Rebuking and the Role of the Prophet

[All Becomes New]

We see all throughout the Bible that there are some, which we call prophets, who rebuke the unbelievers.

It is thought that in the midst of Jeremiah's preaching, obviously, the people did not listen. But the moment that Jeremiah left, they wept over his leaving, after the destruction of Jerusalem. Such is the role of the prophet--that when they are in ministry, they are despised, hated even. It is not until the prophet is gone that (s)he is dearly missed.

We see these kinds of examples all throughout the Bible. From Moses to Isaiah to Hosea to the Apostles, and especially Christ.

The inquiry here, is at what point does the prophet have the right, as being called by God, to rebuke, even sternly, those who are unbelieving of heart?

I will not go into the fact that it happens, as that should be a given that it does indeed happen (look no further than Matthew 23 for one example).

So at what time should the prophet rebuke his hearers? It is a practical question. We also do not need to needle over what exactly it means to be a prophet, but a simple definition is that a prophet is someone who reminds God's people of His promises, both positive and negative. We do not need to say that a prophet tells the future or necessarily does so. Rather, a prophet is often a fiery individual. Jeremiah said,

Jeremiah 20:9
"I say, “I won’t mention him
or speak any longer in his name.”
But his message becomes a fire burning in my heart,
shut up in my bones.
I become tired of holding it in,
and I cannot prevail."

Such is the feeling of the prophet to have a "fire burning in the heart."

Where does this calling come from? And at what point can a prophet rebuke people?

Please show Biblical references if you can.

Thank you.

 

[Joseph G]

We see all throughout the Bible that there are some, which we call prophets, who rebuke the unbelievers.

It is thought that in the midst of Jeremiah's preaching, obviously, the people did not listen. But the moment that Jeremiah left, they wept over his leaving, after the destruction of Jerusalem. Such is the role of the prophet--that when they are in ministry, they are despised, hated even. It is not until the prophet is gone that (s)he is dearly missed.

We see these kinds of examples all throughout the Bible. From Moses to Isaiah to Hosea to the Apostles, and especially Christ.

The inquiry here, is at what point does the prophet have the right, as being called by God, to rebuke, even sternly, those who are unbelieving of heart?

I will not go into the fact that it happens, as that should be a given that it does indeed happen (look no further than Matthew 23 for one example).

So at what time should the prophet rebuke his hearers? It is a practical question. We also do not need to needle over what exactly it means to be a prophet, but a simple definition is that a prophet is someone who reminds God's people of His promises, both positive and negative. We do not need to say that a prophet tells the future or necessarily does so. Rather, a prophet is often a fiery individual. Jeremiah said,

Jeremiah 20:9
"I say, “I won’t mention him
or speak any longer in his name.”
But his message becomes a fire burning in my heart,
shut up in my bones.
I become tired of holding it in,
and I cannot prevail."

Such is the feeling of the prophet to have a "fire burning in the heart."

Where does this calling come from? And at what point can a prophet rebuke people?

Please show Biblical references if you can.

Thank you.

Hi Jesse, enjoy your posts.

I would say that prophets are permitted to rebuke whenever the Holy Spirit moves them, as well as encourage, especially considering, imho, that they were uniquely sensitive to recognizing His voice from prior experience. Like we are!

From: Rebuke unapologetically [also including an interesting (albeit brief) study into the nature of a prophet]

Note: Speaking of rebuking and encouraging - God Himself does so to individuals and nations (until their refusal is final and permanent in God's perception). Then it's one final rebuke and poof!

The first example I can think of was God to Cain when he was downcast over his offering being rejected. Paraphrasing... "well have another go at it, Cain" Murdering Abel instead was a pretty clear indicator of permanent refusal, eh!

A few examples of prophets rebuking...

• Samuel rebuked King Saul for his unlawful sacrifice (1Samuel 13:9-14).
• Nathan rebuked King David for his adultery with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:1-12).
• Ezra rebuked the men of Judah for marrying idolatrous women (Ezra 10:9-12).
• Jeremiah rebuked Israel for turning their back on God and worshiping idols (Jeremiah 2:9-22).
• John the Baptist rebuked King Herod for living with his brother's wife (Luke 3:19)

God bless!

