1 Corinthians 14:3 But he who Prophesies speaks unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
On the Day of Pentecost, as Peter stood and boldly spoke to the people, he quoted the Words of the Prophet, Joel. He began by saying, And it shall come to pass in the Last Days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall Prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams. And on My servants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall Prophesy. (Acts 2:17-18)
We see the emphasis put on the Gift of Prophesy as it is mentioned twice in two sentences. It clearly states that both men and women will be given the Gift of Prophesy. This is one of the Spiritual Gifts given by the Holy Spirit to whom He sees fit. Although the Spirit of God is poured out on all flesh, everyone is not necessarily given all the Spiritual Gifts.
Yesterday, we discussed the fact that the Three Persons of the Godhead (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) each play a part in the development of each of us. The Father is our Creator. The Son places a Calling on our lives, and the Holy Spirit imparts to us the Spiritual Gifts needed to fulfill our Purpose in life.
Many of the Gifts and Callings have become misunderstood over time and are misused and abused in the Church today. Some of this misuse is due to the translation of language in the Word of God. Hebrew and Greek are not often easily translated into English and sometimes the original meaning will get lost in the translation.
The Office (or Calling) of the Prophet and the Spiritual Gift of Prophecy is one such case. The Apostle Paul gives us the purpose for those who have been given the Spiritual Gift of Prophecy. This Gift is to be used to edify, exhort and comfort people being ministered to. But he who Prophesies speaks unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. (1 Corinthians 14:3)
Just because someone has been given the Gift of Prophecy does not make them a Prophet. A Prophet is one who operates in foretelling which is speaking of things that are to come in the Church. One who has the Gift of Prophecy ministers to individuals bringing edification, exhortation, and comfort to them.
The Gift of Prophecy is what Peter spoke about on the Day of Pentecost when he quoted the Prophet, Joel. And it shall come to pass in the Last Days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall Prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams. And on My servants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall Prophesy. (Acts 2:17-18)
If you minister to people words of encouragement and exhortation which brings a sense of comfort to them, you have the Gift of Prophecy BUT you probably do not stand in the Office of the Prophet! Many people today have given themselves the title of Prophet when in fact, they are not a Prophet but they do have the Gift of Prophecy.
Many of the Nine Gifts of the Spirit are misunderstood. I suggest you read the Books in the Bible written by the Prophets of Old. These people were Prophets. In the New Testament, John was a Prophet. His Book of Revelation is a Prophecy because it tells us what is to happen in the future in regard to the Kingdom of God.
The Apostle Paul was a Prophet because the Holy Spirit imparted to him things that would come to pass in the future. But know this, that in the Last Days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! (2 Timothy 3:1-5) What you have just read is a Prophecy written by Paul who had the Calling of Prophet on him.
Just because someone speaks a good word over someone and encourages them does not make that person a Prophet. Many of these people are seeking titles which is the spirit of pride operating in them. There is much to be said on this subject but suffice it to say that the Calling of Prophet is far different than the Spiritual Gift of Prophecy.
Study to show yourself approved. God will soon…...….turn the tide
Help me Lord, Doreen
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