The Prophet Gifting: How to Cultivate Your Gift is a crucial aspect of ministry that focuses on edifying, comforting, and exhorting God’s people. Unlike Old Testament prophets who often spoke of doom and judgment, New Testament prophets bring excitement and build up the body of Christ. They are recognized by their ability to inspire faith and anticipation for God’s goodness. This gift is not gender-specific and involves relating both future and past events concerning God’s kingdom and salvation. Jesus, as the ultimate prophet, set the pattern of ministering with mercy, hope, and compassion.
To cultivate this gift, one must focus on edification rather than condemnation, judge prophetic words carefully, and be prepared for potential persecution while remaining faithful to God’s message.
Gave Gifts Unto Men: How to Identify Your Gift Mix Lessons
By Delbert Young
The Prophet Gifting: How to Cultivate Your Gift
Audio
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The Prophet Gifting: How to Cultivate Your Gift
Luke 13:33 Nevertheless I must walk today, and tomorrow, and the day following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem.
Luke 24:19 And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:
John 4:19 The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.
John 9:17 They say unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, that he hath opened thine eyes? He said, He is a prophet.
Jesus ministered as a Prophet mighty in deed and word. The scriptures tell us the Lord God spoke to his people through men and women called prophets (Heb 1:1), and the Lord God speaking through prophets continues today (Rev 22:9, 6; 10:7). The Lord Jesus told us the reward we receive for receiving a prophet (Mat 10:41). There must be prophets if there is a reward for receiving a prophet. The Lord expects us to allow prophets to guide us daily (Mat 7:12; 22:40).
The Prophet Gifting: How to Cultivate Your Gift
If this is true and if prophets are necessary, then who is and was a prophet in my life? Who is a prophet in my local church? How would I recognize him or her? Could I have the gifting of a prophet? Our lesson will help us distinguish those gifted with this grace.
I. RECOGNIZED BY
A. We recognize a New Testament prophet by
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B. Jesus said, You shall know them by their
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The Prophet Gifting: How to Cultivate Your Gift
II. GREEK
A better definition for a prophet is
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III. GENDER
A very important part of recognizing a New Testament prophet is realizing
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The Prophet Gifting: How to Cultivate Your Gift
IV. JESUS THE PROPHET
A. Jesus is the fulfillment of the prophecy of
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B. The New Testament messengers prove Jesus is the Christ because
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V. OLD TESTAMENT PROPHETS NEW TESTAMENT PROPHETS
A. One primary purpose of Old Testament prophets was to _________________________________________________________________________________
The Prophet Gifting: How to Cultivate Your Gift
One primary purpose of the New Testament prophet is to
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B. Another important part of the Old Testament prophetic message was
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The New Testament prophets point to what happened at
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C. John the Baptist summarized
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The Prophet Gifting: How to Cultivate Your Gift
Today, prophets preach
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the kingdom of God.
VI. NEW TESTAMENT PROPHETS
A. New Testament prophets
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The New Testament prophet does not concentrate on
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The Prophet Gifting: How to Cultivate Your Gift
New Testament prophets are to
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B. New Testament prophets envision
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C. Prophets are to judge
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things said to the church and to people by another prophet or speaker.
The Prophet Gifting: How to Cultivate Your Gift
VII. PERSECUTED
A. The true prophet is________________________ persecution.
Our point in this is the persecution of the prophets is not simply to persecute prophets. There is
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VIII. FALSE PROPHETS
A. Jesus said, Beware of
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The Prophet Gifting: How to Cultivate Your Gift
B. Just as there is no gender-specific in New Testament prophets,
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C. False prophets can show
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The following answers the fill-ins above and is a deep dive into what the Scriptures say about prophets and prophet gifting. It is one of the most extensive and condensed studies I’ve heard or read about the prophet gifting.
The Prophet Gifting: How to Cultivate Your Gift
IX. THE JOB OF THE PROPHET
Scripture Work Sheet
Opposite the Old Testament prophet, the New Testament prophet will bring excitement to the body and leave God’s people built up.
The Lord Jesus said we can recognize true prophets by their fruits.
Any attempt to disqualify women from ministering as prophetesses (or in any gift of the Spirit) is a false doctrine.
Jesus was the prophet whom Moses said would come after him. An Old Testament requirement for the Messiah is He must be a prophet.
