Prophetic Encouragement
Thank you for reading our post today! God has such marvelous plans for His people. We experience good times and difficult times and through them all He is Faithful. Sometimes we hear words in the Scriptures we do not have a great understanding of. We are thankful for study helps and often find that things we think might be beyond us are actually very attainable. One of those mysterious things is our topic today - Prophetic Encouragement. Thank You Lord, for Your revelation. Eric
When we think about the word 'prophecy,' most people's thoughts go to 'inspired utterance of a prophet' or a prediction of something to come. Many think of the function or vocation of a prophet, specifically: the inspired declaration of divine will and purpose.
We are going to be focusing on 'Prophetic Encouragement' in our post today. My goal is to bring some clarity and a greater understanding of 'prophecy.' I'll begin by saying - prophecy is not limited to being given to one who operates in the office of a prophet! 1 Corinthians 12:7 reveals that the Spirit of God distributes spiritual gifts for the common good of the body of Christ. Moving in the spiritual gift of prophecy does not make a person a 'prophet.'
"Prophets were often called to deliver difficult messages, which sometimes led to persecution and rejection. They were characterized by their unwavering commitment to God's truth, often standing alone against societal norms and false teachings. Prophets were also known for their deep spiritual insight and ability to foresee future events as revealed by God. The Bible emphasizes that true prophets are known by their fruits and alignment with God's Word. The office of the prophet is a testament to God's desire to communicate with His people." (Bible Hub Encyclopedia).
Our purpose and focus today is to teach what the Word of God reveals about God's use of the 'gift of prophecy' which is given to minister encouragement to the body of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (CSB) reads, "Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are different ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are different activities, but the same God works all of them in each person. 7 A manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person for the common good:" It is important for us to realize that even though the body of Christ is diverse, there is unity because it is God's Spirit Who works through different people in various ways. "The manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the common good or for the profit of all." The phrase, 'manifestation of the Spirit' refers to the spiritual gifts given to the body of Christ by the Holy Spirit. The 'manifestation' (disclosure or expression) of these gifts are given, by His will, for the edification (building up) and for the benefit of the entire church. As such, these gifts will be in alignment with the Word of God and will not cause division nor pride as they are given by the Spirit of God.
In verse 10 of 1 Corinthians 12, the Greek word for prophecy is propheteia. "Propheteia involves divinely empowered forthtelling (asserting the mind of God) or foretelling (prediction)." (HELPS Word-studies). The noun 'propheteia' occurs nineteen times in the Scriptures, covering three primary spheres. 1. The fulfillment and explanation of Old Testament prophecy. 2. The Spirit-empowered gift exercised within the church and 3. The written prophetic revelation preserved in Scripture." (Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12-14; 2 Peter 1; Revelation 1 and Matthew 13:14, Bible Hub Topical Lexicon).
We need to note the distinction between foretelling and forthtelling. Foretelling is predicting the future which we see in the ministry of the office of a prophet, such as that
which we read in the books of Isaiah, Ezekiel, Revelation, Jeremiah or Daniel etcetera.
In focusing on the gift of prophecy, we are looking at the forthtelling aspect of prophecy. We see this expressed by Paul in 1 Corinthians 14:3 as he speaks of "prophesies speaking to men for their edification, encouragement and comfort."
Picking up with 1 Corinthians 12, our chapter revealing the 'gifts of the Spirit,' verse 10b reveals, " to another prophecy." In this verse, 'prophecy' is defined as the "gift of communicating and enforcing revealed truth. According to Thayer's Greek Lexicon, "Prophecy' emanates with divine inspiration and declares the purposes of God." This speech gift or word you are given might be for reproving, admonishing, comforting, edification, encouragement, consolation, guidance or warnings.
"Prophetic encouragement through the spiritual gift of prophecy is a vital means through which God communicates His will, guidance and comfort to His people." (Bible Hub Topical Encyclopedia). Some years ago, my wife, Donna, was asked to pray before the taking of an offering at a Women's Aglow meeting. Praying as the Spirit led, she included prayer about family issues. Months later, at another Aglow meeting, a woman she did not know approached her and thanked her for that prayer all those months before. The woman indicated that how Donna prayed that night spoke directly to their family issues and the Lord was able to do a work. The Spirit prophesied to that woman through Donna's prayer. Praise God! Do you see why it is important for members of the body of Christ to have knowledge of the Word of God and to pray as the Spirit of God leads?
Romans 12:6 (NLT) instructs us, "In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you."
