Proof-Texts and Cross-References
1 Kgs. 16v1; Acts 2v17 [3], 11v27-28 [2], 21v10-12 [2]; Rom. 12v6; 1 Cor. 13v8, 14v3, v5-6, v19 [5], v22, v24 [5], v25, v29-37 [3|5]; Eph. 3v5 [3], 4v11 [3]; Heb. 1v1-2 [1]; 2 Pt. 1v21; Rev. 1v3, 22v18
Keywords
consolation, edification, exhortation, prophecy, prophets, prophetess, cold-reading, pseudo-prophecy, conditional prophecy, false prophets
Definition
"Prophecy is the action, function, faculty or charismatic endowment; whereby a divinely inspired prophet; moved by the Holy Spirit; foretells or predicts future events; or explain the mysterious and hidden sense of Scripture; illuminated by the Holy Spirit; to instruct, exhort, comfort and/or edify God's People" [7]
Introduction
Welcome to our study into the Gift of Prophecy and the Office of Prophet.
Gifting
The first thing we need to understand about prophecy is that it is a gift.
"Pursue love, and earnestly seek the spiritual gifts, but rather that you prophesy." (1 Cor. 14v1, TS)
"And having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, whether prophecy, [let us prophesy] according to the proportion of our faith;..." (Rom. 12v6, ASV)
Purpose
EXHORTATION
One of the primary purposes to prophecy is that of exhortation: an address or communication emphatically urging or warning someone to do something.
"But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men edification, and exhortation, and consolation." (1 Cor. 14v3, ASV)
Throughout both the Old and New Testaments we find Prophets opposing Kings, Princes and false prophets.
» In First Kings Chapter 16 Verse 1 we are told that the Prophet Jehu delivered a conditional prophesy "against Baasha" (HCSB), warning him that if he continued walking in the way of Jeroboam, leading Israel into sin, God would wipe him and his house out of existence.
CONSOLATION
The second purpose of prophecy was that of consolation: providing comfort to someone after a loss or disappointment.
"But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men edification, and exhortation, and consolation." (1 Cor. 14v3, ASV)
EDIFICATION
The ultimate purpose of prophecy is that of edification:
"But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men edification, and exhortation, and consolation." (1 Cor. 14v3, ASV)
It is important to understand that when God exhorts us, it is meant for our edification.
Nature
TRUE PROPHECY ARE ALWAYS MOVED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT
"For no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but men spake from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit." (2 Pt. 1v21, ASV)
All real prophets speak, because they are moved by the Holy Spirit, NOT their imaginations.
Authority
More details coming soon ...
DISCLAIMER
Please take note that while I do defend the continuation of both, Prophets and Prophecy, I do NOT endorse contemporary 'prophets' Benny Hinn (1952-), Harold Camping, J.P. Fourie or Rick Joyner, to name but a few.
Videos
Store
Bibliography
1. Deborah. Are Prophets for Today or has Prophecy Ceased? (Discerning The World; 17 January 2011) ✔
2. Agabus (Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia; 8 January 2012) ✔
3. Jon Mark Ruthven, PhD. On the Cessation of the Charismata: The Protestant Polemic on Post-Biblical Miracles. Second Edition (Regent University School of Divinity, 2008)
4. EJ Hill. The Matrix Prophecy (Ejays; 8 January 2012) ✔
5. VIDEO: Tim Conway. Is there still a Prophetic element today? (I'll Be Honest/YouTube; 8 March 2010)
6. Dr. Andre Pelser. Fruits and Gifts of the Holy Spirit (Harvester Ministries International; 1998) p.11
7. EJ Hill. Defining The Word 'Prophecy' (Ejays; 2 February 2012) ✔
8. Prophecy (Torrey's Topical Index; 2 February 2012)
9. Prophecy (Nave's Topical Index; 2 February 2012)
Downloading
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Revisions
08.01.2012 / 02.02.2012