Jesus fulfilled every prophecy of Moses, the prophets, and Psalms.
A requirement for an Old Testament prophet was to prophesy about the dreadful day of the Lord.
The Prophet Gifting: How to Cultivate Your Gift
New Testament prophets can see into the future and tell of coming events.
The prophetic gift in the church can and should protect the body of Christ from false doctrine.
The Scriptures give many warnings about false prophets. Remember, false prophets are not gender specific and can work mighty miracles.
I. RECOGNIZED BY
A. We recognize a New Testament prophet by their ability to edify the church.
A person with the gift of prophecy can speak, and people begin expecting good things from God to happen. The gift will edify, comfort, and exhort (1Co 14:3). This is opposite from the Old Testament prophet, who most often spoke doom, gloom, and God’s judgment. People experience anticipation when around a New Testament prophet. The prophet builds faith. Hearing a prophet is coming to a church will cause people to expect good things from God.
B. Jesus said you shall know them by their fruits (Mat 7:16, 20)
The Prophet Gifting: How to Cultivate Your Gift
We will study the false prophet. With so much warning given about the deceitfulness, we must realize how to recognize the true prophet. After warning about the fraudulent, Jesus told us how to identify the true prophet. Jesus said you shall know them by their fruits (Mat 7:16, 20). What did He mean? He meant to examine the person’s life. Are they producing fruit, or are they fruitcakes? One of the noticeable primary fruits is to wait and see if what the person said would happen actually happened.
II. GREEK
The word prophet (prophet, prophet’s, prophets, prophetess) appears four hundred and fifty-four times in the Scriptures—297 Old Testament, 157 New Testament KJV. The word means one moved by the Spirit of God to relate future events to people concerning the kingdom of God and salvation.
Though this is the “definition,” a prophet does not always only “relate future events.” It’s also speaking of past events. For example, when Jesus spoke to the woman in Samaria at the well, He told her about her past. Speaking of Jesus, she said, “He told me all that ever I did” (Joh 4:29). Speaking about her past ministered to the woman. A better definition for a prophet is “one moved by the Spirit of God to relate future and past events to people concerning the kingdom of God and salvation.”
The Prophet Gifting: How to Cultivate Your Gift
In the New Testament, the word prophet speaks of (1) All Old Testament prophets; (2) John the Baptist; (3) Jesus; (4) New Testament prophets; (5) those in the Christian assemblies moved by the Holy Spirit; and (6) false prophets.
We also find the Greek word prophetis translated prophetess (Luk 2:36 [Anna]; Rev 2:20 [Jezebel]).
III. GENDER
An essential aspect of recognizing a New Testament prophet gifting is realizing a New Testament prophet is not gender specific. Anna, a prophetess, ministered to the Lord Himself when His parents brought Jesus and presented Him at the temple (Luk 2:36). Quoting the Old Testament prophet Joel, on the day of Pentecost, Peter said, And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams (Act 2:17). Also, Philip the evangelist (Act 21:8) had four daughters who were prophetesses (Act 21:9).
The Prophet Gifting: How to Cultivate Your Gift
IV. JESUS THE PROPHET
A. Jesus is the fulfillment of the prophecy of Moses concerning the prophet to come (Deu 18:18; Joh 1:45; 6:14; 7:40).
Jesus was the first New Testament prophet. He was because he fulfilled all the Old Testament prophets said concerning Him. The Old Testament prophets looked forward to what Jesus Christ, the Messiah, would do. Today’s prophets talk about what Jesus Christ the King has done. This fact becomes central in the messages of the Old and the New Testaments. As Peter explained, the Old Testament prophets saw Christ coming to establish His kingdom and to execute vengeance (Act 2:14-21). The New Testament prophets discuss what the cross accomplished by bringing the kingdom and salvation. Therefore, Jesus fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament prophets (Mat 5:17; Luk 24:44).
As we said, Jesus was the first New Testament prophet. If He were the first, He was the pattern for all following. We note how Jesus ministered to people. He was never condemning. We tend to allow and even expect prophets to be crude and condemning. Jesus did not condemn the woman at the well, the woman caught in adultery, or any other person to whom He ministered. When Jesus taught the Olivet Discourse, including the great tribulation coming upon Jerusalem, He explained it privately to four disciples who asked Him specifically about it (Mar 13:3).
