What is a “Prophetic Word?”
A “prophetic word” is a message believed to be divinely inspired, often thought to reveal God’s will or even predict future events.
This article aims to explore the nature, purpose, discernment, and application of the prophetic word in a way that’s balanced and rooted in biblical principles.
We’ll cover the biblical basis for prophetic words, different types of prophetic expressions, how to discern whether a prophetic word is truly from God, and the practical implications of receiving and acting on a prophetic word.
Biblical foundations of prophecy
The concept of a “prophetic word” isn’t new. It’s rooted in centuries of religious tradition, primarily within Judaism and Christianity. Understanding its biblical foundations is key to understanding its modern usage.
Old Testament prophecy
In the Old Testament, prophets served as messengers of God. They spoke to kings, priests, and the people of Israel, delivering messages that often challenged the status quo. Think of figures like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel—they weren’t just fortune tellers; they were voices of conscience and divine guidance.
Key themes in Old Testament prophecy included covenant faithfulness (staying true to God’s promises), judgment for wrongdoing, the call to repentance, and, importantly, the promise of hope for the future.
New Testament prophecy
The New Testament introduces the idea of prophecy as a gift of the Holy Spirit. Several passages, including 1 Corinthians 12:10, Romans 12:6, and Ephesians 4:11, mention prophecy as one of the spiritual gifts bestowed upon believers.
New Testament prophecy doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It builds upon and fulfills the prophecies of the Old Testament. The coming of Jesus is seen as the ultimate fulfillment of many Old Testament prophecies, adding a new layer of meaning to the concept of the prophetic word.
What are the ways prophetic words are expressed?
Prophetic words can take a variety of forms. Sometimes they’re about the present, and sometimes they point to the future.
Forthtelling vs. foretelling
Some theologians distinguish between forthtelling and foretelling. Forthtelling is speaking God’s truth into the here and now. The goal is often to exhort, encourage, and comfort, as described in 1 Corinthians 14:3.
Foretelling, on the other hand, is about predicting what will happen in the future. The Bible contains many examples of foretelling, and some believe this type of prophecy still occurs today.
Different forms of prophetic expression
Prophetic expression can take many forms:
- Direct prophecy. This is a clear and straightforward message believed to come directly from God.
- Dreams and visions. Dreams and visions are often seen as symbolic messages from God that require interpretation. The Bible is full of examples, such as Joseph’s dreams and Daniel’s visions.
- Prophetic acts. These are symbolic actions designed to convey a prophetic message. For example, in the Bible, the prophet Jeremiah broke a clay jar to symbolize the coming destruction of Jerusalem.
Discerning a prophetic word
Not every message that claims to be a prophetic word is genuinely from God. That’s why discernment is so important.
Why discernment is crucial
Discernment helps protect you from being deceived or misled, and it keeps the prophetic ministry honest. It also protects the church from false teachings that can lead people astray.
The Bible itself talks about the need for discernment. First Thessalonians 5:20-21 tells us not to despise prophecies, but to test everything and hold onto what is good. Similarly, First Corinthians 14:29 says that when prophets speak, others should weigh carefully what is said.
Guidelines for discernment
How can you tell if a prophetic word is genuine?
- Alignment with Scripture: Does the message line up with what the Bible teaches? The Bible is the ultimate source of truth, so any prophetic word should be consistent with it.
- Fruit of the Spirit: Does the person delivering the message show the fruit of the Spirit, as described in Galatians 5:22-23? Look for qualities like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
- Confirmation by others: Seek advice from trusted leaders and mentors in your church or faith community. Do they also sense that the word is genuine?
- Impact and consequences: Does the message lead to positive results, like repentance, increased faith, or greater love for others?
Potential pitfalls in discernment
Be aware of these potential stumbling blocks as you try to discern a prophetic word:
- Personal bias: Are you letting your own beliefs or desires cloud your judgment?
- Emotionalism: Are you relying too much on your feelings rather than on objective truth?
- Pressure to conform: Are you feeling pressured to agree with the message, even if you have doubts?
Practical Application and Ethical Considerations
If someone believes they have received a prophetic word, it’s important to take it seriously. Consider the message humbly, and pray for God’s guidance. Don’t rush into a decision. Wait for confirmation from other sources, like trusted friends, scripture, or further experiences.
If you feel called to deliver prophetic words, remember to speak with love and respect. Avoid any hint of manipulation or control. Be willing to admit you were wrong if your message doesn’t come to pass or is later proven inaccurate.
In the local church, the prophetic ministry should focus on building up, encouraging, and comforting the community of believers. It’s meant to contribute to spiritual growth and maturity, not to create division or discord. A true prophetic word will always align with the core principles of the faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of the word prophetic?
The word “prophetic” essentially means “speaking for” or “on behalf of” someone, most often God. It implies delivering a message, insight, or revelation that originates from a divine source. It’s about communicating God’s heart, will, and perspective on a situation, person, or the future.
What does the Bible say about receiving a prophetic word?
The Bible encourages believers to desire and value prophecy (1 Corinthians 14:1, 39). It emphasizes that prophetic words should be tested and discerned (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21) to ensure they align with Scripture and bear good fruit. Receiving a prophetic word should bring encouragement, edification, and comfort.
How do you speak a prophetic word?
Speaking a prophetic word involves prayerfully listening for God’s voice and then communicating what you believe He is showing or telling you. This might come as a picture, a feeling, a scripture, or a direct thought. It’s vital to speak with humility, love, and a desire to build others up. Always frame it as “I feel like God is showing me…” rather than a definitive “Thus says the Lord…” and allow room for interpretation and discernment.
Conclusion
We’ve covered a lot of ground, from the biblical foundations of prophecy to the different ways prophetic words can manifest. We’ve also explored how to discern true prophecy from false, and how to apply prophetic words practically in our lives.
It’s vital to maintain balance and maturity in the prophetic ministry. Avoid extremes, whether that’s seeking a prophetic word for every decision or dismissing the gift of prophecy altogether. Instead, embrace a healthy approach that values both the prophetic and the wisdom of Scripture.
Ultimately, my encouragement is to seek and cultivate the gift of prophecy with wisdom and discernment. When we do, we can be part of building up the church and speaking God’s heart to the world.