Feb21-27: The Integrity of the Prophetic Gift

The Integrity of the Prophet

1. What is the role of a prophet according to 1 Kings 22:10-18?

• 1Kings 22:14 And Micaiah said, As the LORD liveth, what the LORD saith unto me, that will I speak.

ANSWER:

• To deliver God’s message, nothing more and nothing less.

OBSERVATION AND QUESTIONS:

• Observe what Micaiah said in verse 15, “And he answered him, Go, and prosper: for the LORD shall deliver it into the hand of the king.”

• Did God tell Micaiah to say that? As far as I can see what Micaiah said in verse 15 was not what God told him to say. Because the king demanded Micaiah to tell the truth in the name of the LORD? So somehow the king was able to figure out that Micaiah was speaking in his own way.

• Did Micaiah lie because he felt the pressure from the king and all other false prophets?

• Was Micaiah being sarcastic in a mocking way to the king?

• Just looking at the Bible, I am not sure what the motive was for Micaiah to give wrong message in the beginning. But one thing is clear. And that is he did give a wrong message. And I really cannot see God told him say that. Therefore we see Micaiah making a human mistake. We do not know the reasons behind it but we can definitely say it was a wrong message.

CONCLUSION:

• Based upon above observations, we can see that even true prophets can make mistakes and wrong judgments. Therefore prophets are not infallible. When are they not infallible? When they share their own human opinions and decisions. Then what aspect of a prophet can be consider infallible? When they deliver God’s message, nothing more and nothing less.

The Integrity of the Message

1. Read Jer. 43:2-4. What did the people accuse Jeremiah, and who was said to have originated the counsel that Jeremiah declared to be from the Lord?

ANSWER:

• Baruch

• Who was Baruch? Baruch was a scribe for Jeremiah. In today’s term, we can call him Jeremiah’s secretary.

• Jer. 36:32 Then took Jeremiah another roll, and gave it to Baruch the scribe, the son of Neriah; who wrote therein from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of the book which Jehoiakim king of Judah had burned in the fire: and there were added besides unto them many like words.

• Jer. 36:26 But the king commanded Jerahmeel the son of Hammelech, and Seraiah the son of Azriel, and Shelemiah the son of Abdeel, to take Baruch the scribe and Jeremiah the prophet: but the LORD hid them.

OBSERVATION:

• It is interesting to observe how the people discredit the message by saying it is from Baruch. Apparently Baruch was not accepted as a prophet, a mouthpiece of God.

• They accused Jeremiah by saying that he got the message (those words in verse 2) from Baruch, meaning someone else and not from God.

• Why did they refuse to accept the message? Because they thought, in their own human reasoning, it would be better for them to seek a refuge with Egyptians then to surrender to Babylonians. Their decision sounds like an obvious choice but not based upon the wisdom of God.

• Isn’t it interesting to observe how some people discredit Ellen G. White’s writing by saying it was written by her secretary or she got it from somewhere else and at the same time they do not deny the fact that she is a prophet.

CONCLUSION:

• Even if Jeremiah were to use Baruch’s writing, if God told him to use Baruch’s writing then it would still be God’s message.

APPLICATION:

• Do you know any thing in the writings of Ellen White that you want to discredit because you think it is not from God? How do you determine that it is not from God?

“Thus Says the Lord”

1. What did the prophets often designate as the source of their messages? Jer. 1:4, Ezek. 7:1, Hos. 1:1.

ANSWER:

• Jer. 1:4 Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying

• Ezek. 7:1 Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying

• Hos. 1:1 The word of the LORD that came unto Hosea

OBSERVATIONS:

• Prophets are only mouthpiece of God.

• Prophets cannot claim authorship of what they deliver because God is the Author.

• Prophets are being inspired to deliver the message from God but they are not the inspirer of the message.

Growth in Understanding

1. What do the following texts tell us about the spiritual-growth experience of biblical prophets? Dan. 8:27, 9:2.

ANSWER:

• Dan. 8:27 And I Daniel fainted, and was sick certain days; afterward I rose up, and did the king’s business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood it.

