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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.
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