 

[David Lamb]

We see all throughout the Bible that there are some, which we call prophets, who rebuke the unbelievers.

It is thought that in the midst of Jeremiah's preaching, obviously, the people did not listen. But the moment that Jeremiah left, they wept over his leaving, after the destruction of Jerusalem. Such is the role of the prophet--that when they are in ministry, they are despised, hated even. It is not until the prophet is gone that (s)he is dearly missed.

We see these kinds of examples all throughout the Bible. From Moses to Isaiah to Hosea to the Apostles, and especially Christ.

The inquiry here, is at what point does the prophet have the right, as being called by God, to rebuke, even sternly, those who are unbelieving of heart?

I will not go into the fact that it happens, as that should be a given that it does indeed happen (look no further than Matthew 23 for one example).

So at what time should the prophet rebuke his hearers? It is a practical question. We also do not need to needle over what exactly it means to be a prophet, but a simple definition is that a prophet is someone who reminds God's people of His promises, both positive and negative. We do not need to say that a prophet tells the future or necessarily does so. Rather, a prophet is often a fiery individual. Jeremiah said,

Jeremiah 20:9
"I say, “I won’t mention him
or speak any longer in his name.”
But his message becomes a fire burning in my heart,
shut up in my bones.
I become tired of holding it in,
and I cannot prevail."

Such is the feeling of the prophet to have a "fire burning in the heart."

Where does this calling come from? And at what point can a prophet rebuke people?

Please show Biblical references if you can.

Thank you.

Well, I would say that the prophet's calling comes from God. Taking your example of Jeremiah, we read:

“4 ¶ Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying: 5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations."” (Jer 1:4-5 NKJV)

Incidentally, "sanctified" there means "set apart"; it's not saying that Jeremiah was a holy baby!

 

[All Becomes New]

Hi Jesse, enjoy your posts.

Thank you so much! That is very kind of you!

 

[Joseph G]

Jeremiah said,

Jeremiah 20:9
"I say, “I won’t mention him
or speak any longer in his name.”
But his message becomes a fire burning in my heart,
shut up in my bones.
I become tired of holding it in,
and I cannot prevail."

Hey ABN, since you are studying Jeremiah I have a question or two for you, if you feel inclined. What happened with Jeremiah that caused him to make this declaration? And did he overcome it to go on and mention God and speak in His Name again?

God bless!

 

[Richard T]

To me the prophet hears from God and speaks God's heart and mind in a way that is seasoned with grace. There is a huge difference in the OT and NT. Since other prophets are to judge prophecy, and paul said to desire to prophecy to all believers, the ability to prophecy is distributed far more in the NT church. I am less sure about rebuking in the NT because all believers have the Holy Spirit. If they can't listen to the Holy Spirit what is the point of a rebuke? Perhaps you can have correction or even sins pointed out but this is rare in practice even though Paul said too that sins could be disclosed. rebukes in the OT are important because the whole nation was affected and it concerned some important points. I rebuke might be made in a church body if the church was in serious error. I suppose if the church was affected by government that certain rebukes might be in order. Some thought covid was such an event but most prophets were wrong about covid going away etc, and some pastors like mine had God tell him to obey the governing authorities and meet online for a few weeks. Can anyone think of any serous rebukes on the national level in contemporary times? I do know that in Africa some a few leaders have received rebukes. One in particular was towards Mugabe and that he would die. I believe he lived years longer though.

 

[2PhiloVoid]

We see all throughout the Bible that there are some, which we call prophets, who rebuke the unbelievers.

It is thought that in the midst of Jeremiah's preaching, obviously, the people did not listen. But the moment that Jeremiah left, they wept over his leaving, after the destruction of Jerusalem. Such is the role of the prophet--that when they are in ministry, they are despised, hated even. It is not until the prophet is gone that (s)he is dearly missed.

We see these kinds of examples all throughout the Bible. From Moses to Isaiah to Hosea to the Apostles, and especially Christ.

The inquiry here, is at what point does the prophet have the right, as being called by God, to rebuke, even sternly, those who are unbelieving of heart?

I will not go into the fact that it happens, as that should be a given that it does indeed happen (look no further than Matthew 23 for one example).