• Dan. 9:2 In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.

OBSERVATION:

• It is possible for a prophet to receive a vision or a message and may not understand the meaning of the message fully or partially.

• Prophet Daniel needed to study the prophecy in the book of Jeremiah. Hence I support the following statement from the Sabbath School Lesson.

• “The possession of the prophetic gift in biblical times did not imply immediate, full, and complete knowledge of spiritual and other matters. Prophets received increased light as history unfolded and as they were able to understand it. Theyalso had to study Scripture, as the case of Daniel illustrates (Dan. 9:2).”

CONCLUSION:

• Therefore the prophets in the Bible had a growing experience in their understanding of God’ will and His wisdom.

DISCUSSION:

• Could you name some prophets that has a growing experience in their understanding?

When Prophets Get It Wrong

1. Read 2Samuel 7:1–7. What was wrong with Nathan’s advice to David, and why would God not allow David to build Him a temple? 1Chron. 22:8.

• 2Sam. 7:3 And Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that is in thine heart; for the LORD is with thee.

OBSERVATIONS:

• For sure Nathan was only sharing his opinion here.

• We know from the rest of the story that God did not permit David to build the temple because David shed too much blood.

• 1Chr. 22:7 And David said to Solomon, My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God: 1Chr. 22:8 But the word of the LORD came to me, saying, Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars: thou shalt not build an house unto my name, because thou hast shed much blood upon the earth in my sight.

• Obviously Nathan did not know the will of God regarding the building of the temple.

• Notice how Nathan did not say, ‘thus says the Lord’ and “do all that is in thine heart; for the LORD is with thee”.

• Nathan was simply saying, ‘yeah, I can see that God is with you, why not, go ahead with the project, I am sure God will bless you’

CONCLUSION:

• It is not wrong for a prophet to express his or her to give according to his or her understanding. After all, prophets are not always receiving vision and dreams from God. Again, the message that the prophets receive is infallible but not the instruments that receive the message. If a prophet gives a wrong opinion or judgment, we must trust that God will correct that mistake.

DISCUSSIONS AND QUESTIONS:

• So is Nathan a false prophet because he shared his own opinion?

• How do we distinguish the difference between “thus says the Lord” from ‘thus says the prophet’s opinion’?

Feb14-20: The Authority of the Prophets

The Prophet as God’s Mouthpiece

1. Read Exodus 4:10–16, the dialogue between God and Moses. What happened here, and what can we learn from this exchange about how prophets are called and how they operate?

• Ex. 4:10 And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.

• Ex. 4:11 And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man’s mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD?

• Ex. 4:12 Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.

• Ex. 4:13 And he said, O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send.

• Ex. 4:14 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart.

• Ex. 4:15 And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do.

• Ex. 4:16 And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people: and he shall be, even he shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead of God.

ANSWER:

• See verse 12 –“I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say”

• See verse 15 –“Thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth…will teach you what you shall do”

• See verse 16 –“He shall be thy spokesman unto the people”

OBSERVATION:

• Prophet’s role is to be God’s spokesman

• God guides the mouth of His prophet

• God teaches the prophet what to say

• God put words in His prophet’s mouth

• God teaches the prophet what to do

CONCLUSION:

• The authority of the prophets is based upon the fact that God speaks through them.

The Authority of the Incarnate Word

1. What do the following texts tell us about Jesus’ authority? Matt. 7:28-29, Mark 1:21-27, Luke 8:22-25, John 5:25-27.

ANSWER:

• Matt. 7:28-29 – Jesus has authority over the word of God

• Mark 1:21-27 – Jesus has authority over the unclean spirits

• Luke 8:22-25 – Jesus has authority over the nature

• John 5:25-27 – Jesus has authority to execute judgment

OBSERVATION:

• Matt. 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Matt. 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Matt. 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

• Since Jesus has the authority to over all things, He could give authority to His disciples to teach. Therefore we can believe the teachings of His disciples.

