Lesson 4

Review There IS an order: First apostles, then prophets then teachers… Why? It equips the saints for the work of service or ministry As those with serving gifts are fed the Word, then they are more prepared to serve with the strength of God and not their own.

APOSTLES “apostolos” one who is sent from or sent forth Sent with a message, that being the gospel or the Word of God The One sending is God Apostles are those who are sent out to take the message of the gospel

Apostles Heb. 3:1 Jesus is called the Apostle and High Priest of our confession The 12 were sent out by Christ Himself From these 12 came the foundation of the church Revelation 21:14 Matthias was added to replace Judas Many signs and wonders took place by the 12 Ministry was to devote their time to prayer and the Word of God Spoke the Word of the Lord and delivered decisions

Apostles Paul was called an apostle Paul was sent, by Christ, primarily to the Gentiles, the 12 had been sent primarily to the Jews Galatians 1:19 James was called an apostle Acts 14:12-15 Barnabas, along with Paul I Thess. 1:1; 2:6 Silvanus and Timothy Romans 16:7 Andronicus and Junias Phil. 2:25 Epaphroditus

Apostles They were to equip the saints… UNTIL there is maturity or completion of the body So this gift is still in existence WARNINGS: 2 Cor. 11:13-14 and Rev. 2:2 False apostles Deceitful, disguised as and calling themselves messengers of Christ

Prophets “propheteia” a proclaimer of a divine message, one with a special gift and calling to proclaim the divine message ONLY gift which is mentioned in every reference where gifts are listed Speaking Gift which is concerned with the giving forth of God’s Word I Cor. 14 Speaks for the edification, exhortation and consolation to the body of Christ. The church is to desire the gift of prophecy

Prophets Warnings: Matt. 7 Beware of false prophets They can look like believers, but they don’t have the same fruit The believer is responsible to examine the lifestyle, character and words of the prophet. I John 4 Believers are to test the spirits to see if they are from God

Prophets Deut. 13, 18 and Jeremiah 28 If a sign or wonder does NOT come true, then that one is a false prophet One who leads others away from serving the Lord is a false prophet The gift of prophecy is not focused on predicting the future, since the Word has already laid out the prophecy of the future. The gift is for the edification, exhortation and consolation of the body of believers. I Cor. 14