Y The SheepShed
PropheticUtterance
Lesson One
Part One
Y LAST-DAY PROPHESYING
WAS PREDICTED
The Apostle Paul tells us "even as the testimony [the Holy Spirit] of Christ was confirmed in you, so that you
come short [behind] in no gift [of the Spirit], as you wait for the 'revelation' [coming] of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who will also confirm you to the 'end', that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Co
1:5-8; SFB.
"In Him you have been richly endowed in every kind of utterance and knowledge; so firmly has witness to
Christ taken root in you. And so you are not lacking in any gift [of the Spirit] as you wait for our Lord Jesus
Christ to be revealed; He will continue to give you strength till the very end, so that you will be irreprouchable
on the Day of our Lord Jesus Christ. You can rely on God, who has called you to be partners with His Son
Jesus Christ our Lord." 1 Co 1:5-9; NJB.
Y Note: Paul is stating for us that all the gifts of the Spirit should be operating in the Boby of Christ, the
Church, to give us strength and make us blameless right up to the very end...at His Coming. Therefore, we
know that none of the spiritual operations of the Spirit have passed away with the first century Apostles and
prophets.
We are being bombarded with teachings for and against 'the restoration of the five-fold ministries' . . . of the
apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor-teacher, teacher. We are taught by some, who are 'against' the apostle and
prophet restoration teaching in the church, not to listen to these apostles and prophets! They were 'only' for the
early church who were eye-witnesses of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. They themselves were the
foundational stones which we are to build upon. These two-offices passed away with them in the first century .
. . as well as their gifts the Spirit gave them. However, is this really true?
Do we need Apostles and Prophets today?
Is there, or has God always intended for there to be Apostalic succsessors for the Church?
However, we must remember, that no one person can change the doctrines which the early apostles laid in
Christ Jesus the Corner Stone. Christ, Himself, gave the 'foundational doctrines and teachings to His Church.'
We have failed to understand the principals of the Scriptures governing these things. The Holy Spirit is reviving
and restoring the five-fold ministry to the church. But, perhaps, not with the teachings and methods as we are
being flooded with in todays ministries. We must listen to 'sound doctrine' as Paul told us to be careful to do . .
. especially in the last days!
In presenting the the Gospel of the Kingdom to the world . . . it must be preached in the method according to
Jesus' holiness and power! The method and the message must be as the oracles of God, therefore, the dress as
well as the manner in which it is given to the
Y 2
world and to the christian should be as Paul said, "I came to you not with enticing words of man's wisdom ...
[the worlds flamboyantcy & motivational preaching]! but with the demonstration and power of the Holy Spirit
preaching the wisdom of the cross of Jesus Christ and Him crucified. So we must put away our mordern
technology entertainment, stupid videos, the Energizing Bunny, flashing lights and sound systems of hi-tech
entertainment which are all ways to seduce people to come to crusades and church! God help us if we don't!
Motivational teaching does not last, it fizzels out! We must "contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all
delivered unto the saints." The Word will show us the pitfalls and dangers of the 'methods' and 'doctrines'
which are being taught today! We need to move into the "full pattern of the New Testament Church."
Y WHAT IS PROPHESYING?
The Hebrew words of the Old Testament for prophesying:
1) Naba [most common] means to "flow forth" - to flow like a fountain.
2) Another word for prophecy means "to let drop" - like the rain.
3) "To lift up" - like a banner, is the literal meaning of another word for prophecy.
The Greek word for prohesying:
1) Propheteuo, "to speak for another" - to speak for God.
Definition of prophesying:
1) Prophecy is divinely inspired and anointed utteruance.
2) Prophecy is a supernatural utteruance given by God to an individual in a language already known to the
individual.
Y IT IS PROHESIED IN THE OLD TESTAMENT THAT MEN WOULD PROPHESY IN THESE
DAYS JOEL 2;28-32.
Y IT IS PROPHESIED IN THE NEW TESTAMENT THAT MEN WOULD PROPHESY IN THESE
DAY ACTS 2;14-21
Y THE NEW TESTAMENT EMPHASIZES PROPHESYING
Read 1 Corinthians, chapters 11 through 14. Prophesying is mentioned twenty-two times. This emphsis
indicates several things:
1) The importance of the gift of prophecy.
2) Prophecy always need careful attention and discernment.
3) Simple prophesying possible to all who have received the Holy Spirit.
4) Prophesying by the gift of prophecy, a gift of the Holy Spirit.
5) There is a ministry of prophecy.
6) There is an office of the prophet prophesying by the Holy Spirit and is able to receive revelation, or
7) The prophesying of other foundational ministries, such as the apostle, evangelist, pastor and teacher.
Y THE VARIETY OF MANIFESTIONS OF PROPHESYING
1) It is principally in ministering to believers, exhorting, edifying and comforting 1 Co 14:3
2) Most preaching is certainly not prophetic, but preaching, prayers, psalms, teaching, etc.
may be prophetic.
3) Alone, without accompanying gifts of the Spirit, prophesying does not usually contain specific predictions or
personal guidance.
Y SEEKING TO PROPHESY IS NOT OPTIONAL; IT IS IMPERATIVE
1) God tells us to desire it, and covet it.
1Co 14:1; 14:39.
2) It should be the most common gift of the Spirit in operation. 1 Co 14:31.
3) May be given at baptism. Acts 19:6.