1 Corinthians 14:1-4 (NIV) reads, "Follow the way of love and eagerly (zealously, earnestly) desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. 2 For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit. 3 But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. 4 Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church." It is interesting to note that 'following love,' the selfless and sacrificial love of Christ, is paired with 'desiring spiritual gifts.' Our desire to have God's spiritual gifts must be rooted in love and also in our loving the body of Christ, we should eagerly desire His gifts so that we can build up and minister to the members of the church.
1 Corinthians 13:2 (ESV), "And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing." Our life and motivation for all we do should be rooted in the love of God.
"Prophetic encouragement holds a significant place within the biblical narrative, serving as a vital means through which God communicates His will guidance and comfort to His people." Bible Hub Topical Encyclopedia).
I encourage you as a member of the body of Christ to pray for God to use you as He sees fit. If the Spirit of God nudges you to speak a word to a fellow believer, be brave, bold and obedient! Do it!
Remember though, all prophetic words, those given and those received must line up with the Scripture and the character of God. Realize as a believer, that the Scripture emphasizes the need for discernment and testing of prophetic messages. I will give you this word of caution., I have, over the years, encountered those who try to control other believers and situations with what they claim is a word from the Lord. Most prophetic words given will actually confirm something God has been speaking to you. If you have doubt about what was given to you, set it aside and if it is from God, He will reveal or confirm it again. If another believer prophesies to you, realize that prophetic encouragement is a powerful tool for spiritual growth. If the word spoken lines up with the Scripture and the character of God, receive what the Lord has for you.
Believers are instructed to test all things and hold to what is good. 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21 ESV instructs us, "Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good." 'Quench' means to extinguish or suppress. To 'test' means to examine, approve, discern or to weigh, in light of the Truth (lining up with the Word of God). These verses are basically telling us to be wise. Receive prophetic words from the Spirit which you are to speak to others and receive the ones the Lord gives you from others, because they are for your benefit.
Don't dismiss or undervalue prophetic messages. Prophecies are messages from God delivered through individuals. The prophetic is often used to encourage believers who are experiencing a difficult time or maybe in the process of making a big decision. Possibly they need a boost of confidence or a quite simple need to know that God is paying attention to whatever is taking place in their lives. Remember, the New Testament reveals the Holy Spirit empowers believers for service and His imparts the gifts as He wills.
Be receptive to the Spirit's leading.
Here are some examples of biblical Scriptural Prophetic Encouragement:
Deuteronomy 31:7 and 8 (BSB), "Then Moses called for Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, " Be strong and courageous, for you will go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their fathers to give them, and you shall give it to them as an inheritance. 8 The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you not forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged."
Joshua 1:5 (NLT), "No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you."
2 Kings 6:16 (NLT), "Don't be afraid!" Elisha told him. "For there are more on our side than on theirs!"
Isaiah 41:10 (NLT), "Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."
Acts 11:23 (NLT), "When he (Barnabas) arrived and saw this evidence of God's blessing, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord."
Acts 14:27 (NLT), "Upon arriving in Antioch, they (Paul and Barnabas) called the church together and reported everything God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles, too."
Prophetic powers (the gift of prophecy), is the ability to speak God's truth and reveal His will. God's Word is His Truth and will. The gift of prophecy is speaking God's Word to His people! The most powerful words you can speak are the Words of God. 1 Peter 4:11a (CSB), If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God's words.." Speaking a Scripture or the Truth revealed through Scripture is speaking prophetically.
Part of the believer's armor of God is the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. (Ephesians 6:17).
1 Thessalonians 2:13 (NKJV) reads,"For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed [it] not [as] the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe." The Word of God works in you and in those you speak it to.
2 Timothy 3:16 (NLT), "All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right." When you speak prophetically the Word of God accomplishes what it is sent to accomplish. Praise God!
Many in the chcurch have not received teaching and have very little understanding of Who the Holy Spirit is and the work He does in our lives. Since it is by the Holy Spirit that we receive receive this gift of prophesy, we need to learn to hear His voice.
I strongly recommend that you read our blog posts from 4-17-24 "Hearing the Spirit" and "Hearing the Spirit, Part 2 which was posted on 4-24-24.
If we are going to live a succssful Christian life, we must know how to hear His voice!
Thank you so much for joining us today for our teaching on Prophetic Encouragement. As you gain more confidence and freedom to speak to others what the Lord desires you to speak to them - your life and the one to whom you speak will be blessed by the Lord!
Scriptures used are taken from:
CSB Christian Standard Bible
NLT New Living Translation
BSB Berean Standard Bible
ESV English Standard Version