(January 26, 2024) Dr Robert McQuillan shares on the 1Corinthians 12:10 manifestation gift of prophecy…

Dear Dr Robert
Please share on the gift of the Spirit termed prophecy. Kelvin.

Hi Kelvin

Please note that my comments below are particularly for pentecostal and charismatic church attenders, although the Holy Spirit operates in other denominations too!

Let’s begin with something many ask… What is ‘a word of prophecy?’ In brief… a timely word from God. In outworking, prophesying is someone boldly speaking a word from God under divine Holy Spirit inspiration that blesses people, en masse or individually. Yes, they sense it in their spirit and allow God to use them verbally.

Three-fold benefits
As a supernational manifestation, it’s a vocal gift used in faith (itself one of the 1Corinthians 12:8-10 nine gifts). It’s meant to manifested (phanerōsis… exhibited, expressed) – responsibly demonstrated in church circles. In 1Corinthians 14:5, Paul urged that this gift be operated more, even more that tongues coupled with interpretation! Verse 2 explains its 3-fold benefits – strengthening, encouragement, comfort.

• Strengthening… sometimes translated edification
  A word connected with architecture, to do with ‘building up.’ Something we all need!
• Encouragement… or exhortation
  This links with the ministry of the Spirit whom we can rely on to encourage us in dark times and spur us on to great achievements. This too is something Christians need regularly.
• Comfort… or consolation
  A word akin to encouragement, also relating to the work of the Spirit who is known as the great comforter (In John 14:26 Jesus called Him the parakletos – comforter, consoler, advocate). It’s not only on the loss of a loved one that Christians need divine comfort!
• Further, prophecy demonstrates that God is real and comforts people by telling them that He knows what’s going down, loves them and cares so deeply in a personal way.
• It also draws people closer to Him, inspiring them to go onward in God and in life itself. 2024 is a year when many wish to move on in God, If someone receives a prophetic word in this area, they’ll definitely be inspired.

Five important notations here:
(1) Generally missing today
Sadly it appears that this gift hasn’t been operating for several years as often and strongly as it used to. I recall ‘old-time-pentecostal’ Sundays when prophecy (and tongues/interpretation) flowed freely after communion or in praise/worship times, not necessarily through the pastor (or pastors) but operated by ‘ordinary’ church attenders… ‘ordinary’ but Spirit-filled and obedient to Him!

Recently some friends moved to another town and immediately began visiting a number of pentecostal churches. I received a sad letter asking, ‘Dr Robert… don’t Pentecostal churches allow prophecy, tongues and interpretation to occur anymore?’

(2) Ministering speakers
Many times a Spirit-filled preacher, whether pastor or guest speaker, may pause preaching and bring a word of prophecy, usually encouraging, even directive for the church. Such sudden ministry grabs listeners’ attention. It’s also enlightening  when ministers point to individuals unknown to them and give a prophetic word.

(3) Operable in any service/meeting
Prophecy can operate in any church service or meeting – children’s, youth, men’s, women’s, Bible study, even church maintenance days, as well as eldership, deaconate or business meetings.
It can also operate when counselling someone, often setting them free from what’s troubling them. Handled wisely this gift can be used anywhere on a Holy Spirit leading.

(4) ‘Out there’
God loves everyone and can use any of us to speak a prophetic word to an unsaved person! Usually this is accompanied by the sister gifts of words of knowledge and wisdom.
For example, you could be talking to a stranger in a shop or arcade and suddenly, even in saying goodbye, you have ‘a word’ for them whether they’re Christian or not. I’ve found such a word really touches hearts, especially when it’s an encouragement, and I explain that God had told me about their situation/character/difficulties.
Knowing that you don’t know them, they’re blown away and if unsaved, it’s an opportunity to share God’s love. I’ve found that no one has ever queried what I’ve shared.

(5) Responsibility
When the Holy Spirit gives someone ‘a word’ to speak forth, that person is open to being used by the Spirit, has an ongoing relationship with Him, and always willing to be used by Him. Naturally it doesn’t happen all the time, nor everywhere. I’m talking about special occasions where God wants to use you and you sense His leading, prompting, and you dare to go for it.
If you sense the Holy Spirit desiring to use you in this area, I’m confident that you’ll be prompt to respond to His leading… responsibly. Experience teaches us much. Don’t be afraid: boldly allow Him to speak through you… using your voice. You’ll know when to start and when to stop… and not go become ‘fleshly.’

Attitude
Christians should have the right attitude toward words of prophecy… and its operation. Prophecy is not to be taken lightly or ignored! Paul warns in 1Thessalonians. 5:20: ‘Do not treat prophecies with contempt.’ That is… don’t despise or stifle either them or the one bringing them!

If a person given such a word can’t quite understand it, encourage them to put it ‘on the back burner.’ Experience has affirmed that it will become clear in time (I’ve had later phone messages confirming this is true).

As for Christians, especially leaders, 1Timothy 4:15 seeks to persuade us to practise our ministry gift, indeed to give ourselves completely to them, that they are to be ‘kept dusted off and in use’ as the Message Bible puts it.

As inferred above prophecy is an incredible gift that not only operates in churches but the Spirit can use it to reach unchurched ‘out there.’ It can open doors to new relationships and sharing the gospel message is accepted because you’ve earned the right and respect of someone new.

I like what Paul says about all gifts – ‘Each person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits. All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people!’ (1Corinthians 12:7Mge).

More could be said here but may all that I have shared encourage you, Kelvin.
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Got a question for Dr Robert or Pr Maureen McQuillan? Email either: OnlinerConnect@gmail.com
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