Y 3
Y SheepShed
Lesson Two
Part Two
Y PROPHECY 0 THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The endowment of grace to prophesy by the Holy Spirit. 1 Co 12:7-11.
Y THE GIFT OF PROPHECY
IS UNIVERSAL 0 SHOULD BE RECEIVED BY THE CHURCH 0 IT IS FOR ALL
ACTS 2:14-18; 1 CO 14:1. 5. 24-25, 31.
Y EXPLANATION AND LIMITATIONS TO THE GIFT OF PROPHECY
1) Don't confuse the 'gift' with the 'prophet.' Note: prophets and priests are more limited in number in the Old
Testament than the New; yet in 1 Corinthians 12:29, are all prophets" but all may prophesy. 1 Co 14:31.
2) Don't confuse "gift" and "preaching."
It stands to reason, looking on it now, that preaching in the future will be more prophetic, but the past, and
most of the present preaching is at best "anointed," but not "prophetic."
3) When it is accompanied by the authority of eldership, or by other gifts of the Spirit such as "word of
wisdom" or "word of knowledge," IT IS NOW FOR PERSONAL DIRECTION, PERSONAL
GUIDANCE OR PREDICTION.
A) Don't assume the function of a prophet or an elder of God if God has but given you a gift of prophecy. It
seems to be a universal trait that we often assume too much. One cannot be 'self-appointed' . . . one must be
called by the Holy Spirit.
Y PURPOSES OF THE GIFT
OF PROPHECY
1) To speak to the church supernaturally.
1 Co 14:3a.
2) To edify the church.
1 Co 14:4.
3) To exhort the church
1 Co 14:3b.
"Exhort" in the Greek means "to call near;"
translated "encouragement." This is not "rebuke," Rebuke should generally come from ministry of the Word of
God.
2 Timothy 3:16-4:2.
4) To comfort the church.
1 Co 14:3b. 31.
5) To teach the church.
1 Co 14:31.
Do not confuse this with the office of teacher, which conveys "Authority."
6) To convict unbelievers. This could apply
to believers also and to the unlearned, for tongues were intended originally as a sign to unbelievers, but are
rejected.
1 Co 14:21-25.
7) Women and children may have the gift
also.
1 Co 11:5; Joel 2:28.
8) All may have it, and I believe, do . . .
but do not know it or understand it.
1 Co 14:1, 24, 31; Rev 19:10.
Y PROPHECY IS TO BE PREFERRED
ABOVE TONGUES AND INTEPRETATION Read 1 Co 14.
Y 4
1) Seek gifts, especially prophecy, verse 1.
2) What prophecy will do, verse 3.
3) Tongues less a gift than prophecy, verse 4, 5.
4) Prophecy over tongues, verses 6-19.
5) Purpose of tongues: for sign to unbelievers, verses 21-25.
6) God's worship service: psalm, doctrine, tongues, prophets, prophesying, verses 26-33.
[Not necessarily in this order and in every service. The purpose is to be completely Spirit led].
Y SCRIPTURAL INSTRUCTION AND ENCOURAGEMENT
TO PROPHESY
1) Quench not the Spirit. Not only in a church meeting, but wherever you are and the Holy Spirit is wanting to
speak or minister. 1 Thess 5:19.
2) Grieve not the Spirit. Not in any word that leaves your mouth nor any thought you may entertain, nor how
you act, the way you dress nor in the things you do. Eph 4:29-32.
3) Despise not propheseyings. This scripture rebukes the negative teachings which are being presented among
today's 'sleuths.'
1 Thess 5:20.
4) Neglect not the Gift. Each individual is responsible to stir-up the Gift and gifts given to him/her. 1 Tim 4:14.
5) Stewardship and faithfulness. Absolutely necessary! 1 Co 4:1-2.
Y WARNINGS & ABUSES OF
THE GIFT OF PROPHECY
1) Avoid 'using' prophecy to further personal desires.
2) Avoid 'extending' prohecy beyond anointing.
3) Avoid 'hasty' prophecies.
4) Avoid prophesying from an empty heart!
5) Avoid prophesying when discouraged
[even though sometimes it is encouraged by the Spirit who is Himself discourage by what He has to rebuke or
correct because He is grieved], doubting, or bitter.
6) Avoid prophesying beyond your proportion of faith.
7) Don't complicate simple prophecy.
Acts 19:6.
Y SheepShed
Y 5
Y SheepShed
Lesson Three
Part One
Y THE PROPHETIC MINISTRY
& THE BODY OF CHRIST
1) WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN "THE MINISTRY OF PROPHECY," "THE GIFT OF
PROPHECY," AND "THE MINISTRY OF A PROPHET?"
A) When the 'gift of prophecy' is developed to a free flow, and the one has received the gift has met a "cross
experience" and "faithfulness," when faith and love have been wrought in him, he then has a 'ministry of
prophecy.'
B) The 'prophet' has a 'ministry of prophecy,' and much more. He has been set apart by the will of God to the
office of a prophet, involving "an authority and stewardship" to the whole Body of Christ, and this office
involves the endowment of all other gifts of the Holy Spirit as well. This statement is made because both the
Old and New Testament prophets received and manifested power and revelations which include all the nine
gifts of the Spirit! Beware of those teachers who claim these callings and gifts have ceased for the Body of
Christ. Also, beware of the wolves in sheep's clothing . . .
look for the "zipper!" Test the spirits!
Y WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS WHICH
DEVELOP A GIFT INTO A
MINISTRY?
A) Crucifixion of self
At the beginning of one's calling that one will manifest an ambition for their ministry.
They are concerened that they have a place and an opportunity for their ministry because of the ambition of self
. Their ambition and objective was correct; their motivation was and is wrong. We are able to see when the
'fire' begins to try them or us, 'self begins to die' or one will 'fall away completely.' When finally the "cross" has
been experienced, the ambition for the ministry is gone. All that should remain is a disire to do His will and
serve Him wherever and in whatever situation He places us in!
Then He can truly minister through us.
1 Pet 4:1-2, 10-14; 5:6-10.
B) A "Wilderness" Experience
1) This is actually part of the crucifixion of self. God reveals to us the ministry He wants us to have and then
leads us into a period we would call our "wilderness." There we are driven to face circumstances and needs
beyond what we have faced before, self must be stripped away, we are forced to draw upon Him for faith, for
strength, for love, for grace, for all things every hour of every day.
This is truly a dry and barren time. However, if we do not submit and overcome every disobedience and
continue to walk in the same sins over and over again . . . as we
would say, "going around the mountain," as
did the Israelites in the wilderness, we then,
will never walk in the ministry we have been called too. If, on the other hand, we allow the Spirit to cleanse us
from all that is ungodly this will bring a person out of himself and into the glory of Christ's extention of Himself
in that person's
anointed ministry. Most christians never leave the "wilderness". . . Egypt is held onto and they die there.
Y 6
2) The "Spirit" drove Christ into the wilderness. Mt 4:1-7.
Since this experience has often brought such spiritual anguish, we can liken it to Jonah's experience of receiving
a worm in his wonderful treasured gourd.Jonah 4:6-11.
3) Personal revelation, or a prophecy of a ministry to come, often reacts like a worm smiting the gourd of
pleasant blessing, and drying it up overnight. Old experiences pass away; thus, the expression, "He got a worm
in his gourd." It would be good to reread Jonah's story and find our own experience in it.
C) Faithfulness: 1 Co 4:1-7, Note verse 17.
Timothy, "Faithful Child." Note that faithfulness is the quality of ministry so deeply rewarded by the Lord and
so also blessed and commended in the New Testament. Mt 24:45; 25:21; Lk 16:10-12; Eph 1:1; 6:21;
Col 4:7; 2Tim 2:2.
D) Faith and Love: Gal 5:6.
1) Natural talents cannot produce spiritual results. Circumcision or uncircumcision does not determine the
spiritual effectiveness of a ministry. By that is meant that self-righteousness pharisaic holiness does not bring
spiritual results. One must be walking in reality in the Spirit or living the life that is truth . . . not on today and off
tomorrow. One must persevere and endure everyday the onslaughts which come against his flesh and his spirit.
The talents which the Lord gives to each believer are "spiritual heavenly talents" not your natural talents . . .
they are supernatural and you and I need this endowment.
2) Prophecy must be the "proportion" of ones's faith. If one is not walking in the Lord nor faithfully reading
God's word [because faith comes from the word], the Spirit, most likely, will not move that person to
prophesy. And, as Paul tells us "all faith without
love is nothing." This is why so many are turned off by "television evangelists" and
"preachers" who have lost their first love
. . . I find this in myself sometimes. It's time to take a vacation and allow someone else to minister until
repentance has fully been made with the Lord and the love of the Spirit has been repoured into your spirit. Get
rid of all the pomp, pride and pretending; return to the simplicity that is in Christ Jesus.
Ro 12:6; 1 Co 13:1-2.
3) Faith "working" through the love of the Holy Spirit is the formula or "method" for a spiritual and effective
ministry. One should not minister even in song if not under this anointing. It is better to stay seated than to
entertain. Do not minister without the favored anointing of the precious Holy Spirit. This is the manner in which
Jesus
and His disciples ministered and were able to walk in authority!
E) Spiritual Maturity: Heb 5:12-14 . . . . . . . .
when for a time you ought . . .
1) Many, many believers SHOULD have a ministry. We have been serving God long enough, but our refusal
to grow up in Him makes a ministry impossible. Many are still
acting like nim-com-poops, still making stupid remarks and jesters which mar your character. Jesus calls us to
a serious sober- mindedness which He had Himself. In order to transform myself into His image . . . Paul tells
us to renew the spirit of our minds, our thinking! Until this begins to happen in me
a ministry worth anything in Christ is impossible. What we are speaking about here is not a ministery of
janitorial service, bake and clothing sales, et cetra, but spiritual gifts of the Spirit.
2) An immature husband or wife are un- stable conditions which endanger a marri- age and their ministry to
others.
Y 7
Y THE MINISTRY
OF PROPHECY IS GREATER
THAN THE GIFT OF PROPHECY
because:
A) The "ministry" excels the 'gift' in the following ways:
1) In degree of anointing.
2) In accuracy; i.e. less prone to inject human element into divine flow.
3) In flow or fluency.
4) In frequency and consistency [because of a lessening of the fleshly nature].
B) A "gift," without attaining to a "ministry," rarely, truly blends and adds to the other gifts and ministry in a true
Body ministry. Which one is seldom able to function within as most of the saints are not developed nor do they
persevere in growing into the full stature of Christ.
C) Every "Gift" of prophecy may and should become a "Ministry" of prophecy.
