NT Prophecy | Resource Guide
Scroll to bottom for FREE DOWNLOAD.
Note: Footnotes are available via the downloaded version.
What is prophecy?
Prophecy is a spontaneous message inspired by God’s Spirit. It can meet the need for guidance, upbuilding, encouragement, or comfort. Prophecy can include a future aspect.
What is a prophet?
Those who frequently prophesied were called prophets in the NT. By the Holy Spirit’s prompting, guidance, and empowerment, they gave God’s will for a current situation.
Are there different ways to prophesy?
In the NT it was typically given orally within the gathered assembly, but it can also occur in prayer, counseling, evangelism, teaching, and writing. There are different ways to regularly prophesy: being a pastor at a local church can provide a context for the use of prophecy, not being a pastor but operating out of a local church when giving prophecy, having a ministry outside the local church where prophecy is used, and writing that includes elements of prophecy. Since prophecy is spontaneous speech that is inspired by God’s Spirit, prophecy can also occur in moments of ordinary conversation. If we recognize this, we can thank Him for it.
It is important to understand the limitations of how God uses you in prophecy and stick to that – although one’s calling can expand or contract as God sees fit.
Is prophecy important? If so, why?
In 1 Cor 12:31, believers are told to be zealously concerned about, earnestly desire, and earnestly covet spiritual gifts (of which prophecy is one). Likewise, 1 Cor 14:1, tells us to earnestly desire (dioko) spiritual gifts – especially that we may prophesy. We are to pursue all spiritual gifts with this kind of passion but especially that we may prophesy. The commands at both 1 Cor 12:31 and 14:1 apply to all believers. Looking at the key purposes of prophecy in 1 Cor 14:3, we can see that prophecy fulfills a pastoral function. It is important.
How can we further develop our gift of prophecy?
To become more mature in the gift of prophecy, get good training in Scripture, practice the spiritual disciplines (worship, prayer, etc.), take appropriate risks in sharing impressions, keep trying after you make mistakes, be in environments where there is worship and waiting on the Spirit, listen to spiritual music, keep a record of dreams/visions/impressions, study prophecy, be around people who prophesy, attend corporate prayer meetings, pray for others, and step out in small groups and get feedback when you share impressions.