THE MOTIVATIONAL GIFTS ELABORATED

GIFT OF PROPHECY

BASIC MOTIVATION DEFINED
Motivated to be God’s spokesman; to meet particular needs by delivering God’s message; to
reveal unrighteous motives or actions by presenting God’s truth.

AMPLIFICATION
A prophet is an “interpreter” – one who interprets and declares the mind of God.
God’s mouthpiece.  He speaks under the influence of the H.S.  His message is always
relevant, always aimed at a particular person, people or situation in response to
a particular need.

The word of the prophet has the following results:
(Note 1 Cor. 14:3  “…he who prophesies speaks to men for their upbuilding and
encouragement and consolation.”)
1.  It builds up the Christian life (upbuilding)
it provides building materials for the Christian life.

2.  It stimulates the Christian will (encouragement)
it stimulates us to be  obedient to the truth and to make right decisions.

3.  It strengthens the Christian spirit (consolation)
It calms the storms of life.  It helps us to rest in the presence of Jesus.
It does good.

4.  It discloses the secrets of sinners’ hearts and leads to their recognition of
God’s presence in our midst and to their conversion. – 1 Cor. 14:24,25
it brings to light things previously concealed.

5.  It foretells future events enabling the Church to be prepared and to respond
appropriately. – Acts 11:27-30

6.  It builds up the Church – 1 Cor. 14:4
It helps us to make wise decisions.  It gives us the mind of God – 1 Cor. 13:3

CHARACTERISTICS OF ONE EXERCISING THIS GIFT
1.  Speaks as one who knows.
2.  A burning desire that God’s truth be applied to life’s situation.
3.  An overriding passion that God’s purposes be vindicated.
4.  Needs to express his message verbally.
5.  A directness, frankness and persuasiveness in speaking.  At times a boldness
that hurts.
6.  The ability to discern the character and motives of people.
7.  The capacity to identify, define and hate evil.
8.  A burning desire to break the self-will of others.
9.  A dependence upon Scriptural truth to validate his authority.
10.  A desire for outward evidences to demonstrate inward conviction.
11.  An inward weeping and personal identification with the sins of those he is
speaking to.
12.  An eagerness to have others point out his blind-spot, so he can minister more
effectively.

 DANGERS IN EXERCISING THIS GIFT
1.  Being proud of his rhetoric and persuasiveness.
2.  Thinking he has a special “in” with God since he speaks on God’s behalf.
3.  Becoming hard, insensitive to people.
4.  Being bull headed.
5.  Seeing people as groups rather than individuals with personal needs.
6.  Being deceived in thinking he has all the answers.
7.  Lacking in love.
8.  Wanting to be taken at face value without evaluation.
(Note 1 Jn. 4:1;  1 Cor. 14:29)
9.  Speaking personal feelings and wishes rather than a word from God.
10.  Getting emotionally carried away.  A prophet is lifted above himself but never
beside himself.  God’s Spirit in the prophet is subject to the rational control
of the prophet’s own mind – 1 Cor. 14:32

 MISUNDERSTANDINGS
1.  Frankness and boldness may be viewed as harshness and unloving.
2.  Interest in groups may be interpreted as disinterest in individuals.
3.  Focus on right and wrong may be judged as intolerance of partial good.
They speak in superlatives without any gray areas.
4.  Emphasis on decisions may appear as neglecting spiritual growth.
5.  Public boldness and strict standards may hinder intimate personal relationships.
6.  The strong desire to convey truth may be interpreted as little interest in
listening to another person’s point of view.  Can get the reputation of being
“hard headed”.