Prophecy also gives direction, purpose, and vision to individuals and groups. Prophecy can provide a focus on which we can hang our goals and plans.
Prov. 29:18 – Where there is no vision, the people perish
Prov. 29:18 (GLT) – Without prophetic vision people run wild
Many times in scripture, people were given warnings through prophecy to turn from their wicked ways and repent. This type of prophecy needs the prior approval of our church leadership. Meeting with leaders and responsible people prior to public utterance can act as a filter to stain off our own frustrations, hurts and personal negativity. This will enable us to give a pure and clean word. If a ‘prophecy’ is shared that the leadership does not agree with, the leadership needs to address it immediately.
Leaders should also keep order in their church. If a person stands up, interrupting a service to share a prophecy or to speak in tongues, the leadership should ask them to sit down. If that person continues they should be removed from the service. Leaders need to teach about proper use of the gifts and allow a certain time for the gifts to be used. The Holy Spirit operates from unity and will not be rude, disrespectful, or create division. Those who are operaring in the gifts need to realize that they should use discernment and respect as to when and how they choose to share the gift. The Spirit does not take control of us; as always, we have freewill and the ability to exhibit self-control, which the Lord desires of us.
1 Cor. 14:29-33 – Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. 30 And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. 31 For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. 32 The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. 33 For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.
We need to realize that the Spirit can speak through anyone, and make sure we are not interrupting something He is trying to do through someone else.
1 Cor. 14:36 – did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached?
1 Cor. 14:40 – everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.
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