Whether you’ve been in church life for a long time or not, hearing public prophecy for the first time can sometimes be unsettling. Is this prophet acting biblically? Are they just putting on a show so people think they’re cool? What’s happening? Well, as should be the case in any other area of life where we have questions, let’s consult the Good Book, shall we?
1 Corinthians 12:1-11 speaks of the gifts of the Spirit including prophecy. 1 Corinthians 14 goes into such a defense for – no – more like an advocacy for prophesying that Paul says we should all strive for it AND he would even rather have us prophecy over speaking in “groans that words cannot express” which we KNOW is the Holy Spirit as we’ve just been told He gives us the words we don’t have when needed in prayer. That’s saying something!
Why does Paul advocate so for the gift of prophesy? The purpose of prophecy is strength, encouragement, and comfort for the one being prophesied to as well as those in attendance. And God’s Word says we should all strive for it! Prophecy reminds people who GOD IS.
That being said those of us in attendance when the prophetic is being ministered have a job to do:
- Pray. Test the spirits as 1 John 4:1-6 instructs and weigh what’s being said (1 Corinthians 14:29). What should you do if you question what’s happening or something feels off? I would grab another trusted pastor, leader, fellow disciple and inquire as to what they’re discerning in the moment.
- Know that order and Holy Spirit fruit will be present if the ministry is legit. Those who give prophetic utterances are not to act with an uncontrolled frenzy but with self-control. This is in line with the fruit of the Spirit as depicted in Galatians. This also falls in line with 1 Corinthians 14:31-33. The Word also says that only two or three should prophecy at a given time. Additionally, the one prophesying will say things we already know to be in line with God and His Word and will also not tell the one being prophesied over what to do or how to feel but will simply let the gospel do the work. Again, grab some other trusted Christians to consult with if something is off.
- If you need encouragement, be willing to accept what’s being prophesied over another as God’s gift to you as well. If the message rings true, you’re not there on accident. Tell the Lord thank you.
- Finally, is God being glorified? One prophesying will not take credit or allow anyone to praise them but will constantly turn the focus back to God. It’s important to remember that gratitude opens the miraculous.
If the prophecy happening checks all these boxes and you’re still feeling uncomfortable or unsure, may it possibly simply be because this is new to you? Offer what you’re feeling and thinking to the Lord and ask Him, “Lord, explain this to me please. Make sense of it. Bring me peace. I’m curious and want the truth.” God is faithful to answer prayers of curiosity as it proves you have a posture of humility and a humble and contrite spirit God will not despise – or even deny 😉.