I. GOD DESIRES TO BE KNOWN
A. Jesus gives us the essence of our experience of God and that is to know Him.
"And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent." (John 17:3)
B. Jesus defines the all encompassing nature of what it means to know God.
"And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and all your mind, and with all your strength."
This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself". There is no
other commandment greater than these." (Mark 12:30-31)
1. Invitation - this is an invitation for us to learn to love God with all that we age.
2. Prophetic destiny - this is our destiny which will have ultimate fulfillment in the age to come.
II. THE HOLY SPIRIT REVEALS THE DEPTHS OF GOD
A. It is the Holy Spirit's delight to reveal the being of God to us. He loves to reveal His beauty, the pleasure of His love
over us, and the hope of our future; however, we must believe that He wants to do this, of which faith is essential when we
come to Him.
"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a
rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6)
B. We have no innate knowledge of God in ourselves, it is necessary that the Holy Spirit gives us revelation, by way of
understanding from the word, or other types of revelatory experiences that would only compliment the scriptures. It is His
main function as He aligns us with truth.
"...Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for
those who love Him." But god has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep
things of God. .... no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received ...the Spirit who is from
God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. (1 Corinthians 2:9-12)
1. We have not even begun to understand the life of God within us, much less the eternal reality awaiting us.
It hasn't even entered our minds at all. This amazing reality will be for us to discover forever.
2. The Holy Spirit reveals to us what God is like, our identity as friends and lovers of Him, our present predicaments,
and our future hopes. This has been freely given to us to know - it is our inheritance to receive. One of the ways this is
revealed to us is through prophetic activity, opening our senses to the spirit realm. (Daniel 7; Revelation 4:1)
III. PROPHECY IS OUR INHERITANCE
A. Moses' desires for all to prophecy was a precursor of what God would indeed do in the church.
"So the Lord said to Moses: "Gather to Me seventy ... elders of Israel... ... I will take of the Spirit that is upon you
and will put the same upon them ... Then the Lord came down in the cloud ... took of the Spirit that was upon him, and
placed ... upon the seventy elders ... when the Spirit rested upon them ... they prophesied ... But two men had remained
in the camp ... Eldad, and ... Medad. And the Spirit rested upon them. Now they were among those listed, but who had
not gone out to the tabernacle; yet they prophesied int he camp. And a young man ran and told Moses ... "Eldad and
Medad are prophesying in the camp." So Joshua ... said, "Moses my lord, forbid them!" Then Moses said ... "Are you
zealous for my sake? Oh that all the Lord's people were prophets and that the Lrod would put His Spirit upon them!"
(Numbers 11:16-17; 25-29)
B. Joel prophesied that when the spirit would be poured out it would be a prophetic anointing resting on the church.
"And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall
prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. And also on My menservants and on
My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days." (Joel 2:28-29; see Acts 2:17-18)
1. Promise to pour out the Holy Spirit on all flesh - the word "all" refers not to all human beings without exception
but to all classes of human beings without distinction. This promise is spoken twice emphasizing it as an absolute reality
to occur.
2. Promise to release the spirit of prophecy - both male and female believers will prophesy. It should and will be a
normal thing for God's children to prophesy as part of being filled with the spirit in the body of Christ - a prophetic
community.
3. Promise to give revelatory experiences - dreams and visions will and should be a normal function of spirit filled
living. The 'realm' of the spirit will be opened up to all His children.
C. Revelation continues this theme of God's servants prophesying especially in the time of the Lord's return.
1. John is given a scroll to eat of which would cause him to prophesy to the nations.
"Then the voice ... said, "Go, take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel .. " So I went to the angel
and said to him, "Give me the little book". And he said ... "Take and eat it; and it will make your stomach bitter, but it will
be as sweet as honey in your mouth." ...he said to me, "You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, tongues,
and kings". (Revelation 10:8-11)
2. The two witnesses will be prophets raised up in the last 3-1/2 years before the Lord's return.
"And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed
in sackcloth" (Revelation 11:3)
IV. WHAT IS PROPHECY?
A. Prophecy is the testimony of Jesus - the biblical definition of prophecy is summed up in this verse, which reveals what
Jesus has on His heart for His people.
"Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy" (Revelation 19:10)
"Of this salvation the prophets ... who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, ... the Spirit of Christ
who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow"
(1 Peter 1:10-11)
1. Jesus' testimony - the purpose of prophecy is to bring people to the revelation of Jesus Christ. it begins to reveal
what He is like and what is on His heart. The way Jesus portrayed the Father's heart and represented the ethical nature
of His Kingdom in holiness and obedience is His testimony, which now runs throughout creation as He has been exalted to
the right hand of God. His exaltation through His perfect obedience unto death gave Him the name above all names.
a. Jesus was in the beginning with God as the divine Word.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word
became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace
and truth." (John 1:1, 14)
b. When we see Jesus, we see the uncreated, invisible God in the through His life.
"And He (Jesus) is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all
things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty
on high (Hebrews 1:3)
c. Jesus was the express image of the Father.
Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has
seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, 'Show us the Father'?" (John 14:9)
d. Jesus was in perfect harmony with the Father's will and ways.
