THE TRUTH ABOUT PROPHECY: 02.Prophecy In The Old Testament - Zac Poonen
Summary
The speaker discusses the nature of prophecy, contrasting the emphasis on the 'person' of the prophet in the Old Testament with the emphasis on 'prophesying' (the ministry) in the New Covenant. He emphasizes that true ministry requires the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which enables all believers to prophesy. He concludes by noting that the first prophets, Enoch and Noah, both exemplified this by first walking with God before prophesying.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What were the first prophecies in the Old Testament?The first recorded human prophecies in scripture by Enoch and Noah focused heavily on judgment against ungodliness and sin.
Prophecy begins with walking with GodBoth Enoch and Noah walked with God, showing that genuine prophecy flows from a life lived in communion with God rather than just possessing a spiritual gift.Genesis 6:9
Abraham and the definition of a prophetAbraham is the first person called a prophet in the Bible, demonstrating that a prophet is fundamentally a spokesman for God rather than someone who merely predicts the future.
Understanding the term prophet through Moses and AaronGod tells Moses that Aaron will be his prophet, illustrating that a prophet simply speaks the message given to them by another.Exodus 7:1
The true message of the prophets versus false prophetsWhile false prophets emphasize prosperity without holiness, true prophets from Enoch to John the Baptist focus strictly on repentance, holiness, and turning from sin.
The warning of Balaam's greedBalaam accurately predicted the coming of Christ yet went after money and divination, serving as the primary biblical example of a false prophet motivated by financial gain.Numbers 24:17
Why does God allow false prophets with signs and wonders?God permits false prophets who perform miracles to test His people and reveal whether they truly love God with all their heart or are drawn to materialism.
The strict standard of fulfilled prophecyUnder Old Testament law, speaking presumptuously or making false predictions proved a prophet was illegitimate, demanding absolute 100 percent accuracy.Deuteronomy 18:20–22
Samuel's posture of listening to GodYoung Samuel cultivated a lifestyle of listening to God, resulting in a ministry where none of his words fell to the ground because they came directly from God.1 Samuel 3:1
The proper attitude toward gifts and moneyTrue men of God like Samuel and Elisha rejected financial payment for their ministry, contrasting sharply with those who view spiritual service as a means of profit.
Music and prophecyScripture shows that spiritually inspired music can lift individuals into God's presence and serve as a medium for prophetic expression.2 Kings 3:15
Distinguishing between spiritual gifts and ongoing graceKing Saul's life demonstrates that a person can retain spiritual gifts or experiences from the past even after they stop walking closely with God.1 Samuel 19:23–24
God's foreknowledge and protection against opportunistic prophetsBelievers must remain vigilant against opportunists who exploit ministry for money or personal power, using God's word as a clear standard of protection.Jeremiah 1:5
