This is the final article on prophecy and will deal with prophecy as a gift to all the members of the body (to all those who want the gift of prophecy.)
Let me mention a couple of important points here before we move ahead.
I will make a few suggestions on how to ‘free’ the gift of prophecy in our lives. I say free because the gift is already within us, waiting for us to exercise it. If we are puzzled about this statement, don’t worry, it’s normal. Both inexperienced or new believers, and longstanding believers, feel this way. There are those in the body who have been followers of Jesus for many years before The Spirit enlightens them about functioning in the gifts.
My ideas are not cast in stone but only suggestions stemming from my experience.
The other important issue is one of our relationship with the Lord. The power that results from us in using the gifts of The Spirit is directly proportionate to the depth of our relationship with The Spirit in us. I am not saying that if our relationship with The Spirit is not strong or even non-existent, God will not speak through us. Not at all. God does what God wishes to do and does not need the help of humans. Once, God spoke through an obedient donkey! See Numbers 22:28. This is the only account in the bible of God using a donkey to speak, so it is safe to assume it’s not a regular practice.
So, we can take it as a rule of thumb that if we are willing and have faith, we will be a helpful outlet for God’s word—a word of caution here; Our biggest enemy in this situation will be fear. Fear of saying the wrong words, others laughing at us, of looking stupid – the list is long.
Relationship
If we have a friend we know well, and we are in a situation where we have to defend them in front of others; based on your relationship with that friend, we can speak confidently in defence of them. Because we have a close relationship with that friend, we know all about them. As our relationship with The Spirit in us grows, so our knowledge of The Spirit grows. The more our knowledge of The Spirit grows, so does the flow of our gift.
What Paul Has to Say:
In 1Cor 14: 1-39, Paul speaks about the gift of prophecy in the body:
“1 Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. 2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries in the Spirit. 3 But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort. 4 The one who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but the one who prophesies edifies the church…”
Paul encourages us to prophesy, and he explains why; those confident enough to speak out do so, addressing members of the body for edification, encouragement, and comfort.
Finally, Paul says: “So, my brothers, be eager to prophesy….”
My Suggestion
Most of us are so accustomed to kneeling beside our bedside, pouring out our shopping list before we nod off – true? You bet it’s true. Some even look up into the sky, thinking God isn’t in the atmosphere. Don’t strain your neck, The Spirit of God is inside you.
Start now and have a conversation with God. Unless you want to, you don’t have to kneel beside your bed with your eyes closed and hands clasped. I chat with God all day about anything and anywhere. Is God fazed about where we are or what actions we are performing? No, God only wants to chat with us.
Ask me to prophesy, and I will do so without considering it. How? My relationship with God is excellent, and God speaks to me – a few times audibly, but far more so, softly into my Spirit. Spirit to spirit.
Start speaking to God every moment you are able from now. After a month of daily chats, you will be ready for prophesy. Don’t stop there; continue every day until your breathing stops.
Try this exercise; Starting at Genesis 1, read through to Revelations 22:21. Read something each day until you have been through the bible. Caution: read-only – no study.
Spend time in fellowship and especially praying with others who exercise the gifts. Listen to them exercising the gifts and then participate with them. The golden rule is this. The Spirit always wants to speak. The Spirit wants to use us. But The Spirit cannot us if we don’t open our mouths and let our tongues go.
The Spirit of the Lord make you fruitful, that your harvest be plentiful, and your heart be filled with love and joy.
Peter James