RECEIVING A PROPHETIC WORD FROM SOMEONE ELSE

So last time we talked about giving prophecies and things to note for the person giving, today we will be talking about the receiver and how to receive prophecies.

We need to understand that not every Prophetic word given to us will be from God - we are humans. So when we receive a word, the first thing to do is examine it.

Examine the word

And don’t be one who scorns prophecies, but be faithful to examine them by putting them to the test, and afterward hold tightly to what has proven to be right.
1 Thessalonians 5:20‭-‬21 TPT

A lot of people out of fear despise prophecy. We've already established that prophecy is not a bad thing, it is not wrong.

When someone gives you a word, thank them and take the word. Now when I say take, I do not mean accept all. Just collect the word somewhere (probably write down or save)

Then go back and examine what is said carefully.

Now here is the thing, this process of examining should be done regardless of who gave the word.

Even if it is Apostle Paul that appears and give you a Prophetic word, you must examine it.

If you get it directly from the spirit, you must examine it still.

If it is from someone you don't like or someone that has given a prophecy to you before that turned out false, still examine it.

We already discussed how to authentify that a prophecy is from God, so check the notes there for this part.

After examining, what is said might not be against the word of God but it doesn't look right for you or look like it is yours, just write it down and pray over it.

If it is yours, when the time you will need it comes, you will be reminded.

I've seen cases where I tell someone something and they are like, I can't relate, it is not for me.

Then after a long time, they come back to say, ehnehn Remi, that thing you said that time, it is happening now o. Please, can you tell me the remaining thing you said that day? I've forgotten

Most likely, I've forgotten too cos my memory is yet to carry all of my own personal prophecies before we talk of yours.

If you are given a word and you can't relate at that time or you don't understand, please write it down.
Examine and still pray over it. In due time, everything will make sense.

Sometimes someone will tell you something, some part will be scriptural and the other part wrong, this doesn't mean you should throw everything said away.

Pray over everything.
Ask God the unscriptural part, if the person misinterpreted from their own knowledge of what was shared and what part of the prophecy belongs to you.

So the basics when you get a prophecy are:

1. Thank the person

2. Don't be rude to them even if you can't relate

3. Go and examine on your own

4. If you have access, give feedback to the person that gave the prophecy (might not include all details). This is to also encourage them and help them trust the spirit revealing to them even when things don't make sense

If the prophecy is false, ignore it. Don't brand the person false prophet all around town

It could be you giving a prophecy that is not correct tomorrow, this doesn't make you a false prophet.

So just assume that was an error on their side except the Lord reveals otherwise

In religion, a false prophet is one who falsely claims the gift of prophecy or divine inspiration, or to speak for God, or who makes such claims for evil ends

How to Examine The word

- Is it scriptural?

-Did it edify, exhort or comfort me?

-What was the spirit the word came in? Is it consistent with the nature of Christ?

-is all of the prophecy or just a part of it from God?

-How does it affect my life, family, job, commitments, etc?

-Does this word destroy or bring life?

-Is it condemning or convicting?

-Does it glorify Jesus


After examining, next 2 steps is

-What is the Interpretation?

-Do I need to take action immediately or apply something now?

For interpretation, most times we like to rely on the person that gave the word but I've found that it is not every time they get interpretation for the word they give.

Sometimes, they are just here to give a word and go. Don't force an interpretation out of them to avoid wrong interpretations.

If they don't know the interpretation, it is fine. It is your prophecy. Go and ask the Spirit to interpret

The minute we receive a word, we enter a Prophetic process in our lives. We must do something with the word received. We have to allow the spirit to lead us here, to know when to take action and what action to take.

Three steps in the Prophetic process

For prophecy to be fulfilled in our lives, there are steps we should follow.
So many times we get a word and nothing happens after. We know the word was truly for us but somehow it didn't come to pass.

