The Gift of Prophecy

The gift of prophecy is one of the gifts given by God to certain individuals.

1 Cor 12:7-11
⁷ But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
⁸ For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
⁹  faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
¹⁰  the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
¹¹ But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

The gift of prophecy, as are all gifts, is given at the will of God the Holy Spirit! Man does not appropriate this gift or any other gift.

However,

1 Cor 14:38-40
³⁸ But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.
³⁹ Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
⁴⁰ Let all things be done decently and in order.

As you can see, the gift of prophecy is the only Holy Spirit gift that we may covet (Gr. zēloō-ζηλόω).

I included verses 38 and 40 to indicate that we are not to be “ignorant” (Gr. agnoeō-ἀγνοέω) concerning this or any other gift of the Spirit.

That being said, most of Christianity is ignorant concerning the gift of prophecy!

Most of the Church has superimposed the rules concerning the office of Prophet onto the gift of prophecy.

Many think that the gift of prophecy is merely the gift of spiritual gab.

They assume that all preachers have the gift of prophecy.

When Paul said, that all Christians may prophesy (1 Cor. 14:31), he was not saying that all have the gift of prophecy.

Indeed today’s Preachers may be the least prophetic among Christians.

Most of the misunderstanding comes from an incorrect definition of prophecy.

Prophecy has been defined by the modern Church as simply an ability to preach that may be taught to many people.

That is simply not true!

Prophecy is precious!

Let me show you a statement that is NOT prophetic.

“Jesus is coming back!”

That may sound prophetic, but it is simply repeating what the angels to the Apostles.

Now, as only an example, let’s look at a statement that if given at the correct time may be prophetic.

“Jesus is coming back tomorrow!”

How do we properly judge the accuracy of that?

Simply wait and see!

There is no other accurate way to judge prophecy.

Many who receive a prophetic message deny its accuracy simply because their mind-set is not in-tune with the prophetic.

A prophetic message may not be within your mind-set when it is given.

Some time ago, I was asked to prophesy concerning a young mother. Usually I do not recall what is said, but that prophetic message was not what those for whom it was intended could accept.

Does that negate the prophetic?

Absolutely not!

The prophetic word of God shall come to pass.

Many years ago I was conducting a service in Pentecostal Church. Two women, a mother and daughter, stepped forward and I asked the oldest where her husband was. She replied that he has recently passed away. So, I turned to the daughter and asked where her husband was. She said that she was not married. I asked if her fiancé was there. She said he was, and I told them that I would not prophesy unless he stood with them. At that he arose from the last row and came forward.

Those who prophesy DO NOT know all things!

Recently, at a small meeting we were ministering to a woman when I was asked to “counsel” her. Since I do not counsel except to warn others not to stand under trees during a storm, I said that I did not know her circumstances. The Pastor said that was quite alright, so I prayed and began to speak prophetically.

When I stopped, all who knew her said that “I” had spoken exactly to those circumstances. Actually I did no more than stand and speak as the Holy Spirit led!

Later, a person at the meeting said that the Spirit fell on me and I prophesied. That too is inaccurate.

The Holy Spirit does not “fall on” or “jump onto” Christians forcing us to do this or that. He is with us at all times!

Many times we try to superimpose Old Testament rules concerning Prophets on to the gift of prophecy.

He uses His power at times that He wills, but He is always there!

The gift of prophecy can be weakened, but it cannot be lost!

Romans 11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

So, how does this gift of prophecy work?

It works in the same manner as all gifts of God do.

We hear from God and respond appropriately!

You may be thinking that you have never heard from God.

Are you a Christian?

If so, you have heard from God!

When you became a Christian, you heard the call of God issued through the Holy Spirit and responded appropriately!

Many years ago, while waiting to start a concert, I was told by the Holy Spirit to tell that Church a certain thing.

I knew that all the prophets had died centuries ago, because my Pastor told me that and I believed him. Son, I remained silent about that message during the concert.

My wife and I received no more calls for concerts until the Pastor of that Church called, and said, “I don’t know why, but I believe you are supposed to come back and do another concert right away.”

We went back the next weekend.

I was again told to deliver a message to that Church, and that Time I did it. At the end of the concert, a young woman ran down the aisle, hugged my wife, and told her that she had been waiting to hear that said in the Church. We still remain close to the Pastor of that Church.

If properly understood and accepted, each of the gifts of the Spirit has a wonderful effect on those who hear and respond appropriately!

There is much more that I could say about the gift of prophecy, but if I told it all I would run out of available space long before I would run out of amazing stories.

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