The gift of prophecy is the motivation to reveal unrighteousness in motives, words, or actions by speaking God’s Truth. The speaking forth of the mind and counsel of God.
“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Him who is the Head, that is Messiah” (Ephesians 4:15).
Presents teachings, speaks to groups rather than individuals, likes the response of a greater commitment, likes to bring maturity to the saints, likes an immediate response of repentance.
Types
Office of Prophet, Ephesians 4:11
Manifestations of prophecy, 1 Corinthians 12:10
An utterance inspired by the Holy Spirit for edification, exhortation and comfort, under an anointing, available for all believers, 1 Corinthians 14:3
Motivational gift of prophecy is a permanent aspect of one’s spiritual nature or personality, Romans 12:6
Characteristics
1. Some measure of discerning of spirits.
2. Has the capacity to feel what God feels and to see what He sees in a given situation – an intuitive gift.
3. Discerns character and motives of people.
4. Communicates with a disarming directness and frankness with fervency and persuasiveness of speech – sometimes sounds angry, harsh or has tears.
5. Appeals to the Word of God for his authority
6. Experiences brokenness in order to prompt brokenness in others; ability to identify with the sins of others to whom he is speaking
7. Desires outward evidence of change to demonstrate inward heart conviction and repentance
8. Intercessors generally have this gift
9. This gift, when received, does effect conviction, repentance, and change or revelation, belief, and experience.
10. Requires the greatest degree of sanctification so it is not divisive and destructive.
11. Temper love for Truth with love for people
12. Needs to know the limit of his faith because to declare a truth (even in love) will often bring rejection and pain.
Fruits of the Spirit
Romans 12:6, 9; Ephesians 4:15
Temptations to Avoid
1. Falsely or correctly discerning a situation but then holding people in judgment in your heart.
2. Feeling condemned because you see into the hearts and motives of others.
3. Becoming angry and indignant with people who do not hear or heed your message and who may even mock and malign it – and you!
4. Becoming discouraged when repentance does not follow; discouraged with the prophetic ministry itself or with God who gave it to you (Elijah complex).
5. Speaking the right word but at the wrong time or wrong manner.
6. Seeing people as groups rather than individuals with personal needs and differences.
7. Trusting in your persuasiveness and rhetoric to convince rather than the Holy Spirit.
Problems and Misunderstandings
1. Frankness and fervency of speech may be viewed as harshness and emotional instability.
2. Public boldness and strict standards may hinder close personal relationships. Prophets are generally loners.
3. Strong desire to convey truth may appear as if you have no interest in hearing another person’s point of view.
3. Clear assessment of truth may be judged as having a critical and unforgiving spirit by those who do not have this gift or by those being called to repentance.
Scriptural Examples
1. Yeshua in his remarks to the Pharisees in Matthew 23.
2. Yochannan – John the Baptist in Luke 3:1-19
General Counsel
We live in a society where truth is not spoken. We don’t want to offend anyone or make them feel guilty. The need for this gift is obvious. The church has become a place where moral values are blurred with the world’s. Isaiah warned, “Woe to them that call evil good and good evil.” The church has become a failure in church discipline (Matthew 18:15-18).
For the church to become a bride without spot, blemish, or winkle, it needs the prophetic motivational gift desperately. Historically, the people kill God’s prophets because they do not want to change. We need to evaluate what we are doing with modern-day prophets: releasing them or resisting them. Prophetic ministries are hard to live with, but they are the building inspectors for God. They drop the divine plumb line.
It is essential for prophetic ministries to be in fellowship with pastors and leaders of the local flock. Prophetic ministries need affirmation, adjustment and encouragement. Women with this gift need to submit their discernments to their husbands (or pastors) and speak only when there is confirmation.
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©2013 Tentstake MInistries Publishing with The Keys to Church Harmony, 1983