"Then Jesus answered and said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself,
but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. (John 5:19)
"I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My
own will but the will of the Father who sent Me." (John 5:30)
"And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them. (John 17:10)
e. Jesus was thoroughly free from the enemies hold.
"I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold on me"
(John 14:30)
2. Our testimony - the life of Jesus that dwells in us, which becomes His testimony in and through us. We prophesy
from our testimony meaning that we share from our knowledge and experiences with God (John 16:13; Romans 1:8;
16:19; 1 Thessalonians 1:5-10; Philippians 3:16; 1 John 2:27).
a. Our testimony began before the creation of the world.
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual
blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, ... according
to the good pleasure of His will ... " (Ephesians 1:3-6)
b. Our testimony is what we have learned about God.
"However, when He, the Spirit of truth has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on
His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. (John 16:13)
""But the anointing which you have received form Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone
teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has
taught you, you will abide in Him." (1 John 2:27)
c. Our testimony is our personal fruit of an inward change of character.
"Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the
same mind." (Philippians 3:16)
d. Our testimony is the witness we have before others of our transformed life.
"First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole
world" (Romans 1:8)
e. Our testimony is also our prophetic history in God. This is our journey as believers while rejoicing in the
way God has protected and provided for us, also how he has supernaturally revealed Himself to us. It's good to review
your life in God and mark down the way God has revealed Himself to you.
3. Scripture and prophecies - We make a clear distinction between the authority of Scripture and prophetic
utterances that have varying degrees of accuracy. Most prophecy is "human words reporting something that God
brings to mind" (Wayne Grudem). The Spirit conveys to our mind thoughts we communicate in contemporary language.
They are a mixture of God's words and man's words that combine divine inspiration and with the human process.
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:16)
VI. THE PURPOSE OF PROPHECY
A. The purpose of New Testament prophecy is to strengthen, encourage, and comfort believers by speaking God's
words of affirmation, love, and promise over their lives. It should confirm what God has already spoken to one's heart,
but can also be predictive by giving promises for one's future.
"But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men." (1 Corinthians 14:3)
B. Prophecy is also meant to build up the Body of Christ and to equip the church into fullness.
"And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,
for the equiping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of
the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ"
(Ephesians 4:11-13)
C. A very common perception regarding the purpose of prophecy is that its primarily meant to rebuke and correct people
and call them to repentance. This comes from the perception that the Old Testament prophets mostly spoke about God's
judgment and anger, and the parts about God's mercy, love, tenderness, and desire for restoration and fulfillment of
promises in OT Scripture are forgotten. God has always and still desires mercy over judgment (James 2:13). His
kindness leads us to repentance, thus His kindness revealed through edifying prophetic words will also lead to
repentance on occasion.
D. Prophecy is also a sign to believers and reveals God in a tangible way to those being prophesied over.
"Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for
unbelievers but for those who believe." (1 Corinthians 14:22)
1. Prophecy is a sign to believers.
2. The sign is evidence of God operating in the midst of the church.
"But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever ... comes in, he is convinced ... he is convicted by all. And thus
the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly
among you." (1 Corinthians 14:24-25)
VI. ALL CAN PROPHESY
A. Gifts are a manifestation of the Spirit for every believer.
"The manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all; for to one is given the word of wisdom through
the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of
healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of Spirits, to
another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. The Spirit works all these things, distributing
to each one individually ... (2 Corinthians 12:7-11)
B. Paul emphasizes the gift of prophecy for all to operate in.
"I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you (all) prophesied ... that the church may receive
edification ... If all prophesy, and an unbeliever comes in ... he is convicted by all. Whenever you come together, each
of you has a psalm ... has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation .. For you can all prophesy
(1 Corinthians 14:5, 24, 26, 31)
C. Jesus also spoke of the power that is available to all believers.
"And these signs will follow those who believe: in My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new
tongues; ... they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover. ... And they went out and preached everywhere,
the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying sings. Amen. (Mark 16:17-20)
VII. DEVELOPING A PROPHETIC LIFESTYLE
A. Any believer can prophesy, from the newest babe in Christ to the most mature saint. If we desire to mature in the
gift we must consider developing a lifestyle that incorporates fasting, prayer, a life in the Word of God, and a desire for
holy character. The process of transformation is begun and accomplished by encountering the person of God. Likewise,
the prophet can only prophesy if he/she has somehow encountered God. This encounter thus becomes the vital
component to the ministry of prophecy. The values of watching waiting and spiritual faithfulness unto a knowing of the
person of God are our link and only means to the life of prophecy. The following is a list of key components in
developing a prophetic lifestyle.
B. Worship - the foundation of prophecy.
"God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth" (John 4:24)
"and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your
strength. This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself"
(Mark 12:30-31)
C. Intimacy with Jesus - we were made to know God intimately. TO SEPARATE PROPHECY FROM INTIMACY REDUCES
PROPHECY TO FORTUNE TELLING. It is not only knowing the person of Christ that makes the message valid, knowing
the person of Christ is the message!
"Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. (1 Corinthians 14:1)
1. The knowledge and love of God
"And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge and though I
have all faith, so taht I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. (1 Corinthians 13:2)
2. Friendship with God - Examples: John, Moses, David, Mary of Bethany, Abraham, Jeremiah
"...that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me" ...
And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and
I in them (John 17:23, 26)
"No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called
you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. (John 15:15)
"Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secrets to His servants the prophets (Amos 3:7)
D. Fascination - through a revelation of God's beauty, God wants to restore "wonder" to the church. He is a 'consuming
fire' and cannot be contained in a religious formula.
1. Becoming a person that is devoted to one main thing - gazing on God's beauty
"One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple (Psalm 27:4)
2. Possessing an eternal mindset
"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting
at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. (Colossians 3:1-2)
3. Hungering to encounter God
"...O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for
You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water. So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, to see Your power
and Your glory. Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You. (Psalm 63:1-3)
E. Walking in the spirit - its' critical that we learn to walk and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in our lives. As we
grow in this, our lives will reflect in love our agreement with God's ways.
1. Abiding in Him - John 15:1-11
"I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit;
for without Me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)
2. discerning spiritual things that are freely given to us:
"...the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things
of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have
been freely given to us by God. (1 Corinthians 2:10-12)
3. Developing a lifestyle that combines the Word and prayer. Jeremiah ate the Word of God. It was his
joy and delight. It kept him from the assembly of mockers, set him on a path of holiness, kept him from being offended by
circumstances, gave him discernment in spiritual matters, and equipped him to be God's mouthpiece.
"Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart;
for I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts. I did not sit in the assembly of the mockers, nor did I rejoice; I sat
alone because of Your hand, for you have filled me with indignation. Why is my pain perpetual and my wound incurable,
which refuses to be healed? ... Therefore thus says the Lord: "If you return, then I will bring you back; you shall stand
before Me; if you take out the precious from the vile, you shall be as My mouth ..." (Jeremiah 15:16-19)
F. Prophesying from a right perspective of God's heart
1. The way we see God and the way we think He sees us affects how we see others. This will impact the way we
prophesy. We need to understand and know what God is really like and have a right paradigm of His emotions in order
for us to truly understand how He sees others.
"He who does not love does not know God, for God is love" (1 John 4:8)
2. God is full of pleasure and is mostly glad, not mostly sad, angry or disappointed. We will give negative prophecy
if we mostly believe that God is disappointed in us. We must understand that God is a God who delights in us so that we
may prophesy accordingly to others.
"The Lord your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will
quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)
"...the Lord delights in you ... For as a young man marries a virgin ... and as the bridegroom rejoices over
the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you." (Isaiah 62:4-5)
IIX. THREE LEVELS OF PROPHETIC MINISTRY
A. Simple prophecy: any believer who speaks something God has brought to mind. We all are to earnestly seek to
prophesy (1 Corinthians 14:1, 39). All men and women, old and young alike are to speak forth words from God
(Acts 2:17). Yet, "not all are prophets". (1 Corinthians 12:29)
"He who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men" (1 Corinthians 14:3)
1. These are often simple impressions that God brings to mind. These include words of knowledge (i.e., specific
information regarding the physical, spiritual, and emotional status of someone). Occasionally, this includes receiving
"visions" (mental pictures) or dreams.
2. They speak (mostly using their own words) an idea that God had brought to mind. These words are given in a
small group setting or in the ministry times (not publicly on the mic).
B. Prophetic gifting or ministry - believers whose gifting has been recognized for regular ministry in the local church.
1. They will receive words and dreams on a regular basis and will have "open visions" on occasion (i.e., angelic
visitations, audible voice). They will sometimes receive detailed information such as names, faces, dates, and future
events. They occasionally operate in other sign gifts (healing, miracles, and deliverance). They may in private expose
unconfessed sin (2 Samuel 12:1-7). They give simple prophecies yet also give direction and correction.
2. These people are "gifted" in that they receive an unusual amount of revelation, but are still being trained
(have maturity of character and wisdom of God's corporate purposes). They may receive words of correction and
direction that they should write and submit to the leadership.
C. Office of the Prophet - believers whose ministry is like the prophets of the Old Testament. They give correction,
direction and bring new emphases in the church body. They minister in signs and wonders and regularly prophesy with
great accuracy (Samuel, Elijah, etc). They provide direction and correction to those in government in the church,
marketplace or political arenas.
2. They predict future events with accuracy. They have a regular flow of divine revelation including open visions,
prediction of natural events (i.e., weather patterns, political developments). Their words may be confirmed through
natural signs (i.e. earthquakes, storms, droughts). Their words carry much authority as they speak with much greater
accuracy. They minister frequently in sign gifts. They must have a proven ministry (that may take years). All who
exercise prophetic authority must be under authority.
2. Some have experiences which indicate that they have been sovereignly chosen by God (miraculous birth,
angelic visitation, etc). The stature necessary for the office of prophet includes gifts (accurate revelation); fruit or
mature character and wisdom (understanding of God's corporate purpose and ways).
D. Challenges of prophecy: having wrong equations
1. False equation #1: Character equals anointing. The story of Balaam is an illustration of one with a prophetic anointing yet who led
Israel into sin. King Saul prophesied by the Spirit, but ended his life tormented by an evil spirit. The church at Corinth is a picture of
carnality and power.
2. False equation #2: Anointing equals divine endorsement of ministry style.
3. False equation #3: Anointing equals 100 percent doctrinal accuracy.
IX. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OLD TESTAMENT AND NEW TESTAMENT PROPHECY
A. 100% accuracy - the Old Testament ground rules for prophets was 100% accuracy and was required upon the penalty
of death, the New Testament doesn't require the same standard of its prophets.
