church needs this
guidance in order to be strong and mature. A Prophet can show an individual his
or her calling so that they can walk in the fullness of that ministry.
The Prophets redirect people to YAHVEH
and to live in holiness and in this way he is a corrector of our walk. He also
guards against false worship in the church and in this way he is a shepherd.
The Prophet often instructs people in the ways of YAHVEH and in this way he is
also a teacher. Consider this, if you were on the way to the Moon in the Space
shuttle and you were off course by 1 degree, you would miss the moon by a
hundred miles. Similar the office of the Prophet keeps the believers on track,
to the ultimate goal of full maturity.
The Prophet also equips the
saints so that they can hear and speak the living word as the Holy Spirit gives
it to them. The Prophet equips the brethren to be bold in sharing words of
wisdom, word of knowledge, and discerning of spirits. The Prophet equips
parents to discern things operating in their own families. This is so they can
help their children in a society that is filled with witchcraft, violence,
immorality, and idol worship of every sort. The Prophet imparts YAH’S purpose
and dealings to the brethren so that they can impart purpose and vision to
their families in every area of their own life whether it is at work, in the
neighborhood, or in school. One important function of the Prophet is to impart
boldness and confidence in YAHVEH in the midst of a wicked and perverse
society.
Hanna Samuel's
mother brought him a new coat every year; it was usually a little bigger, so
that he would grow into it. This carries a significant spiritual overtone. A
year in the dealing of YAHVEH emphasizes having gone through a spiritual four
seasons. The office of the Prophet will help a believer walk with confidence
when they seem to be going through the winter of their life, when nothing seems
to be going right.
Winter
represents a time of seemingly deadness, when, there is no apparent life in the
visible realm. It is a time when only the roots are growing seeking out new
source of food and nutrition deep in the bowls of the earth. This is a type of
our spiritual winter or time of extreme adversity reaching into the depths of YAHVEH
in prayer and waiting before YAHVEH for new revelation that will work in our
lives and prepare us for the time of breaking forth. It is the development
stage for the root system that will supply the food to start the initial
resurrection of springtime activity.[4]
Springtime
represent the time that the work accomplished during the winter, of reaching
into the depths for new source of nutrition, is manifest. When the warmth of
the springtime begins to activate and draw up on what has been gathered in the
roots during the winter, the magnitude of the winter work begins to be
manifest. Without the winter work, there would be no foundation work that could
be drawn upon until the leaves begin to produce food by photosynthesis. This is
the time of planting the seed and the ordering of the crops. This is also the
time of the rains that give the extra moisture that releases the nitrogen from
the air to be absorbed by the plant.[5]
Summer
represents the time when there are good conditions given for the seed planted
to grow into a fully matured plant that bring forth fruit. First there is the
blade, then the ear, then the corn. During this time there was an abundance of
sun to make the crops grow.[6]
Fall
the season of rewards, when the reason the seed was planted is realized, the
time when the vision is fulfilled, the time of gathering in, the time when the
work of all the year is made worthwhile.[7]
Number 11:29 Then Moses said to him, “Are
you zealous for my sake? Oh, that all YAHVEH’s people were prophets and that
YAHVEH would put His Spirit upon them! This is the heart of YAHVEH, The Apostle Paul speaking of the Gift of
prophecy said that we may all prophecy one by one; the heart of YAHVEH has
never changed. He wants a people in prophetic relationship with Him, but most
of the redeemed are in pathetic relationship with Him. YAHVEH wants to speak to us as He did to the prophets of old. As we look at the numerous
scriptures above we can see the mind of YAHVEH.
Prophets in the Old Testament
had a judgmental ministry in the New Testament it is an exalting ministry. In
the Old Testament Samuel the Prophet was the highest spiritual position in the
land but when we come to the New Covenant they are brought under Apostolic
ministry, under government and it said let the prophets speak one by one and
let another prophet judge. Under the Old covenant the prophetic ministry was
judgmental but under the New Covenant the function of the prophet change to a
confirming, strengthening and foretelling ministry. Under the Old the Prophet
look to the Cross; under the New they look back at the Cross. The office of the
Prophet is a New Testament office. YAHVEH has set in the Church first Apostles,
second Prophets, third Teachers, exhortation, comfort, and I Corinthians 14:1
edification. Comfort is the highest gift of prophecy. This is not an indicator
of an inhibition on the Prophet level of authority as they are all gifts. When
we respect the gift of prophecy YAHVEH will respect His word in us.
The gift of prophecy seems also to have been given to the
pious elders of Yisrael through their intercourse with Moses, for it is written
in Numbers 11: 23 “And YAHVEH said to
Moses, “Has YAHVEH’s arm been shortened? Now you shall see whether what I say
will happen to you or not.” 24 So Moses went out and told the people
the words of YAHVEH, and he
gathered the seventy men of the elders of the people and placed them around the
tabernacle.
25 Then
YAHVEH came down in the cloud, and spoke to him, and took of the Spirit that was
upon him, and placed the same upon the seventy elders; and it
happened, when the Spirit rested upon them, that they prophesied, although they
never did so again. 26 But two men had remained in the camp:
the name of one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad. And the
Spirit rested upon them. Now they were among those listed, but who had
not gone out to the tabernacle; yet they prophesied in the camp.
27 And a
young man ran and told Moses, and said, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the
camp.” 28 So Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, one of
his choice men, answered and said, “Moses my lord, forbid them!” 29 Then
Moses said to him, “Are you zealous for my sake? Oh, that all YAHVEH’s people
were prophets and that YAHVEH would put His Spirit upon them!”