Authority of the Written Word

1. Compare these two responses to God’s Written Word: 2 Kings 22:10–13; Jeremiah 36:22–31.

ANSWER:

• 2 King 22:10-13 – The king rent his clothes

• Jer. 36:22-31 – The king burn the book

APPLICATION:

• You may burn the book but you cannot burn the truth.

• You may ignore the writing of the Spirit of Prophecy but you cannot destroy the truth contain in the Spirit of Prophecy.

The Authority of the Spoken Word

1. What effect did the spoken Word of God have on people in the following passages? Jer. 38:1–4, John 3:1–10, 6:51–66, Acts 16:25–34.

ANSWER:

• Jer. 38:1–4 – They wanted to kill Jeremiah

• John 3:1–10 – Nicodemus felt something was missing in his life

• John 6:51–66 – They walked no more with Jesus

• Acts 16:25–34 – The keeper of the prison want to be saved

OBSERVATION:

• The spoken Word of God has dramatic effect on the hearts of the people. Either negative or positive, strong desire to reject or accept, God’s spoken word has power to cause people to make a strong decision.

• The Spirit of Prophecy has similar effect on the hearts of the reader. Perhaps this is the reason why many people do not want to be exposed to the truths contained in the Spirit of Prophecy. Because they know they cannot have neutral response to the message.

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:

• Do you enjoy reading the Spirit of Prophecy?

• Do you purposely avoid reading the Spirit of Prophecy?

• Why do you ignore the writings of the Spirit of Prophecy?

• Do you wish to believe that the Spirit of Prophecy does not have the authority of God?

The Authority of Non-canonical Prophets

1. What authority did extracanonical prophets have? 2Sam. 12:1–4, 1Kings 11:29–39, 14:2–18, Luke 7:28.

• 2 Sam. 12:1-4 – Prophet Nathan

• 1 Kings 11:29-39, 14:2-18 – Prophet Ahijah

• Luke 7:28 – John the Baptist

OBSERVATIONS:

• None of the above prophet wrote anything that included in the Bible

• However it is clear that they spoke with the authority from God

DISCUSSIONS AND QUESTIONS:

• We know that Ellen White’s writing cannot be considered as an addition to the Bible although it is truly inspired by God. So then what is the purpose of her writing?

• What was the purpose of those extracanonical prophets in the Bible?

Feb7-13: The Work of the Prophets

Preaching the Gospel

1. What is the Greek definition for the word, gospel?

ANSWER:

• If a claimed prophet speak according to the law and to the testimony.

• 2098. euaggelion, yoo-ang-ghel´-ee-on; from the same as 2097; a good message, i.e. the gospel: — gospel.

• 2097. euaggelizo, yoo-ang-ghel-id´-zo; from 2095 and 32; to announce good news (“evangelize”) especially the gospel: — declare, bring (declare, show) glad (good) tidings, preach (the gospel).

2. What is the gospel?

• Rom. 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

• 2Tim. 1:8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God

ANSWER:

• The power of God unto salvation

3. What is the power of God?

• 1Cor. 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

ANSWER:

• The cross

4. What was accomplished through the cross?

• Eph. 2:16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby

• Col. 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

ANSWER:

• To make peace and reconciliation

5. Where do we have the message of reconciliation (the gospel) in the Old Testament that foreshadowing the cross?

• Lev. 8:15 And he slew it; and Moses took the blood, and put it upon the horns of the altar round about with his finger, and purified the altar, and poured the blood at the bottom of the altar, and sanctified it, to make reconciliation upon it.

• Lev. 16:20 And when he hath made an end of reconciling the holy place, and the tabernacle of the congregation, and the altar, he shall bring the live goat:

ANSWER:

• We can see the gospel through the sanctuary service in the Old Testament.

6. What is the good tiding in the Old Testament?

• Is. 40:9 O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God!

ANSWER:

• Behold your God!

7. Where else in the Old Testament do we have “behold your God” message?

• Num. 21:8 And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live.

• Num. 21:9 And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.

ANSWER:

• When Moses lifted up the brass serpent

8. What is the meaning of lifting up the brass serpent?

• John 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

• John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. John 12:33 This he said, signifying what death he should die.

