The Gift of Prophecy I. Prophecy is one of the nine gifts of the Spirit (I Cor. 12:10). As such, it is part of the spiritual equipment given by God to enable the Church.

II. How is New Testament prophecy to be defined? Prophecy is the supernatural ability to receive a message initiated by God and the grace to speak it forth. It functions in two possible dimensions: A. Forth Telling. This is the declarative aspect of prophecy where God delivers a message of edification, exhortation or comfort to His people.

B. Foretelling. This is the predictive aspect of prophecy where God delivers a message that involves the prediction of future events.

III. What are the various expressions of prophetic ministry that have been given to the Church? A. There is the Gift of Prophecy (I Cor. 12:10). B. There is the Ministry of Prophecy (Rom. 12:6). C. There is the Ministry of a Prophet (Eph. 4:11-12).

IV. Why is prophecy important for the Church of today? A. Prophecy was an important expression and a normal activity in the Early Church (I Cor. 14). 1. Prophecy seems to have been considered a most significant gift (I Cor. 14:1; I Th. 5:20). 2. The prophetic ministry is specifically mentioned more than any other ministry in both the Old and the New Testament writings.

B. Prophecy is for the purpose of establishing, strengthening and comforting the local church (I Cor. 14:3-5). 1. Prophecy is for the purpose of edification. 2. Prophecy is for the purpose of exhortation. 3. Prophecy is for the purpose of comfort. C. Prophecy has the power to convince, convict, and reveal the secrets of the heart (I Cor. 14:24-25).

D. Prophecy can be a witness to unbelievers of the living presence of God (I Cor. 14:24-25). E. Prophecies can be a significant tool for spiritual warfare (I Tim. 1:18; 4:14). F. Prophecy is something that we are to desire (I Cor. 14:1, 39).

V. What are some biblical observations about prophecy? A. Prophecy is to be initiated by God (Jer. 23:16-22; Ezek. 13:1-3). B. Prophecy is God speaking to His people through a person (Ex. 4:15-16; 6:28-7:2). C. Prophecy can function at different levels of faith (Rom. 12:6).

VI. How does one function in the gift of prophecy? A. There are things that you can do as a lifestyle. 1. Fill your heart with the word of God (Col. 3:16). 2. Be filled with the Spirit continually (Eph. 5:18-19). 3. Exercise your prayer language to build up your spirit (Jude 20-21).

4. Become an ardent worshipper of the Lord (Rev. 19:10). 5. Become practiced in listening to the Holy Spirit in personal prayer times.

B. There are things that you can do in a specific setting. 1. Desire to be used in prophecy (I Cor. 14:31, 39). 2. Yield yourself to the Lord (Rom. 6:13; 12:1-2). 3. Be sensitive to the nudging of the Holy Spirit (II Pet. 1:21). 4. Ask God for confirmation of the word you have received (II Cor. 13:1). 5. Check your heart’s motivation (Jer. 23:16; I Cor. 13:2).

6. Judge your own word before you give it (I Th. 5:20-21). 7. Look for the right opening or opportunity to share the word. 8. Ask God for direction as to how this word should be shared. a. In written form. b. In the form of a prayer or exhortation. c. Publicly to the local church. d. Privately to the leadership.

VII. What are some cautions or guidelines when it comes to prophecy? A. Some biblical guidelines 1. Stay within your realm of grace, faith and God-appointed sphere (Rom. 12:1-6; II Cor. 10:13-18). 2. Exercise self-control (I Cor. 14:32; Pro. 25:28; 29:11, 20). 3. Allow your ministry to be judged (I Cor. 14:29). 4. Observe the guidelines set by the leadership.

5. If a word has been delivered by others do not feel that you must also speak (I Cor. 14:30). 6. Quit when the Spirit quits (Pro. 30:5-6).

Paul summarizes the purpose for guidelines in I Corinthians 14:40: B. Some practical guidelines 1. Use modern language when speaking. 2. Speak loud and clear enough for the message to be understood (I Cor. 14:8). Paul summarizes the purpose for guidelines in I Corinthians 14:40: Let all things be done decently and in order.