The Prophet Gifting: How to Cultivate Your Gift
The Lord ministered with mercy, hope, and compassion. Jesus always edified people, exhorted them, and comforted them. So, it should be with the New Testament prophets who follow.
Jesus referred to Himself as a prophet (Mat13:57; Mar 6:4; Luk 4:24; Joh 4:44). People recognized Jesus was a prophet (Mat 14:5; Mat 21:46; Mar 6:15; Luk 7:16; 9:8; 24:19; Joh 4:19; 6:14; 7:40; 9:17). In fact, one day Jesus asked whom people said he was. The answer was, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets (Mat 16:14; Mar 8:28; Luk 9:19). As Jesus rode into Jerusalem, on what we call the Triumphal Entry, some asked who He was. The multitude said this is Jesus, the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee (Mat 21:11).
Jesus is the pattern prophet for the New Testament. He was the first New Testament prophet, and we learn from Him the ministry of a New Testament prophet. He was always gentle and merciful. Doom and gloom were not a part of His prophetic ministry. Jesus edified, exhorted, and comforted!
The Prophet Gifting: How to Cultivate Your Gift
(Note: The one time we see Jesus operating in a ‘doom and gloom’ aspect is in Matthew chapters 23 and 24. This is when Jesus confronted the Scribes and Pharisees, telling them they would not escape the damnation of hell. This was prophesying to the religious system, not to a person Jesus ministered to. Later, in chapter 24, Jesus told His disciples about the destruction of Jerusalem, which happened in A.D. 70. The point is when ministering to people, Jesus edified, encouraged, and comforted.)
B. The New Testament messengers prove Jesus is the Christ because Jesus was the prophet who Moses and all other prophets spoke.
Paul said I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come (Act 26:22). Paul continuously preached Jesus fulfilled the words of the Old Testament prophets (Act 26:27; 28:23, 25; Rom 1:23; 3:21; 16:26). Peter also preached Jesus fulfilled the words of the prophets. Peter said, Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you (1Pe 1:10; 2Pe 3:2).
The Prophet Gifting: How to Cultivate Your Gift
Jesus frequently spoke about the Old Testament prophets. He said, “…many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them” (Mat 13:17; Luk 10:24). The Old Testament prophets desired to see the long-awaited Messiah.
As magnificent as the Old Testament prophets were, a New Testament prophet is superior. John the Baptist was the greatest prophet born of women, but the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John (Mat 11:11).
V. OLD TESTAMENT PROPHETS
To understand the ministry of a New Testament prophet, we need to note the ministry of the Old Testament prophet. We can then observe the differences and similarities. This is important because often, we encounter people who think they have a New Testament prophet gifting but minister in an Old Testament manner.
A. One primary purpose of Old Testament prophets was to give prophecies of the Messiah to come.
The Prophet Gifting: How to Cultivate Your Gift
From Moses on, they did just that. Prophet after prophet gave foresight about the coming of the Messiah.
One primary purpose of the New Testament prophet is to show that Christ fulfilled every Old Testament prophecy concerning Him. Many references in the New Testament show how Jesus fulfilled every prophecy concerning Him. When we say “every,” we mean every (Mat 1:22; 2:5, 15, 17, 23; 4:14; 5:17; 12:17; 13:35; 21:4; 26:56; 27:9, 35; Mar 1:2; 13:14; Luk 1:70; 3:4; 4:17; 18:31; 24:27; 24:44; Joh 6:45; 12:38; Act 2:30; 3:18; 3:21, 22, 23, 24, 25; 7:37; 8:34; 10:43; 23:27).
The essential purpose of so many references to the Old Testament prophets by the New Testament writers was to prove Jesus was indeed the promised Messiah emphatically. It would be impossible for anyone to fulfill so many prophecies unless he were the Christ. They addressed issues such as a virgin shall conceive (Isa 7:14; Mat 1:22). The Christ would be born in Bethlehem (Mic 5:2; Mat 2:5) but would come out of Egypt (Hos 11:1; Mat 2:15). He would speak in parables (Psa 49:4; Mat 13:34), or He would be sold for thirty pieces of silver (Zec 11:12; Mat 27:9). His garments would be parted by casting lots (Psa 22:18; Mat 27:35).
