1. DEFINING THE PROPHET.
Ø Eph 4:11-13. “Gifts to men” more accurately is “gifted men”
As in the building of a house requires different skilled workmen, so too it is with Gods’ house.
Ø Apostles, prophets, pastors/teachers, evangelists equip the whole local church to be apostolic, prophetic, pastoral, evangelistic.
Ø Prophets in the OT were like a ‘plumb line’ to the King. IE Nathan or Elijah or Haggaii. In the NT they are mainly to equip the church to be prophetic to the community and nations.
Ø Prophetic is an adjective. Not a noun!
Ø The office of the prophet is different from a person who prophesies or has accurate word of knowledge.
Ø Provs 24:3 By wisdom, insight, understanding the house is built.. Apostle, Prophet, pastor gifting…
2.DEFINING THE PEOPLE.
Ø It is normal for a Christian to be supernatural. It is Gods’ expectation for the church to be prophetic.
Ø The church in being prophetic is s ‘sign post’ pointing to the King of the Kingdom. Matt 6.33
Ø Hebs 5:6 Gives us several assurances. IE Back to the future;
1. there are 2 ages.
2. there is a future age and this present evil age.
3. the power of the age to come rules, has dominion, reigns
over, kingdomizes’ the powers of this present age.
4.We are born from above; we are aliens.
5. We have only “tasted’ ( ice cream taste) As the kingdom progresses towards its consummation we can expect the increase of its dynamic kingdom (Is 9:11)
§ Prophetic people. Are Christians living a lifestyle which is future NOW
§ IE Churchill and air force. Or Noah, or Moses (hebs11) who choose because he was looking ahead.
3. DEFINING PROPHETIC LIFESTYLE.
Augustine: “I speak of Christ all the day and sometimes with my words” It is a prophetic lifestyle God wants.
Ø Matt 6: Your kingdom come ON EARTH as it is HEAVEN.
Ø By examining the character of heaven… future…. we see how to live on earth a kingdom, or prophetic lifestyle.
Ø Examples: the worship of heaven on earth
the bridal passion of heaven
righteous living (business) (dating) Roms 17:14
healing / deliverance… each are demonstrations of the superior power of heaven released through the prophetic people on earth… even the raising of the dead! The ultimate and final enemy to be destroyed.
The Prophet Jesus: We are like Jesus demonstrating the prophetic lifestyle in several ways: Each of these examples provoke a recognition of the Lord Jesus as a prophet.
1. Providing for the poor: John 6:14 surely this is the prophet.
2. Perception of desires of man. John 4:19 Sir, I perceive you are a prophet.
3. Power. Luke 7:16 Widow of Nain… don’t cry!…a great prophet has arisen amongst us…
4. Persecution Matt 5:11… for so they persecuted the prophets before you.
5. 5. Proclamation in humility John 7:40…surely this man is a
6. prophet…
7. in triumph… Matt21:10-11 The whole city
8. asking who is this.. This is Jesus a prophet
9. from Nazareth in Galilee….
AMEN!
musisza