Receiving Personal Prophecy
We are told in Proverbs 25:11,
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.”
This is true of New Testament prophetic ministry. Prophetic ministry assists in drawing out of God’s people the awesome gifts and abilities He has placed within them, and it highlights His greatness, kindness, goodness, and unfailing love.
God loves to encourage His people to be all that they can be. He has placed within each individual special talents and remarkable gifts. Prophetic words draw out these talents and gifts. Personal prophetic words give us hope to believe that we can mount up with wings like eagles, run and not grow weary, walk and not faint (Is.40:31).
I. The Importance of New Testament Prophecy
A. Prophecy is included in the lists of gifts in Romans 12:6-8, 1 Cor. 12:8-10, and Ephesians 4:11.
B. It edifies the Church—imparting comfort, strength, and encouragement.
We read in 1 Cor. 14:1, 3-4, “Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy…But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.” It provides a wonderful avenue for God to communicate His heart of love, grace, and goodness.
II. Guidelines for Receiving Prophetic Words
A. New Testament prophetic words are not meant to uncover sin, bring guilt, or condemnation, Jesus bore our sin and guilt at the cross.
B. Words never contradict Scripture.
C. NT prophetic words are not infallible—we are under a covenant of grace.
D. If a prophetic word seems controlling or manipulative, do not receive it.
E. Prophetic words can be for the present or the future. If it is for the future, it may not seem to fit your present circumstances, but it may fit perfectly in the future.
F. You are never obligated to receive a word. It is up to you to determine if the word is valid.
G. Prophetic words are submitted to you—they are never pushed on you.
H. If a word spoken to someone else during the ministry time speaks to you personally, receive it for yourself.
I. The NT prophetic gift may be instructive, but it should never impart guilt, condemnation, or fear. If this should happen, PLEASE bring it to the attention of your Groups Leader so that she can notify the PINK prophetic team leadership.
III. Additional Reasons for New Testament Prophecy
A. Prophecy is one of the nine manifestation gifts of the Holy Spirit listed in 1 Cor. 12:8-10.
B. God desires for you to see yourself as He sees you. NT prophecy assists you in seeing His wonderful gifts, abilities, & destiny for your life.
C. It inspires you to be all that God has called you to be.
D. It releases gifts. Paul told Timothy in 1 Tim. 4:14, “Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.”
E. It speaks to your potential.
F. NT prophecy lifts you to new heights and new levels in Christ.
G. Prophecy helps you see how amazing God is—His goodness, kindness, unfailing love, etc.
H. Brings you up-close and personal with God.
IV. After Receiving a Prophetic Word
A. Allow the Holy Spirit to give you revelation. Take your word to the Lord, and ask for understanding. He will be faithful to give understanding in His perfect timing.
B. Guard your word. Exercise caution when sharing your word. Personal prophecies are like precious pearls, and we want to guard them. If you share with someone who responds negatively, simply do not receive his or her negative words.
C. Stand in faith. A personal word from God will ignite your faith. We are told in Rom. 10:17, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Find scriptural promises that line up with your prophetic word, and hold fast to God’s word for you.
D. Wage the good warfare. Paul told Timothy in 1 Tim. 1:18, “This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare.”
E. Act on your word. James tell us, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” When and where possible, begin to act on your prophetic word.
F. Be patient. We are reminded in Hebrews 6:12, “…imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Don’t be discouraged when you do not see an immediate fulfillment of your word. Keep standing in faith. Often words are given years in advance of their fulfillment.
(All Scripture Quotes are taken from the NKJV.)
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