PROPHETIC GIFTS IN THE CHURCH

Prophecy is a supernatural activity of the Holy Spirit in the life of Christians (1 Cor. 12:10). It is an attesting sign from God (1 Cor. 14:22). It is a normal part of the revival in the last days (Acts 2:17-18). Prophecy often comes through dreams, visions, dark sayings (Num. 12:6-8). Prophecy may include words of knowledge or predictions, but its main thrust is to edify (1 Cor. 14:4).

1. Three levels of prophetic grace:

A. All believers may prophesy Acts 19:6, 1 Cor 14:31

The Holy Spirit overflows in us- prayer, praise, and prophecy John 7:37-39

We prophesy by faith Romans 12:6 (varying levels of faith, grow in our ability)

All gifts, including prophecy, are by grace, not merit Rom. 12:3, Eph 2:8-9

B. The gift of prophesy is given to some believers 1 Corinthians 12:10

We are encouraged to earnestly seek this gift 1 Corinthians 14:1, 39

This gift may come to young, old, men, women, (or the immature) Acts 2:17-18

C. Jesus chooses only a few for the office of prophet 1 Cor. 12:28, Galatians 1:15

Prophets suffer many trials and testings James 5:10

Prophets lay foundations Ephesians 2:20, 3:5

Prophets hold to the testimony of Jesus Rev. 19:10

Prophets honor apostles (bishops) and elders (pastors) 1 Cor. 12:28, Acts 15:32

2. The office of the prophet is meant to help establish the church

A. They carry great grace Ephesians 3:2, 1 Corinthians 15:10

B. They are recipients of great revelation Ephesians 3:5, 1 Corinthians 13:2

3. We must discern between true and false prophets (OT- judge the prophet; NT- the utterance)

A. Were they sent by God? Jeremiah 23:21-22

B. Are they known (approved) by their fruit? Matthew 7:15-20

C. Are they willing for us to judge the content of their words? 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21

4. False Prophets: Counterfeit (Psychic or Satanic): channeling, seances, fortune-tellers, omens

A. Prophesy out of their own imagination- Ezekiel 13:1-3 (unholy, evil motives)

B. Discourage, manipulate, control- Nehemiah 6:12, James 3:13-19, Rev. 2:20

5. How do we judge prophetic words in the church? If we don’t, we will despise them!

A. Prophetic gifts should be received in the context of relationships 1 Cor. 12:18

1) Know the person prophesying. Ignore strangers! 1 Thess. 5:12, Jn 10:5

2) Does your spirit bear witness with peace to what is being said? Rom. 8:16

3) Do mature saints agree with what you heard? 1 Corinthians 14:29

B. What does the Bible say? (Written supercedes spoken word!) Acts 17:11, 2 Pet. 1:20

6. How to walk out prophetic words? Three very important principles:

A. Revelation- What did the Spirit say? Did we hear accurately?

B. Interpretation- What does this mean? God always speaks into a context, not a vacuum.

C. Application- What do we do now? Don’t interpret a word privately or hastily.

7. Use sanctified common sense! The Lord will never violate your conscience or convictions.

A. If the vision, word, or prophetic utterance affects the direction of your life or the welfare of your family, then ask the Lord for confirmation before you act on it.

B. If the word affects your ministry, ask your spouse, your pastor, or elders for counsel.

C. Search the Bible for wisdom. The Holy Spirit will never contradict the Scriptures!

D. Other cautions: The chronos factor. Don’t try to make it happen. Wait on God.

© 2001 Ron Wood, Touched by Grace, Inc.
ron@touchedbygrace.org