The Gift of Prophecy

What is Prophecy?

Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 that it is one of the gifts given by the Holy Spirit "... to another (is given) prophecy". Prophecy is not just about predicting the future, although there is an element of that of predicting. It is much more about foretelling God's word in a particular situation, and not just foretelling the future.

There is a distinction between preaching and prophesying. Paul makes it clear in Ephesians 4:11 that some were given as teachers and others as prophets highlighting the difference between the two gifts. The gift of teaching is an inspired insight into the Word of God giving fresh understanding of the written word. Prophecy is an inspired utterance of a word which God gives directly to the believer.

Mark Cartledge in his article says there are three ways of viewing the prophetic experience as he calls it[1]. First category is when the message is received sometime before it is actually shared. The person may wait minutes, hours or even days before sharing it. The second category consists of the person receiving part of the message and as they speak out the rest of the message is received. The third category is when one has an impulse to prophecy, but without any words in ones mind. The message comes as one stands up and speaks.

Mark Stibbe summarises it well, he say the gift of prophecy consist of the following:

1. A spontaneous, Spirit-inspired compulsion to speak out a message of revelation

2. A sense of words coming to mind. This can be a complete message, a partial message, or just a sense that the message will come as you start speaking

3. The actual utterance of this message is either immediately, or after a delay of minutes, hours, or even days[2]

The Authority of Prophecy

If God is speaking through people how much authority should we give to a prophetic utterance?
Is it the same as 'The Word of God' – scripture?

Even though Paul says that prophecy is revelation it is not to be treated as infallible. In fact the gift of prophecy is fallible as it contains revelation that is partial rather than complete. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13:9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part then later on Paul tells us that prophecy must be weighed carefully in 1 Corinthians 14:29. Wayne Grudem says 'Prophesies in the church today should be considered merely human words, not God's word's, and not equal to God's word's in authority.[3]

1. Scripture is universal in application. A prophecy is merely contingent

2. Scripture does not need to be tested. A prophecy does

3. Scripture already possesses authority. The authority of prophecy needs to be established

4. Scripture is eternal. A prophecy is only temporary

The Administration of the gift of Prophecy

· At Longton Community Church we welcome the gift of prophecy and believe it was not just for the apostolic era. Paul envisaged that this gift would be used until Jesus' return.

· The Bible teaches that prophecy is a gift from God. While we are aware this gift can be misused and mistakes can be made, we are still enthusiastic for this gift.

· At Longton Community Church we carefully weigh every word of prophecy. Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:19-20 that we are not to despise prophecy but we are to test everything and hold on to what is good.

· We encourage everyone eagerly to desire this gift of prophecy as Paul instructed us in 1 Corinthians 14:1 At Longton Community Church we teach that everyone can prophesy in turn (1 Corinthians 14:31); that the Spirit of God has been poured out on all flesh (Joel 2:28-29; Acts 2).

· We encourage everyone to recognise that prophetic words are received in an attitude of waiting on God and we cultivate the spiritual discipline of listening prayer. Prophecy is a gift but it is most often given to those who spend time in that secret place of intimacy with the Father