Beware of Presumption
When it comes to speaking prophetically, or teaching and preaching for that matter, it is important to not speak presumptuously out of our own heart. This is no light issue. While we are under grace and mercy, we will still give an account for our words. Perhaps not at the Great White Throne Judgment; but we still stand before the Judgement Seat of Christ (see Matthew 12:36-37; Romans 12:10-12, et.al.).
James 3:1 Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment (NASB).
So-called prophets have said things God never said, and Christians have done things in the name of Christ that have caused incalculable damage. Segments of society have been negatively impacted. Because of those words and actions, many have rejected Jesus Christ.
Make no mistake, this is no way is saying prophecy is not for today. The point is to exercise care. Submission to Holy Spirit is vital, and being self-willed should have no place in us. Should one prophesy, what he or she says should align with Scripture. That doesn’t mean you have to be a scholar to speak. Perhaps, one of the most important things is the spirit and attitude. Obviously, be sure it comes from the Spirit of God (see 1John 4:1-3).
An obvious reason to pay attention to one’s attitude is it affects how you approach the Word of God. If you are cavalier with it, you might be more apt to misapply Scripture. Moreover, if you are self-willed, you may tend to bend it to fit your agenda. A sincere heart is more able to learn and receive truth when Holy Spirit reveals it. Be teachable, and yet, take no one’s word for anything. Study for yourself to see if teachings you hear from others are true.
Here is one example. There is a teaching in which people call things that do not exist into being, calling it faith. How does that square with the Bible?
Romans 4:17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before Him Whom he believed, even God, Who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.
The first question one might ask, is Who calls those things that be not as though they were? The obvious answer is God, which means we do not have the lawful authority to speak things into existence -at least, not on our own. Only when God speaks first, do we have any freedom to speak in such a manner.
All May Prophesy
1 Corinthians 14:31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
We will not go into a detailed lesson on all the ins and outs of prophesying, but we will hit on one very important aspect, which in essence, will put everything in order. Let’s pick up with our example of calling things into existence.
1 Peter 4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles (utterances) of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
This is very simple, we say what we hear Him say, if He leads us to say anything. Jesus is our Example Who said what He heard the Father Say, and did what He saw Him do (John 14:10).
One last thought: sometimes God will give us revelation, or a prophetic Word. When He does, it might a good idea to ask Him what He would have us do with it. In other words, there may be times when it is only for us. Other times, it could be for an individual or group of people, such a congregation or even a country, and everything in between. In some instances, there may be a specific time in which He would have us release it.
It is critical to be slow to speak, while being quick and diligent to listen, first!