So at what time should the prophet rebuke his hearers? It is a practical question. We also do not need to needle over what exactly it means to be a prophet, but a simple definition is that a prophet is someone who reminds God's people of His promises, both positive and negative. We do not need to say that a prophet tells the future or necessarily does so. Rather, a prophet is often a fiery individual. Jeremiah said,

Jeremiah 20:9
"I say, “I won’t mention him
or speak any longer in his name.”
But his message becomes a fire burning in my heart,
shut up in my bones.
I become tired of holding it in,
and I cannot prevail."

Such is the feeling of the prophet to have a "fire burning in the heart."

Where does this calling come from? And at what point can a prophet rebuke people?

Please show Biblical references if you can.

Thank you.

This is an excellent inquiry, Mr. J., especially since there are far too many today who prance around within various churches, claiming to be prophets and mouths of God. We'd all like to know who is the real deal. But be that as it may, I'll just address the question.

"At what point does a prophet have the right to rebuke those who are unbelieving"? Well, assuming that the person who thinks he or she is actually called and sent by God is indeed one of His prophets, I'd think that the engagements, the propositions to opposition, and the potential rebukes would begin as soon as that prophet gains the face and ears of the intended unbeliever. As we all know from what we see in the Bible, though, true prophets are usually disdained by unbelievers about soon as those prophets open their mouths and deliver the message God gave to him (or her).

 

[David Lamb]

Paul said to desire to prophecy to all believers, the ability to prophecy is distributed far more in the NT church.

Did Paul say that all believers are to prophesy? He wrote:

“Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles?” (1Co 12:29 NKJV)

 

[Richard T]

Did Paul say that all believers are to prophesy? He wrote:

“Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles?” (1Co 12:29 NKJV)

Yes, sorry I was not clear. The gift of prophecy is different from the ministry of a prophet. The gifts are given "severally to each." and Paul does imply logically that many should be able to prophecy but does not give an exact figure only that he wishes all. I would guess that the five fold ministry of a prophet is far more likely to rebuke than someone merely prophesying with the gift of prophecy. Making it confusing though are many may not distinguish between gift and the office and some denominations like the Assembly of God do not recognize the office of a prophet. "Apostles and Prophets: The Assemblies of God does not recognize titles or offices of "apostle" and "prophet". It does, however, believe there are those in the church who "exercise the ministry function of apostles and prophets,"

1 Corinthians 14:5 (KJV)
5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

 

[All Becomes New]

Hey ABN, since you are studying Jeremiah I have a question or two for you, if you feel inclined. What happened with Jeremiah that caused him to make this declaration? And did he overcome it to go on and mention God and speak in His Name again?

God bless!

I recommend this.



God bless!

 

[eleos1954]

We see all throughout the Bible that there are some, which we call prophets, who rebuke the unbelievers.

It is thought that in the midst of Jeremiah's preaching, obviously, the people did not listen. But the moment that Jeremiah left, they wept over his leaving, after the destruction of Jerusalem. Such is the role of the prophet--that when they are in ministry, they are despised, hated even. It is not until the prophet is gone that (s)he is dearly missed.

We see these kinds of examples all throughout the Bible. From Moses to Isaiah to Hosea to the Apostles, and especially Christ.

The inquiry here, is at what point does the prophet have the right, as being called by God, to rebuke, even sternly, those who are unbelieving of heart?

I will not go into the fact that it happens, as that should be a given that it does indeed happen (look no further than Matthew 23 for one example).

So at what time should the prophet rebuke his hearers? It is a practical question. We also do not need to needle over what exactly it means to be a prophet, but a simple definition is that a prophet is someone who reminds God's people of His promises, both positive and negative. We do not need to say that a prophet tells the future or necessarily does so. Rather, a prophet is often a fiery individual. Jeremiah said,

Jeremiah 20:9
"I say, “I won’t mention him
or speak any longer in his name.”
But his message becomes a fire burning in my heart,
shut up in my bones.
I become tired of holding it in,
and I cannot prevail."

Such is the feeling of the prophet to have a "fire burning in the heart."

Where does this calling come from? And at what point can a prophet rebuke people?