Y WHAT IS A PROPHET?
A) A prophet is a man sent by God, anointed and appointed by God to be His mouth and to speak the word
from God ... God speaks to him directly! He speaks only what the Lord tells him.
Heb 1:1-2; 2 Pet 1:20-21; 2 Kings 17:13.
B) What are the Endowments of a prophet?
1) The power and force of God's word in the prophet's mouth is not fully appreciated.
Jer 1:4-10; 5:14; 20:7-11; 50:4-6; 51:16; Micah 3:5-8.
2) We can understand that the word committed to the prophet is also a "responsibility".
Ezk 3:4-21; and chapter 33.
3) Note the extent of a prophet's revelation of what is in the people's minds. Elisha knew even the thoughts of
the Syrian king in his bedchamber! Also, Ahijah was blind, yet discerned all.
Ezk 11:5; 2 Kings 6; 1 Kings 14:1-17.
4) Not only does the prophet have the word to speak, but he is endowed with revelation, predection, [with the
word of wisdom and the word of knowledge], and with a sign ministry [signs and wonders and miracles]. It is
this combination of all nine of the gifts, and divinely designated authority of the office of a prophet that
distinguishes the prophet's ministry from simpler prophesying, or the gift or ministry of prophecy.
Y OLD TESTAMENT PROPHET
In the Old Testament, there were oral and literary prophets. The oral prophets spoke, but did not write their
prophecies. The oral prophets cover from the time of Samuel for three hundred years until the time of the
literary prophets.
A) Leading oral prophets:
1) Samuel ... organized the kingdom, and established "schools of prophets," first at Ramah and later at Bethel,
Jericho and Gilgal.
1 Sam 19:20; 2 Kings 2:3,5; 4:38.
2) Nathan ... advisor to David.
3) Ahijah ... advisor to Jeroboam.
4) Elijah and Elisha ... fought Baalism.
B) Leading literary prophets: sixteen prophets
wrote last seventeen books.
1) Major and minor ... according to the size of the books.
2) Thirteen prophets are associated with the destruction of the Hebrew nation and three prophets deal with its
'restoration'.
a) Northern Kingdom fell ... 734-721 B.C. preceding and during this period, were Joel, Jonah, Amos, Hosea,
Isaiah and Micah.
b) Southern Kingdom fell ... 605-586 B.C.: Jeremiah, Ezekliel. Daniel, Obadiah, Nahum, Habakkuk,
Zephaniah prophesied in this period.
c) Restoration ... 536-444 B.C.: Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi prophesied. [We saints are being restroed]!
Y 8
3) Literary prophets ministered for 400 years from 800 to 400 B.C. The fall of Jerusalem was the time of the
greatest prophetic activity.
4) Old Testament prophet's message:
a) To Israel: Amos, Hosea.
b) To Nineveh: Jonah, Nahum.
c) To Babylon: Daniel.
d) To captives in Babylon: Ezekiel.
e) To Edom: Obadiah. [Edom is Esau's prodigy and land].
f) To Judah: Joel, Isaiah, Micah, Jeremiah, Habakkuk, Zechariah, Mallachi.
5) The Old Testament priests were the regular teachers of religion [Levits]. They held a hereditary office, and
were often the most wicked and apostate. Lord Jesus, how very sad!
6) The prophets did not hold a hereditary office; they were called directly and indivdually by God, from various
vocations. Selah!
7) How called?
a) Chosen of God.
b) Called by God.
c) Received the gift [often imparted by another prophet as with Elijah and Elisha who poured water on the
hands of Elijah].
2 Kings 3:11.
d) The word of the Lord came unto them, thus the people had a prophet. And that prophet spoke only the
"words" which came unto him, "saying."
See Ezekiel 35-38 ... i.e.
8) A man became a prophet in the New Testament by much the same procedure, except prophets are
definitely specified as an ascension gift of Christ.
Eph 4:10-11; 1 Co 12:28-29; 1 Co 14:29-32; Eph 4:11-12.
a) Prophets prophesy famine
Acts 11:27-30.
b) Prophets prophesy Barnabas and Saul's
ministry.
Acts 13:1-3.
c) Agabus prophesies of Paul's sufferings.
Acts 21:10-13.
d) Judas, Silas, Agabus are definitely named as prophets. The word came to them in exactly the same way as
to the the O.T. prophets ... the Holy Spirit!
Acts 13:1.
e) Please note the Old Testament prophet: his office, authority, place, and national influence, and religious
influence are spiritual things.
f) Please not the New Testament prophet: his office, authority, place, and religious influence are spiritual things.
g) Old Testament prophecies are still being fulfilled and Peter tells us we will be wise to look into them as they
are a lamp unto our feet "until the Day dawns and the Morning
Star rises in our hearts." It is a Trustworthy Word, a Prophetic Word to be fulfilled for the End-Time saint of
the New Testament!!!
2 Peter 1:16-19. Take heed.
There is so very, very much to learn about our heavenly Father ... and yet, we spend
only a few minutes each day with Him and make our plans without even asking His perfect will for our lives ...
only, Lord, be sure to bless 'our' plans. Then we wonder
why there are no "true prophets" among us!
Y SheepShed
Y 9
Y SheepShed
Lesson Three
Part Two
Y THE TEST FOR TRUE
PROPHETS
1) How to recognize them.