ANSWER:

• The Cross of Jesus

CONCLUSION:

• The gospel is the same in the Old and the New Testament. The death of Jesus for our reconciliation and salvation. Preaching the gospel was the main part of God’s prophets.

Guiding God’s People

1. What is the purpose of the inspired words of God? 2 Tim. 3:16-17

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

• 2Tim. 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

ANSWER:

• To understand doctrine

• For reproof

• For correction

• For instruction in righteousness

• That the man of God may be perfect

2. Observe the following verses that come right after 2 Tim. 3:16, 17.

• 2Tim. 4:1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

• 2Tim. 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

• 2Tim. 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;

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

• 2Tim. 4:5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

OBSERVATION:

• Since all scripture is given by inspiration of God and is good for reproof and for correction, pastor Timothy has been called to preach the word in the manner of reprove, rebuke, and exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

APPLICATION QUESTION:

• How do we react to reproofs and rebukes from a prophet or a preacher?

MORE STUDY: See what the Bible says about reproof

• Prov. 1:23 Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.

• Prov. 1:30 They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.

• Prov. 10:17 He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.

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

• Prov. 15:31 The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.

• Prov. 15:32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding

Communicating God’s Will

1. What are some of the ways the prophet delivered God’s messages to His people? Num. 9:1-5; Jer. 37:16, 17; Ezek. 4:1-6; Col. 4:16

ANSWER:

• Num. 9:1-5 –Visible and public manner

• Jer. 37:16, 17 –Private manner

• Ezek. 4:1-6 –Visible living parable

• Col. 4:16 –Via letters

Jan31-Feb6: Testing the Prophet

Agreement With the Bible

1. What is one of the most important tests of a true prophet according to Isa. 8:20?

• Is. 8:20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

ANSWER:

• If a claimed prophet speaks according to the law and to the testimony.

2. What is the Hebrew definition for the law and the testimony?

ANSWER:

• Law-8451 towrah, to-raw´; or torah, to-raw´; from 3384; a precept or statute, especially the Decalogue or Pentateuch:—law.

• Testimony-8584. teh-oo-daw´; from 5749; attestation, i.e. a precept, usage:—testimony.

• 5749. ood; a primitive root; to duplicate or repeat; by implication, to protest, testify (as by reiteration)

OBSERVATION:

• The “law” is referring to Torah (the first five books in the Old Testament, the writing of Moses).

• The “testimony” is referring to the witness from the prophets that repeat or reiterate things that are already in Torah. In this sense then everything must be tested by the writings of Moses.

• If a prophet speaks not according to and not in harmony to the writings of Moses and the previous prophets then “there is no light in them” then he is not a true prophet.

3. What are some of the major teachings in Torah (Genesis to Deuteronomy) that can be use as to test claimed prophets today?

• Gen. 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. Gen. 2:3 And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

• Gen. 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

• Gen. 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. Gen. 3:4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: Gen. 3:19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.

• Gen. 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

• Ex. 25:8 And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.

• Ex. 31:18 And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.

• Lev. 16:30 For on that day shall the priest make an atonement for you, to cleanse you, that ye may be clean from all your sins before the LORD.

• Num. 1:2 Take ye the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, after their families, by the house of their fathers, with the number of their names, every male by their polls

• Deut. 8:2 And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no. Deut. 8:3 And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.

ANSWER:

• Gen. 2:2-3 The creation story and the Sabbath

• Gen. 3:1 The existence of Satan and the fall of man

• Gen. 2:7; 3:4, 19 The state of the dead

• Gen. 15:6 The righteousness by faith

• Ex. 25:8 The sanctuary

• Ex. 31:18 The Ten Commandments

• Lev. 16:30 The final atonement

• Num. 1:2 Organized church

• Deut. 8:2-3 Living by the Word of God

OBSERVATION:

• If a prophet speaks contrary to creation, the Sabbath, the existence of Satan, the nature of sin, the state of the dead, the righteousness by faith, the sanctuary, the Ten Commandments, the final atonement, the need for church organization and importance of living by the Word of God then he is not a true prophet.

