“Do Not Despise Prophecies”
Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt. But examine all things; hold fast to what is good. 1 Thessalonians 5:19–21
A never-failing way to quench the spirit and cause prophetic utterances to be treated with scorn and contempt is to make a bold and public “thus saith the Lord” declaration that does not come to pass. Today, the church needs the prophetic voice as much as any time in history, but to avoid unwarranted ridicule we must follow the pattern laid out in Scripture.
In the New Testament there is a domain, scope, and purpose for the prophecy: “But one who prophesies strengthens others, encourages them, and comforts them” 1 Corinthians 14:3 (NLT). There is a strong indication that the domain of the prophetic is the local church. “But 2 or 3 prophesy and then the others judge” In 2 Corinthians 10:12-15, Paul indicates that there are spheres of service that God gives us. There are potential snares when we venture outside of the area or realm for which God has assigned us.
A single prophetic voice or message is not conclusive. … “Every matter must be established by the testimony of will and two or three witnesses” 2 Corinthians 13:1 (NIV). At times, a prophetic word might be the seed of an idea or action, while at other times it may be the confirmation of something that was previously conceived or implanted in our hearts.
It should also be a cause for concern if the “prophetic word” is used to crush or condemn because as we have seen a true prophetic word “strengthens others, encourages them, and comforts them.” The New Testament’s use of prophecy is about building up rather than tearing down. This does not mean that the prophetic word is not corrective, but rather it illuminates, gives hope, and dispels fear.
Even prophetic words that are accurate are not necessarily conclusive. In Acts (Acts 21:10-14), Agabus, recognized for having a gift of prophecy, prophesied that if Paul went to Jerusalem, he would be jailed and turned over to the Roman authorities. Those who heard this message begged Paul not to go, but he was determined because another prophetic word had been placed in his heart which took priority. Paul was willing to go to Rome and bring the gospel message, even if it meant imprisonment.
As with other spiritual gifts, when prophecy is misused it can bring embarrassment and confusion to the church. When highly publicized prophetic words do not prove accurate, it creates a reluctance for others to pursue and embrace the gift of prophecy. This creates a problem because God’s people need to hear the clear prophetic word of God since it is a part of strengthening, encouraging, and comfort.
It is difficult for us to “not treat prophecies with contempt,” when the world and even those in the church ridicule inaccurate pronouncements. In the age of grace, stoning or putting to death “false prophets” is not an appropriate remedy, but there must be discipline and correction. At the very least, “a timeout” or suspension is called for until there is humble contrition. The local church should be the primary venue for the operation of spiritual gifts, and it is there that accountability should rest.
We cannot assess the damage that was done to the cause of the gospel because of inaccurate “prophetic messages” concerning the outcome of the recent presidential election, but we must move forward, remembering the apostle’s words: Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy 1 Corinthians 14:1 (NIV). It is understandable considering recent events that there would be a reluctance to seek the gift of prophecy, but we cannot lose a gift which “strengthens others, encourages them, and comforts them.”
Spiritual gifts are gifts from God. We must “examine all things,” but in doing so, we must “hold fast to what is good.” Eventually, inaccurate prophecies will fade from memory, but it would be a tragedy if gifts from God are neglected. All gifts from God are good but remember that Paul placed an emphasis on prophecy (“especially prophecy”). “In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you” Romans 12:6 (NLT)
Finally, in Revelation 19, John is overcome by all that he sees, and he falls down and begins to worship the angel who is speaking to him. The angel admonishes him, stating that he is only a servant of God like John, but then he makes this statement: “Worship only God. For the essence of prophecy is to give a clear witness for Jesus” Revelation 19:10 (NLT). If prophecy is a gift to “strengthen others, encourage them, and comfort them,” it serves as a beacon, a light in the darkness that leads people to Jesus.
Steve Ekeroth
Photo by Simon Migaj from Pexels
Prophecy is never intended to predict winners in secular elections. OT prophets had a different role than NT prophets so in OT sometimes leaders were predicted by prophets. But Israel was under a theocracy whereas the Church is under the Lordship of Jesus. The difference being we as a Church are born-again (hopefully Spirit-filled) believers with the Spirit in us living in another Kingdom whereas Israel was led by Moses and other prophets. So NT prophets have the role of guiding the church when necessary into the will of God. I believe the church in America has come far too deep into politics, nationalism and patriotism which has led them into a mix of Christianity and nationalism. It’s time for the church to stand apart from politics and prophesy God’s will to the secular world when necessary of repentance and faith in Jesus. Apart from that God may speak judgment through the church to the country. But predicting election winners in my view is not the calling of prophets in the NT.
Amen!
Thank you so much for the article “Do Not Despise Prophecy.”
I am glad someone is speaking up not so much against not the misuse of the office of prophecy but the misunderstanding of the gift of prophecy. Many don’t say anything because of Psalm 105:15 “Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do My prophets no harm.” Many today get the office of the prophet and the gift of prophecy confused. Simply put it, the office of the prophet gave direction and correction and the gift of prophecy is for edification, and exhortation, and comfort of the church. I believe that the majority of those who call themselves prophets really have the gift and the office mixed up.
As far as Christians “the church” being in government we need to remember that in Genesis 1, God gave man a commandment to replenish the earth and subdue it. He repeated it to Noah and his sons in Genesis 9. In Isaiah 9:6 he [Isaiah] prophesied that Jesus would be born and the government shall be upon his shoulder. I believe Christian should be involved in our government. The problem is the Christian today didn’t go far enough into the government, they got stuck in politics. I also believe that God chose America for a special reason and He has blessed us if we will just study our history. And just as the Jewish people are committed to Israel I believe we Americans Christians should be proud of America.
In Proverbs God said my house shall be called a house of prayer but you have made it a den of thieves. I believe today God would say My house shall be called a house of prayer but you have made it a place of entertainment. I believe it’s time we turn the flashing lights off put the theatricals aside and start preaching “thus saith the Lord” become a true Acts 2:4 church body of Christ.