The Prophet Gifting: How to Cultivate Your Gift
All those Old Testament prophecies were necessary to prove without a doubt how Jesus was indeed the Christ. Jesus fulfilled all the things written in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the Psalms (Mat 5:17; Luk 18:31; 24:27, 44). Jesus said, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms concerning me (Luk 24:44).
We recognize a principle. The Old Testament prophets prophesied concerning things they saw coming. A New Testament prophet is to point to the accomplishment and fulfillment of those things. The Old Testament prophet said it would happen and that we would reap the judgments. The New Testament prophet says it happened, and we now enjoy the benefits.
B. Another essential part of the Old Testament prophetic message was the great and dreadful day of the LORD.
The Prophet Gifting: How to Cultivate Your Gift
This message spoke of the destruction of the Jewish worship system who did not receive Christ. Peter preached this to Jews in Acts chapter two and Acts chapter three (Act 2:14, 22; 3:12). The song of Moses was about this day (Deu 31:19 – 32:47; Rev 15:3). Joel spoke of that day in Joel chapter two. Daniel prophesied the abomination of desolation (Mar 13:14; Mat 24:15), which came upon Jerusalem in AD 70.
The seventy weeks of Daniel chapter nine concerned the time left for Daniel’s people, the Jews, and Daniel’s holy city, Jerusalem (Dan 9:24). The great and dreadful day of the Lord came in A.D. 70 with the destruction of the temple and burning of Jerusalem. The Jews who remained in Jerusalem (Luk 21:20-24) were indeed destroyed. Jesus called this the great tribulation (Mat 24:21) spoken of by Daniel.
Naturally, the New Testament prophet cannot prophesy about this being in the future if it has already happened. The Messiah came, and the great and dreadful day of the Lord arrived in A.D. 70. The temple and temple worship terminated (Mat 24:2; Luke 19:44). The Old Testament prophet looked forward to the cross. The New Testament prophet has the reverse angle. We look at all the cross does. It is entirely the opposite.
The Prophet Gifting: How to Cultivate Your Gift
Again, we recognize the principle. The Old Testament prophets looked at what would happen and the judgments concerning it. The New Testament prophets point to what happened at the cross and the blessings now and later because of Christ.
C. John the Baptist summarized the message of the Old Testament prophets.
John was the last Old Testament prophet and, according to Jesus, the greatest born of women to that time (Mat 11:11). After John the Baptist, the prophetic ministry changed (Mat 11:13; Luk 16:16).
Luke 16:16 The law and the prophets were until John: since that time they preach the kingdom of God, and every man presseth into it.
John finished the law and the Old Testament prophets. Today, prophets preach the kingdom of God. The message changed after John the Baptist. This is important to understand. John’s communication summarized all the Old Testament prophets’ messages. John’s message is easily summarized by points “A” and “B” previous. He proclaimed (A) the coming Messiah, saying, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight (Mat 3:3). John the Baptist said, He that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire (Mat 3:11). John declared the coming of the Messiah.
The Prophet Gifting: How to Cultivate Your Gift
John also (B) prophesied the great and dreadful day of the LORD. John the Baptist told the Pharisees and Sadducees, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? (Mat 3:7). John said, now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire (Mat 3:10).
John the Baptist summarized the message of the Old Testament prophets. He declared the coming Messiah and the great and dreadful day of the Lord. John was the Elijah the Old Testament prophets said would come (Isa 40:3; Mal 4:5; Mar 1:2; Luk 1:76; Joh 1:23). Jesus said John the Baptist was not only a prophet but much more than a prophet (Luk 7:26, 27). John was the promised prophetic messenger of Malachi 4:5.
VI. NEW TESTAMENT PROPHETS
We can now note the differences and similarities between the Old Testament and New Testament prophets.
The Prophet Gifting: How to Cultivate Your Gift
A. New Testament prophets encourage and strengthen God’s people.
In the Old Testament, most prophecies spoke of judgment and gave little encouragement. The New Testament prophet does not concentrate on doom and gloom. Instead, they focus on the goodness of the kingdom of God (Luke 16:16). New Testament prophets build, encourage, and strengthen God’s people. Judas (not Iscariot) and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to support and reinforce the brothers in Christ (Act 15:32).