4. Why did Isaiah mention about the importance of testing in Isaiah chapter 8? What are some of the issues that he was dealing with in chapter 8?

• Is. 8:12 Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid.

• Is. 8:16 Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples.

• Is. 8:19 And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?

ANSWER:

• Is. 8:12-Evil alliance or conspiracy

• Is. 8:19-Spiritualism

• Is. 8:16-The importance of sealing with the law and the testimony

OBSERVATION AND APPLICATION:

• See how evil alliance problem is connected to spiritualism and see how sealing message is connected to the need to test the spirits according to the law and to the testimony

• In the last days there will be worldwide evil alliance in connection with spiritualism. During that time, those who test all things by the law and the testimony will be sealed with the law and the testimony. This group is mentioned in Rev. 12 as the “remnant” which keeps the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus.

APPLICATION:

• How diligent are you when it comes to testing things that you hear and see?

Confessing Jesus, God-man

1. What was one of the issues John faced in his time; and what does he say is another mark of a true prophet? 1John 4:1-3

• 1John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

• 1John 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:

• 1John 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

ANSWER:

• False prophets teaching that Jesus Christ is not come in the flesh.

OBSERVATIONS AND QUESTION:

• This deceptive teaching had to be such an important issue back in John’s day because he mentioned it again in 2 John. 2John 1:7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

• This deceptive teaching is connected to the spirit of antichrist

• Therefore there is a connection between many false prophets and the spirit of antichrist.

• There is a similar picture in Matthew 24:24

• In order to distinguish between the true and the false prophet, we must understand that Jesus came in the flesh.

2. Did John believe that Jesus took human flesh?

• John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

ANSWER:

• Yes

3. What did apostle Peter say about the flesh of Jesus?

• 1Pet. 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit

• 1Pet. 4:1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin

ANSWER:

• Jesus experienced death in the flesh (not denying that Jesus also went through mental suffering as well) that the unjust person may become just (The work of justification)

• Jesus suffered for us in the flesh that we might only cease from sin. (The work of sanctification)

OBSERVATIONAL QUESTIONS:

• If Jesus did not come in the flesh then could His death suffering in the flesh help us with our justification and sanctification?

• Is it possible that the false prophets and the spirit of antichrist have taught different doctrines regarding the work of justification and of sanctification?

DEEPER STUDY

1. What else did John say about the characteristics of antichrist in 1 John 2:18?

• 1John 2:18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.

ANSWER:

• It just says they shall come

2. Observe the previous verses (1 John 2:15-17)

• 1John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

• 1John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

• 1John 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

OBSERVATIONAL QUESTIONS:

• Is it possible that the characteristics of the spirit of antichrist are “the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life”? If so how?

• Is it possible that wrong teaching on the human nature of Christ can influence your understanding on justification and sanctification? If so how?

4. What did apostle Paul say about the human nature of Christ?

• Rom. 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh

ANSWER:

• Jesus took the likeness of sinful flesh

DEEPER STUDY:

• “Likeness” in Greek, 3667 homoioma means similitude.

• See below how the word “likeness” is used in the Bible.

  • Rom. 1:23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like (3667 homoioma) to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

  • Rom. 5:14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude (3667 homoioma) of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.

  • Rom. 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness (3667 homoioma) of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

  • Phil. 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness (3667 homoioma) of men:

  • Rev. 9:7 And the shapes of the locusts were like (3667 homoioma) unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men.

• People may argue whether the definition for “likeness” (3667 homoioma) means “almost the same and not exactly the same” or “exactly the same”

• However the both argument maybe correct because Jesus was exactly the same as us in terms of Jesus was 100 percent human. At the same time Jesus was not 100 percent exactly us in terms of Jesus had no sin and He also had 100 percent divine nature in Him. Therefore let us not argue about this.

