“And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said to me, See, do not do it! I am your fellow servant, and of your brothers who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God, for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Revelation 19:10

False Prophet, false fire[[Word-Faith teachers are an example of exploiting doctrinal error and leading silly people astray]

In the Word of God; Paul’s instruction to the church about this unique and wonderful gift and the purpose for its use – is made clear. It seems good then, to return to the scriptures and see what God actually says about the gifting of “prophesy”, its correct use and more.

In the last book of the Bible, brother John has fallen at the feet of an angel in worship. The angle proceeds to sharply rebuke John’s misguided and emotional response to what he was witnessing in heaven concerning “last things”:

“And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said to me, ‘See, do not do it! I am your fellow servant, and of your brothers who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God, for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.’” Revelation 19:10

Paul builds upon the angel’s testimony to John with the following:

“God, who at many times and in many ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds, who being the shining splendor of His glory, and the express image of His essence, and upholding all things by the word of His power, through Himself cleansing of our sins, He sat down on the right of the Majesty on high, being made so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.” Hebrews 1:1-4

In regards to “prophesy”, God gives two explicit warnings. Both involve its use within the fellowship:

“Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophesying.” I Thessalonians 5:19-20

The Holy Spirit, who indwells each believer in the rebirth – then begins the work of equipping and teaching within that same believer! This new man then, begins proclaiming what matters most of all; Jesus Christ and His gospel to all will hear:

“And it shall be in the last days, says God, I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh. And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.” Acts 2:17, Joel 2:28

What then, is the real role of the gift of Prophesy? Again, let the scriptures speak for themselves:

  • It is framed in love for Jesus Christ and the brethren – and is based on maturity toward the knowledge of God and His Gospel. (I Corinthians 14:1, 12)
  • It builds up, teaches, exhorts and comforts the hearer. (I Corinthians 14:3, 5, 17, 19, 31)
  • It is used by the Holy Spirit to reveal Jesus Christ to the unbeliever – convicting him of sin! It is also used of the weak and rebellious Christian toward maturity. (I Corinthians 14:22)
  • With sin revealed, the unbeliever responds to the Gospel of Jesus Christ with repentance toward Him – seeking forgiveness of sin revealed. (I Corinthians 14:24-25)

Who then, is “allowed” to prophesy Jesus Christ and His Gospel? Again, we must turn to God’s instruction manual. The answer may surprise you and cause great discomfort to those shepherds “leading” their respective flocks:

“And if there are two or three prophets, let them speak, and let the others judge. If a revelation is revealed to another sitting by, let the first be silent. For you may all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be comforted.” I Corinthians 14:29-31

This is rarely seen in today’s “church services.” It has become status-quo for the “pastor” to exercises ALL the spiritual gifts while the “laity” sits and watches! This ought never happen but, sadly, the Spirit has indeed, been quenched by men who “despise prophesying.” (see I Thessalonians 5:19-20)

When the Holy Spirit reigns in the hearts of mature believers – the proper use and application of all the gifts become apparent:

“And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” I Corinthians 14:29-33

Note: I am a Pastor/Teacher and called to do the work of an Evangel; just as Timothy, Titus and others were before me. As I studied these profound scriptures; I see two evils at work in the church today…

1. This incredible ignorance and willful misuse of “prophesying” by those men and women who are self-proclaimed “prophets of God.” These sorcerers are become liars and wolves in sheepskins spewing out false fires amongst us – who manipulate ignorant believers with outward “signs” of the “experiences of the anointing.” They would do well to heed God’s warning to them:

“Many will say to Me in that day, Lord! Lord! Did we not prophesy in Your name, and through Your name throw out demons, and through Your name do many wonderful works?” Matthew 7:22

2. “Pastors” who have come to see their “calling” as a personal mandate from God – and, usurping the authority of the Spirit and His Work while refusing to allow the brethren to use their gifts according to the Spirit’s calling. To these men (including me) God warns:

“Or did the Word of God go out from you? Or did it reach only to you? If anyone thinks to be a prophet, or a spiritual one, let him recognize the things I write to you, that they are a commandment of the Lord. But if any is ignorant, let him be ignorant. So then, brothers, seek to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in languages. Let all things be done decently and in order.” I Corinthians 14:26-40

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