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1 Cor. 12:8-
10 - ...for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, and to another interpretation of tongues.
The gift of prophecy is one of the three utterance gifts that we have studied in the previous teaching. Of these three gifts, prophecy is the most important. It takes both tongues and interpretation of tongues to equal prophecy. The gift of tongues is dependent upon the gift of interpretation of tongues in order for it to be effective.
The gift of prophecy is a supernatural utterance in a known tongue. We can also say that it is the God-given ability to give forth, in your own language, a message direct from the heart of God.
The Hebrew word for "to prophecy" means to flow forth. It also implies "to bubble forth like a fountain, or to spring forth". The Greek word that is translated prophecy means to speak for another. It means to speak for God or be His spokesman.
When someone prophesies to us, it’s God speaking to us. It’s not the words of a man or woman, but words from God. When someone prophesies to the entire church congregation on Sunday morning, it's God speaking to the church to bring edification, exhortation, and comfort.
We could say that prophecy is the merging of the divine and the human. Prophecy is God speaking through us to us.
The Holy Spirit is perfect, and He never makes mistakes. However, we are human and many times we find ourselves making mistakes because we try to reason things out with our finite minds. We cannot do this when it comes to the things of God, because He is infinite. When the word of the Lord begins to flow through us, we must not allow that word to become tainted by our soulish nature or tendencies.
I've heard many stories and testimonies of how prophecy has been used to manipulate and control people in the body of Christ. God’s precious gifts were never intended to be used in this manner. We must be very careful not to abuse the gifts.
1 Cor. 14:5 - I would that ye all spoke 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.
The whole church is edified or lifted up when the prophetic gift begins to function and operate freely in a service. The Lord loves to encourage and minister to His people as they seek to worship Him.
When we pray in the Spirit, we edify ourselves. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a wonderful gift from the Lord, but it is not the same as the gift of prophecy.
Prophecy edifies the whole church body.
We must be careful not to confuse the simple gift of prophecy with the ministry office of a prophet. The fact that someone prophesies does not make him or her a prophet. Anyone can prophesy according to 1 Cor. 14:31. Let me give you a good example of what I am trying to say. A rich man has money. We all have money, but that doesn't make us all rich. When a prophet prophesies, he will also have at least two, if not all three of the revelation gifts in operation in his life as well. The three revelation gifts are: 1) word of knowledge, 2) word of wisdom, and 3) discerning of spirits. The simple gift of prophecy has no revelation involved in it. It speaks to men to edification, exhortation, and comfort (1 Cor. 14:3).
Edify means to charge up; to build up or to strengthen.
Exhort means to encourage someone to "come up" higher.
Comfort means to console.
If prophecy doesn't lift up, build up or cheer up, it's not prophecy.
Timing is very important when bringing forth a prophecy. We must be obedient to bring forth the prophecy at the proper time. This comes with much practice and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit.
1 Thess. 5:19-21 - Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophecies. Prove all things; hold
fast that which is good.
If we hold back the prophetic word of the Lord, and we are not obedient to bring it forth to the body, we are quenching the Spirit of God. We must allow Him to flow through us as He directs and wills.
Do not despise prophecies. Have you ever been in a church or service somewhere that does not allow people to prophesy? They are quenching the Holy Ghost! They are not allowing the people of God to be obedient to His Spirit.
The Bible tells us to covet to prophesy. That means earnestly desire it.
The gifts of the Holy Spirit are not necessarily a sign of character. I've seen people who are living in blatant sin prophesying in church services. How can this be? The Bible says that the gifts and callings of God are irrevocable. He will not take them back once He has given them. He is a merciful God, but that does not condone a sinful lifestyle.
Sometimes, prophecy is conditional. If we don't do our part, it will hinder or possibly nullify the prophetic word that has been spoken to us.
Seven Steps for Judging Prophecy:
1. Judge the fruit.
2. Does it glorify the Lord Jesus Christ?
3. Does it agree with Scripture?
4. Are the prophecies of those who prophesy fulfilled? How's their track
record?
5. We need to realize that some prophecies are not necessarily of God, but they
still come to pass. Read Deut. 13:1-5. If it doesn't line up with the word of
God, it's not right. If it comes to pass, but it leads you away from Jesus, it's
not right.
6. Do the prophecies produce liberty or bondage?
7. When a prophecy is "right", there should be a "yes" and "amen" in your spirit man. There should be an inner witness or "knowing" on the inside that lets you know the prophecy is accurate. 1 John 2:20 - But you have an unction
(anointing) from the Holy One, and you “know” all things.
If you've never prophesied before, begin to seek the Lord for this wonderful gift. Please don’t abuse it! Use it correctly so that Jesus will be glorified.
Copyright 2001 by Donna Kazenske