• However I do want to point out the fact that Jesus had the likeness of sinful flesh meaning the characteristics of the human flesh of Jesus was in many ways like us yet without sin. That was the reason why Jesus was able to “condemned sin in the (sinful) flesh”

5. How did Paul describe the “flesh” in Rom. 8:3?

• Rom. 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh

ANSWER:

• Paul described human flesh “weak”

6. According to Paul, in what way, human flesh is weak?

• Rom. 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

ANSWER:

• Flesh has no power to “perform that which is good”

7. How did Jesus describe human flesh?

• Matt. 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak

• John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

ANSWER:

• Flesh is weak and “profiteth nothing”

• “profiteth” means 5623. opheleo, o-fel-eh´-o; to be useful, i.e. to benefit: — advantage, better, prevail, profit.

  Therefore human flesh is weak and has no advantages.

CONCLUSION:

• Jesus came in the likeness of sinful flesh. Human flesh is weak to perform that which is good and has no advantages to accomplish anything.

• Jesus came in the shape of weak (no power to perform) and no advantages to accomplish on His own.

• Therefore Jesus overcame sin not by depending on His flesh but putting His trust in the Father. (John 6:57 As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.)

DISCUSSIONS:

• Is it possible for “the false prophets” and the “spirit of antichrist” taught that Jesus had human form but it was not human and the flesh was not weak but had advantages over us?

• If so then why would they teach it that way?

• How does the false teaching of the human nature of Christ connected with the “lust of the flesh”?

APPLICATION:

• Why do you need to believe that Jesus came in the likeness of sinful flesh?

The Orchard Test

1. What did Jesus say in the Sermon on the Mount about how true prophets can be identified?

• Matt. 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

• Matt. 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

• Matt. 7:17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

• Matt. 7:18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

• Matt. 7:19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

• Matt. 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

ANSWER:

• By their fruits ye shall know them

2. What does it mean good fruit, absolutely no personality and character flaws?

• Noah’s drunkenness-Gen. 9:21-22

• Abraham’s lie-Gen. 12:12, 13

• Moses’ anger-Num. 20:10-12

• Jonah’s anger-Jonah 4:1

• John the Baptist’s doubt-Luke 7:19

• Paul’s contention-Acts 15:36-39

• Peter’s fear of the Jews-Gal. 2:11-14

ANSWER:

• It is true that God’s prophet should have holy character and not demonstrating a life of ungodliness constantly however that does not mean they are without personality and character flaws. Prophets are not infallible. Therefore when Jesus said, “you shall know them by their fruit” can mean they should have godly life but that does not mean absolutely no character or personality weaknesses.

3. What does it mean good fruit, good works of the ministry?

• Matt. 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

• Matt. 7:22 Many 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?

• Matt. 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

ANSWER:

• Yes, true prophets should have good works that include the works of the ministry but this may not be the best way to test the prophets. Why? Because according to Matthew 7:21-23, doing the work of prophesying, casting out demons, and miracles are not reliable to identify true prophet.

4. What does it mean evil fruit according to Matthew 7:15-20?

• Matt. 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

• Matt. 7:18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

OBSERVATIONS AND QUESTIONS:

• Observe the connection between false prophets and ravening wolves and evil fruit.

• Therefore it is possible that evil fruit is related to ravening wolves.

• What does it mean, “ravening”?

5. Who else did Jesus describe with the word “ravening”?

• Luke 11:39 And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness.

ANSWER:

• The Pharisees have similar characteristics as false prophets

6. How did Ezekiel describe false prophets in Eze. 22:25?

• Ezek. 22:25 There is a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof.

ANSWER:

• Roaring lion ravening the prey

7. What were those false prophets teaching according to Ezekiel?

• Ezek. 22:28 And her prophets have daubed them with untempered morter, seeing vanity, and divining lies unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord GOD, when the LORD hath not spoken.

ANSWER:

• Speak the things that God did not speak

OBSERVATIONS:

• “Evil fruit” is related to “ravening wolves”

• “Ravening” is connected to Pharisees (which is connected to righteousness by works) and “ravening” is also connected to false teaching (saying something with the authority of God but there is no scriptural bases).

• Therefore “evil fruit” may be connected to righteousness by works and falsely using the authority of God.

CONCLUSION:

• What would be the test to identify true prophet?

• The words of true prophet should not contradict the word of God and the doctrine of righteousness by faith.