I & II Samuel- Our Trusted Prophet

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For this study, we will not be so much looking at a specific scriptural passage, or even at characters in the books themselves (like Samuel and Nathan, who were trusted as prophets and spiritual leaders in the lives of the children of Israel). But rather we will be looking at the attributes that made these men trusted as prophets. Each of these fulfilled the characteristics of a true prophet, which were set by God in the Bible. 

1. A true prophet does not lie. His prediction will be fulfilled (Jeremiah 28:9).
2. A true prophet prophesies in the name of the Lord, not in his own name (II Peter 1:21).
3. A true prophet does not give his own private interpretation of prophecy (II Peter 1:20).
4. A true prophet points out the sins of the people against God (Isaiah 58:1).
5. A true prophet warns the people of God’s coming judgment (Jonah 3:4, Zephaniah 1:1-3).
6. A true prophet edifies the church, counsels, and advises it in religious matters (I Corinthians 14:3-4).
7. A true prophet’s words will be in absolute harmony with the words of the prophets that have preceded him (Isaiah 8:20). 
8. A true prophet recognizes the incarnation of Jesus Christ (I John 4:1-3).
9. A true prophet can be recognized by the results, or fruit, of his work (Matthew 7:16-20).
10. A true prophet acts in accordance with the will and approval of God (Deuteronomy 18:19). 
(http://www.bibleplus.org/prophecy/visions-egw/tests_of_a_true_prophet.htm)

Jesus was referred to as a prophet and He even referred to Himself as a prophet during His ministry.

Luke 4:24- And he [Jesus] said, “Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country.”
John 7:40- Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, “Of a truth this is the Prophet.”

So did Jesus really fulfill the office of a prophet? Let’s look at the tests that God has set forth:

1. What He prophesied has been fulfilled to this point (e.g. Matthew 17:22-23, John 11:4, 43-44).
2. Jesus spoke what the Father told Him to say (John 12:49).
3. Jesus fulfilled the prophecies literally, rather than explaining them away(Psalm 78:2, Matthew 13:35).
4. Jesus knew the sins of the people and told them when they were doing wrong (John 4:16-19).
5. Jesus foretold the coming judgment which we are still looking for (Matthew 25).
6. Jesus gave a sermon which edified, counseled, and advised people in all religious matters (Matthew 5-7).
7. Jesus often quoted from the Old Testament prophets, many times in relation to prophecies that He either fulfilled or would fulfill (Matthew 10:35, Mark 7:6-7, Luke 7:24-28, John 12:12-15).
8. Jesus, obviously, knew that He was God (Luke 22:67-71).
9. The result, or fruit, of Jesus’ work was, ultimately, His death on the cross and His resurrection (Luke 23:26-24:43)
10. Jesus could do nothing by himself, but rather, the will of His Father (John 5:30).

As we can see, Jesus fulfilled the characteristics of a true prophet. He still has some prophesies that are unfulfilled, however, so each of us must continue to “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come (Matthew 24:42).”

Next time we will look at Christ in Kings and Chronicles as our Reigning King. Until then, go make a difference in the world by making Christ known to someone who does not know Him. God bless!!