The Gift of Prophecy

Romans 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us  prophesy in  proportion to our faith.

Because the Greek includes the definite article, our faith probably refers to the faith, that is, the full gospel message. The prophet must be careful to preach and speak in accordance with the gospel revealed through the apostles.

Jude 1:3b …to write unto you and exhort you that you should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

Prophecy is the ability given by the Spirit of God to a person to proclaim God’s truth to others. The gift of prophecy in the New  Testament times or today does not indicate a new, private message from God.

Theologically, the canon is closed. The canon is what we refer to as the 66 inspired books of the Bible. God has inspired only so many books, and they were all completed by the end of the apostolic period (first century A.D.).

Hebrews 1:1 God spoke long’ago in many parts and in many ways to the fathers by the prophets 2 in these last days He has spoken to us by a Son, whom He appointed heir of all, through Whom also He made the world.

The apostle Peter was a prophet, and we will see how he exemplifies a prophet in both his life and actions. Peter always spoke, and usually spoke first. He was often right, but sometimes in his flesh, he would misuse his gift.

The Prophet Sees the True Character & Motives of Others

Acts 5:3 But Peter sold, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back
part of the price of the land?”

The prophet is often harsh, to deal with the sin.

The Prophet Faces Personal Faults & Failures

The prophet will fall down in humility and repent when he sees his own failure.

Luke 5:8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, 0 Lord.”

The Prophet is Concerned for God’s Program

He makes sure that God gets the credit, and not man.

Acts 3: / 2 And when Peter sow it, he answered unto the people, “You men of Israel, why marvel you at this? Or why look you so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man walk?”

Acts 4:20 For we cannot but speak the things which we hove seen and heard.

The prophet is willing to suffer in order for God’s program to fulfilled.

The Prophet is Painfully Direct

They see consequences and want to correct the problem, and are not as concerned about people’s feelings. They wont to sove the person from making a mistake. Others might perceive it differently, but it is not because they don’t care. They are just so concerned about God’s Word and ways, & consequences if the person continues on a wrong path.

Peter was harsh and even rebuked Jesus.

Matthew 16:22 Then Peter took Him and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Be it far from Thee, Lord; this shall not happen to you.”

The Prophet Depends on Scripture

Preaching at Pentecost, Peter quoted the Old Testament as his authority. He did not give a private interpretation.

Acts 2:25 For David spoke concerning Him: “I beheld the Lord always before my face, for He is on my right hand, that I should not be moved.”

The Prophet Is Loyal

Matthew 26:33 Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.

The Prophet Understands Brokenness and is Willing to be Broken

John 13:9 Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.

We must remember as we learn characteristics of different gifts that we will most often judge them by our own gifts. If that is done, it can lead to all kinds of problems. Each person with a different spiritual gift will see, evaluate, and respond to things differently. While we each can misuse our gifts if we are in the flesh, we must also be careful not to misunderstand and misinterpret another believer’s response, who simply has a different spiritual gift than us.

Remember I Corinthians 13: ALL must be assessed and worked through with love. Regardless of our gifts, if it is not exercised in love, it just as well should not be done, for God will not be glorified through it, unless love is present.