Understanding the Prophetic (2)

Understanding the Prophetic

Recommended Reading by Kenneth E Hagin

Seven Steps to Judging ProphesyThe Gift of ProphesyHe Gave Gifts Unto Men

Test the Prophetic Word

1 Thessalonians 5:19–21 NLT

19 Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. 20 Do not scoff at prophecies, 21 but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good.

ESV = despise

AMP – depreciate

NIV84 – do not treat prophecies with contempt

TONY COOKE - “Don’t be cynical—Don’t be gullible.”

What is Prophecy?

· Prophecy An oral, divine message mediated through an individual that is directed at a person or people group and intended to elicit a specific response.[1]

· the simple gift of prophecy carries no prediction with it whatsoever.

The SOURCE of Prophecy = Word of God – ALWAYS

How to evaluate simple prophesy

1. Does it agree with the Bible? 2. Is it inspired by the Holy Spirit? 3. Does it strengthen, encourage, and comfort the hearers?

1 Corinthians 14:3 NLT

3 But one who prophesies strengthens others, encourages them, and comforts them.

The Challenges of Understanding Prophecy

Confusing - Conflicting - Convicting

Our Personal Responsibility Toward Prophecy

Know the Word – Spirit – Times

Prophetic Recognition

· Imitation vs inspiration

· Hasty attempts vs God’s timing

· Good intentions vs God’s will

· Title vs office

· Charisma vs character

· Fanaticism vs facts

· Looking to man vs Jesus

· Spiritual laziness vs due diligence

· Giving up on prophesy vs remaining steadfast

NT vs OT Believers

· We have been given much more than OT believers, so much more is required from us (to know the Word and walk in the light)

OT vs NT Prophet

the New Testament prophet does not have the same status as the Old Testament prophet

· the main emphasis of the prophet’s ministry in the New Testament is on forthtelling—preaching or teaching the Word by inspired utterance.

Follow Your Inward Witness

Prophecy vs other Spiritual Gifts

· Word of Wisdom – future events

· Word of Knowledge – present events

· Discerning of spirits – seeing the invisible

How to Stay Balanced in the Prophetic

· Keep your eyes on Jesus

· Keep your face in the Word

· Keep your knees on the floor

· Keep your heart right