“For we know in part and we prophesy in part.”(1 Cor 13:9, NKJ)
In the current-day renewal churches prophecy has unfortunately become a commodity that is often used too casually. Prophetic word is given left, right and centre, often without the slightest indication of the fear of the Lord. Thus it becomes a dangerous practice which can mislead; it can even be used by Satan for his purposes. It is crucially important to understand the spiritual protocol regarding this spiritual gift.
The prophet Jeremiah warns in Jer 23:16: “Thus says the Lord of Hosts: ‘Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They make you worthless; they speak a vision of their own heart, not from the mouth of the Lord.” This state of affairs occurs if believers forget that we all only know and prophesy in part. The Word warns clearly that we must not scorn prophecy (1 Thess 5:20), nor that prophecy be prevented (1 Cor 14:39). In verse 31 Paul spells it out like this: “For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged.” It is nonetheless important that all prophecy is always tested (Job 12:11; Prov 16:2).
It is not necessarily a given that all prophetic word should be positive. Indeed it is so that he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to people (1 Cor 14:3), but that does not mean that it could not be accompanied by a warning. All prophecy, though, however reprimanding it may be, always has a “door of hope” (Hos 2:15) that is offered to the receiver.
When the gift of prophecy is misused or perverted or used for own gain or prestige, then it takes shape in the kingdom of darkness as fortune-telling, divination, and bad omens. This is judged most strongly by the Word (Is 8:19; Lev 19:26). New Testament prophecy does not predict the future, but rather shows the pathway of God’s blueprint (John 16:13). Indeed it is true because: “Surely the Lord God does nothing unless He reveals His secrets to His servants the prophets.” (Amos 3:7).
- Sela: Go and study your prophetic word in the light of 2 Pet 1:19-21.
- Read: Ex 3; Ps 53; Matt 23.
- Memorise: Matt 23: 37-39
