The Ministry Gifts Of The Holy Spirit (3)

MEMORY Verse: Ephesians 3:5 – Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

Bible Passage: 2 Peter 1:12-21
Introduction: Last week, we discussed the Apostolic ministry gift. Today, we will look at the Prophetic ministry gift. Samuel was the first major Old Testament prophet. Others manifested the speaking gift of prophecy but Samuel actually ministered in the office of a prophet. The ministry gift of prophecy is still active in the New Testament church today. 1 Sam.9: 9; 1 Sam.19: 18-24; 2 Kings 2:3; 1Cor.12: 28.

Who Is A Prophet?
A prophet, simply put, is a “speaker” for God. He proclaims the message given to him by God. He does not speak from his own spirit. He delivers messages in God’s name, with God’s authority on God’s behalf. A prophet sees and hears things beyond the natural realm. He is fearless and holds nothing back: Num.12: 6; Jer.1: 9; Is.51: 16; 2 Pet.1: 20-21; Dt.18: 18-19; Heb.1: 1; Ezek.3: 17; Amos 3:7.

True Prophets
True prophets live a holy life. They operate under the influence of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes they speak in parables or by signs or even symbols. They are faithful to the word received from God. They are not distracted by financial or other benefits of the office. They always do God’s will. 2 Kgs.4: 9; Lk.1: 67; 2 Sam.12: 1-6; Is.5: 1-7; Jer.19: 1, 10, 11; Ez.4: 1-13; Ez.3: 17-21; 2 Kgs.5: 15-16
However, every unction and gift of God can be perverted. The prophetic ministry is no exception. Not all prophets end well.

Conclusion
The church still needs prophets. However, the risk of a diviner assuming the role of a prophet is not only high, but sometimes actually materialises. We must be careful to prevent this. The lifestyle of the prophet and the biblical conformity of the prophecy are very important. 2 Pt.2: 14-15; Jude- 1:11; Acts 16:16-19. Ultimately, a lot also depends on the prophet himself. The forces of darkness never give up and neither should the prophet. He should not alter his highest priority of spending quality time with God and remaining faithful to his core ministry. We pray for special sensitivity in all matters spiritual in the mighty name of Jesus.