Usually, prophecy doesn't give us the inevitable, what it gives us is potential. Prophecy is God speaking forth His mind/will/plan for a particular situation

What we do with it and how we respond to God's will that has been made known most times determines if and when it comes to pass.

1. The revelation

This is the stage of the prophetic word or message received. God's will send/relay to us.

2. The Interpretation

Now that we have received the word, it is important to know the meaning. Gain more insight into what you've heard/received. Know what God is trying to say exactly, His timing and what the prophecy means for you.

3. Application
Now that we know/understand the meaning of the message, what do we do?

Our response to prophecies most times determines what happens next.

E.g
Like 100 people get a Prophetic word for me that I'm going to be a billionaire in 2020. Of course, I will jump at this and be happy.

I start singing up and down I'm gonna be a billionaire, billionaire ye yee 🎶

I don't ask God if I should look for work or if it's the Holy Spirit inspiring me to do something that will bring billions my way. Or probably He is directing me to certain people

I sleep away 2020 while waiting to be a billionaire (my enemy please, not me 🙄)

100% certain that this my enemy here is not ready to be a billionaire. And might not become a billionaire that year.

So it's very important to ask God what next after getting to know His will.
Ask Him what is expected of you for this to be fulfilled.
Do we need training or preparation?
What changes do we need to make?
What area of our lives should we apply the word?
What time should we apply what is revealed?
( Timing is key also)

It's important to stay in prayer and follow God's lead into His will that He revealed.

Other keys include:
-Being accountable and let your authorities work with you.
If you get a word that you will become a king, it doesn't mean you should start disrespecting the present King or acting anyhow. Submit to those above you even if you feel the plan God has revealed for you is bigger than them.

- Timing as I said earlier is very important

- Always hold up your word and your course of action to scripture.

- Never stop praying

THE PROPHETIC 3 - Receiving And Giving Prophecy

We receive prophecy from God for people in several ways. I will just list some here for us.

1. Prophetic words:

This comes as a clear stream of words to our mind/heart. Like a clear knowing, that comes from within us.

2. Rhema
Revelations or word that we get for others or even ourselves through scripture

3. Word of Knowledge and Word of Wisdom

Word of knowledge is the Holy Spirit transmitting His specific knowledge to us about something or someone, that we could never have known.

For example, me probably praying for someone or speaking with you and I begin to share exact details about you/something you are going through and no one told me this.

E.g Jesus and the woman at the well

Word of Wisdom is getting a divinely/supernaturally inspired answer to someone's problem or situation. Something that the human mind could never think up on its own.

These 2 are actually very important in counselling and when praying for other people.
I've had cases where we are praying about something and looking for direction, then the word of wisdom comes on what to do.

I remember praying for my family one time and I got a word about an aunt, everything going on in her life and the role my great grandmother had to play in it.

When my parents asked my grandfather, it turned out it was true. He kept asking how they knew his mother did that. God so good, He also gave a word of Wisdom for that situation. If you have a ministry in healing and deliverance, I believe these are important.

4. Dreams
This is another way we can receive prophecy for people. Prophetic dreams usually have interpretation.


5. Visions
-Inner Visions: These are pictures we see that happen on the page of the mind.
 I actually receive a lot this way... I'm praying, meditating or walking and it's like someone is playing a movie inside my mind and I'm to watch.

-Open/outer Visions:
We see things displayed to a person that they are actually seeing with their physical eyes.

The first time I experienced this was in July 2015. Twice the same day. I was waiting for someone and my spiritual mother who was then in the hospital appeared to me and was discussing.
I thought I was hallucinating but it happened minutes after again

Before then I used to think, you need to sit down quietly or be praying or be a "super Christian" before you receive visions 🤦🏿‍♀

For most people, visions are generalized. Like It's just vision but I'm breaking it down here for us so we can see where we relate with and know it is actually God speaking to us.

A whole lot of people get inner visions but do not know

6. Physical sensations

Sometimes in receiving a word for people, we experience physical sensations. Like our body reacts in a way we are not used to and we sense God speaking to us about someone at that time.


