What is Prophecy?

The Holy Spirit is not a dumb spirit, He is a Spirit that speaks. Apart from the fact that God speaks to men through visions and dreams, while some get to know the mind of God through their intuition, one other way through which God speaks to men is through men. The Bible says,

“to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues” (1 Corinthians 12:10 NKJV)

The Gift of prophecy is one of the vocal gifts of the Spirit. These vocal gifts are also referred to as the “Gifts of Inspiration”. They are called the gifts of inspiration because it takes a man that is inspired by the Holy Ghost to work in them. A man cannot just come up to say that the Lord had said a thing that the Lord had not said, that is the reason for the importance of the discerning of spirit, as one can know what is influencing a man when he speaks, through the gift of discernment.

Knowing fully well that a man may speak from the flesh or from the bitterness of heart and not by the inspiration of the Spirit of God, Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian church in the 13th chapter of his first epistle to them;

“And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge, and though I have faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:2 NKJV).

Apostle Paul emphasises further in verse eight; “Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away”. This is proof that anyone who prophesies outside love, is not being inspired to speak by the Spirit of God, but walking in the flesh.

Before the manifestation of the Holy Ghost on the day of prophecy, men have been given this gift, in fact, it was via the mouth of a prophet that the manifestation at Pentecost was foretold. Men like Isaiah, the man who prophesied much more about the coming Messiah walked in the reality of this gifts. Other prophets such as Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Elijah, Elisha, Joel, Micah, Zechariah, amongst others, also operated in this gift with precision and accuracy. As a matter of fact, Men like Daniel, and Kind David also prophesied things that they saw in visions and in psalms.

[bctt tweet=”Anyone who prophesies outside love, is not inspired by the Spirit of God, but walking in the flesh. #HisLove #HisSpirit” username=”AngelaLowe20″]

Men who operate in the gift of prophecy are inspired to know things to come. It won’t be erroneous to say that the gift of prophecy is all about foretelling and predicting the future. One can say, that the gifts of knowledge and prophecy seem to be the same, hence, since the gifts came from the same Source, their functions are interwoven. Knowledge is all about knowing, while prophecy focuses on revealing what is known.

In 1 Kings 22, a prophet by the name Micaiah foretold King Ahab that he was not going to return from battle, even though certain prophets had also prophesied his victory in battle. It was through the prophecy of Micaiah that it was revealed that a lying spirit had been sent to influence the prophets so that they can speak under the inspiration of that strange spirit. This vocal gift, if not well discerned can be manipulated by the flesh or strange spirits.

“When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not fear him.” (Deuteronomy 18:22 NKJV).

Still talking about Spiritual Gifts, Apostle Paul says; “Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy”. (1 Corinthian 14:1 NKJV).

The kingdom of God is full of mysteries, hence, mysteries in this context do not just mean “something that is difficult to understand” as it is literary known. Mysteries in this context refer to the codes of communication and operation in a system. The gift of prophecy helps a person to understand these mysteries, and to know that which God is set to do.

This gift also helps to reveal the intention of the enemy, hence, ensuring that the saints are equipped and guided in the knowledge of the truth.

A man’s gift of prophecy is traceable to God if;

  • He prophesies from the heart of love;
  • His prophecies are precise and accurate;
  • His prophecies are in line with God’s Word

In 1 Corinthian 14, Apostle Paul says in verse 39; “Therefore brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues”.

[bctt tweet=”Prophesies should build up faith in God. #prayer #prophesy” username=”AngelaLowe20″]

How to Activate or Develop this Gift

While we understand that not everyone will manifest a gift, as it is the Spirit of God who determines as He wills, we can also prepare and align ourselves to activate and develop this gift. The Bible says,

“But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.” (1 Corinthians 12:11 NKJV)

Earnestly Desire

Apostle Paul, after addressing the gifts, the distribution across the body of Christ and the individual uniqueness of different part of the body, said, “But earnestly desire the best gifts” (1 Corinthians 12:31 NKJV). This implies that we can desire the gifts. Desire is the beginning of any significant thing. Desire is a form of hunger, and if we give ourselves to sincere hunger, we can get to receive the gifts.

Ask in Prayer

“And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” (Matthew 21:22 NKJV)

Prayer gives us a direct communication and access to God. Jesus had told us that we can receive whatever we ask in prayer. Do you desire this gift of prophecy? Clear your heart and be sure it is not for a selfish purpose. Then ask.

Believing

“And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” (Matthew 21:22 NKJV)

Now asking in prayer is not enough, you must also believe that you have it already. Praying does not end at asking; you should also ensure you believe after asking.

[bctt tweet=”Prayer does not end at asking, it ends at believing. #prayer #HisSpirit” username=”AngelaLowe20″]

We want to hear from you

I would love to hear how this article impacted you or any questions you have. Make sure to leave a comment below or contact us today. Thank You.

If you know someone who could use more of the peace of Christ — share this with them using the “share” button below.

Angela Lowe, MS. Ed., LPC
Angela Lowe is a licensed Professional Counselor, trained Biblical Counselor and certified Holistic Health Coach. Her kingdom mandate is to restore God’s counsel to transform lives, marriages, and churches worldwide.