The Gift of Prophecy (4)

Hello everyone,

How are you doing on this day? I hope well and bubbling in the Lord.

Primary Text

“To another the working of miracles, to another prophetic insight (the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose); …” 1 Corinthians 12v10 (AMP)

We thank God for the gift of prophecy that He gives to His people, and for prophecies. Indeed they are a source encouragement, inspiration and help to build us up spiritually. 1 Corinthians 14v3 (AMP) says “But [on the other hand], the one who prophesies [who interprets the divine will and purpose in inspired preaching and teaching] speaks to men for their upbuilding and constructive spiritual progress and encouragement and consolation.” However, we have to be careful that the prophecies we hear and hold onto are really of God. 1 John 4v1 (NLT) says “Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world.” Prophecies that are from God always come to pass, and they will not contradict the Word of God. Another test of prophecies can be to see the vessel through which they are coming from. Are they pure or not? 1 John 4v2-3 (KJV) says “Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.” Also, what are the fruits of the lives of this vessel? Is it good fruit or not?

Supplementary Text

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast our devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.” Matthew 7v15-24 (KJV)

Prayer

Father, we thank You for Your Word and Your ways. We thank You for how You continue to speak to us. We thank You for being our God. We pray that You will help us to be discerning about prophetic utterances, to judge that which is of You and that which is not, in Jesus name we pray, amen.

Reference

Pastor E.A. Adeboye (1997). God the Holy Spirit. Lagos: Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries.