Waxing Prophetic

Glenn on Discipleship

In a nutshell, I thoroughly believe from both Old and New Testament scripture taken in context, that both foretelling and forthtelling are real and continue on in our day. What I don't believe is that all Christians prophesy in accord with all that the Holy Spirit via Paul and others tell us are requirements of true prophets and with regard to balances spoken of in the Word of God regarding prophesying and prophecy.

So... my intention in this brief article is not to offer a major Bible study but rather to key in on several points which the reader can consider by doing a careful study of scripture:

"Let the prophets speak by two or at the most by three and LET THE OTHERS JUDGE".

This comment from Paul to the Corinthians (note my caps. for accent) is rather clear: prophets- be they godly, ungodly, correct or incorrect with regard to their actual words and views, must be accountable to those assembled. There are true and false prophets, just as there are (including me) Christians, including Christian leaders- who make mistakes with words!

The idea that ANY of us "have it all figured out" is refuted by the Spirit via Paul in 1 Corinthians 13- "now I have in part" and presently "we have in part", therefore all of us have only a piece of any puzzle, theologically, doctrinally, practically, no matter.

It is FAR easier to speak "a word from the Lord" than it is to DO what the Word commands us ourselves. If you read much of what I write or hear me speak or pay any attention to my lyrics, you'll know I return to practical application of the Truth of God's Word over and over. Why? This is where we all (including me) fail most often: loving application of God's own thoughts, views, concerns, love, practical caring for His people and those yet outside the family of God.

We need to get beyond spiritual words to practical, loving action as commanded us in the Bible. It is lack of application more than lack of information that I believe most hinders the church from BEING the church Jesus gave His blood for.

So- LET the prophets speak. And the rest of you/us had better know and apply the Word of God with enough time, prayer and careful, loving yet DISCERNING response that we either act upon the godly input of such messages and those who bring them... or caution and bring godly, biblical balance if not rebuke to those who bring such words our way.

"Do not despise prophesying", but also "test -or- prove all things, what is good". It's not simply about speaking and listening... we (the "others") must rightly judge (discern) right from wrong, truth from error or simply, mistaken words as opposed to the true voice of God. The better we have a working knowledge of His clear Word- The Bible- the more we will have solid ground from which to discern prophetic utterance.

The fact that Paul says "you all may prophesy" doesn't mean that either Paul believed nor that the Holy Spirit has given ALL Christians the gift of prophecy, but rather that all -may- prophesy... and note, "for the edification" of those who are listening. That is, a prophet does not simply speak, but the core motive of God and thus what ought to be the core motive of the speaker is that all who hear are spiritually built up in the Truth, in actual accord with the written Word of God.

That, in very brief, is what I believe to be foundational for prophets and prophesying. "Feelgood" words or what for some is standard "rebuke them sharply" language rarely if ever accomplishes the purposes of God. I'm not saying that there are not people, times and places appropriate for strong words, nor that the Holy Spirit does not promote and move via his people in such speaking, rather that some "prophets", be they real or phony, often hang on the imbalance of one or the other sort of pronouncements as a rule. This should be suspect.

We must learn to discern in accord with the Word of God, for as the old preacher once said, "His will is His Word". That doesn't always line up with your words or mine... so we'd better take care to trust The Book ahead and over what this or that individual is saying!

Posted 09/22/04