"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. But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in My name, which I have not commanded
him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die. And if you say in your heart, "How shall
we know the word which the Lord has not spoken? -- ... 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 be afraid of him." (Deuteronomy 18:18-22)
1. This is speaking of a prophet that would be like Moses, carrying his weight of authority over the whole nation.
This is often cited as a response to the current prophetic ministry in a way to denounce its validity. The New Testament
clearly connects this passage with Jesus' role as the Messiah.
"For Moses truly said to the fathers, 'The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your
brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever He says to you. And it shall be that every soul who will not hear that
Prophet shall be utterly destroyed form among the people.' Yes, and all the prophets, from Samuel and those who
follow ... have also foretold these days. (Acts 3:22-24)
2. The key issue in the Old Testament was between "False" and "True" prophets, not "Immature" and "True"
prophets. There were immature prophets in the Old Testament as demonstrated in 1 Kings 13:1-32. Both the old and
the young prophet were immature, though they were both accurate. A false prophet, on the other hand, was controlled
by a deceptive heart that was vehemently opposed to the will of God for the nation of Israel.
3. New testament prophecy is not being considered here in light of how prophecy is being released to the general
body, rather than the one man coming in the name of the Lord bringing his authority over the nation of Israel. The only
one to fulfill that kind of role is Jesus.
B. Need to judge - instead of being stoned as in the Old Testament. The safeguard of New Testament prophecy is given
in the mandate to judge each other's words (1 Corinthians 14:29; 1 John 2:27; 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21).
"Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge" (1 Corinthians 14:29)
C. Few or many - in the Old Testament there were only a few prophets for Israel and thus, the whole world. With the
outpouring of the Spirit, the gift of prophecy was widely dispersed. The fate of the church would never depend on the
accuracy of one prophet.
D. Prophesying by faith - instead of direct revelation. We learn to prophesy according to the measure of our faith
(Romans 12:6), thus, we can mix up God's ideas with our words and thoughts.
E. Authority to the nation's leaders - instead of authority only to the Body of Christ in a region.
X. THREE VITAL KEYS TO UNDERSTAND HOW PROPHECY WORKS
A. It is vital to distinguish between simple prophecy and prophecy with revelation that has "authority". Every believer
is able to prophesy on a simple level. However, to prophesy with authority, is much "weightier" and should not be done
publicly without the confirmation of the leaders of the church, who are responsible before God to oversee the church's life.
"For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and ... be encouraged" (1 Corinthians 14:31)
B. Many prophetically anointed people have generated unnecessary strife because they have not understood how to
administrate their prophetic revelation.
C. There are three essential components of administrating prophecy: revelation, interpretation, and application. Do
not be confident that you have administrated prophecy until all three components have been discerned with wisdom.
The Lord often uses three different people to accomplish this. A prophecy has three dimensions to it. These three
dimensions are distinct yet inseparable. Administering prophecy has everything to do with marking each of these three
dimensions and then understanding them as the components of a prophetic word.
1. Revelation - when God gives revelation it is always perfect and pure, which is consistent with His character, for
He cannot lie and tempts no man with sin. When God speaks it is a revelation that is unfiltered by our human condition,
therefore it will always be true.
"... God, who cannot lie, promised before time began "(Titus 1:2)
"This is the message which we have heard form Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no
darkness at all" (1 John 1:5)
"Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He
Himself tempt anyone" (James 1:13)
2. Interpretation - this is the initial process where we enter the equation and filter God's pure revelation and give our
interpretation of its meaning (what does it mean?). This is also the first stage where error can and often does enter into
the prophetic process.
3. Application - As we interpret the revelation, which may or may not be true, we enter into the second stage where
possible error can occur. We must decide what to do with the revelation we have received (what should I do?). Not only
can we be mistaken on the application of what we're to do with it (i.e., pray over it or share it?), we can also be
dangerously wrong in what we think another person should d with our 'revelation' for them. Much of prophetic ministry
is maligned due to these two aspects of prophetic revelation, which causes a despising of prophecy when they prove to be false.
"Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good.
(1 Thessalonians 5:19-21)
D. Accuracy of prophecy - the degree of accuracy with prophecy will depend upon the type of revelation given,
the discernment skill level of the one receiving it, and also the quality of maturity in the person. Prophetic words will
usually be a mixture as God gives us revelation that passes through our human 'filter' (our mind and heart), of which
words can vary between 10% God's words and 90% our words. While it is possible to speak 100% accurate words form
God, yet most often prophecy is a mixture. Sometimes this yields a "mature" word that reflects ideally what god would
like to communicate and sometimes His word is communicated in a much less than ideal fashion, yielding a "weak" word
of lesser value, but still not to be despised.
"For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I
also am known (1 Corinthians 13:12)
1. God speaks accurately - pure revelation untainted by the human process
2. Man hears inaccurately - how we perceive revelation is usually with mixture
3. Man prophesies in part - we only give a portion of the revelation
E. Judging prophecies - we are called to weigh prophetic words as we test everything, yet holding fast to what is good
without despising prophecy (1 Corinthians 14:29; 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21).
"Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge (1 Corinthians 14:29)
"Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21)
XI. DIFFERENT WAYS GOD SPEAKS TO US
A. Scripture - God will often speak to us in our times of bible reading. What is important is to allow time for the truth
to get into our hearts. We do this as we pray through scripture and meditate on isolated words or phrases.
B. Impressions - this is the most common way we hear from God. I like to say it is the 'knower' inside of you that 'knows'
and you're not sure why, yet your 'gut' is telling you. Impressions are the inner promptings of the Spirit communicating
to your spirit. They may be faint, which is often, or very sharp and clear, which is developed overtime. Impressions are
more guess work in that they usually lack details, but more of a general knowing. Example: if you were to look at
someone and you have this feint 'idea' or impression that the person is a teacher or has a teaching gift, then you
share it with them and they confirm it and tell you they're a teacher, etc. God speaks so often by these subtle promptings
that many times they go unnoticed. This is why we need to develop our 'listening' ear to discern effectively God's voice
in this way.
C. Dreams, visions, and trances - God gives revelatory experiences that are visual, yet may be audible as well. In the
night we may receive a dream or a vision like Daniel (see Daniel 2:28; 4:5) or in a time of prayer we may experience a
vision or trance, such as Peter and Paul (see Acts 10:10; 22:17). It is form of communication that is not only biblical,
but it is biblically valid to desire and experience them today. Clearly in Joel 2 and Acts 2, it is apparent that prophetic
encounters were to be the inheritance for those who would receive the Holy Spirit.
"In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls upon men, while slumbering on their beds, then
He opens the ears of men, and seals their instruction. In order to turn man from his deed, and conceal pride from man,
He keeps back his soul from the Pit and his life from perishing by the sword." (Job 33:15-18)
1. Dreams - throughout the bible the Lord has visited His people in the form of dreams as He still does today.
When we are asleep we are very vulnerable and not in control. It is a perfect time for God to communicate his thoughts
to us. Dreams can be highly symbolic and/or highly specific. We need to discern our dreams however and not attribute
every dream to God. Our emotional state, circumstances, and the oppression of the enemy may influence our dreams.
2. Visions - visions are biblical as well and as believers we have been given as an inheritance dreams and visions.
It has to do with 'seeing'. God opens our spiritual eyes to see divine information that is not from our own imagination.
a. Internal - in times of prayer you may receive a 'vision' of something but it takes place inside your mind.
A vision may be a still picture in your mind that may be feint or very clear. A vision may also be like a 'scene' taking
place that you believe you're watching it. Typically they tend to be short and feint like impressions, but at times God
may give clear and specific information.
b. External - this is more of a rare experience, but God at times has given what we call 'open visions' that
are seen outside of our mind's eye. It is like a movie screen outside of the person that is seen, of which divine
information is given.
3. Trances - trances are also a biblical means by which the Lord reveals Himself. Although the trance involves a
visionary experience, it differs in that it happens while you are totally aware of your surroundings yet are fully experiencing
this visionary state. There is difficulty in giving a precise definition; however, it is distinct from a vision.
"I was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw a vision, an object descending like a great sheet,
let down from heaven by four corners; and it came to me." (Acts 11:5)
"Now it happened, when I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, that I was in a trance and
saw Him saying to me, 'Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, for they will not receive your testimony concerning
Me.'" (Acts 22:17-18)
D. Audibly - God still speaks today by His voice. The bible gives examples of God speaking to His people, such as
Moses and Israel when God allowed them to hear Him at the mountain (Deuteronomy 4:33)
1. Internal - when people speak of hearing the voice of God, they mostly mean they discerned/heard something
internally. This is the most common way we hear His audible voice. The bible calls it the 'still small voice'. This may
also come in a sleeping state where it is not quite a dream, but a definite voice speaking.
"Then He said, "Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord." And behold, the Lord passed by, and
a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in
the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire,
but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. So it was, when Elijah heart it ... suddenly a voice
came to him" (1 Kings 19:11-13)
2. External - although this is a rare experience, there are however contemporary testimonies of God speaking
externally like when you would hear the voice of someone speaking to you. The point is not that He can, but that He
actually does on occasion.
a. Biblical examples - Moses, Israel, and Samuel
(1) Moses
"So when the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush
and said, "Moses, Moses!" And he said, "Here I am". (Exodus 3:4)
(2) Israel
"Did any people ever hear the voice of God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as you have heard,
and live?" (Deuteronomy 43:33)
(3) Samuel
"And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. So he arose and went to Eli, and said, "Here I am,
for you did call me". Then Eli perceived that the Lord had called the boy." (1 Samuel 3:8)
b. Contemporary examples - Mike Bickle, Paul Cain, and Francis Schaeffer
(1) Mike Bickle - when God said, "I have a revelation for you" and to call bob Jones. This was about the
story of Joseph's dungeon (see prophetic history)
(2) Paul Cain - when God said to him, "to the church without mixture I will give the Spirit without measure"
(see our prophetic history - Encountering Jesus)
(3) Francis Schaeffer - was one of the most respected Christian leaders in this century. Early in his
ministry, Schaeffer faced a minor crisis when he and his young family needed temporary housing during a transition time
but had little money. While Schaeffer was praying about this, he said to God: "Where can we live? Lord, please show
us." Immediately, in response to his question he heard an audible voice. It wasn't a voice inside of his mind. It didn't
come from another human. He was alone. The voice simply said, "Uncle Harrison's house."