Please show Biblical references if you can.

Thank you.

A true prophet will never contradict the written word of God. There are many false prophets ... that is why it's important to study the Word of God for yourself. Anything claimed by anyone is to be compared to the written word.

The most crucial test of anyone claiming the prophetic gift is that what they teach be in harmony with the Word of God.

“To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isaiah 8:20)

Second, a prophet must exalt Jesus, not himself or herself. John the Baptist, a true prophet (Matthew 11:11), in reference to Jesus, said, “He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less,” (John 3:30, NLT). And though that was a specific context, the principle is clear: a real prophet will uplift Jesus and His sacrifice for the world above and beyond everything else.

Third, a real prophet must reveal the grace and character of Jesus; that is, though the prophet doesn’t need to be perfect, (no one is) his or her life must bear fruit to the glory of God (Matthew 7:16, 18-20).

 

[All Becomes New]

A true prophet will never contradict the written word of God. There are many false prophets ... that is why it's important to study the Word of God for yourself. Anything claimed by anyone is to be compared to the written word.

The most crucial test of anyone claiming the prophetic gift is that what they teach be in harmony with the Word of God.

“To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isaiah 8:20)

Second, a prophet must exalt Jesus, not himself or herself. John the Baptist, a true prophet (Matthew 11:11), in reference to Jesus, said, “He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less,” (John 3:30, NLT). And though that was a specific context, the principle is clear: a real prophet will uplift Jesus and His sacrifice for the world above and beyond everything else.

Third, a real prophet must reveal the grace and character of Jesus; that is, though the prophet doesn’t need to be perfect, (no one is) his or her life must bear fruit to the glory of God (Matthew 7:16, 18-20).

Amen to everything you said here. I completely agree! But that does not really answer my questions.

 

[eleos1954]

Amen to everything you said here. I completely agree! But that does not really answer my questions.

Well ... if in your example one of the characteristics of a prophet is to "be on fire for the Lord" ... one needs to know how to recognize how to determine what a true prophet looks like (biblically) ... false prophets can be very "on fire" yet not necessarily are in the Lord ... that is .... not adhering to the written word.

The phrase "on fire for God" is often used by Christians to describe someone who is excited about God and actively pursues God's will.

That don't make them a prophet.

 

[All Becomes New]

Well ... if in your example one of the characteristics of a prophet is to "be on fire for the Lord" ... one needs to know how to recognize how to determine what a true prophet looks like (biblically) ... false prophets can be very "on fire" yet not necessarily are in the Lord ... that is .... not adhering to the written word.

The phrase "on fire for God" is often used by Christians to describe someone who is excited about God and actively pursues God's will.

That don't make them a prophet.

What is the function of a prophet? They teach the Word of God.

Isaiah 8:18-20
"Here I am with the children the LORD has given me to be signs and wonders in Israel from the LORD of Armies who dwells on Mount Zion. When they say to you, “Inquire of the mediums and the spiritists who chirp and mutter,” shouldn’t a people inquire of their God? Should they inquire of the dead on behalf of the living? Go to God’s instruction and testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, there will be no dawn for them."

A prophet is also someone chosen before they were born.

Jeremiah 1:5
“I chose you before I formed you in the womb;
I set you apart before you were born.
I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

 

[Gregory Thompson]

Moral of the story, if you model yourself after an old testament style prophet, get ready to die.

If you're not dying, you're doing it wrong.

The instructions for prophets in the new testament are different, however.

 

[All Becomes New]

The instructions for prophets in the new testament are different, however.

I'd like to see your scripture for that. Not challenging you, I'm honestly curious.

 

[eleos1954]

What is the function of a prophet? They teach the Word of God.

Isaiah 8:18-20
"Here I am with the children the LORD has given me to be signs and wonders in Israel from the LORD of Armies who dwells on Mount Zion. When they say to you, “Inquire of the mediums and the spiritists who chirp and mutter,” shouldn’t a people inquire of their God? Should they inquire of the dead on behalf of the living? Go to God’s instruction and testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, there will be no dawn for them."

A prophet is also someone chosen before they were born.

