Part 3 - Understanding Prophecy. Four Types Of Modern Prophecy Series

Understanding Prophecy: Part 3

Four Types of Modern Prophecy

PROPHECY CONTINUES TODAY - BUT NOT AT SCRIPTURE LEVEL

"Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 KJV)

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I. INTRODUCTION: PROPHECY IN THE MODERN ERA

The Continuation Principle

After Scripture was completed, prophetic communication did not cease but continues in four distinct forms:

1. Scripture Reading Prophecy - God speaking through His written Word

2. Gift-Level Prophecy - Spiritual gift for local church edification

3. Office-Level Prophecy - Ministry office for broader regional/national scope

4. Individual Prophecy - Individual receives a prophecy directly from God for his own individual instruction

Key Truth: None of these are NEW Scripture-level prophecy in authority or universal application.

"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ." (Ephesians 4:11-12 KJV)

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II. TYPE 1: SCRIPTURE READING PROPHECY

A. Definition

When believers read Scripture aloud or apply biblical text, God speaks prophetically through His written Word to present circumstances.

B. Biblical Examples

Jesus in the Synagogue: "And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read... And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears." (Luke 4:16, 21 KJV)

C. Characteristics

• Source: The completed Scripture

• Authority: Equal to original Scripture (because it IS Scripture)

• Scope: Universal application

• Duration: Permanent and unchanging

• Verification: Self-authenticating through Scripture itself

• NOT NEW Prophecy!

D. Many Churches' Position

Cessationist View: Many denominations teach this is the only form of modern prophecy, believing that Gifts and Office prophecy ceased with the apostolic age.

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III. TYPE 2: GIFT-LEVEL PROPHECY

A. Definition

The spiritual gift of prophecy available to all believers for the edification, exhortation, and comfort of the local church body.

B. Biblical Foundation

"But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort." (1 Corinthians 14:3 KJV)

"Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues." (1 Corinthians 14:39 KJV)

"For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted." (1 Corinthians 14:31 KJV)

C. Characteristics

• Source: Holy Spirit through individual believers

• Authority: Subject to judgment and Scripture verification

• Scope: Local church congregation only

• Duration: Temporary, situational

• Purpose: Encouragement, building up, comfort

• Verification: Must align with Scripture and be judged by church

D. Scripture Emphasis in Gift-Level Prophecy

A person operating in the spiritual gift of prophecy may 'recite' or quote Scripture because God wants that particular passage emphasized for the local church situation.

Example: During a church service, someone prophesying might quote "Be strong and of a good courage" (Joshua 1:9) because God wants to encourage that specific congregation facing a current challenge.

Key Distinction: The Scripture quoted applies specifically to that local church context and timing.

E. Biblical Guidelines

Testing Required: "Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge." (1 Corinthians 14:29 KJV)

• New Testament Prophets (Office level or Gift level) are to be ‘judged’ but not executed for error. If it is a heretical error, then such a person should be strongly reprimanded and cautioned. A lessor error should be judged as error and the person cautioned. If the prophecy is given in public, then the ‘Prophet-Judges’ should give their verdict in public.

• An ‘Office Level Prophet’ is more accountable than a ‘Gift Level Prophet’.

• Prophet-Judges should include a person with the gift of discernment and also a consistent policy of how to handle erroneous prophets and their prophecies.

Order Required: "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints." (1 Corinthians 14:33 KJV)

Submission Required: "And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets." (1 Corinthians 14:32 KJV)

F. Availability to All

"And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy." (Joel 2:28 KJV)

"But covet earnestly the best gifts... Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy." (1 Corinthians 12:31, 14:1 KJV)

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IV. TYPE 3: OFFICE-LEVEL PROPHECY

A. Definition

The ministry office of Prophet within the five-fold ministry, with authority extending beyond local congregations to multiple churches, regional, or national scope.

B. Biblical Foundation

The Five-Fold Ministry: "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers." (Ephesians 4:11 KJV)

Prophets in the Early Church: "Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen... and Saul." (Acts 13:1 KJV)