Text: Ephesians 4:11-16

11 And he gave some, apostles;  and some, prophets;  and some, evangelists;  and some, pastors and teachers;  12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:  13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:  14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;  15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:  16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.   

Saturday, 16^th November 2024

PROPHECY, PREACHING AND TEACHING

Text: Ephesians 4:11-16

Memory verse: Titus 1: 9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

In a general sense, a preacher who proclaims the Word of God acts in a prophetic role. He is speaking for God. But New Testament prophecy is not the same thing as preaching. Prophecy may involve foretelling something that will happen in the future. This, of course, must come by divine revelation since nobody, apart from God, knows what will take place in the future.

The office of a teacher is fundamentally related to the creation of a missionary atmosphere. Religious teaching is necessary to the development of Christian character and the highest efficiency in service. The qualification of the pastor is vitally connected with the teaching function of the church. He is to hold the truth, or to be established, to apply the truth, or to be practical, to study the truth, or to be informed, to teach the truth, or to be equipped or able and sensitive. Apostle Paul said to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2: 2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. In 1 Timothy 4: 16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. To live the truth, and to be faithful in all things. The teaching function of Christianity has become strictly official, thereby losing much of its elasticity.

True teaching is an educational exposition. The spiritual food from teaching should be sound, or hygienic, and adapted to the capacity and development to the one receiving. The central thought of teaching is causing one to learn. Teaching and learning are not academic but dynamic and imply personal relationship and activity in the acquisition of knowledge. Teaching is an important means for helping believers develop so that they will fit into God's program as they mature spiritually. Apostle Paul considered Christian maturity to be a goal for believers and he made great efforts to help them grow. When we see certain prophecies come to pass, it can also help us strengthen our faith in God's word. In the Bible, we read of many prophecies that have been fulfilled in history as well as revelations about events that are yet to come.

CGDS HYMN 27: SS&S 

THERE'S A LIGHT THAT IS SHINING IN DRKNESS

1. There's a light that is shining in darkness,

While we wait for the dawning of day;

And it cheers us along on our journey,

Till the shadows shall vanish away !

2. So we'll wait and watch for the dawning,

The day of eternity blest;

Then take the wings of the morning,

And fly away to our rest.

3. From the sure word the prophets

have spoken, [the gloom;

There is light flashing forth through

For the Scripture can never be broken,

And the King in His glory will come.

4. Now we sing 'mid the darkness and shadows, ;

And we pray and we watch for the dawn

Till the Day-star, in glory arising,

Shall betoken the coming of morn.

His Second Coming

5. We are not of the night nor of darkness,

Let us walk, then, as children of day;

Our weeping shall be for a moment,

And our joy shall ne'er vanish away !

  Prayers 

1.  Lord Jesus, use me as a channel of Spiritual manifestations through the gift of teaching and preaching.

2.  LORD God Almighty, give me the gift of discerning different teachings and preachings in Jesus’ name. Amen.    

3.  Pray for others in this regard.