By: Donna J. Kazenske
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.
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. By their fruits you shall know them. 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.
Covet to prophesy!
PROPHETIC WORD: What is it that you are so desperately seeking? What is it within you that you see as most important to you? Where does your treasure lie? What is your mouth speaking? Why do you criticize and judge those whom I have called to minister on My behalf? Why do you gossip and backbite those whom I have called to work along side of you? Is it not because you do not yet understand My ways and My thoughts? Why do you continue to fight and quarrel amongst yourselves when you know that My plan and purpose for you is much greater? Why do you spend time in foolish discussions that are not led by My Spirit? Why do you seek that which is not yours? Why do you want what I have not given unto you? Why do you seek those things that I am not placing in your hands? Oh how My people need Me. Oh how they need My wisdom and understanding in all things. Why is it that you still do not understand My will and My ways? What is it that has caught your attention? What are you looking for, and to whom are you looking? What you need will not be found in the wisdom or knowledge of men. What you need will be found only in Me. I am the One who holds your future in the palm of My hand. I am the One who will provide all that you need. I am the One who will cause your eyes to be opened, in due time, to see the true picture of what I am now doing. Your time is in My hands, saith the Lord. Do you not yet trust Me enough to take care of you and provide for you? Why do you seek positions made by man instead of positions established by Me? Why do you still continue to desire these things in your heart? Why are you so easily shaken in your mind? I desire that you would learn to trust Me in all things, saith the Lord, that you would have faith to believe Me for all things. Allow Me to place you where I want you to be. Allow Me to position you for your future. I know what’s best for you, saith the Lord. Stop kicking and rebelling against Me, and listen to what I have to say to you. Listen and you will hear. Listen and I will speak. Listen and you will receive instruction from My Spirit. The direction that you need is coming. Be patient and wait for it. Don’t think that I have abandoned you, for I have not. Set your face like flint to follow after Me, saith the Lord. I don’t want you to miss out on what I have for you to do. Re-direct your thinking and set your face to look in My direction and you will not be disappointed.
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