“…to another prophecy…” (1 Corinthians 12:10)

The “gift of phophecy” is the only charismatic gift that is mentioned in both Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12. This is a gift through which the Holy Spirit will give the gifted person a message from Jesus about some future happening. Paul tells us that prophecy is for our “edification, exhortation, and comfort” (1 Corinthians 14:3). A person with this gift does not go into an ecstatic state, but is self-controlled and alert to hear clearly what the Holy Spirit is saying. All prophecy should be written down, just as God instructed Jeremiah to do, and checked out according to Scripture (1 Corinthians 4:6). If the message runs contrary to anything in the Bible, it is clearly not from God.

There are three sources of prophecy: God, the devil and self. It goes without saying that the first is the only valid source: the second and third being not only unreliable, but possibly destructive. Prophecy is necessary because, “Where there is no prophecy the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law” (Proverbs 29:18). Although God does give personal prophecy, it is usually only to confirm that He has already told a person to do, and so it can be dangerous to seek after personal prophecies. It is a confirmation, never a substitute for prayer.

Prayer
Holy Spirit, if You give me this gift, please teach me to listen carefully before I tell what Jesus wants them to hear.