Quote:
Originally Posted by nahkoe
Like, the gift of prophecy.
What does this look like in operation?
Someone needs to just get carried away and talk about this and some of the other gifts. lol
This seems to be one of the gifts that gets misused, or maybe it's mis-claimed when it's not really there in the first place. Seems also some are a little...jaded towards it due to that.
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Here is an introductionary teaching/message on the gift of prophecy
Prophecy 101
By Pastor Keith McCann M.A.
1 Corinthians 14:5b.... but I would rather have you prophesy (NIV).
Acts 2:17b.... “your sons and daughters shall prophesy” (NIV).
Recognize the difference between a prophet and the gift of prophecy.
A prophet is an ascension gift given to the church (
Eph. 4:11). In case of the prophet, he is the gift to the church. Every aspect of their ministry makes up that gift. In the case of prophecy the gift is given to the believer and through the believer, but the believer himself is not the gift.
The gift of prophecy is a brief supernatural manifestation, rather than involving every aspect of the person’s ministry. Character is not involved, it is a gift. Prophecy is the act of prophesying (
1 Cor. 14:31). A prophet is a person.
Prophecy is the ability to speak in a language understood by the speaker words given by the Holy Spirit.
Foretelling (future) and forth telling (now) aspect to prophecy.
Instructions for Proper Use (
1 Corinthians 14:1-33)
-Most desirable gift of all (v.1)
-Speaks to men (v. 3)
-Three purposes of prophecy (v.3)
1. Edification-building up
2. Exhortation-Encouragement
3. Comfort-Cheering up someone who is troubled
-More desirable to prophesy than to speak in tongues in a church gathering (v.5) emphasis on all
-Greater than tongues in the gathering (v.5)
-Prophecy will bring the most profit (good NIV) (v.6)
-Prophecy is for believers (v. 22)
-Everyone can do it (v.24)
-Reveals the secrets of the heart (vv. 24-25)
-Everyone participates; allows us to bring a gift with us (v.26)
-All can prophesy in turn (v.31)
-Instruction and encouragement comes through prophecy (v.31)
-Is under control of the believer (v.33)
-Should covet (eager NIV) to prophesy (v.39)
Insights into Judging Prophecy
-We are to prophesy according to our measure of faith (
Romans 12:6); we must not go beyond the leading of the Holy Spirit and prophesy in the flesh.
-Prophecy will never compel a person to be out of control or to speak apart from the consent of their own will (
1 Cor. 14:29-33)
-Personal prophecy should glorify Jesus Christ. According to Revelation the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of Prophecy.
Does this person talk about themselves at the expense of lifting up Jesus Christ?
Are we making prophecy out to be like a horoscope or omen and do we get depressed and discouraged without it?
-Prophecy should conform to the Word of God, the Bible (
1 Thessalonians 5:19-21)
-Genuine prophecy will produce the fruit and character that agrees with the Holy Spirit (
Romans 14:17;
Galatians 5:22-23;
John 16:13-14)
-False prophecy is identified with it’s fruit of confusion, strife, pride, arrogance, false humility, immorality, addictive appetites, broken marriage vows, etc. (
Matthew 7:21-22;
2 Peter 2:15-16)
-Prophecy should never establish doctrine or practice. It is amazing how many people are dazzled by the gifts of a prophetic person and then be blinded to their biblical ignorance. Individuals caught up in the cult of prophetic personalities often believe this: If this person was so right about my life how they could be wrong about scripture? Remember scripture is not interpreted by private revelation.
-Prophecy should never be controlling and should be given in a spirit of love (
1 Cor. 14:3;
James 3:17) Even a rebuke should be given in love and embarrassing information should be first given in private before public. Prophecy will produce liberty not bondage (
2 Corinthians 3:17;
2 Timothy 1:7).
-Never should major decisions be based on personal prophecies alone (
1 Corinthians 14:27-32)
Personal Prophecy given by Agabus to Paul;
Acts 21:10-14.
1. The revelation was not new in the mind of Paul, he knew in
Acts 20:22-24 revealed through the spirit, that he was headed for hardship.
2. Who gave the word, the character of the person giving the word should be weighed. Agabus was known by Paul and had a reputation of reliability. This alone should not cause us to refuse words from unknown people but it is a factor especially in light of words that are very specific and involve major decisions.
3. Prophecy is not to be controlling, after Agabus gave his word to Paul, he did not change his plans.
4. Prophecy is in part, though his journey was hard, Paul’s journey to Jerusalem and eventually Rome gave him many ministry opportunities neither he nor Agabus saw in
Acts 21.
5. Finally we should prayerfully consider the word and simply wait on God to fulfill it at the time, place and method of His choosing.
-Many if not most of personal prophecies are conditional and as such are invitations not certainties (Jer.18:7-10) But some times the reason that a prophecy is unfulfilled is because the prophecy was inaccurate.
Three Parts to a prophetic word
-Revelation
-Interpretation
-Application
Practical Observations
As with revelation gifts such as the word of knowledge or the word of wisdom, the gift of prophecy will often began to work in an individual as he receives impressions, thoughts or words into his mind which did not originate with him.
Or he may “see” the words or mental picture which he will describe.
You might receive only a portion of it. Then by stepping out and risk taking in faith you receive the rest of the word.
It is not uncommon to feel unusual manifestations physically such as a rapidly beating heart, sense of unexplained excitement, feeling that one will “burst” if he does not speak out, so some other sensation out of the ordinary.
So you will see, hear or feel a revelation from God.
Many times the old adage if it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing the right the first time is a stumbling block for those desiring to be used of God in spiritual gifts. We should say if it’s worth doing then it will be done poorly the first few times.
Copyright Keith McCann 2007
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