To Listen or Not to Listen to Prophecy…That’s the Question (Part 4)

Prophecy may arise from three different beings: the Holy Spirit, demons, or our own imaginations (our flesh). And it’s even possible for a prophecy to be a mixture of all three at the same time.

Now, don’t throw your hands up in the air and give up because it sounds too tough. Let’s see what the Apostle Paul says:

Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. (1 Corinthians 14:1 ESV)

So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. (1 Corinthians 14:39 ESV)

The Greek word zēloō is translated into the English language as earnestly desire in the English Standard Version, but it more nearly means “to boil over with zeal and envy for something.”

How many of us actually wake up in the morning or walk into churches boiling over with zeal to prophesy? Probably not many of us, but actually the Apostle Paul states that this should be our attitude.

So, how can we do this and still follow Paul’s advice of “doing everything decently and in order?”

The answer is simple: allow ourselves and others the opportunities to make mistakes. Period.

We must remove two mindsets to do this:

First, never frame a prophecy by saying, “Thus saith the Lord.” Now, we may feel like every word has come down from the throne of God, but still, it’s up to others to judge it. Be humble, be a servant. Allow the Holy Spirit to raise us up.

Second, get over the importance of appearing as a mature believer to others. Remember: humbling ourselves as little children is  the road to greatness in the kingdom of God.

Spiritual discernment will only come for each of us through practice and giving grace to ourselves and others.

In light of Old Testament scriptures, how can we allow someone to make mistakes with prophecies?

(Continued in Part 5)