E. Others - God will often communicate through friends, family, and leaders with wisdom, prophecy, council, and advice.
It is not always easy to discern, but it's important that we discern God speaking to us in order to discern His voice through
others. Over time we develop a history of hearing the way God speaks to us through others. As things are confirmed
and bear fruit we learn to distinguish His voice from others so much better and not be easily moved when something
doesn't seem right at the time.
F. Circumstances - God will speak to us through our life circumstances, which tend to be very difficult to discern during
the present moment, but only through experience and hindsight, do we see how He led us. For instance, if you are in
transition and god is about to move you along whether in position or geographically, there may be on the front-end a
growing discontentment in the current predicament (job, ministry involvement, etc). Also, as time gets closer to the shift,
things that were once bearing fruit may seem to be drying up. During this time there will be the usual confusion and
uncertainty, but as you hear more clearly and actually choose by faith to follow God, you look back and see how in the
circumstances God was 'speaking' to you. These events outside of ourselves are an important process in getting us to
follow Him.
G. Signs - these can be in any number of ways that God will also communicate to us. The main point is that a sign is a
pointer to something. These signs are much harder to discern because they usually are almost unrecognizable. It
requires our attention and prayer to begin to take these signs seriously as something from God.
XII. FUNCTIONING IN THE GIFT OF PROPHECY
A. Prophecy is a gift and anointing given to the body of Christ for the building or edification of the believers unto a
dwelling place of God. Functioning in the gift is as simple as asking God's heart for His thoughts and or emotions for
someone and then telling them.
B. Building prophecy - prophecy is given by God not just to make you feel good, but to strengthen and encourage you
to draw near to God. This is "Building prophecy". Prophecy that builds carries right understanding of God the person
receiving from God and a 'moving action that settles a person in God and convinces them to 'move towards the flame'.
"And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,
for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of
the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ"
(Ephesians 4:11-13)
1. Positive, friendly prophecy
2. What to do about direction, correction, and rebuke
3. Hindrances - control, manipulation leadership view
C. Personal Prophecy and Corporate Prophecy - much can be said about the distinction of ministering individually and
ministering corporately. Encouraging individual words can be given at any given moment. Corporate words should only
be given with leadership involved. Corporate words given without awareness of leadership, especially when they are
corrective is completely out of line with God's plan for the church.
D. Expressions of prophecy - words would be the most common form of expression of prophecy; however, there are
other expressions of the spirit of prophecy. Since the testimony of Jesus flows through the believer the expressions of
that testimony can be endless. Prophecy can be found expressing itself in creative ways such as music, dance, art (all
its forms), and writing (poetry, song, stories). God is a creator, therefore He is creative. Within the artistic community
God will speak to the heart of the artisan to create a work that is birthed by a revelation from God. One of the
challenges of the church in our day is to recognize the arts in the church as a valid expression of God's heart.
XIII. DELIVERING PROPHETIC WORDS
"But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men (1 Corinthians 14:3)
A. Careful distinction - there is a significant distinction between simple prophecy and the office of a prophet. Simple
prophecy is limited to edification, exhortation and comfort, whereas, the office of a prophet may make corrections and
establish directions for a ministry or nation. Everyone can function in simple prophecy. Simple prophecy is to enrich
peoples spiritual life, not to give them direction or correction in the domestic areas of their lives.
1. Edification speaks of spiritually building or edifying someone's spirit by confirming their destiny or God's purpose
for their life (intercessor, prophetic singer, forerunner, school teacher, marketplace, or their focus to heal the sick, or
feeding the poor, etc.)
a. The most common way to edify through simple prophecy is to give a scripture that has been previously
important to them. It may also include telling them how God will touch their heart or grant a breakthrough in a specific
area. it may simply declare that God is with them or it may confirm a secret in their heart (specific details that only they
know, i.e., event, dream, experience, something God previously told them, etc.). It may speak of a breakthrough for
their families (salvation and healing to their household, etc.).
b. Edification provides confirmation (assurance, hope). to help us stay focused and faithful. Common ways
to do this include giving people a scripture that touches them.
2. Exhortation includes calling people to persevere and not give up on their promises in God in hard times and to
not to give in to sin. We exhort people to persevere in their calling and in righteousness, telling them that it is worth it.
3. Comfort speaks of giving God's perspective in a great disappointment or set back in their life by giving God's
perspective in telling people that God has a plan in their pressure.
B. Positive, friendly prophecy is a vital component to edification. It's not just our words, but our compassion, gentleness
and submission that are effective in prophetic ministry. We want those ministered to to fell drawn to the Lord by how we
share. Positive prophecy avoids pointing out anything negative and focuses instead on building others up.
C. Dial down and be yourself. Prophecy doesn't require hype. Be naturally supernatural. Give only what you got.
It's tempting to embellish our words if we feel they will sound too simple. If we embellish our words or get into counseling,
we will end up being 'soulish' instead of being in line with what the Spirit's doing.