John 7:11-18.
a)
PropheticUtterance
Lesson One
Part One
Y LAST-DAY PROPHESYING
WAS PREDICTED
The Apostle Paul tells us "even as the testimony [the Holy Spirit] of Christ was confirmed in you, so that you
come short [behind] in no gift [of the Spirit], as you wait for the 'revelation' [coming] of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who will also confirm you to the 'end', that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Co
1:5-8; SFB.
"In Him you have been richly endowed in every kind of utterance and knowledge; so firmly has witness to
Christ taken root in you. And so you are not lacking in any gift [of the Spirit] as you wait for our Lord Jesus
Christ to be revealed; He will continue to give you strength till the very end, so that you will be irreprouchable
on the Day of our Lord Jesus Christ. You can rely on God, who has called you to be partners with His Son
Jesus Christ our Lord." 1 Co 1:5-9; NJB.
Y Note: Paul is stating for us that all the gifts of the Spirit should be operating in the Boby of Christ, the
Church, to give us strength and make us blameless right up to the very end...at His Coming. Therefore, we
know that none of the spiritual operations of the Spirit have passed away with the first century Apostles and
prophets.
We are being bombarded with teachings for and against 'the restoration of the five-fold ministries' . . . of the
apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor-teacher, teacher. We are taught by some, who are 'against' the apostle and
prophet restoration teaching in the church, not to listen to these apostles and prophets! They were 'only' for the
early church who were eye-witnesses of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. They themselves were the
foundational stones which we are to build upon. These two-offices passed away with them in the first century .
. . as well as their gifts the Spirit gave them. However, is this really true?
Do we need Apostles and Prophets today?
Is there, or has God always intended for there to be Apostalic succsessors for the Church?
However, we must remember, that no one person can change the doctrines which the early apostles laid in
Christ Jesus the Corner Stone. Christ, Himself, gave the 'foundational doctrines and teachings to His Church.'
We have failed to understand the principals of the Scriptures governing these things. The Holy Spirit is reviving
and restoring the five-fold ministry to the church. But, perhaps, not with the teachings and methods as we are
being flooded with in todays ministries. We must listen to 'sound doctrine' as Paul told us to be careful to do . .
. especially in the last days!
In presenting the the Gospel of the Kingdom to the world . . . it must be preached in the method according to
Jesus' holiness and power! The method and the message must be as the oracles of God, therefore, the dress as
well as the manner in which it is given to the
Y 2
world and to the christian should be as Paul said, "I came to you not with enticing words of man's wisdom ...
[the worlds flamboyantcy & motivational preaching]! but with the demonstration and power of the Holy Spirit
preaching the wisdom of the cross of Jesus Christ and Him crucified. So we must put away our mordern
technology entertainment, stupid videos, the Energizing Bunny, flashing lights and sound systems of hi-tech
entertainment which are all ways to seduce people to come to crusades and church! God help us if we don't!
Motivational teaching does not last, it fizzels out! We must "contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all
delivered unto the saints." The Word will show us the pitfalls and dangers of the 'methods' and 'doctrines'
which are being taught today! We need to move into the "full pattern of the New Testament Church."
Y WHAT IS PROPHESYING?
The Hebrew words of the Old Testament for prophesying:
1) Naba [most common] means to "flow forth" - to flow like a fountain.
2) Another word for prophecy means "to let drop" - like the rain.
3) "To lift up" - like a banner, is the literal meaning of another word for prophecy.
The Greek word for prohesying:
1) Propheteuo, "to speak for another" - to speak for God.
Definition of prophesying:
1) Prophecy is divinely inspired and anointed utteruance.
2) Prophecy is a supernatural utteruance given by God to an individual in a language already known to the
individual.
Y IT IS PROHESIED IN THE OLD TESTAMENT THAT MEN WOULD PROPHESY IN THESE
DAYS JOEL 2;28-32.
Y IT IS PROPHESIED IN THE NEW TESTAMENT THAT MEN WOULD PROPHESY IN THESE
DAY ACTS 2;14-21
Y THE NEW TESTAMENT EMPHASIZES PROPHESYING
Read 1 Corinthians, chapters 11 through 14. Prophesying is mentioned twenty-two times. This emphsis
indicates several things:
1) The importance of the gift of prophecy.
2) Prophecy always need careful attention and discernment.
3) Simple prophesying possible to all who have received the Holy Spirit.
4) Prophesying by the gift of prophecy, a gift of the Holy Spirit.
5) There is a ministry of prophecy.
6) There is an office of the prophet prophesying by the Holy Spirit and is able to receive revelation, or
7) The prophesying of other foundational ministries, such as the apostle, evangelist, pastor and teacher.
Y THE VARIETY OF MANIFESTIONS OF PROPHESYING
1) It is principally in ministering to believers, exhorting, edifying and comforting 1 Co 14:3
2) Most preaching is certainly not prophetic, but preaching, prayers, psalms, teaching, etc.
may be prophetic.
3) Alone, without accompanying gifts of the Spirit, prophesying does not usually contain specific predictions or
personal guidance.
Y SEEKING TO PROPHESY IS NOT OPTIONAL; IT IS IMPERATIVE
1) God tells us to desire it, and covet it.
1Co 14:1; 14:39.
2) It should be the most common gift of the Spirit in operation. 1 Co 14:31.
3) May be given at baptism. Acts 19:6.