7. Tongues (Of course accompanied with his sister, interpretation)

We receive Prophetic words through interpreted tongues.
This is not seen often as most believers do not embrace the prophetic.
If you've been to White garment churches, it's very possible you have seen this.

The good thing is, things are changing. I've seen and been in meetings where believers operate in the Prophetic without restrictions. Tongues being given and interpreted randomly by 2 people who don't even know each other and it is usually correct (from the ones I've seen)

8. Prophetic Songs (or worship)

This could be spontaneous music, dance or any other form of art as a means in bringing forth a word from God.

It is not the spontaneity that makes it Prophetic, but the words or art form shared.

Sometimes, it is drawings. Someone just picks up a pen spontaneously and begins to draw or illustrate things as messages from God. Songs are the most common for me, personally.

Practical points when giving a Prophetic word

1. No need to be mystical or hyper-spiritual:
You don't have to roll on the floor and hit yourself or do some special dramatic stuff before you give a word. This doesn't mean anyone that does this is faking it o, I'm only saying you don't have to do it 🙄
It is not a prerequisite

2. Speak clearly and naturally

You don't have to use King James version to deliver the word or add Thus saith the Lord for effect.
If the word is from God, the spirit will confirm it.

Again, note that the spirit can use these words directly when speaking through you. This doesn't mean you have to add it yourself always.

Being dramatic actually puts pressure on both you and the person you are giving a message to

3. Know when to speak and when to just pray

Sometimes God shows us certain things for us to pray about it, not speak on it. Sometimes we are to speak, but not immediately or it is to be done privately. So when you get a word, don't be in a rush or hurry. Ask God

4. Give the word in the right spirit
This is very important. A lot of us Christians give prophecies and even share the word wrongly.

Sometimes we give the word from a place of control and manipulation, anger, judgment, bitterness or resentment.

Sometimes we give it from a place of I'm right and you are wrong. Like
" you better listen to God's prophet or else"

Or else what?

The motive of every word should be to display love, compassion and God's desire for His people.

Even hard, corrective words must come in the spirit of love

5. Avoid prophesying your pet doctrine
 When we give a word from God, we should put aside our favourite opinions or prejudice.

There are so many people putting out their own opinions as to the word from God. This makes it difficult for people to trust prophets. Be sure it is not your feeling you are sharing

6. Refrain from Scolding

Don't lecture people through prophecy. Share whatever God asked you to and move (Except you have a leadership position over them and are directly involved in the message received, even at this the lecture doesn't have to be immediately. Allow the word do its thing)

No condemnation while giving the word. Condemnation doesn't come from the spirit of Christ

I remember once praying for someone and I heard it that the person is light spiritually. In that instant, I knew to say that will come out as condemnation to the person so I just kept on praying. And much later I explained to the person the importance of fellowship with God. Why he needs to study the Bible and pray.

Also, it could have instilled fear. And fear is also not of God

7. Avoid publicly correcting leaders through prophecy

This is for us newbies and it is very important. I know God is using us and speaking to us o, but please honour those in leadership, please.

Even if it is not prophecy, avoid unnecessary public criticism of those that have been here before us.

This one, I'm actually begging cos there is a whole lot of this in our world today.

If you get a corrective prophecy for a leader, it's best to run it with another leader while praying for them. Or reach out directly if you are led.

8. Timing is important
Know when to speak.

9. Don't go about gossiping with classified info
If God shares something with you about someone, don't gossip about it with others especially when it is a detail not so good. The Lord trusted you with that information to help His child at that time.
Do not abuse this gift

10. Do not speak if there is a bit of confusion
If you are confused about a message you get, pray over it. Don't be in a rush to speak.
Rushing could lead to you relaying a message to the wrong person

11. Purge negative emotions
If you have an issue or misunderstanding with someone and you start getting a strong/hard corrective message for them, it is most likely your emotions doing the work.

