January 16, 2016
ABUSE OF PROPHECY
Memory Verse: 1 Corinthians 14:2 “for he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries”
The gift of prophecy apart from tongues is one of the most abused gift in the body of Christ. This is because many believers have attempted to walk in the gift without understanding its purpose. As we have said earlier, the simple gift of prophecy is for edification, exhortation and comfort. When you are prophesied to, you should be edified – built up, exhorted – encouraged and finally comforted. Remember that we have earlier distinguished between the simple gift of prophecy which is forth telling as against fore-telling. So when a man prophesies, his prophecy should never leave you worse off. For instance if a man come and says “thus said the Lord you are dying tomorrow and there’s nothing you can do about it” that does not edify, exhort nor comfort, it is therefore not a prophecy but a prediction. I have found that many times in charismatic circles, the prophesies are usually bad; They usually speak of impending doom and gloom, judgment for nations, untimely deaths etc. This usually inspires fear and weakens believers. The truth is that such declarations are not an operation of the gift of prophecy but an abuse of it.
The primary purpose of prophecy is to build the assembly of believers. Believers are built by prophetic words that reveal Christ, His redemptive work and His mighty power resident in the believer. It is important for us to ensure that members of a local church are properly taught what the purpose of prophecy is.
1 Corinthians 12:1 “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.” as Paul said in the above scripture, it is important for the Christian to be knowledgeable about the things of the spirit. A well taught believer will always be a blessing to the local church when it comes to demonstrating the gift however in an assembly where these things are not properly taught and explained, there will be disorderliness, chaos, confusion, fear and dread accompanying those demonstrations. So ensure that you become effective in the demonstration of the gift of prophecy and do not abuse it.
CONFESSION: I choose to give myself to prophecy, I choose to be effective as a vessel of prophetic demonstrations; I grow and get better and more useful in my local church by demonstrating the prophetic gift when we assemble. Amen
Further Bible Reading: Proverbs 11, Jonah 1, Romans 12
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