Y 3
Y SheepShed
Lesson Two
Part Two
Y PROPHECY 0 THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The endowment of grace to prophesy by the Holy Spirit. 1 Co 12:7-11.
Y THE GIFT OF PROPHECY
IS UNIVERSAL 0 SHOULD BE RECEIVED BY THE CHURCH 0 IT IS FOR ALL
ACTS 2:14-18; 1 CO 14:1. 5. 24-25, 31.
Y EXPLANATION AND LIMITATIONS TO THE GIFT OF PROPHECY
1) Don't confuse the 'gift' with the 'prophet.' Note: prophets and priests are more limited in number in the Old
Testament than the New; yet in 1 Corinthians 12:29, are all prophets" but all may prophesy. 1 Co 14:31.
2) Don't confuse "gift" and "preaching."
It stands to reason, looking on it now, that preaching in the future will be more prophetic, but the past, and
most of the present preaching is at best "anointed," but not "prophetic."
3) When it is accompanied by the authority of eldership, or by other gifts of the Spirit such as "word of
wisdom" or "word of knowledge," IT IS NOW FOR PERSONAL DIRECTION, PERSONAL
GUIDANCE OR PREDICTION.
A) Don't assume the function of a prophet or an elder of God if God has but given you a gift of prophecy. It
seems to be a universal trait that we often assume too much. One cannot be 'self-appointed' . . . one must be
called by the Holy Spirit.
Y PURPOSES OF THE GIFT
OF PROPHECY
1) To speak to the church supernaturally.
1 Co 14:3a.
2) To edify the church.
1 Co 14:4.
3) To exhort the church
1 Co 14:3b.
"Exhort" in the Greek means "to call near;"
translated "encouragement." This is not "rebuke," Rebuke should generally come from ministry of the Word of
God.
2 Timothy 3:16-4:2.
4) To comfort the church.
1 Co 14:3b. 31.
5) To teach the church.
1 Co 14:31.
Do not confuse this with the office of teacher, which conveys "Authority."
6) To convict unbelievers. This could apply
to believers also and to the unlearned, for tongues were intended originally as a sign to unbelievers, but are
rejected.
1 Co 14:21-25.
7) Women and children may have the gift
also.
1 Co 11:5; Joel 2:28.
8) All may have it, and I believe, do . . .
but do not know it or understand it.
1 Co 14:1, 24, 31; Rev 19:10.
Y PROPHECY IS TO BE PREFERRED
ABOVE TONGUES AND INTEPRETATION Read 1 Co 14.
Y 4
1) Seek gifts, especially prophecy, verse 1.
2) What prophecy will do, verse 3.
3) Tongues less a gift than prophecy, verse 4, 5.
4) Prophecy over tongues, verses 6-19.
5) Purpose of tongues: for sign to unbelievers, verses 21-25.
6) God's worship service: psalm, doctrine, tongues, prophets, prophesying, verses 26-33.
[Not necessarily in this order and in every service. The purpose is to be completely Spirit led].
Y SCRIPTURAL INSTRUCTION AND ENCOURAGEMENT
TO PROPHESY
1) Quench not the Spirit. Not only in a church meeting, but wherever you are and the Holy Spirit is wanting to
speak or minister. 1 Thess 5:19.
2) Grieve not the Spirit. Not in any word that leaves your mouth nor any thought you may entertain, nor how
you act, the way you dress nor in the things you do. Eph 4:29-32.
3) Despise not propheseyings. This scripture rebukes the negative teachings which are being presented among
today's 'sleuths.'
1 Thess 5:20.
4) Neglect not the Gift. Each individual is responsible to stir-up the Gift and gifts given to him/her. 1 Tim 4:14.
5) Stewardship and faithfulness. Absolutely necessary! 1 Co 4:1-2.
Y WARNINGS & ABUSES OF
THE GIFT OF PROPHECY
1) Avoid 'using' prophecy to further personal desires.
2) Avoid 'extending' prohecy beyond anointing.
3) Avoid 'hasty' prophecies.
4) Avoid prophesying from an empty heart!
5) Avoid prophesying when discouraged
[even though sometimes it is encouraged by the Spirit who is Himself discourage by what He has to rebuke or
correct because He is grieved], doubting, or bitter.
6) Avoid prophesying beyond your proportion of faith.
7) Don't complicate simple prophecy.
Acts 19:6.
Y SheepShed
Y 5
Y SheepShed
Lesson Three
Part One
Y THE PROPHETIC MINISTRY
& THE BODY OF CHRIST
1) WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN "THE MINISTRY OF PROPHECY," "THE GIFT OF
PROPHECY," AND "THE MINISTRY OF A PROPHET?"
A) When the 'gift of prophecy' is developed to a free flow, and the one has received the gift has met a "cross
experience" and "faithfulness," when faith and love have been wrought in him, he then has a 'ministry of
prophecy.'
B) The 'prophet' has a 'ministry of prophecy,' and much more. He has been set apart by the will of God to the
office of a prophet, involving "an authority and stewardship" to the whole Body of Christ, and this office
involves the endowment of all other gifts of the Holy Spirit as well. This statement is made because both the
Old and New Testament prophets received and manifested power and revelations which include all the nine
gifts of the Spirit! Beware of those teachers who claim these callings and gifts have ceased for the Body of
Christ. Also, beware of the wolves in sheep's clothing . . .
look for the "zipper!" Test the spirits!