Sometimes, we bring our personal issues in and brand it as prophecy. I know this can be done unknowingly which is why it is important to pray before sharing to someone you've had a misunderstanding with or have something against.

Ask the Holy Spirit to purge all negative emotions that might want to speak through you in guise of your Prophetic gift. If you have issues with someone and you get a prophecy that is negative, it's best to be an intercessor except there is a clear instruction to reach out.
If there is, run it by a leader


12 Major Principle is edification

Does it edify? Does it build? If the message pulls down more than it builds, pray about it and Refrain from sharing

13. Deliver the word and leave it alone

Most times, we overanalyse prophecy. This happens with me a lot. I've had to be very conscious of it.

God: Go and tell person a that I see their suffering and I'm stepping in already.

Me: Ehn... Person A that I saw enjoying yesterday, over enjoyment is worrying them sef. Which kind suffer. I'm not going o. If it's mistake na, I will now look like a false prophet 😭😭😭

After stubbornness, I oblige and go then person A confirms that the word is true and I'm there looking at myself like 🙄

Also, sometimes the word is not for you to understand. There are cases where the prophecy only makes sense to the person you are sent to. Just share

Another thing, when you deliver a word to someone and they don't say anything. Don't try to over-expand with your understanding. Just deliver and leave it alone.

The spirit inside of you is not false. I used to worry about this at some point too but with time I realized months later these people will come and be like, ehnehn Remi that thing you told me that day (I've forgotten btw), it clicked yesterday o. Something happened bla bla

So just deliver and leave it alone


13b Deliver and leave it alone:

After giving a word, don't try to force action or quicken the word or make it happen. Your job is to give the word and you've done it. It is God's work to keep His word

Eg. I see a vision that someone is giving Joshua 10million naira this week.

The week is ending and 10m is not here, then I proceed to give Joshua that 10m in Fulfilment of the prophecy.

This is not my business. Don't try to force action on a Prophetic word given through you


14. Prophesy life

There are some people that the only thing they see is bad, every time.

While it is possible that we can see negative things before they happen, I believe the Lord reveals to redeem, so ask for what God will have us do in that situation.

Don't come and gloat that you saw Nigeria burn down. It's not God's will that such should happen. Stay in prayer. Cry to God. Stand as an intercessor

There is no special medal in being a prophet of doom

15. Be governed by Love

Always, let love be the aim.

There are so many things to note when giving prophecies. Shared most of these from my own experience.

THE PROPHETIC 2: Types of Prophecy

The first thing we will be doing today is examine words of the old testament describing Prophetic giftings.

These Hebrew words used for Prophets show us how different people receive from the Lord. We see the different ways God may use Prophetic ministry.

1. NABI:
This means to bubble up. God's word just seem to bubble up out of the inner part of this this gift. The word NABI describes one who is stirred up in spirit.
Like it just simply comes up within you out of your heart, into your mind.


2. ROEH:
This means to see or perceive. The seer sees things more than he hears prophetic words. Could be pictures, visions, illustrations etc.

For seers, usually we have to break down or interpret what is seen. Another Hebrew word used close to ROEH is Hozeh. It also means seer but dynamics are a bit different. We can check 1 Chronicles 29:29 for the usage of these words.

3. HAZON:
This means watchman.
I believe this gift is that of a Prophetic intercessor. One who stands before the Lord, sees and hears for the purpose of praying powerful Prophetic prayers to be a watchman of the Flock.


4. PROPHETS:
This is a Greek word that simply means One who speaks for God. (Pronounced Profaytace)

Basic description of the prophetes :
Foretell: tells things in the future. Gives directives on upcoming events or workings of God with men.

ForthTell: gives the wisdom, counsel and understanding of God into a life or situation or group.

5. NATAPH
This simply means to Preach, to drop from heaven

FOUR LEVELS OF PROPHETIC MINISTRY

As we all start Horning our Prophetic gifts, it is important we learn how prophecy exists on different levels and how we grow into consistent Prophetic ministry.

