Biblical Guidelines for the Gift of Prophecy

A few guidelines will help us benefit from the gift of prophecy instead of putting out the Spirit’s fire and treating that gift with contempt (1 Th 5:19-21).  Here are five norms that may be helpful:

1. Every prophecy needs to be submitted to the Word of God and be in harmony with it.  Many times, prophecy comes through a Biblical verse or passage.  If it disagrees with the Bible in any way, it does not come from the Holy Spirit. 
   
   
2. Every prophecy needs to be submitted to the leadership of the group or church where it is received (1 Co 14:29-33).  This protects the group/church as well as the individual.  Through the leadership, the Spirit should confirm if the prophecy is from God.  This should be done before the prophecy is communicated to the group.
   
   
3. The character of the person who shares the prophecy should reflect the character of God and the fruit of the Spirit (Mt 7:15-20).
   
   
4. If the prophecy glorifies God or testifies to Jesus in any way that corresponds to the situation the church or the people are facing, it is a sign from God (See Rev.19:10). 
   
   
5. A prophecy normally fits within a theme that God is developing.  It edifies; it does not lead to confusion.  When there are doubts, the prophecy can be presented without having to classify it as from God or not.  Instead it can be recorded and the group can continue praying about it, seeking confirmation. 

You can return to the initial page about pastoring or mentoring in the local church, or return to the page about hearing from God.