Prophecy

 DEVOTION

THE 1^ST LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS

PROPHECY

1 Cor 12:7-11

7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.   11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.

NIV

Now we are getting to the verbal gifts, having looked at the gifts of word of wisdom, word of knowledge, faith, healing, and miraculous powers, we now turn our attention to the gift of prophecy. First, we should note that this is not the office of the prophet which is one of the gifts to the church in general, along with evangelist, apostle, pastor, and teacher. This is a gift, just like the others, whereas the Spirit decides when and through whom he will manifest His gift of a prophetic word. We should examine the Greek word that is translated as the gift of prophecy, which is propheteia. This word is very fluid in the sense that it can be seen as a noun defining a prophet who speaks forth the mind and counsel of God. It can also be seen as a verb, to prophecy, which would be telling forth the divine counsels. This would be this gift, as the Spirit manifests himself, revealing some truth, some divine counsel to a willing person, who is listening to the Spirit’s voice. This gift would be used to reveal a divine truth for the common good, thus it would only be seen in the gathering of believers. This is not foretelling a future event, or warning of judgment, as the prophets were used in the OT times. This is not a “thus sayeth the Lord” type gift, although we suppose it is possible that the Lord said it.  However, it would be extremely important not to presume to speak for God. Yet it is right to tell forth the will of God or the truth of God that is revealed through the power of the Spirit as he manifests this gift in someone. It is also possible this gift could show up, for example, in the middle of a pastor’s sermon, that is not in his notes, or that he was prepared to speak. This gift can also be exhibited within the gathering through anyone who is listening and obedient to the Spirit. Of course, like many of the gifts of the Spirit, there are denominations that simply, either because of incorrect theology or absolute refusal to accept these gifts are for the church today. Some, through the practice of tradition, have abandoned these gifts in lieu of human knowledge and efforts. However, these gifts are all alive and well because the Spirit is alive and well, and because God does not change, which includes the Spirit, his gifts are alive and active in believers who are willing to listen and obey. Being used by the Spirit to tell forth the truth of God, or the will of God, will always be in complete agreement with the Word of God. Let us remember to always be open to the voice of the Spirit, the prompting of the Spirit, and the empowering of the Spirit, as He manifests His gifts as He sees fit.