Everyone tends to begin with a general hearing of God's voice, as the year goes by, the prophetic gifts deepen.

So here is a generalisation of our growth process in the Prophetic. It is broken down into 4

1. The Spirit of Prophecy:
This depicts a revelational life in God; that is revelation in the word and prayer.
Basically, a general sense of hearing from God and seeing what He is doing. Could be for yourself, friends or family members.
Every believer/child of God is actually expected to operate on this level. We should be living in fellowship with Christ and hearing His voice.

Amplified Bible. Revelation 19:10
[10]Then I fell prostrate at his feet to worship (to pay divine honors) to him, but he [restrained me] and said, Refrain! [You must not do that!] I am [only] another servant with you and your brethren who have [accepted and hold] the testimony borne by Jesus. Worship God! For the substance (essence) of the truth revealed by Jesus is the spirit of all prophecy [the vital breath, the inspiration of all inspired preaching and interpretation of the divine will and purpose, including both mine and yours].


The essence of the truth revealed is the spirit of Prophecy. My version says the testimony of Christ is the spirit of Prophecy. Here, we see Christ; His divine will and purpose, unveiled to us

2. The Gift Of Prophecy
This involves getting a specific message for someone and relaying it to them.
If you find yourself occasionally seeing things about people (in any way mentioned earlier), it is most likely you have the gift of Prophecy and it needs to be developed.

Of course, you start praying and desire to walk in the fullness of this. It is not a bad thing to desire to prophesy, Paul made this clear in 1 Cor 14. Most important thing is to make sure our desire of it is not about us. One thing about gifts is this, they are not about us, they are majorly about others, the body of Christ.

So whatever gift we desire, it is simply us desiring to serve. To serve others in the body of Christ

If you find yourself in this second level, it is best to stick to Edification, exhortation and comfort (as explained in the last teaching). Stay away from corrective/directive prophecy.

If you get any of those, meet those you submit to their leadership and tell them first before telling the person. This is because at this stage your gifts are not well developed and it allows for error.
Corrective and directive prophecies do not give error allowances. It's either you are right or you are right.

3. The ministry of Prophecy:
This is for those that find themselves being used often by God to give Prophetic utterances or messages to people.

Here are signs to look out for to know if you have a ministry in the Prophetic :
* You find yourself developing a clear giftedness and consistency in this path.

* You find that this is one of the dominant ways God uses you.

* People can testify that they've been blessed through you and built

* This gift you have is bearing fruit in others, visible fruits.

If every of this sign is present and full, it is most likely you've been called to the prophetic ministry (Same way some are called as teachers, evangelists etc)

4. The Office of A Prophet:

The person who holds this office has years of consistent and accurate Prophetic ministry where not just this person but many others (especially leaders around) can testify and recognize that this is your office in the work of God. There is a long, proven track record here. An accurate one.

Submission to the place of prayer and discipline is one thing we will see about such person.

So this is basically all the four levels of the prophetic that I know of.

Let me use a simple illustration to sum it up.

Everyone should be able to explain when they read (How are you going to help your kids with assignments 😂?)

But not everyone will be very good with explanation.
Some will be good with explanation but will need to read more to become better.

Some can actually teach well but they are not teachers yet (Because teaching is not all that is to teachers)

Then the last level is for the teachers themselves. They've been accredited to teach, this is from years of Learning or taking exams to certify them as qualified enough to teach.

So we see that knowing how to teach does not equal being a teacher

Seeing things about people does not automatically make us prophets. There is a whole lot of in betweens to get there. And all of it requires discipline/commitment to the secret place.

All of these processes I laid down also makes it easier to ensure accuracy of prophecies.

This way, people get less weary of prophets. We have less people saying I don't believe in prophets xyz bla bla.