Y WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS WHICH
DEVELOP A GIFT INTO A
MINISTRY?
A) Crucifixion of self
At the beginning of one's calling that one will manifest an ambition for their ministry.
They are concerened that they have a place and an opportunity for their ministry because of the ambition of self
. Their ambition and objective was correct; their motivation was and is wrong. We are able to see when the
'fire' begins to try them or us, 'self begins to die' or one will 'fall away completely.' When finally the "cross" has
been experienced, the ambition for the ministry is gone. All that should remain is a disire to do His will and
serve Him wherever and in whatever situation He places us in!
Then He can truly minister through us.
1 Pet 4:1-2, 10-14; 5:6-10.
B) A "Wilderness" Experience
1) This is actually part of the crucifixion of self. God reveals to us the ministry He wants us to have and then
leads us into a period we would call our "wilderness." There we are driven to face circumstances and needs
beyond what we have faced before, self must be stripped away, we are forced to draw upon Him for faith, for
strength, for love, for grace, for all things every hour of every day.
This is truly a dry and barren time. However, if we do not submit and overcome every disobedience and
continue to walk in the same sins over and over again . . . as we
would say, "going around the mountain," as
did the Israelites in the wilderness, we then,
will never walk in the ministry we have been called too. If, on the other hand, we allow the Spirit to cleanse us
from all that is ungodly this will bring a person out of himself and into the glory of Christ's extention of Himself
in that person's
anointed ministry. Most christians never leave the "wilderness". . . Egypt is held onto and they die there.
Y 6
2) The "Spirit" drove Christ into the wilderness. Mt 4:1-7.
Since this experience has often brought such spiritual anguish, we can liken it to Jonah's experience of receiving
a worm in his wonderful treasured gourd.Jonah 4:6-11.
3) Personal revelation, or a prophecy of a ministry to come, often reacts like a worm smiting the gourd of
pleasant blessing, and drying it up overnight. Old experiences pass away; thus, the expression, "He got a worm
in his gourd." It would be good to reread Jonah's story and find our own experience in it.
C) Faithfulness: 1 Co 4:1-7, Note verse 17.
Timothy, "Faithful Child." Note that faithfulness is the quality of ministry so deeply rewarded by the Lord and
so also blessed and commended in the New Testament. Mt 24:45; 25:21; Lk 16:10-12; Eph 1:1; 6:21;
Col 4:7; 2Tim 2:2.
D) Faith and Love: Gal 5:6.
1) Natural talents cannot produce spiritual results. Circumcision or uncircumcision does not determine the
spiritual effectiveness of a ministry. By that is meant that self-righteousness pharisaic holiness does not bring
spiritual results. One must be walking in reality in the Spirit or living the life that is truth . . . not on today and off
tomorrow. One must persevere and endure everyday the onslaughts which come against his flesh and his spirit.
The talents which the Lord gives to each believer are "spiritual heavenly talents" not your natural talents . . .
they are supernatural and you and I need this endowment.
2) Prophecy must be the "proportion" of ones's faith. If one is not walking in the Lord nor faithfully reading
God's word [because faith comes from the word], the Spirit, most likely, will not move that person to
prophesy. And, as Paul tells us "all faith without
love is nothing." This is why so many are turned off by "television evangelists" and
"preachers" who have lost their first love
. . . I find this in myself sometimes. It's time to take a vacation and allow someone else to minister until
repentance has fully been made with the Lord and the love of the Spirit has been repoured into your spirit. Get
rid of all the pomp, pride and pretending; return to the simplicity that is in Christ Jesus.
Ro 12:6; 1 Co 13:1-2.
3) Faith "working" through the love of the Holy Spirit is the formula or "method" for a spiritual and effective
ministry. One should not minister even in song if not under this anointing. It is better to stay seated than to
entertain. Do not minister without the favored anointing of the precious Holy Spirit. This is the manner in which
Jesus
and His disciples ministered and were able to walk in authority!
E) Spiritual Maturity: Heb 5:12-14 . . . . . . . .
when for a time you ought . . .
1) Many, many believers SHOULD have a ministry. We have been serving God long enough, but our refusal
to grow up in Him makes a ministry impossible. Many are still
acting like nim-com-poops, still making stupid remarks and jesters which mar your character. Jesus calls us to
a serious sober- mindedness which He had Himself. In order to transform myself into His image . . . Paul tells
us to renew the spirit of our minds, our thinking! Until this begins to happen in me
a ministry worth anything in Christ is impossible. What we are speaking about here is not a ministery of
janitorial service, bake and clothing sales, et cetra, but spiritual gifts of the Spirit.
2) An immature husband or wife are un- stable conditions which endanger a marri- age and their ministry to
others.
Y 7
Y THE MINISTRY
OF PROPHECY IS GREATER
THAN THE GIFT OF PROPHECY
because:
A) The "ministry" excels the 'gift' in the following ways:
1) In degree of anointing.
2) In accuracy; i.e. less prone to inject human element into divine flow.
3) In flow or fluency.
4) In frequency and consistency [because of a lessening of the fleshly nature].
B) A "gift," without attaining to a "ministry," rarely, truly blends and adds to the other gifts and ministry in a true
Body ministry. Which one is seldom able to function within as most of the saints are not developed nor do they
persevere in growing into the full stature of Christ.
C) Every "Gift" of prophecy may and should become a "Ministry" of prophecy.
