Teacher Prophets

DOES GOD APPOINT TEACHERS TODAY? IF SO, WHAT IS THEIR ROLE? HOW SHOULD THEY

RELATE TO THE WORD OF GOD AND THOSE TO WHOM THEY BRING THE PROPHESY?

ARE ALL BELIEVERS TEACHERS AND PROPHETS?

Christ is a teacher and this would seem to imply that all those who bring the Word in His Name are teachers, prophets, messengers…

Joh 3:2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

Eph 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

Ro 2:20 An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.

1Ti 2:7 Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.

2Ti 1:11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.

1Ti 1:7 Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.

Heb 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.

A TEACHER PROPHET, WORKMAN OR LABOURER IS ONE WHO’S SENT BY GOD

Teacher prophets should be well equipped to speak on behalf of the Lord. So constant studies and prayerful searching the Word is a must.

2Ti 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman <2040> that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Mt 9:38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers <2040> into his harvest.

Mt 23:34 Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:

Pr 25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.

Lu 8:10 And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.

A TEACHER PROPHET SHOULD DELIVER A FIRM MESSAGE

The message of a teacher prophet should be firmly delivered as best as he/she believes it is revealed to them by God.

1Co 14:8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?

Eze 33:6 But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman’s hand.

Eze 3:17 Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.

Jer 23:29 Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?

A TEACHER PROPHET MUST DECLARE THE WHOLE COUNSEL OF GOD

A teacher prophet should be willing to analyze and consider the whole counsel of God which I believe would include the use of numbers and genealogical calendars that seem to establish a historical timeline.

Jer 26:2 Thus saith the LORD; Stand in the court of the LORD’S house, and speak unto all the cities of Judah, which come to worship in the LORD’S house, all the words that I command thee to speak unto them; diminish not a word:

Lu 4:4 And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.

Re 22:18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:

Re 22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

DIFFERENT GIFTS AND LEVELS OF UNDERSTANDING?

God appears to assign different gifts and levels of understanding to teachers, according to His will. Many members, yet ONE body.

1Co 12:4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

1Co 12:5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.

1Co 12:6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

1Co 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

1Co 12:8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

1Co 12:9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

1Co 12:10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

1Co 12:11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

EXCEPT FOR GOD’S GRACE, THE WORD WILL ALWAYS BE RESISTED OR REJECTED

God’s Word is a SWORD that comes against the sinful hearts of unregenerate man. Therefore it will always be contrary to our personal desires. However, it should not be subject to selective teaching to satisfy our needs.

1Co 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Jer 6:16 Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.

Mt 13:15 For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

2Co 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Mt 25:30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Joh 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

A FAITHFUL TEACHER PROPHET WILL OFTEN BE DESPISED OR HATED

Lu 6:26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.

Mt 10:14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.

Lu 21:17 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake.

Ro 11:3 Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life.

A FALSE TEACHER PROPHET CAN GIVE INTELLECTUAL ASSENT OF PARABLES

False teachers appear to be present both inside and outside local churches and may have a good deal of intellectual knowledge of the Bible.

Da 8:23 And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.

Mt 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

Jude 1:5 I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.

Heb 10:39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

Lu 17:32 Remember Lot’s wife.

FOR GOOD OR BAD, A TEACHER PROPHET IS ANOINTED OF GOD

Whether for good or bad, a teacher prophet is anointed of God and his/her personal character should not be the object of ridicule. One should seek to fault the message rather than the messenger. Those who find repeated fault in a message might find it better to dissociate themselves with a teacher to avoid strife and debate.

2Sa 1:14 And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the LORD’S anointed? (Saul)

Ac 3:3 Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?

Ac 3:4 And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God’s high priest?

Ac 23:5 Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.

Ex 22:28 Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.

Ac 5:38 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:

Ac 5:39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

2Jo 1:10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:

Lu 9:50 And Jesus said unto him, Forbid { } not: for he that is not against us is for us.

A TEACHER PROPHET MUST BE OPEN TO CORRECTION

A faithful teacher, prophet or messenger should be open to correction but it has to come from the Bible taking into account the whole counsel of God.

2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Pr 15:10 Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.

Pr 23:13 Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.

MOST PEOPLE WILL SEEK TEACHER PROPHETS WHO WILL TELL THEM WHAT THEY WANT TO HEAR

Since by nature men tend to reject the whole counsel of God, most seek teachers who preach what they like. However, a teacher prophet should never compromise God’s Word for the sake of peace. This should be especially true today since God Himself is bringing about a separation.

Isa 30:10 Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:

2Ti 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

2Ti 4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

2Th 2:11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

De 4:19 And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the LORD thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven.

Isa 29:13 Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:

GOD ALSO SENDS FALSE PROPHETS TO DECEIVE OTHERS IN JUDGMENT

Ps 17:13 Arise, O LORD, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, { } thy sword:

Ps 57:4 My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.

Jas 3:6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

Eze 5:16 When I shall send upon them the evil arrows <02671> of famine, which shall be for their destruction, and which I will send to destroy you: and I will increase the famine upon you, and will break your staff of bread:

Ps 7:13 He hath also prepared for him the instruments of death; he ordaineth his arrows <02671> against the persecutors.

Jer 50:14 Put yourselves in array against Babylon round about: all ye that bend the bow, shoot at her, spare no arrows <02671>: for she hath sinned against the LORD.

ARE TEACHER PROPHETS LIMITED TO THE CHURCH AGE AND LOCAL CONGREGATIONS?

Heb 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.

Re 14:6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach <2097> unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

1Pe 1:25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached <2097> unto you.

Eph 3:8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach <2097> among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

Re 14:7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

Re 11:5 And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.

A FALSE TEACHER PROPHET CLAIMS TO BE SENT BY GOD

Many people, it seems, want to teach the Word of God. However often times a so called prophet or teacher does not receive God’s revelation and therefore teach lies from their own minds.

Jer 14:15 Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that prophesy in MY NAME, and I sent them not, yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land; By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed.

Jer 14:14 Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.

Jer 23:32 Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the LORD, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the LORD.

Jer 14:16 And the people to whom they prophesy shall be cast out in the streets of Jerusalem because of the famine and the sword; and they shall have none to bury them, them, their wives, nor their sons, nor their daughters: for I will pour their wickedness upon them.

Jer 23:25 I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed.

Jer 23:28 The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD.

BE NOT <MANY> MASTERS (TEACHERS)

Teacher prophets should be careful in saying “thus sayeth the Lord.” God seems to identify the word <many> with false prophets who come under judgment today.

Jas 3:1 My brethren, be not many <4183> masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

Mt 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many <4183> there be which go in thereat:

Mt 7:22 Many <4183> will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

Mt 19:30 But many <4183> that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.