I have questions for us

1. From the Old testament words describing Prophecy, which ones do you find yourself operating in?

2. From the Four levels of Prophecy, what level do you think you are on? Or you are yet to start any level?

Sumi - 1 an gradually growing In 2

Tebs - For the levels of the Prophetic I think I operate in 1&2


We all should pay attention to ourselves also and patterns. It is important. This will help us grow

Remi - 1. I experience all 5. I'm trying to see which one is more dominant but I can't categorically say which yet. I'm still taking notes sha.
Will also check my book again (I write down when I get anything from God), will use this to track which way I hear more

2. Growing in Level 3.

The PROPHETIC 1: The Prophetic is Prophecy

PROPHECY

This is one part a lot of believers shy away from.
Some of us fear it or its usage
Some of us are scared of the truths in prophecy (we don't know what part God will decide to show)
It is mysterious to some
For some Christians, it doesn't exist

One thing I've found is that Prophecy is often neglected by believers

I will like to ask, what is your attitude towards Prophets and Prophecy?

(Be honest please)

I'm asking that question because it is important you know where you stand.

If it is a ministry you are against (knowingly or unknowingly), you might have issues operating fully in it

Fola - I used to think it was exclusive to the white garment churches

Toye - It's for a confirmation of that which God is(/has been) saying

Keneth - To me i believe its a blessing to hv genuine prophet in our generation,
Though many hv tanished the image of the prophetic in many ways,
To me genuine Prophets and prophecy am for..cuz it an awesome blessx

Sumi - At first I never rlly loved prophets because the majority I saw always predicted onli good things like they never said only very positive things an it seemed like hard or difficult moments won't ever come. But it is different now

First, what is Prophecy?

It is a hearing, seeing or somehow knowing what God is presently saying or doing and expressing that to others by some means.

So when we prophesy, what we are doing is speaking for the mind and heart of God as revealed by the Holy Spirit.

Do you know how beautiful it is to speak God's mind?

How did we get to the point where we see this as evil?

This is such a beautiful thing. To not just know the mind of God but to be able to express it towards others. Wow

(let's keep in mind that in hearing God, it is not everything we hear that we speak. Directions usually come with what is shared. Sometimes we are meant to just pray about it). How long has Prophecy been?

Amplified Bible. Acts 3:21
[21]Whom heaven must receive [and retain] until the time for the complete restoration of all that God spoke by the mouth of all His holy prophets for ages past [from the most ancient time in the memory of man].

God has spoken by the mouth of the prophets since the world began

Here it says from the most ancient time in the memory of man.

The gift of prophecy has been in use since the most ancient time in the memory of man.

What is being prophesied?
What God has spoken.

How?
Through Prophets

Since when?
The beginning of the world.

Amplified Bible. 1 Corinthians 14:1
[1]EAGERLY PURSUE and seek to acquire [this] love [make it your aim, your great quest]; and earnestly desire and cultivate the spiritual endowments (gifts), especially that you may prophesy (interpret the divine will and purpose in inspired preaching and teaching).

Here we see Apostle Paul admonishing us to desire prophecy.

To desire something is to be on fire to get ahold of, to covet it.

God through Apostle Paul tells us to be on fire to obtain and use these powerful gifts made available by the Holy Spirit but especially the gift of prophecy.

Now, if we read the letters to the corinthians, I think from chapter 12, we will get the background properly.

The church in Corinth at that point had placed  emphasis on some gifts more than the other; speaking in tongues

They "over-emphasised" speaking in tongues (praying) and under-emphasised Prophecy. Does this sound familiar?

Majority of churches in the body of Christ today are the Corinth Church o.

If you don't know how to speak in tongues, you will nearly be excommunicated in some churches or be made to feel less.

But we meet people that prophesy and we shut them up.

The only prophecy a lot of us believers agree with is "inspired preaching/teaching"

In this particular chapter, we see that Paul wasn't talking about teaching here. The Greek word for preaching (which he had used before) is not what he used in this letter so we cannot translate it to mean inspired teaching.

