Functioning in the Gift of Prophecy

 

In these days prophetic words are a regular contribution to meetings where believers gather to fellowship with the Lord. When this gift functions in the way that the Lord intended, it will bring about a wonderful blessing to the Body of Christ. When it is out of order it can cause division and confusion. God does not want us to be ignorant about spiritual gifts. (1 Cor 12:1) We can learn and understand with our mind how to function in the gifts of the Spirit, even though they are spiritual, and operate independently of man’s ability to reason.

Goals for the prophetic ministry

 

But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. (1 Cor 12:71) 

It may be helpful to look at some of the Greek words. The phrase “common good,” means “to bear or bring together, to carry with others, to collect or contribute in order to help, to help, to be profitable, to be expedient.” 2 

As a general principle, we need to understand that functioning in the gifts of the Spirit enables us to help others. It should bring a unifying and positive contribution to the meeting. Something good for everyone should result when the gifts of the Spirit are in operation. What is good has been defined in three specific ways concerning the gift of prophecy. 

But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation. (1 Cor 14:3)  

The Greek word “edification” (oikodome) means: “The act of building or building up. Metaphorically: edifying or edification. The act of one who promotes another’s growth in Christian wisdom, piety, happiness, holiness.” 2 

The Greek word “exhortation” (paraklesis) means: “imploration, solace-comfort, consolation, entreaty.” 3  

Vincent elaborates on the definition of paraklesis. “Literally, a calling to one's side to help; and therefore entreaty, passing on into the sense of exhortation, and thence into that of consolatory exhortation; and so coming round to mean that which one is summoned to give to a suppliant - consolation. Thus it embodies the call for help, and the response to the call. In some instances, however, the meaning wavers between console and exhort. In the sense of exhortation or counsel, the noun may be found in Acts 13:15; Rom 12:8; Heb 13:22. The verb, in Act 2:40; Act 11:23; Act 14:22; Rom 12:8; Tit 2:15. It should be noted, however, that the word comfort goes deeper than its popular conception of soothing. It is from the later Latin confortare, to make strong. Thus Wycliffe renders Luke 1:80, “the child waxed, and was comforted in spirit” (A. V., waxed strong); and Tyndale, Luke 22:43, “there appeared an angel from heaven comforting him” (A. V., strengthening). The comfort which Christ gives is not always soothing. The Holy Spirit, the Comforter, is to convince of sin and of judgment. Underlying the word is the sense of a wise counsel or admonition which rouses and braces the moral nature and encourages and strengthens it to do and to endure.” 4 

The word “exhortation,” is often relied upon as the basis for bringing a prophetic word of rebuke or correction concerning aspects of our lives that are displeasing to the Lord. While exhortation can involve a strong correction, it is easy to miss the relational aspect of the word implied in the original Greek, which is “to come alongside.” In the event that the Lord would give a prophetic word of correction, it would not express the attitude of someone standing over those who fall short harshly pointing a finger at their sin. Rather, It would be like someone taking the hand of those who fall short to lovingly and supportively lead them out of their desperate situation to a place of healing and victory. True prophecy should express God’s heart of compassion and personal care for his people. 

The Greek word “consolation” (paramuthia) means: “to relate near, to encourage, console.” 3 “Any address, whether made for the purpose of persuading, or of arousing and stimulating, or of calming and consoling.” 2 

Prophetic words express the threefold purpose of building up the weak, stirring up the complacent, and picking up those who are suffering. By these actions believers are strengthened. 

One who speaks in a tongue edifies himself; but one who prophesies edifies the church. Now I wish that you all spoke in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy; and greater is one who prophesies than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may receive edifying. (1 Cor 14:4-5) 

The goal of prophetic ministry stressed by Paul the apostle is that “the church may receive edifying.” This means to build up the Body of Christ. You must ask yourself, “Will this word I am about to speak build up or tear down?”

Guidelines for prophetic ministry

 

And let two or three prophets speak, and let the others pass judgment. But if a revelation is made to another who is seated, let the first keep silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be exhorted; and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets; for God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. (1 Cor 14:29-33) 

Prophetic words are to be judged. This means they are to be examined for both scriptural accuracy and representational accuracy i.e., is it really the Lord who is speaking? Prophetic words should be given in an orderly way that does not produce confusion in the church.  

