3) Prophet – the passion of confrontation (Rom 12:6; Eph 4:11) 2%

Rom 12:6 states, "And since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, {let each exercise them accordingly} if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith;"

Eph 4:11 "And He gave some... {as} prophets..."

The word prophet in the Greek is "pro"= fore or front and "phemi"= to make known one's thoughts. Vines Expository defines this word as "one who speaks forth or openly". Without controversy, the primary definition to the word is in reference to the miraculous foretelling or exposing of information to take place based on revelation from God. The first century church had the miraculous gift of prophecy, as well as the other eight, because they did not have the NT to rely upon. When John the apostle died, being the last living apostles, the transfer of the gifts would not have continued for they were bestowed through the "laying on of the apostles' hands..." (Acts 8:18). The Romans apparently were not established in this area for Paul remarks in Rom 1:11 "For I long to see you in order that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established;" They were likely in the same state concerning the miraculous gifts as the disciples in the region of Ephesus found in Acts 19:1-6.

Even though the miraculous side of the gift would have died out with the completion of the Bible (1 Cor 13:9-10 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part; but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away.), the passion in the individual would still remain. Just because the gift of wisdom, knowledge and healing were done away with, does not mean that the passions of evangelism, teaching and giving of mercy died out with them. The ministerial gifts of passions were possibly linked in this way to the miraculous gifts. 1Cor 12:4-5 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord.

The passion of the prophet, or the one with the gift of confrontation, is very similar to the prophets of old, minus the miraculous. The same way that Ezekiel and John could not digest the scroll and the little book in Ezekiel 3 and Rev 10 respectively, the individual with the passion of confrontation cannot digest the knowledge of the sin in the lives of those around them. They internalize and try to digest it, but it must come back out for them to have joy. They often literally weep over the sins of others. The message they proclaim is not from miraculous revelation, but through continual meditation on God's words in the Bible. Their passion leads them to "have their senses trained to discern good and evil" (Heb 5:14). They are the filters and sensors of the congregation concerning sin and spiritual danger. You have heard of the phrase "Non-confrontational"? This does not describe the prophet. It isn't that they want to confront, but that they must confront. They deeply desire for the word of God to be known and will not sit around letting others go to hell in a hand-basket without knowing what is at stake.

When Peter shunned the gentiles, Paul had no problem confronting him Gal 2:11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. The one possessing the passion of the prophet knows that someone has to step up to the plate and confront. He takes the unique message of what will happen if the course of sin is not changed. They have the ability to keep in the forefront of their mind the importance to stay right with the Lord concerning the future consequences for those who do not heed the word of God. The following verses are typically a great motivation for the prophet.

• Rev 2:5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you, and will remove your lampstand out of its place-- unless you repent.
• 1 Pet 3:12 "For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears attend to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."
• James 5:19-20 My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth, and one turns him back, ²⁰ let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death, and will cover a multitude of sins.
• 2 Pet 2:21 For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment delivered to them.
• Amos 4:12 "...prepare to meet your God, O Israel."

Signs of Maturity

1. Discerning
   1. They are sensitive to sin.
   2. They are "black and white" thinkers.
   3. They are steadfast in their position.
2. Decisive
   1. They are candid in conversation.
   2. They are convicting in confrontation
   3. They are consistent in correction.
3. Disciplined
   1. They tend to live righteously.
   2. They tend to pray continuously.
   3. They tend to study regularly.

Signs of Immaturity

1. Relationships
   1. They tend to be judgmental.
   2. They tend to be dominant.
   3. They tend to be insensitive.
2. Teaching
   1. They tend to be opinionated.
   2. They tend to be prideful.
   3. They tend to be over-demanding.
3. Emotions
   1. They tend to be depressed.
   2. They tend to be angry.
   3. They tend to be pessimistic.

Some ways to obtain joy with this gift

1. Confrontation ministry: One that is involved in the discipline of others.
2. Prayer ministry for the lost.
3. Celebrate and congratulate repenting sinners who are coming back to the Lord.
4. Spend much time with new Christians.
5. Teach a class on the importance of Christian living.
6. Prison ministry