Prophecy

“The one who prophecies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues” (I Cor 14:5)

This gift is mentioned in Romans 12, I Corinthians 12-14, and Ephesians 4.

Most people associate prophecy with foretelling the future, and prophecy certainly can include that aspect.  But prophecy is bigger than foretelling the future.  New Testament prophets are a continuation of the Old Testament prophetic tradition but under a new covenant.  When you read Isaiah or Jeremiah, you read a lot of “Thus says the Lord,” and most of those statements have nothing to do with foretelling the future.  Sometimes a prophet rebukes sin.  Sometimes he offers restoration and forgiveness.  Sometimes he gives direction concerning God’s will.  Occasionally he predicts the future. 

What do Prophets Do?

At its most basic level prophecy is a word from the Lord.  Like Old Testament prophets, New Testament prophets speak a word from the Lord for the church, and that word is informed by the new covenant and the coming of Jesus. 

Prophets:

• rebuke sin
• call the church to repentance
• call you to repentance
• let us know of God’s judgment, love and mercy
• point us to God and to His character
• communicate messages from God to the people
• provide guidance and direction
• may speak about the future

The Importance of Prophecy

Prophets are the conscience of the church.

Who is Prophecy For?

Prophecy can be for individuals or for the church. 

Strengths of a Prophet

• boldness, no fear of men
• a focus on righteousness and holiness
• can see the truth and communicate that truth clearly and simply
• care about the truth
• want to see the church honor God
• are sensitive to the Spirit
• have high ethical standards

Weaknesses of a Prophet

• can be proud
• can be insensitive
• can be offensive needlessly
• can lack tact
• can speak the truth without love when speaking from the flesh

False Prophets

Because false prophets exist, the church must test the message of a prophet to see whether it is of God (I Jn 4:1).  The standard for such a test is Scripture.  The message of a prophet is, thus, subordinate to Scripture, not equal to Scripture.  People who listen to a self-proclaimed “prophet” who gives a message that does not align with Scripture are not listening to a prophet of God (Dt 13). 

Prophecy and Teaching

Prophecy communicates a message from God.  Teaching also communicates a message from God.  But the two are not the same.  Prophecy tends to be less formal, shorter, and more spontaneous than teaching.  It is more like a word God gives on the spot to address a particular situation. 

Examples of People with the Gift of Prophecy

Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, John the Baptist, A.W. Tozer, Keith Green, Paul Washer

Good Roles for People with the Gift of Prophecy

mentor, writer, speaker, jail ministry, evangelist