D. Because we can 'miss-it', it is also wise to not use the words "thus says the Lord". It's much easier and safer and
wiser to say you 'sense' or 'feel' something from the Lord and to give the word humbly than it is to bind someone to
your word by being overconfident that it was from the Lord.
E. We also have guidelines concerning things to avoid while doing prophetic ministry. This includes prophesying about
negative things (sin, the past, correcting, rebuking). Again, the prophetic is for "edification, exhortation, and comfort".
F. Examples of personal direction in domestic areas of life to avoid in prophesying include: issues related to who to
marry, having babies, changing jobs, moving, buying or selling (house, car, etc.), traveling (which ministry trips to go on),
joining a ministry (joining IHOP staff, etc), going to college (bible school, internships). We can give godly counsel to one
another in domestic areas without presenting it as a prophecy. We prophesy in the light with witnesses (recording it when
possible). Beware of people who claim to be prophetic and want to go somewhere private to prophesy to you. They
commonly use flattery to gain someone's confidence in order to get their money or influence, or to control them or to
establish a soul tie that usually ends up with sexual overtones.
XIV. THE RESPONSIBILITY OF RECEIVING PROPHETIC WORDS
A. We encourage people to have an attitude of "open expectancy" related to the fulfillment of a prophecy. The exact
way that God brings about a word in our lives is normally quite different than we envision when we first receive it. We
also encourage people to "hold", "sit on", or "shelve" revelations that do not have a clear interpretation. If they are
shared, they should be communicated with the qualification that the interpretation is not yet clear.
B. Just because a prophetic word is given doesn't mean that it will all come to pass or that it is all 100% from God.
There are things to keep in mind when you receive a word.
1. Paul instructs us not to despise prophetic words but to test and prove them and to hold fast to what is good.
If part of a prophetic word doesn't bear witness there are two possibilities. One may be that it is wrong and irrelevant to
our lives, in which case we can choose to reject it. The other possibility is that it may relate to something we are not yet
aware of, and the timing is not for this time. In that case it is ok to "shelve" the word, keeping it before God and re-visiting
it from time to time. You may want to approach prophetic words int he same way you would eat a piece of fish. If you
come to a bone, you don't throw the whole fish away; you throw out the bone, and keep eating. Set aside what doesn't
apply and keep what does.
"Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good.
(1 Thessalonians 5:19-21)
2. Understand that God's purpose in the prophetic isn't to have the prophet tell us exactly what to do in
the major decisions of our lives. That place belongs to God alone for the reason He alone knows what is best for us
and He desires to communicate those things in our place of intimacy with Him. Prophetic words are more like "windows
of invitation" that call us to something higher or deeper in God, or that reveal His affections to us in stronger ways. They
give us vision that calls us to draw closer.
3. Actively steward the words you receive by praying over them. We encourage people to read over their
prophecies or listen to their tapes occasionally because some things that don't seem to relate at the moment may relate
powerfully at a later time.
4. It is often wise to share words with pastoral leaders or friends who can give added insight and
encouragement.
5. Lastly, remember that it is God who brings the word to pass. While we have our part in praying over and
stewarding the words we receive, it is not our part to try to make the words come to pass or to force doors open based
on a word we received. Major decisions should not be made based on a single prophetic word but rather through much
prayer, outward confirmations, and most of all, the inner witness and peace of God in our hearts. God begins the work
and He is able to bring it to pass.
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be
made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through
Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
XV> NURTURING THE PROPHETIC MINISTRY
A. Inevitability - prophetic ministry is inevitable (Acts 2:17-21), the End-Time Church is a prophetic church.
B. Mercy - give mercy to those with a teachable spirit and avoid giving unsanctified mercy to the stubborn. Create a
safe atmosphere so they can grow in their confidence (small group settings).
C. Stigma - accept the reality of the "God orchestrated stigma" for moving in the Spirit.
"For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been
made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. We are fools for Christ's sake ... we are weak ... we are
dishonored! ... And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure ...
(1 Corinthians 4:9-12)
"Lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given
to me, a messenger of satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord
three times that it might depart from me. He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in
weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
(2 Corinthians 12:7-9)
D. Risk taking - allow for the risk and accept the inevitable of being humbled as a congregation as you pursue more
growth in the prophetic. The very oxen that bring strength to the farm also bring a mess to the stable. Some prefer
ministries to have clean stables even if it means losing the strength that the prophetic ministry brings.
"Where no oxen are, the trough is clean; but much increase comes by the strength of an ox. (Proverbs 14:4)
E. Boundaries - Deal humbly and frankly with people whose prophesying is not edifying others in either its content or
their presentation. Give them specific boundaries which you believe are appropriate for where they are in their prophetic
"measure" of maturity.
F. Naturalness - Appeal to those who operate in the prophetic to be more "normal" and not to take themselves too
seriously. Encourage them to be open to adjustment as they offer their words in a humble style (less melodrama and
more common language). The Lord doesn't need hype to perform His word. It's better to be less "heroic" in our
prophesying and more helpful.
G. Address wrong prophesies - Have the integrity and humility to "mop up" any messes that are caused by wrong
prophecies or their poor administration. This is the only way to ensure that your congregation's "corporate conscience"
stays clear and good regarding the gift of prophecy.
H. Gift of blessing - The major factor to developing a healthy prophetic ministry in the Chruch is to recognize that the
gift is designated to strengthen, encourage and edify the Church.
