The Gift of Prophecy (Knowledge, Wisdom, Discernment, Apostleship)

Lesson 3

Prophecy

The gift of prophecy leads a person to confront evil, hypocrisy, error, and false conclusions.

Acts 2:14–16 ESV

But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel:

2. The gift of prophecy often reveals the character and motives of others, especially those motives that are deceitful or hypocritical

Acts 5:1–4 ESV

But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.”

How did Peter function as a prophet in the two passages above?

What resulted from Peter’s prophetic confrontation in number 1 ()? What resulted in number 2 ()? How did each confrontation influence the body of Christ?

3. The gift of prophecy requires the prophet to be honest about himself and to seek correction for his own error.

Luke 5:8 ESV

But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.”

4. The gift of prophecy is often voiced as a defense of the church, God’s people, God’s programs or God’s nature.

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How might the onlookers have made the mistake of crediting Peter and John with the lame man’s healing? Why was he so quick to remedy that misunderstanding?

When have you seen people make a similar mistake? When have you given credit to something or someone other than God?

5. The gift of prophecy function without regard to personal consequences for the prophet.

Acts 4:19–20 ESV

But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”

What motivated Peter to continue preaching the Gospel in spite of persecution? What does this motivation reveal about the gift of prophecy?

How is this different from using Scripture as a weapon to browbeat others? How does a person draw a distinction between these two approaches to the Gospel?

The Characteristics of a Prophet

Boldness: Prophets are often very bold and direct.

Simple answers that may seem simplistic.

Persuasiveness: Prophets usually do their utmost to evoke change.

A desire for immediate change.

Strong dependence on Scripture.

Loyalty: Deep and abiding commitment to the truth and to the Lord.

Brokenness: The Prophet has a willingness to be broken by God

Quick judgment and speech

What tends to be your emotional response to someone who has the gift of prophecy? How can it be misused? Why is it of vital importance to the church when used correctly?

Vital in the Church

“Prophets can be very effective for the Gospel when they are operating under the guidance of the Holy Spirit in humility, love, and peace. They can also be destructive when they function “in the flesh” and are not 100% reliant upon the Holy Spirit at all times.

Jesus is our Role Model

1 Corinthians 14:3 ESV

On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation.

Edification:

Exhortation:

Comfort:

How does a person exercise the gift of prophecy with the preceding qualifications? What happens when those qualifications are not present?