Understanding the prophetic

What is the prophetic?
It is the Greek word ‘propheteuo,’ meaning to speak divinely or by inspiration from God. The prophetic is simply the revealed heart and mind of God.

The role of the Holy Spirit
Jesus communicates to us through the Holy Spirit. 
 “…whatever He (the Holy Spirit) hears He will speak, and He will tell you things to come. He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.” John 16:13-14.

In Jeremiah 29:11 God says He has wonderful plans for all of us. He has carefully planned each day. (Psalm 139:16). He leads us to these plans through the prophetic ministry and the Word of God.

1: You have the ability to hear and speak the voice of God

“My sheep hear My Voice…” John 10:27
“You can all prophesy…” 1 Cor 14:31

The Bible says “pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts but especially that you may prophesy”. 1 Cor 14:1. 

The word desire is ‘zeloo’ in the Greek which means to enthusiastically pursue after. God would not want t to desire something we couldn’t have. Hearing from God is for everyone who will receive it by faith.

2. God speaks in several ways

His written Word (Logos) and His revealed Word (Rhema)
Dreams and visions (Gen 37:57;Acts 7:55-56)
Visions (Acts 10:10-16)
Pictures or images (Jer 1:11)
Still small voice (1 Kings 19:11-13)
Loud audible voice (Matt 17:5-6)
Christ-like thoughts (Phil 2:5)
Impressions (Jer 20:9)
Lack of comfort or peace (Acts 15:28)
Physical signs (Acts 21:10-11)
Angels (Rev 17:1)
The prophet or prophetic Word(2 Kings 4:16-17; 1 Sam 17:46)

3. Reasons for the Prophetic Ministry

Edify: ‘Oikodome’ in the Greek which means to “build, erect, or put stones into place.” The prophetic has the power to build the spiritual and physical world (1 Cor 14:3; Jer 1:9-10).
Exhort: ‘Paraklesis’ in the Greek which means to offer “comfort” or “consolation.” (1 Cor 14:3)
Comfort: ‘Paramuthia’ in the Greek which also means to console or comfort but also has the meaning of to “speak closely to someone.” (1 Cor. 14:3)
The prophetic message inspires God to perform His Will on earth (Jer 1:12; Amos 3:7).

It convinces unsaved people about the Gospel of Jesus Christ (1 Cor 14:24-25).
It gives way for the use of other spiritual gifts to operate.
It counters the false spiritual voices that are present today (John 6:31).

4. To prophesy is a gift from God for every believer

The prophetic gifts are a small part of the spiritual gifts. (Rom 12:6-8; 1 Cor 12:8-10; Eph 4:11). Below is some further explanation on some of these gifts: 

Word of knowledge: Here the Holy Spirit reveals the past or present facts about a person, place or situation. 
(2 Kings 5:26; John 4:17-18).

Word of wisdom: Here the Holy Spirit reveals guidance and direction
 for solving a particular problem. (Gen 41:34-36).

Discerning of spirits: Here the Holy Spirit reveals the type of spirits 
operating in a particular person, place or situation. (2 Kings 6:16-17; Acts 14:17-10).

Prophesy: Here the Holy Spirit communicates the heart and mind 
of God for anything in the past, present or future.

5. How you can walk in the Prophetic

Study the Bible to receive revelation of this truth
Desire the prophetic ministry. (Luke 11:5-13; Matthew 5:6)
Start journaling any thoughts, impressions, dreams, visions from God. (Hab 2:2; Rev 1:19)
Spend time with God and read His Word 
Pray in the Spirit daily and worship God daily
Fast regularly
Practice His presence. Regularly talk to God through-out your day, sharing your experiences, likes and dislikes. (James 4:8)
Expose yourself to prophetic material, ministers etc. (1 Sam 19:20-24; Prov 13:20; 27:19)
Prophecy and proclaim the Word of God regularly, especially over your own life, a patricular person, place or situation. (2 Kings 6:16-17; Acts 14:17-10).
Depend on His grace. (2 Tim 1:9) 