The various conditions of clairvoyance are clearly described
by Moses. The personal conversations of YAHVEH with Moses, and his power of
beholding the Almighty in his humanity is a true similitude of a figurative
expression and must not be taken literally. This language is the expression or
impression of the divine word, and a light from the very purest source, which
is purely spiritual and revelatory from the Deity to man, that must be taken
according to the kind of light produced for and by different sources.
This spiritual language was understood by the Prophets of
all ages, and they could not communicate the revelation any other way, except
by voice or the written word, even that which came over them was much more
comprehensive and spiritual than any spoken word can describe. The language of
Adonai is the influence of a higher spiritual realm, where the spirit becomes
electrifying.
In Matthew 7:21-23 we find our
Lord reprimanding those who prophesy and cast out demons and who did many
mighty things in His name. Why are they disapproved of? Because they made self
their starting point; they themselves do things in the name of YAHVEH. This is
the activity of the flesh. Wherefore our Lord pronounces them to be evildoers,
instead of His laborers. He emphasizes that only that person who does the will
of His Father shall enter the Kingdom
of Heaven
A Prophet is a man or woman of YAHVEH who
The Messiyah has given the ascension gifts of a prophet, Ephesians 4:11 And He
Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some
evangelists, and some pastors and teachers. The ministry of prophecy is one of the Five-Fold
ascension gift ministries who are an extension of The Messiyah's ministry to
His body the church. Theirs is an anointed ministry in which dwell the gifts to
perceive and speak the specific purpose of The Messiyah to the individual and
corporate body. The Bible cannot contain the entire specifics that YAHVEH has
in store for each individual that is why we need the Prophet to point the way
until we are mature enough to see for ourselves.
Yahushua gave an inspired testimony and praise
through one of His servant the prophet, uttering the songs of YAHVEH as shown
in Hebrew 2:12 Saying: “I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst
of the assembly I will sing praise to You.”
Revelation 19:10 CJB - I fell at his feet to worship him; but
he said, "Don't do that! I'm only a fellow servant with you and your
brothers who have the testimony of Yahushua. Worship YAHVEH! For the
testimony of Yahushua is the Spirit of prophecy."
The Ministry of the Prophet includes all the
dealings to which the Holy Spirit used to make known the heart and mind of Yahushua
the Messiyah to the people. The prophetic ministry includes the ministry of the
prophet, prophetic ministers, and all prophetic people. It includes all
ministry and manifestations of the Holy Spirit and all the scriptural ways in
which YAHVEH can be praised. This can include prophetic worship with singing,
praising, prophesying, song of YAHVEH, praise-dancing. It includes all
dedicated physical expressions that may be properly glorifying to YAHVEH and edify the
Church. David dancing at the return of the Ark of the Covenant is such an
expression of prophetic dancing.
A prophetic presbytery is when two or more
prophets ministered, by laying-on-of-hands on an individual or individuals in
prophetic sections. These sections are conducted for the following reasons:
One, for revealing the ministry of a member of the Church to the larger body.
Two, for giving a Rhema word to an individual or the body at large, for the
impartation and activation of divinely ordained gifts, grace, and callings, for
the revelation, clarification, and confirmation of leadership ministry in the
local body. Three, for the laying on of hands and prophecy over those called
and properly prepared to be an ordained Five-Fold ministry.
The prophet is also known as a
watchman. On the tower, Ezekiel 33: 1 CJB - The word of YAHVEH came to me. 2 Human being, speak to your people; say to them,
suppose I bring the sword on a country, and the
people of that country take one of their men and appoint him their watchman. 3
Now if, upon seeing the sword coming against that country, he blows the
shofar and warns the people
4- Then, if the sword comes and take away
someone who heard the sound of the shofar but paid no attention to it, the
responsibility for that person's death will be his own. 5 He heard
the shofar but paid no attention, so the responsibility for his death is his
own; whereas if he had paid attention, he would have saved his life.
6 But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not
blow the shofar, so that the people are not warned; and then the sword comes
and take any one of them, that one is indeed taken away in his guilt, but I
will hold the watchman responsible for his death.
7 Like wise you, human being, I have appointed you as
watchman for the house of Isra'el. Therefore, when you hear the word from my
mouth, warn them for me. 8 When I tell the wicked person, 'Wicked
person, you will certainly die'; and you fail to speak and warn the wicked
person to leave his way; then that wicked person will die guilty; and I will
hold you responsible for his death.
9 On the other hand, if you warn the wicked to
turn from his way, and he doesn't turn from his way; then he will still die
guilty, but you will have saved your own life.
The responsibility of the
watchman is to warn Yisrael or the church that they are going or be invaded. To
sound the warning was the only way the watchman could clear himself.
Ezekiel 2:1 He said
to me, "Human being! Stand up! I want to speak with you!" 2 As
he spoke to me, a spirit entered me and put me on my feet, and I heard him who
was speaking to me. 3 He said, Human being! I am sending you to the
people of Yisrael, that nation of rebels who have rebelled against me - they
and their ancestors have been transgressing against me to this day.
4 Because they are defiant, hardhearted children, I am
sending you; and you are to tell them, 'Here is what Adonai Elohim says.' 5 Whether they listen or not, this
rebellious house will still know that a prophet has been among them! 6 “AS
for you, human being, don't be afraid of them or their words, even if briars
and thorns surround you, and you sit among scorpions. Don't be afraid of their
words or be upset by their looks, for they are a rebellious house.
7 “You are to speak my words to them, whether they listen
or not, for they are very rebellious. 8“But you, human being, hear
what I am telling you: don't you be rebellious like that rebellious house. Open
your mouth, and eat what I am about to give you. Too often the office or the
ministry of the prophet does not exist in the body of The Messiyah or the
church. This allows the enemy to come undetected into the Local Body without
detection; he can create havoc, producing false doctrine along the way. Today’s
churches are but a giant kinder garden. Many are being saved, but only a small
number is coming to maturity.
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