Now, this does not mean speaking in tongues is wrong or should be desired less. No.

Apostle Paul said in verse 5 that He wishes we all spoke with tongues.
He valued the gift of tongues.

He was only asking that we regard the place of Prophecy is our midst also

When we choose to ignore the prophetic for whatever reason, we become unbiblical Christians

If you have any thing against prophecy, it is unbiblical of us

Every fold of ministerial gift is important. We don't remove one because we've met insincere prophets.

I believe the enemy works hard in this area.

The Prophetic is a very powerful fold of ministry, requires extra training and watching over those that officiate in it too.

The Prophetic is not exclusive to a particular church or DNA.

The reason we see it more common in the white garment churches is because they embraced it while most Christians shut it out.

They help their ministers grow in this gift

History of Prophecy in Scriptures

Out of all the five fold ministerial gift in Ephesians 4, we see that it is only Prophecy that transcends all era.

From the beginning of time, we had prophets. Let's look at those who operated in the Prophetic in the Old testament. We have Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Miriam, Deborah etc.
(you can add more if you remember)

Now let's note one thing (cos we will come to it a we Continue this series), not all of these people officiated directly as prophets but they all prophesied or moved in the prophetic.

For those of us that think prophecy ended with the old covenant, let's look at after the new covenant and those that operated in the Prophetic.

1. Agabus and the prophets from Jerusalem.

Acts 11:27


2. 2. The church in Antioch.

Acts 13:1-2
 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. - Bible Offline

We see from this scripture that there were Prophets in Antioch and it was through them God spoke that Barnabas and Saul (Paul) be sent out.

Paul's call came and was established through the mouths of Prophets. Other believers might not have minded him should it not have been confirmed from these ones who officiate in the prophetic ministry

3. Judas and Silas
Acts 15:32

4. The daughters of Evangelist Phillip
Acts 21: 8-9

The promise of the spirit and Prophecy

Let's read Acts 2: 16 - 18

[16]But [instead] this is [the beginning of] what was spoken through the prophet Joel:
[17]And it shall come to pass in the last days, God declares, that I will pour out of My Spirit upon all mankind, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy [telling forth the divine counsels] and your young men shall see visions (divinely granted appearances), and your old men shall dream [divinely suggested] dreams.
[18]Yes, and on My menservants also and on My maidservants in those days I will pour out of My Spirit, and they shall prophesy [telling forth the divine counsels and predicting future events pertaining especially to God's kingdom].

Here we see the promise of the spirit.

When the spirit comes, four different times scripture records that He comes to make us a Prophetic people.

This is the dominant work of the spirit in our lives, He causes us to come alive and gives us a Prophetic nature.

Every person born of the spirit (and filled with the spirit) is expected to be a Prophetic person

We are a Prophetic nation, everyone of us that carry the spirit.

We prophesy (doesn't mean we officiate as prophets), we see visions, we dream, we speak God's mind and heart; All of these, upon the outpour of the spirit

So if we have fight with prophets or the prophetic ministry, now is the right time to dead it cos we need to start operating in line with the outpour of the spirit.

This is why we had to start with Hearing God (for ourselves first). If you can hear God, it is hard to doubt that another can hear God. It is also easy to examine whatever is being prophesied.

Let's also note that the basics and foundation from Hearing God remains in the Prophetic part of this series

Have you ever received a Prophetic word from anyone? How did you respond to it? Did you believe or discard?

Tebs - Someone stopped me and said don't travel for the next three months you will have an accident🙀.. Who does that? It planted fear for some days but I prayed it off and got better

Sumi - A prophet told me I will travel that time since I didn't rlly blive in prophets I was just like travel where to but deep  inside me didn't blive. Because I've never seen maself traveling.