The Bible says that after two or three prophetic words are given in the meeting, there should be a judgment. This is important because when many words come forth it makes it hard to be clear about what the Lord is saying for this immediate time. Other experienced and proven prophetic people can be a part of the process of passing judgment. However, the elders have the final responsibility to judge prophetic words and to determine God’s direction for the meeting. God has appointed elders as overseers in the local church. (Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 5:1-2)  

Let us consider six important issues that anyone who speaks prophetically must recognize, and be accountable to, if they are to properly function in the church. 

1. Is the Holy Spirit speaking to me?  

There are three inner voices that we must discern. There is our own voice; that is, our own thoughts being birthed out of our reasoning and our emotions. There is the voice of the enemy who speaks lies that bring fear and bondage. Finally there is the voice of God through the Holy Spirit. He brings edification, exhortation and comfort. It is only through practice and adjustment that we will be able to consistently discern which voice is speaking. All prophetic words are to be tested by the written Word of God. If a prophecy does not agree with the Scripture, the Lord is not speaking. 

2. Is this word for me personally or for the whole Body? 

This is an important question. When believers are in a time of personal trial or great emotional pressure, extra care must be taken when deciding whether or not a prophetic word stirring in their hearts should be spoken. If you are in a season where the Lord is making major adjustments in your life, as a general principle you should lean towards concluding that the Holy Spirit is speaking to you on a personal level. In this case, it would be wise to check a word out with the elders overseeing the meeting before giving it. This provides safety for you and for the congregation.

Personal trials can cause prophetic words to be given in a very emotional way. When your emotions are greatly stirred you must discern whether you are speaking out of the burden of the Lord or your own suffering. Remember, God wants to minister to you also. If you are only hearing prophetic words for others, you could easily miss the work the Lord wants to do in your own life by speaking to you. If you are unresponsive to the Lord on a personal level, it could ultimately extend the trial you are experiencing.  

3. Is this word to be given now? 

Proper timing is possibly the most difficult aspect of prophetic ministry. It is easy to tune out what is going on in a meeting when you are waiting on the Holy Spirit to speak to you. This can cause you to miss what the Lord is doing among the rest of the believers. God will not contradict Himself by simultaneously pointing the congregation in several different directions at once! When the entire flow of a meeting, including prior prophetic words, is on the theme of dying to self, prophesying about evangelism would probably be out of order. The Lord may indeed be speaking to you about evangelism, but it may be for sharing at a future time. It would be helpful to start out by listening for the prophetic  content coming out of the worship time. It would also be helpful to consider prophetic words, exhortations, prayers and Scripture readings that have come forth thus far during the meeting. This is where a prophetic theme will start being manifested. If you are uncertain about your word ask the elders about it before sharing it. 

Another very important aspect of timing is not about the theme but about the focus of our attention. We begin our meetings by focusing on the Lord and glorifying Him with our worship. During this segment of a meeting no prophetic word, and no one person, should be “sticking out.” Jesus should be occupying the attention of every heart. He is the focus.

There then comes a time later in our worship experience when the Lord wants to put the focus on where we are at in our relationship with Him. This is where the prophetic word is spoken and eventually where the Word of God is preached. When we adore the Lord in worship, His presence and His glory are manifested to us. This always stirs up the gifts of the Spirit. However, we must be careful that we do not draw attention from His glory by speaking out prematurely. There must always be a time for the glory of God to be the only thing speaking to us. When prophetic words and teaching come forth, our eyes come off the Lord to some extent and on to a person, even if they are speaking about the Lord. This is acceptable at the proper time. It is not acceptable when the Lord is to be glorified. 

4. Am I accountable to the Lord in the word I am speaking? 

It is a natural part of man’s sinful nature to stand aloof and speak to the shortcomings of others. In fact, this is why Jesus said to take the log out of your own eye in order to see clearly enough to take the speck out of your brother’s eye! (Matt 7:3-5) This is why prophetic people must submit their lives to the word they are speaking. When you prophesy about love, are you unforgiving towards someone? When you prophesy about repentance, are you walking in holiness? When you prophesy about the great commission, are you evangelizing? When you prophesy about compassion, are you helping the poor and needy? When you prophesy about devotion, are you spending time with the Lord? If you are not convicted by, and obedient to the things you prophesy, you are functioning out of pride and hypocrisy. This was the sin of the Pharisees. They appeared righteous as they pointed out the faults of others but  secretly lived unrighteously. At times we both prophesy and teach about things on a higher level that God is calling us up to. However, after having done so we must take seriously our own responsibility to enter into that higher level ourselves. 