1. It's not about strong personalities or eccentric behavior. It's about loving the Church and seeing her established
in the Word and truth (Ephesians 4:11-16).
2. John the Baptist was the epitome of the servant prophet. His life wasn't about developing a ministry and
getting recognition. His life was about being a friend of the Bridegroom and his joy consisted of seeing the Bridegroom
receive the Bride. (John 3:21-29).
XVI. WE MUST ACTIVELY DESIRE AND SEEK TO PROPHESY
"Earnestly desire the best gifts. Desire spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. Desire earnestly to
prophesy ...) (1 Corinthians 12:31; 14:1, 39)
A. We seek His face first; however we must also seek His hand or the manifestation of His power. God will give us more
revelation of His face and His hand, if we hunger for it. It is an unbiblical statement to say that we should seek His face,
but not His hand. We are not to only seek personal intimacy with God, but to also seek for Him to work His manifestation
of power within and through us.
"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than
these he will do, because I go to My father." (John 14:12)
B. We desire or seek the spiritual gifts by praying for them, making room for them and then by using them in the days of
small beginnings. It is essential for us to be active in our pursuit of operating in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Many believers
aren't even aware of their spiritual gifts, much less to set their hearts to seek after them with diligence. God gives to
those who ask, seek, and knock. It is biblical to press into God for Him to increase the anointing of power in our lives.
"O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty
land where there is no water. So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory."
(Psalm 63:1-2)
C. We must not harden our heart to God's still small voice, meaning that we need to learn how to be sensitive to the
small voice and/or the small words or phrases He chooses to give us. If we only look for the 'big' stuff without enjoying
the journey and process of cultivating hearing we will be hardening our hearts to His voice. We must not despise the
days of small beginnings or things.
"For who has despised the day of small things?" (Zechariah 4:10)
"Then Elijah said to Ahab, "..there is the sound of abundance of rain." ...And Elijah went up to the top of
Carmel; then he bowed down on the ground, and put his face between his knees, and said to his servant, "Go up now,
look toward the sea." So he went up and looked, and said, "There is nothing". And seven times he said, "Go again".
Then it came to pass the seventh time, that he said, "There is a cloud, as small as a man's hand, rising out of the sea!"
... Now it happened in the meantime that the sky became black with clouds and wind, and there was a heavy rain ...
(1 Kings 18:41-45)
D. Since praying for people or events sensitizes our spirit, we do it with confidence to receive God's prophetic whispers.
In this way, we are intentional about doing our part to receive the Spirit's prophetic leading in our worship gatherings,
fellowship and social times, at the business meeting, in the market place, on phone calls, at the mall, during home
schooling or at your children's soccer game, etc.
"Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation,
has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification." (1 Corinthians 14:26)
XVII. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
A. Prophecy is the believer's inheritance, therefore you have permission to hear form and speak for God.
B. Simple Prophecy, prophetic giftedness for ministry, and being a prophet are three different levels of ministry function.
Simple prophecy is available for all, gifting for ministry are fewer and recognized by leadership, and being a prophet is
even more limited in number and also is recognized by leadership with a proven track record of accuracy with signs
and wonders.
C. Our primary emphasis when giving prophecies is to edify, exhort, and comfort others in love. We are to be conduits
of blessing representing God's love, joy, and gladness over them.
D. General things to avoid that are helpful.
1. Wordiness - there is no need to give much more than what you've been given. Sometimes the simple word
delivered is all that is needed to comfort someone's heart.
2. Embellishment - making more out of the word than what you've received. This tends to make it 'sound'
more prophetic than it really is.
3. Negative words - they can be very damaging to an already wounded heart.
4. Specific directional words - many are sincerely wanting to hear from God, and if you tell them they should
do such and such under the banner of the prophetic, this could shipwreck someone that is immature in wisdom.
5. Manifestations - operate under one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit that is actually giving you the prophecy,
which is self control - do not be a distraction with your charismatic distinctiveness, this can distract the person in receiving
from you.
E. Prophetic accuracy will vary according to the type of revelation received, the way it is interpreted, the way it is applied,
and the knowledge and maturity of the believer giving the words.
F. We must cultivate and nurture prophecy by taking the risk of speaking of what we discern is from Him - we must take
the risk of stepping out in faith to grow.
G. Prophetic revelation can also be expressed through the arts (not just speaking)
H. Our method and style should be natural and honest, while avoiding creating any human effect to make us appear
to be anointed - this is inauthentic!
I. We must actively posture our hearts and stay focused and engaged with the pathways of drawing near the Lord to
develop skill in hearing:
1. Prayer - wherever and whenever possible. We must seek to cultivate a genuine intimacy with God through
an active, ongoing dialog with the personhood of God.
"pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
2. Bible study - reading, meditating, and praying over selected verses and passages
"Oh, how I love your law (the bible)! It is my meditation all the day. (Psalm 119:97)
3. Fasting - voluntary act of weakness and humility, posturing our hearts to enhance our perception of His
presence and ability to hear and discern His voice.
"And Jesus said to them, "Can the friends (disciples) of the bridegroom (Jesus) mourn as long as the
bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they
will fast (fasting to enjoy intimacy with God). (Matthew 9:15)