New Testament prophets are to edify, exhort, and comfort (1Co 14:3). Today’s prophets should build others, not judge others. Paul said when we speak in tongues, we build up ourselves, but when a person declares a prophesy, they build others (1Co 14:4). This is why Paul said the person who prophesies to the church is greater than the person speaking in tongues (1Co 14:5). A person who gives a prophecy has the anointing to build and edify others.
The Prophet Gifting: How to Cultivate Your Gift
The Lord places the prophet into the mix of the body of Christ for the primary reason of building up. (1Co 12:28, 29; Eph 2:20; 4:11). The apostle is here to establish. The prophet is here to encourage, edify, and strengthen God’s people (Act 13:1).
B. New Testament prophets envision future events just as the Old Testament prophets.
The prophet Agabus saw the great famine coming in the days of Claudius Caesar (Acts 11:27, 28). Agabus also saw the arrest of the apostle Paul (Acts 21:10, 11). The Spirit allows a prophetic person to accurately see the future and specific events. Our Lord reveals mysteries to those with a prophetic gift (Eph 3:5).
C. Prophets are to judge things said to the church and to people by another prophet or speaker.
Paul said, Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge (1Co 14:29). This is not the giving of a judgmental prophecy as did the Old Testament prophets. This is an ability to protect the body of Christ from false prophets. The apostle Paul even put himself under this scrutiny. He told those at Corinth if any of them thought they were prophets, then let those thinking they were prophets acknowledge how the things Paul wrote to them are the commandments of the Lord (1Co 14:37).
The Prophet Gifting: How to Cultivate Your Gift
If not cautious, a person with a prophetic anointing can become overly judgmental of ministry. They naturally, but sometimes unconsciously, gauge and weigh everything said. They cannot help but do this. The Lord created them to do this. When the prophetic gift works correctly in the body, the talent will protect the church from false teachings and false ministries.
VII. PERSECUTED
A. The Lord guarantees persecution of a prophet.
This is true regardless of whether the prophet was an Old Testament or a New Testament prophet (Mat 5:11-12; Luk 6:22-23; 1Th 2:14-15; Jam 5:10; Rev 11:10). Actually when people spoke well of the prophets, it was a sign they were false prophets (Luk 6:26).
Interestingly, it was and is always the religious system that persecutes the prophets (Mat 23:30-31; Luk 13:34; Act 7:52). Jesus told those of their religious system which abused and killed the prophets how they would not enter the kingdom of God (Luk 13:28). Persecuting a prophet is a severe offense before the Lord.
The Prophet Gifting: How to Cultivate Your Gift
A sad aspect of the prophet is that people did not recognize a prophet as a true prophet until after they died. In the Old Testament, they would garnish (place ornaments) the sepulchers of the prophets (Mat 23:29) in recognition of them, showing they were not recognized while alive.
Sadly, today, we miss the wonderful gift of the prophetic because we reject or persecute this significant gift.
B. Jesus said the persecution of the true prophets was a signature event which brought the great tribulation, which was the destruction of Israel, Jerusalem, the country, the temple and the law of Moses (Mat 24:1, 2, 21).
The Prophet Gifting: How to Cultivate Your Gift
As the Jewish leaders killed and persecuted the prophets, new righteous blood added to the sum against them. Jesus told the Jewish leaders He would send prophets, and some of them they would kill and crucify and scourge and persecute. Jesus allowed this for one reason. This reason was so upon them would come judgment for all the righteous blood (Mat 23:34-35; Luk 11:47-49). The Lord said the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, would be required of that generation (Luk 11:50). Of course, judgment came upon that generation (Mat 23:36) as the temple, Jerusalem, and the nation was destroyed in 70 A.D.
Our point is that the persecution of the prophets is not merely to persecute them. There is a purpose for persecution. In every situation, Old Testament or New Testament, judgment came when people rejected and persecuted a prophet of God. The Lord told the cities of Chorazin, Bethsida, and Capernaum how the Old Testament judgment upon Tyre, Sidon, and Sodom was light compared to what they would receive. The people of those cities rejected the Lord’s prophet. It is a severe offense to reject and persecute a prophet of God.
The Prophet Gifting: How to Cultivate Your Gift
VIII. FALSE PROPHETS
A. The Lord gives an incredible warning concerning the false prophet. Jesus said, Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves (Mat 7:15). Jesus warned there would be many false prophets, and these false prophets would deceive many (Mat 24:11).
The Lord gave us the way to know a prophet of God. As we have seen, we recognize false prophets by their fruits. Jesus said Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? (Mat 7:16).
Before I receive a person as a prophet, I want to know something about the person. What are the person’s position and activity at his or her home church? Are they under the authority of church leadership? What are they producing? I like to know about their personal family. If possible, I want to know something about their finances. What is the person generating with their life? Jesus would not have said we know them by their fruits if he did not want us to check out their fruit.
The Prophet Gifting: How to Cultivate Your Gift
B. Just as there is no gender specificity in New Testament prophets, neither is gender important in false prophets.
We read of one referred to as Jezebel, who was a false prophetess (Rev 2:20). False prophets are not gender-specific, either.
C. There is a most interesting fact about the false prophets. False prophets can show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect (Mat 24:24; Mar 13:22).
When we look at the teacher, we will investigate this thought further. For now, we must conclude the gifts and calling of God are without repentance (Rom 11:29). When God anoints a person in the prophetic or teaching or anything, they can use the anointing for the wrong reasons. Though anointed (sheep’s clothing), inwardly they are wolves. So, a person doing great signs and giving great prophecies may not be of God. Without knowing this, the very elect can be deceived.
The Prophet Gifting: How to Cultivate Your Gift
In all my years of leading a church, I had only one “ministry” I regretted asking to come to the church I served.
There was an anointing upon the individual. He caught up all the people, including myself, in the ministry. The anointing works this way. It captures us. We received one of the largest offerings for his ministry in the history of our church. Also, he sold books and tapes, which gave him even more income.
When the “ministry” left town, I evaluated what happened and what impartation remained with us. I did not like what I felt and discerned. Nothing good came from it, except I learned a precious, expensive lesson. Know them who labor among you. To this day, I sense I allowed a wolf in sheep’s clothing to ravage our church, and I consider myself reasonably sharp in the discernment of ministries. However, I missed it on this occasion.
False prophets are ever present and in every place. Peter said they seduce the unstable. It is incredible how some people become captivated by a false ministry. Paul met one on his first missionary journey (Act 13:6).
The Prophet Gifting: How to Cultivate Your Gift
John instructs us to believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God (1Jo 4:1). The word try means to test. We need to learn more about this test of the spirits. Though spirits, the false prophets show up as men and women (Rev 2:20). The judgment for the false prophet is severe (Rev 19:20; 20:10). However, for us all, the best guard is to avoid the false prophet by taking a look at their fruits.
IX. THE JOB OF THE PROPHET
The scriptures clearly show that prophetic ministries are both transient and local. There are prophetic ministries anointed of God who travel from city to city. Also, within every church, the resident gift of the prophet resides in its body. Recognizing both of these points releases the gift.
A. The New Testament mentions many prophetic ministries as transient or traveling ministries. This is what Agabus did (Acts 11:27-28; 21:10). Judas (not Iscariot) and Silas also journeyed as prophetic ministries (Acts 15:32). This ministry is available to the body of Christ today.
The Prophet Gifting: How to Cultivate Your Gift
When a traveling prophetic ministry comes into a local church, the church obtains much. Prophets are there to build, exhort, and comfort. They are not familiar with the people and must move by the Spirit. This means people will readily receive their ministry because they realize they know nothing about them, yet the prophet seems to know everything about them. Also, as traveling ministries, the church obtains much information because the prophet sees functioning churches and shares what the Lord is doing in other areas.
The prophet gift is a gift given to the church by the Lord Jesus Christ. It is vital for perfecting the saints for the ministry. No other gift is as dedicated to building and edifying people. The Lord gave them the unique ability to see how we individually fit into God’s marvelous plan. The prophet gift communicates this information to us, helping us understand how we fit into God’s plan.
The Prophet Gifting: How to Cultivate Your Gift
Prophetic people realize they are prophetic because they see things, discern things, and judge things. To a prophet, doing this is as natural as drinking water. The challenge is to train the person to understand how the gift is for edification, exhortation, and comfort.
The Prophet Gifting: How to Cultivate Your Gift
The Prophet Gifting: How to Cultivate Your Gift
Other studies that might interest you:
The Teacher Gifting: How to Make Scripture Come Alive
Cultivated Wounds sermon video audio notes
Healed Without Scars sermon series
School Of The Prophets Series Audio
Also see: