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Gift of Prophecy

Definition:

A supernatural ability the Holy Spirit gives to certain people to communicate a direct message from God. The purpose of prophecy includes predicting, directing, revealing, admonishing, challenging, comforting, exhorting, chastising and rebuking the listener(s).

Biblical References:

• Acts 2:37-40
• Acts 17:30-34
• Romans 12:6
• 1 Corinthians 12:10;28
• 1 Corinthians 14:1,3
• 1 Thessalonians 1:5

Gift Characteristics:

Is always under the control of the person speaking it.... Prophecy, like other spiritual gifts, is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit that is expressed through an individual, but never with the loss of their free will or ability to control themselves. The Holy Spirit does not take possession of someone when He uses them. People have the ability to speak forth a divinely inspired word when it is appropriate to do so with proper discretion and sensitivity to good order (1 Corinthians 14:32).

Can come to a person in various ways.... People can receive prophetic words in different ways. They may get the entire message in their mind prior to speaking, or they may just get several words of the message and have to speak believing the rest will come as they give the prophecy. In some cases, a person may just get a strong sense that God wants them to prophesy without any idea of what they are going to say until they start speaking.

Can be expressed in different forms.... Scripture records a number of different forms that prophecy can take (Isa. 5:1; Neh. 9:6-37; 2 Kings 5:26; Acts 21:10). They include:

Oracles - words that are spoken as if the Lord Himself were speaking them. Usually given to groups not individuals, and are often simple and to the point.

Exhortation - an inspired message that revives, renews, or strengthens people.

Songs - inspirational melodies and lyrics that stir up people spiritually and lead them into greater worship and praise.

Prayer - public communication with God that turns people's hearts and leads them into greater communion with Him.

Revelation - words that reveal specific information or knowledge about a given situation and encourage some type of response from the listener(s).

Teaching - communicating the truth of God in a way that touches people deeply and brings them into a stronger understanding and relationship with the Lord.

Should always be judged.... All prophecy is subject to judgment by those that hear it. Things to consider include whether it bears witness to those listening (especially other prophetic ministries), and the degree to which it lines up with the explicit or implicit counsel of Scripture. Prophetic messages will also include some element of the speaker's own emotions or interpretation of what's being said. It is also possible for prophetic messages to be false or misleading if (1 Corinthians 14:29). Prophecy generated from demonic activity is also possible, but rare in a church setting, and no true believer pursuing spiritual gifts is capable of giving this kind of prophecy.