“for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Pet 1:21, NKJV)
Within the wider context of the current theme under discussion we are examining the different ways in which God speaks to man. We have already looked at the voice of the Holy Spirit speaking to man’s heart, the manner in which God speaks to us through His Word, as well as communicating with us through dreams and visions. Today we focus on an element grossly neglected by most – the way in which God speaks to us through prophets and prophecy. In earlier teachings we have already discussed the element of prophesy as spiritual gift, and we would suggest that you again go and study the relevant section which will serve as the foundation of this teaching.
In Deut 18:18-19 we find an example of how God uses prophecy as a legitimate method of communicating with man – “I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brethren, and will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him. And it shall be that whoever will not hear My words, which He speaks in My name, I will require it of him.” In the book of Isaiah we find two references to the fact that God often explicitly chooses to speak through people – “The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary. He awakens me morning by morning, He awakens my ear to hear as the learned.” (50:4) and 51:16: “And I have put My words in your mouth …”
As we are all still only prophesying in part (1 Cor 13:9) it is vital that ALL prophecy be tested (1 Cor 14:29 & 32; 1 Thes 5:21). The Scriptures are full of examples of false prophecies demonically inspired (1 Kings 22:19-23), or originating in fleshly power or prayers of the soul (Ezek 13:1-3). Prophets may also make themselves guilty of prophesying their own thoughts or perceptions (Jer 23:16), or being deceived by the foolishness of their own hearts (Jer 23:25-26), or fall prey to the need to prophesy what people want to hear, delivering false hope (Jer 23:16; 2 Tim 4:3). Every believer “(must) take forth the precious from the vile” (Jer 15:19).
1 Cor 14:3 stipulates that “he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men”. God never speaks sternly and finally without leaving a doorway of hope. An admonition is inseparable from a word of encouragement (Rom 12:8 – compare different translations).
Today God still speaks through prophets. Therefore carefully follow Paul’s advice in 1 Thes 5:20, and “do not despise prophecies”.
- Sela: Test your prophetic word to the guidelines stipulated in the text
- Read: 1 Samuel 26; Ps 148; Luke 22
- Memorise: Ps 148:1-4
- For a deeper understanding: Read John Bevere’s outstanding book: Thus saith the Lord? How to know when God is speaking to you through another.