Jeremiah 1:5
“I chose you before I formed you in the womb;
I set you apart before you were born.
I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

Prophecy (root word prophet) - the foretelling or prediction of what is to come.

Prophets are God's representatives, and they deliver messages that God gives them through His power, not their own opinions/ideas.

4394 prophēteía (from 4396 /prophḗtēs, "prophet," which is derived from 4253 /pró, "before" and 5346 /phēmí, "make clear, assert as a priority") – properly, what is clarified beforehand; prophecy which involves divinely-empowered forthtelling (asserting the mind of God) or foretelling (prediction).

Prophets do indeed teach the Word of God ... but they also have a special gift from God of predicting the future shown/revealed to them by God and yes they are chosen/known by God before birth. God knows everything that will happen before it happens.

“Prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21, NKJV)

A true prophet of God uplifts Scripture, and is in complete harmony with it, has predictions that come 100% true, lives a genuine Christian life, and most important of all, points people to Jesus.

We are always dealing with truth verses lies ... the only way to discern them from one another is through knowledge of the word of God. The written word of God is our safeguard to be used as the "litmus test" for everything taught regardless where those teachings may come from ... the Word of God is not to be contradicted.

To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Isaiah 8:20. The people of God are directed to the Scriptures as their safeguard against the influence of false teachers and the delusive power of spirits of darkness.

The bible does teach there will be prophets in the future ... so we should be open to this but if one is perceived and/or claims to be or as being a prophet they should be under careful scrutiny using of the written word of God and be without contradiction.

 

[All Becomes New]

Prophecy (root word prophet) - the foretelling or prediction of what is to come.

Prophets are God's representatives, and they deliver messages that God gives them through His power, not their own opinions/ideas.

4394 prophēteía (from 4396 /prophḗtēs, "prophet," which is derived from 4253 /pró, "before" and 5346 /phēmí, "make clear, assert as a priority") – properly, what is clarified beforehand; prophecy which involves divinely-empowered forthtelling (asserting the mind of God) or foretelling (prediction).

Prophets do indeed teach the Word of God ... but they also have a special gift from God of predicting the future shown/revealed to them by God and yes they are chosen/known by God before birth. God knows everything that will happen before it happens.

This is not all there is to say about prophecy. It cannot be reduced to future telling.

 

[Jo555]

We see all throughout the Bible that there are some, which we call prophets, who rebuke the unbelievers.

It is thought that in the midst of Jeremiah's preaching, obviously, the people did not listen. But the moment that Jeremiah left, they wept over his leaving, after the destruction of Jerusalem. Such is the role of the prophet--that when they are in ministry, they are despised, hated even. It is not until the prophet is gone that (s)he is dearly missed.

We see these kinds of examples all throughout the Bible. From Moses to Isaiah to Hosea to the Apostles, and especially Christ.

The inquiry here, is at what point does the prophet have the right, as being called by God, to rebuke, even sternly, those who are unbelieving of heart?

I will not go into the fact that it happens, as that should be a given that it does indeed happen (look no further than Matthew 23 for one example).

So at what time should the prophet rebuke his hearers? It is a practical question. We also do not need to needle over what exactly it means to be a prophet, but a simple definition is that a prophet is someone who reminds God's people of His promises, both positive and negative. We do not need to say that a prophet tells the future or necessarily does so. Rather, a prophet is often a fiery individual. Jeremiah said,

Jeremiah 20:9
"I say, “I won’t mention him
or speak any longer in his name.”
But his message becomes a fire burning in my heart,
shut up in my bones.
I become tired of holding it in,
and I cannot prevail."

Such is the feeling of the prophet to have a "fire burning in the heart."

Where does this calling come from? And at what point can a prophet rebuke people?

Please show Biblical references if you can.

Thank you.

A prayerful review of the Book of Hebrews i believe is a good place to start as it speaks of the differences between the way of old and new.

Moses also spoke of a prophet coming after Him that was greater than Him ... Speaking of Jesus of course.

And on when to speak. Yes, when the Spirit moves us is a great place to start. We just need to remember that we are to speak the truth in love, then let the Holy Spirit work. Not everyone listened to Jesus and He didnt force them. Just do your part and let the Lord's Spirit work in others hearts as He sees fit.