Y WHAT IS A PROPHET?
A) A prophet is a man sent by God, anointed and appointed by God to be His mouth and to speak the word
from God ... God speaks to him directly! He speaks only what the Lord tells him.
Heb 1:1-2; 2 Pet 1:20-21; 2 Kings 17:13.
B) What are the Endowments of a prophet?
1) The power and force of God's word in the prophet's mouth is not fully appreciated.
Jer 1:4-10; 5:14; 20:7-11; 50:4-6; 51:16; Micah 3:5-8.
2) We can understand that the word committed to the prophet is also a "responsibility".
Ezk 3:4-21; and chapter 33.
3) Note the extent of a prophet's revelation of what is in the people's minds. Elisha knew even the thoughts of
the Syrian king in his bedchamber! Also, Ahijah was blind, yet discerned all.
Ezk 11:5; 2 Kings 6; 1 Kings 14:1-17.
4) Not only does the prophet have the word to speak, but he is endowed with revelation, predection, [with the
word of wisdom and the word of knowledge], and with a sign ministry [signs and wonders and miracles]. It is
this combination of all nine of the gifts, and divinely designated authority of the office of a prophet that
distinguishes the prophet's ministry from simpler prophesying, or the gift or ministry of prophecy.
Y OLD TESTAMENT PROPHET
In the Old Testament, there were oral and literary prophets. The oral prophets spoke, but did not write their
prophecies. The oral prophets cover from the time of Samuel for three hundred years until the time of the
literary prophets.
A) Leading oral prophets:
1) Samuel ... organized the kingdom, and established "schools of prophets," first at Ramah and later at Bethel,
Jericho and Gilgal.
1 Sam 19:20; 2 Kings 2:3,5; 4:38.
2) Nathan ... advisor to David.
3) Ahijah ... advisor to Jeroboam.
4) Elijah and Elisha ... fought Baalism.
B) Leading literary prophets: sixteen prophets
wrote last seventeen books.
1) Major and minor ... according to the size of the books.
2) Thirteen prophets are associated with the destruction of the Hebrew nation and three prophets deal with its
'restoration'.
a) Northern Kingdom fell ... 734-721 B.C. preceding and during this period, were Joel, Jonah, Amos, Hosea,
Isaiah and Micah.
b) Southern Kingdom fell ... 605-586 B.C.: Jeremiah, Ezekliel. Daniel, Obadiah, Nahum, Habakkuk,
Zephaniah prophesied in this period.
c) Restoration ... 536-444 B.C.: Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi prophesied. [We saints are being restroed]!
Y 8
3) Literary prophets ministered for 400 years from 800 to 400 B.C. The fall of Jerusalem was the time of the
greatest prophetic activity.
4) Old Testament prophet's message:
a) To Israel: Amos, Hosea.
b) To Nineveh: Jonah, Nahum.
c) To Babylon: Daniel.
d) To captives in Babylon: Ezekiel.
e) To Edom: Obadiah. [Edom is Esau's prodigy and land].
f) To Judah: Joel, Isaiah, Micah, Jeremiah, Habakkuk, Zechariah, Mallachi.
5) The Old Testament priests were the regular teachers of religion [Levits]. They held a hereditary office, and
were often the most wicked and apostate. Lord Jesus, how very sad!
6) The prophets did not hold a hereditary office; they were called directly and indivdually by God, from various
vocations. Selah!
7) How called?
a) Chosen of God.
b) Called by God.
c) Received the gift [often imparted by another prophet as with Elijah and Elisha who poured water on the
hands of Elijah].
2 Kings 3:11.
d) The word of the Lord came unto them, thus the people had a prophet. And that prophet spoke only the
"words" which came unto him, "saying."
See Ezekiel 35-38 ... i.e.
8) A man became a prophet in the New Testament by much the same procedure, except prophets are
definitely specified as an ascension gift of Christ.
Eph 4:10-11; 1 Co 12:28-29; 1 Co 14:29-32; Eph 4:11-12.
a) Prophets prophesy famine
Acts 11:27-30.
b) Prophets prophesy Barnabas and Saul's
ministry.
Acts 13:1-3.
c) Agabus prophesies of Paul's sufferings.
Acts 21:10-13.
d) Judas, Silas, Agabus are definitely named as prophets. The word came to them in exactly the same way as
to the the O.T. prophets ... the Holy Spirit!
Acts 13:1.
e) Please note the Old Testament prophet: his office, authority, place, and national influence, and religious
influence are spiritual things.
f) Please not the New Testament prophet: his office, authority, place, and religious influence are spiritual things.
g) Old Testament prophecies are still being fulfilled and Peter tells us we will be wise to look into them as they
are a lamp unto our feet "until the Day dawns and the Morning
Star rises in our hearts." It is a Trustworthy Word, a Prophetic Word to be fulfilled for the End-Time saint of
the New Testament!!!
2 Peter 1:16-19. Take heed.
There is so very, very much to learn about our heavenly Father ... and yet, we spend
only a few minutes each day with Him and make our plans without even asking His perfect will for our lives ...
only, Lord, be sure to bless 'our' plans. Then we wonder
why there are no "true prophets" among us!
Y SheepShed
Y 9
Y SheepShed
Lesson Three
Part Two
Y THE TEST FOR TRUE
PROPHETS
1) How to recognize them.
John 7:11-18.
a)
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Prophetic Utterance