Understanding and Embracing Divinely Revelatory Prophecy in the Bible
The concept of prophecy within the Bible is deeply rooted in the belief that divine revelation plays a significant role in the spiritual lives of believers. The passage in 1 Thessalonians 5:20, which commands believers not to despise prophecy, highlights the importance of recognizing and valuing this form of divine communication.
What Does it Mean to Not Despise Prophecy?
To not despise prophecy means to respect and take heed to the messages given directly by the Holy Spirit. This is a critical aspect of faith, as biblical prophecy is seen as a divine communication meant to instruct, correct, and guide believers. The Holy Spirit's role in 1 Thessalonians 5:19 and 1 Thessalonians 5:20 emphasizes the importance of not quenching or grieving the Holy Spirit.
Divine Revelation and Prophecy
The Greek word ?ποκ?λυπτω (apokaluptō) in 1 Corinthians 14:30 refers to divine revelation. It is significant because it underscores that prophecy does not come from human communication but from a divine source. When a believer exhibits the manifestation of the Spirit and the gifts from God, they must be diligent in using these gifts, especially prophetic speech, for the purpose of building up the church.
The Nature of Prophecy
Prophecy is not merely about predicting future events; it is about delivering divine guidance and instruction. The true prophet focuses on God's will and desires, not on self-promotion or manipulation. Active prophetic speech is rooted in the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and true prophets often speak in a way that_Build_ups, encourages, and comforts rather than predicting.
Discernment of Prophecy
Believers are called to discern between true and false prophecy. The Bible provides several guidelines for this. In 1 Corinthians 14:29, believers are instructed to discern all prophecies. In 1 Corinthians 12:10, it states that the Spirit distributes gifts and ministries, including prophecy. Additionally, 1 John 4:1 warns about testing the spirits to ensure they come from God. Prophecy must fit within the broader context of biblical teachings and be consistent with the will of the Lord, as stated in Romans 12:1 and Ephesians 5:10.
Listening to God's Voice
Believers should listen attentively to God's voice in His Word, the Scriptures, and through various forms of divine communication. This can include audible voices, impressions from the Holy Spirit, messages from angels, and even dreams and visions. Throughout history, notable figures like Samuel and Ezekiel have experienced direct divine communications. While some forms of prophecy are based on divine impressions, others come through more traditional channels like Scripture and angelic intervention.
Diligent Application and Caution
Even when prophecy is true and divinely inspired, believers must exercise caution and discernment. The misuse of prophecy can lead to confusion and harm within the body of Christ. Jeremiah's warning in Jeremiah 24:15-16 against despising prophesying highlights the seriousness of this gift. Understanding the context and verifying the authenticity of a prophecy are crucial steps in ensuring it serves the greater good.
One prophetic word might be:
“When the Spirit and the Word come together, there will be a great awakening. I believe this to be the last revival before Jesus returns.”
Embracing and valuing prophecy involves recognizing its divine source, understanding its nature, and exercising wisdom in its application. This practice strengthens the bonds of faith and unity within the Christian community, ensuring that prophetic messages are used for the glory of God and the edification of the church.