The biblical concept of Prophecy is widely discussed, and widely debated. But amidst the diverse perspectives and interpretations, one thing remains clear: God loves to speak to His people. By understanding this spiritual gift’s biblical foundation and multifaceted nature, we can demystify prophecy and invite people into a deeper relationship with Jesus.

What is Prophecy? 

Prophecy is a spiritual gift given by God to his Church, among many other gifts. These spiritual gifts are abilities given to Christians through the power of the Holy Spirit, and are meant to bless the Body of Christ, and the world as a whole. While some gifts may seem more extraordinary and impressive, like miracles and healings, others may appear less glamorous, such as administration, celibacy, and martyrdom (yes, those are spiritual gifts). Nevertheless, God is interested in the details of everyday life and desires believers to live supernaturally. So, even the seemingly mundane gifts play a crucial role in living a fulfilling life. All spiritual gifts serve as reminders that Christians represent a supernatural God who intervenes in the world. 

So, what exactly is prophecy? In simple terms, prophecy is hearing the voice of God.  

I’m a father of two young children, and as their father, it is through communicating to them that I can truly understand their needs, guide them, and be actively involved in their growth and well-being. The love and care I have for my children drives me to be present in their lives, to communicate with them, and to foster a strong and nurturing relationship.

In the same way, God, as a loving and relational Father, desires to engage in a dynamic relationship with each one of us. He longs to communicate with us, not out of a sense of obligation or duty, but because of His deep love and genuine concern for our lives. In fact, if God remained silent and distant, it would be abusive neglect, leaving us to navigate life's challenges and joys on our own.

The very nature of God compels Him to reach out to us and speak into our lives. He desires to be intimately involved, guiding us, providing wisdom, and nurturing our spirits. His intention is to walk alongside us, offering comfort, support, and direction as a good Father would.

Understanding this relational aspect of God sheds light on why prophecy holds such significance. Prophecy is not merely a one-way communication; it is a divine conversation between the Father and His beloved children. Through prophecy, God reveals His heart, His plans, and His desires for our lives. It is a powerful expression of His love, showing that He is intimately involved and invested in our well-being.

Just as a loving parent desires to speak to their children to provide guidance and encouragement, God wants to speak to us for our benefit and growth. Embracing His desire to communicate with us opens the doors to a deep and transformative relationship. 

What does the Bible say about Prophecy? 

The gift of prophecy is written about all throughout the Bible. In 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 and Romans 12:4-8, the Apostle Paul tells us all about it. He writes that prophecy is a gift given by God according to His choice, and therefore, no one can boast about receiving it freely. 

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 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.All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.

- 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 

Prophecy omes through personal relationship and encounter with the Holy Spirit, but our personal understanding and perception of God can influence and shape the prophetic words we speak. Therefore, it is crucial for prophetic individuals to be diligent students of scripture. If we believe that God is wrathful and judgmental, our prophecies may reflect that perspective. In the same way, if we perceive God as loving, merciful, and full of grace, our prophecies are likely to embody those qualities.

Prophecy reveals not only what God sees, but also how He sees it. In 1 Corinthians 14:3, Paul explains that the purpose of prophecy is to edify, encourage, and console people. This reveals the heart of Jesus, as His words aim to strengthen individuals. Prophecy provides insight into the thoughts and emotions of God, unveiling His perspective on various matters. The threefold purpose of prophecy mentioned in 1 Corinthians 14:3 encompasses building up and expanding spiritual strength, recognizing and affirming the true identity of individuals, and offering comfort and hope in challenging times.

In addition to these functions, the prophetic ministry also unveils hidden aspects: God's present purposes and His plans for the future. We can describe the revelation of God's current work as "forthtelling" and the disclosure of future events as "foretelling." Prophecy uncovers mysteries in the hearts of those who receive it, illuminating God's intentions and desires.

Paul emphasizes that the prophetic ministry should impact unbelievers, causing them to recognize the potency of prophecy and be convicted of their sins. This does not mean publicly exposing and shaming individuals for their wrongdoing, as it contradicts the purpose of edification, encouragement, and consolation. Instead, it refers to the concept of forthtelling, where prophetic words reveal a person's hopes, dreams, and passions, leading to increased awareness of God's presence and the possibility of repentance and conversion.

Prophecy is not solely focused on the future; it is also relevant to the present. As my friend Anthony Hilder writes, prophecy acts as a “spiritual metal detector”, uncovering the treasures hidden within people's hearts by the Lord, allowing those treasures to be revealed and enjoyed by all.

Can Anyone Prophesy? 

The notion that only a select few can hear God's voice is a misconception. God's desire to communicate with us is available to all who seek a relationship with Him. As we grasp the relational nature of God, His inclusive communication, His pursuit of our attention, His presence in silence, and our identity as His children, we realize that hearing God's voice is not reserved for a privileged few but open to everyone. Why? Because we’ve been called His sons and daughters. 

Through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we cry out to Him, calling Him "Abba Father." This intimate connection assures us of our identity as His children, positioning us to receive and recognize His voice. Romans 8 beautifully describes how the Holy Spirit testifies to our sonship, enabling us to echo the heartfelt cry, "I am your child, and You are my heavenly Papa."

How do I prophesy? 

So, now that we know that it’s God’s desire to speak to us as His children, and hearing His voice is available to all of us, how can we begin hearing Him for ourselves? 

To delve deeper into the topic of hearing God's voice and learning how to prophesy, I invite you to join my free mini-course, "How to Hear God's Voice." 

If you desire to grow in your relationship with God, to hear His voice more clearly, and to step into the prophetic gifts, join us! 

How to Hear God's Voice

This free 5-day email course will help you learn how to prophesy biblically and accurately. In each session, I answer common questions I get about hearing God's voice.

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