5. Do I believe I must make it happen? 

Sometimes the Holy Spirit is done speaking but the person is not! This may simply indicate a need to learn when to stop. Unfortunately, however, sometimes the speaker continues due to their desire to cause something to happen immediately. Such activity expresses a manifestation of frustration with the people of God and will not produce the fruit of the Spirit. A person sharing a prophetic word can exceed God’s intent in several ways. They may try to explain what they have said when the prophetic word is done. They may try to interrupt the meeting and call for a change in direction so people will respond. They may pray a directive prayer over the whole meeting in response to the word they have given. These responses come out of frustration. We must remember that the Word of God is living and active and sharper than a two-edged sword. (Heb 4:12) It is the Word that will do its work in those who believe. (1 Thess 2:13) When the prophetic word is given in faith the results are placed in the hands of the Lord. The person who spoke should be at rest because they have been obedient. This is the way the Holy Spirit works. Changes in corporate direction through articulating a response to the prophetic word are the responsibility of the elders who oversee the meeting. Ideally, when the right word is given at the right time, there should be an automatic response from the hearts of God’s people. Ultimately this is what the Lord is looking for in His Body. If you are frustrated concerning the congregation's response to your prophetic words it would be wise to talk to the elders about it. 

6. Is this a word of rebuke? 

Sometimes the Lord will wish to speak a strong word of correction to His people. This could be a word describing sin and directly calling for repentance. When this kind of a word is stirring in someone’s heart it must be shared with the elders prior to being given. This is because it borders on no longer falling within the realm of the gift of prophecy described in 1 Corinthians 12-14: edification, exhortation and comfort. It becomes a word that should be given by an elder or one who serves the Body of Christ in the prophetic ministry according to Ephesians 4:11. 5 The elders may choose to give a trustworthy brother, whose word they confirm, more liberty to speak a stronger word than those who prophesy from time to time in the meetings. If you see someone exercising this freedom, do not assume you have it as well.  

A prophetic word is sharing God’s heart as well as His word. This is why we must have the character and compassion of the Lord for His people. While correction may be an element of prophecy, let us remember the primary use of prophecy will be encouragement and comfort. The New Testament uses the words “rebuke,” “reprove,” “admonish” and “correct” to clearly describe a word of correction. However, these words are not used as part of the description of the gift of prophecy.

Growing in the prophetic

 

For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be exhorted; (1 Corinthians 14:31) 

God has called us all to learn, and grow in the manifold gifts of the Spirit. Prophetic ministry is just one of these. 

The Bible says we can all minister one by one so that we can learn and be encouraged. If your desire is to grow in your gift, you will do so by staying adjustable, teachable and correctable. The easiest thing to do is to quit when things don’t go well. Of course, at times like this the enemy is there to tear us down and depress us. However, our greatest problem is often our own pride. We think we are right! If we persevere in our gift and receive discipline and correction, we will become more useful to God. When we are corrected, we must receive it as God’s love and training because it will produce the fruit of righteousness. (Heb 12:11)  

He whose ear listens to the life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. He who neglects discipline despises himself, but he who listens to reproof acquires understanding. (Prov 15:31-32) 

The more understanding and Christ-like character we develop, the more effective we will be in the use of our spiritual gifts. It will be easier for us if we see mistakes as a normal part of life and the process of maturing. Jesus was loving and patient with the twelve disciples, but He also corrected them regularly. When you are corrected, try not to react to it emotionally but pray it through, asking the Lord to form you into the servant He has called you to be. 

Finally 

If you want the Lord to use you in a greater way there are several things you can do. Prepare your heart before coming to a meeting through prayer and reading the scriptures. Ask Him to speak to you about any hindrances in your life to the Holy Spirit. When the meeting is beginning say, “Lord, I am available for You to use.”

When the meeting is underway and you are not sure about a word in your heart, ask the elders before giving it. In all things, work to build up the Body of Christ and you will be working with the Lord Himself.  

The gift of prophecy is extremely important for the process of building up the Body of Christ. If you have a gift in this area take it seriously, allow the Lord to develop it and become a blessing to His people!