Purposes and Functions of Prophecy

1. To equip the saints for ministry and mature the body of Christ.

And he gave some, apostles; and some,q prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Ephesians 4:11‭-‬12 KJV

The first purpose of  Prophecy as with other folds of ministerial gifts is to help the body of Christ grow and equip us for service.

2. Edification, exhortation and comfort

But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
1 Corinthians 14:3 KJV
To edify is to build up, erect and strengthen.
To exhort is to urge, spur on or encourage into action
To comfort is to bring peace, healing or a message of mercy to a wounded part of a heart.

So we see from point 2 that prophecies encourage us into action. We move in accordance with it.
Probably we've been down, sometimes God sends a word through others and it just strengthens or heals us.

Note: Almost all prophecy within the body of Christ i.e church should stay in this level, especially if we do not operate directly in the office of the prophetic.

When we get Prophetic words, we should check them with the above. Does it encourage the person? Does it heal them?

Should we notice that the prophecy we got is not in any of these categories, we should meet without church leadership and relay to them first.

This way no one is saying anything unchecked or in a manner that defies the purpose of prophecy.

3. Corrective Prophecy

This is a word that speaks to a wrong area of our life or ministry. Probably we've been doing certain things wrongly, of course God will communicate this to us cos He loves us.
This part brings correction, rebuke or a change.

I think most Christians don't like this part.

We'd rather God tells us this part directly instead of telling other people.

Well, if we were listening to God in the first place, we wouldn't be following a wrong path and need correction/rebuke.

So if we are in a position where we are being corrected or rebuked by God through certain persons, we should know it is from a place of love and if we were listening or following in the first place, the rebuke won't be coming.

Corrective Prophecy though open to every believer should be managed by leaders in the church and be done in love.

Don't go and gossip about the person God gave you a message for.

4. Directive Prophecy

This is a type of prophecy that gives clear direction, a course of direction that we must/should take.

I believe this part should be left for those who have been ascertained to be trustworthy in the Prophetic ministry, not just believers or those who officiate as prophets.

We cannot be playing ludo with people's lives. We've seen situations where prophets say don't marry person A or don't take that job, don't collect the money, move to America etc.

A wrong interpretation of what God spoke or giving the message to a wrong person or not relaying the timing of the message can actually destroy the lives of those involved.

Important
As believers, we do not give prophecies to others relating to points 2 and 3 unless we first submit it to and through our leadership.

I know we've been seeing things since birth but please these areas of the prophetic need to be weighed and judged first.

They are best reserved for the seasoned and mature Prophetic voices.

If it comes through those of us still growing, we meet our leaders about it. Also, seeing things does not automatically make you a prophet. I will explain this probably in the next teaching

5. Prophecies function as a weapon of war in the fight of faith

One of the aim of the enemy is to cause us to move out of faith and give up on the promises of God. Prophecy is a powerful weapon in this case, as a person or church. We know God has spoken, so we hold on to it.

Timothy, you are like a son to me. What I am telling you to do agrees with the prophecies that were told about you in the past. I want you to remember those prophecies and fight the good fight of faith.
1 Timothy 1:18 ERV

This is why it is important to write them down. We go back to them on days when things are not going the way we expect and we hold on to God's words as a weapon

6 God wants it to function in our prayers

To just pray what we think or what we see is not enough, God wants to speak with us, He wants us to know what is on His mind/heart, so when we pray, we pray what Christ our great intercessor prays.

Prophetic prayer births result because we are basically praying the mind of Christ

Let us pray

Lord, we thank you for your word, for flooding us with your light and opening our hearts to your truth.

Should there be anything that we find difficult to understand, spirit of God do break it down for us.

Help us to move in the Prophetic just as the Lord wishes, especially in times as this.

We pray for other believers around the world, that you open theirs eyes also to this truth and your will concerning it.

We pray that you expose those who exploit your children through the prophetic, that every false prophet in the body of Christ be brought to repentance.

Help us to grow in these gifts and manage them properly.
Help us to not get puffed up or proud as we begin to operate in this move.

Amen