The Gift of Prophecy

One of the best gifts our Heavenly Father has made available to His children is prophecy. Prophecy is a gift from God and is also a sign that someone is filled with the Holy Spirit. As you read through the Christmas story this year you can see this gift of prophecy at work. In Luke 1:39-45, Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and began to prophesy over Mary the mother of Jesus. Also in Luke 1:67-79, Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit and began to prophesy. Luke 1:67-69 says, “And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;”

Prophecy was also at work in the days of the early church. Acts 19:6 says, "And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied." The gift of prophecy wasn't just for the days of Christ birth or the establishment of the early church. Prophecy is also for the time in which we live now. In Joel 2:28-29 it says, "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit." The fulfillment of this Old Testament prophecy came to pass on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2), Therefore all the signs of the outpouring of God’s Spirit (Visions, Dreams, Prophesy, and more) are at work today.

In the letter written to Corinth, Paul encourages the Corinthians to desire to prophesy.

In 1 Corinthians 14:1 KJV it says, "Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy." Why would the Apostle Paul encourage them to desire to prophesy? Well in 1 Corinthians 14:3 KJV it says, "But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort." Paul encourages them to desire to prophesy because it brings edification, exhortation, and comfort to the body of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 14:12 KJV it says, "Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church." Prophesy is one of the best ways to edify the church. It is a gift from above that can bless and encourage those around us.

If you have received Christ and been filled with His Spirit, you can prophesy. In 1 Corinthians 14:31-32 KJV it says, "For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets." Everyone that has been filled with the Holy Spirit can prophesy, but remember that the outflow of the Spirit is under our control. Also the results of all prophecy should be the encouragement, edification, and comfort of those being prophesied over. Prophecy is a gift from God and every gift from God is good and perfect (James 1:17). Prophecy is always in agreement with the Word of God and should be tested. In 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 KJV it says, "Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." Let us excel in the edifying of the Body of Christ by using this gift of God called prophecy.