Who is Prophetic?
Understanding the Prophetic and the Gift of Prophecy
By Dr, Bill Hamon
God’s desire to communicate with His people is evident throughout history and continues to be relevant in the lives of believers today. The prophetic plays a crucial role in facilitating this divine communication. Contrary to popular misconceptions, the ability to prophesy and the gift of prophecy are distinct concepts. In this article, we will explore the nature of the prophetic, highlighting the accessibility of the prophetic while distinguishing it from the specific gift of prophecy.
God’s Desire for Communication
From the dawn of creation, God has sought to communicate. From the beginning, God’s first act was to speak (Genesis 1:3) “Let there be light”, until the His final act to speak in Revelation 22:20 “Yes, I am coming quickly”. He longs for a personal and intimate relationship with His people. Throughout the Bible, we witness numerous instances of divine revelation and prophetic encounters, demonstrating God’s willingness to communicate His will, plans, and messages to humanity.
Prophetic Ministry
The gift of prophecy is a distinct spiritual ability bestowed upon individuals within the body of Christ. These individuals act as spokespersons for God, delivering His messages and speaking forth His Word. While the gift of prophecy can involve insights about the future, it primarily revolves around proclaiming the Word of God and conveying His truth to individuals, the church, or society at large.
Observations about the Prophetic
Prominence in Scripture
Prophecy is mentioned more frequently than any other spiritual gift. It is referred to in Romans 12:6, 1 Corinthians 12:28, 29; 13:1-3, 8; 14:6, and hundreds of times in the Old Testament. The apostles and prophets are identified as Jesus’ gifts to the church, serving as foundational pillars of the faith (Ephesians 2:20).
Proclaiming God’s Word
Prophecy focuses on proclaiming the Word of God, emphasizing His truth, teachings, and principles. While it may occasionally involve predictions or insights into the future, its primary purpose is to communicate God’s message to His people and edify the body of believers.
The Accessibility of the Prophetic
It is important to recognize that while the specific gift of prophecy or the call to be a prophet is bestowed upon certain individuals, the ability to recognize and hear God’s voice is accessible to all believers. Here are some key points to understand:
Divine Communication
God desires to communicate with each of His children. Through the Holy Spirit, He speaks to believers, providing guidance, wisdom, and insight into His will. The prophetic allows believers to receive direct revelation from God and discern His voice.
Prophetic Insights
The prophetic insights accessible to all believers involve personal guidance, encouragement, and discernment. Through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and a deepening relationship with God, individuals can develop sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s leading and gain insights into God’s purposes for their lives.
Distinguishing Between Prophesying and the Gift of Prophecy
Prophesying refers to the act of speaking forth a message inspired by God’s Spirit. It can occur spontaneously in the context of worship, prayer, or personal interactions. All believers have the capacity to prophesy under the leading of the Holy Spirit, offering encouragement, exhortation, or edification to others (1 Corinthians 14:3, 31).
Prophecy is a specific spiritual ministry that operates fully in those who are called to function as prophets. Prophetic people should develop a heightened sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s leading and receive regular and distinct insights from God, which they share with others.
In conclusion, the prophetic is not confined to a select few but is the means in which God communicates and is accessible to all believers. While the gift of prophecy is bestowed upon specific individuals, the ability to prophesy is available to every believer through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. As we cultivate our relationship with God, we can embrace the prophetic nature of our faith, discern His voice, and participate in His divine communication, ultimately deepening our walk with Him and impacting the lives of others.
Special thanks to Ruth Pearce for research, writing and editorial support.