Session 1 – Who is it for and what is its Purpose?
The gift of prophecy is the Spirit-empowered ability to reveal the heart and mind of Christ in any situation—what He says, sees, feels, has done, or will do. It is a gift available to all believers who desire it (1 Corinthians 14:31), not a reward for spiritual achievement, but a tool to build up the church and glorify Jesus (Revelation 19:10).
Who is it For?
The gift of prophecy is for every born-again, Spirit-filled believer who earnestly desires it (1 Corinthians 14:1). Numbers 11:29 expresses Moses’ heart: “Would that all the Lord’s people were prophets, that the Lord would put his Spirit on them!” While all can prophesy, the office of a prophet is a specific calling for a few, marked by greater responsibility and anointing (Ephesians 4:11).
Example: A new believer in a small group sensed God’s encouragement for a struggling friend and shared, “I feel God sees your perseverance and will provide strength.” This simple prophetic word uplifted the friend, demonstrating that prophecy is for all, not just leaders.
Purposes of Prophecy
Prophecy serves to edify the church and point to Jesus, the Spirit of prophecy (Revelation 19:10). Its key purposes, as outlined in 1 Corinthians 14:3, include:
Strengthening and Building Up: Equipping believers to grow in faith and maturity (1 Corinthians 14:4).
Encouraging and Uplifting: Inspiring action or perseverance (1 Corinthians 14:31).
Comforting: Bringing relief from affliction or sorrow (1 Corinthians 14:3).
Releasing Gifts and Callings: Activating spiritual gifts or confirming God’s purpose (1 Timothy 4:14).
Guiding Unbelievers: Convicting and drawing unbelievers to faith (1 Corinthians 14:24-25).
Example: In a church service, a prophetic word revealed an unbeliever’s hidden struggle, leading them to confess, “God is truly here among you” (1 Corinthians 14:25), and they accepted Christ.
Session 2 – How Does God Speak to Us?
God desires to communicate with His people continually, like radio waves always present in the air, waiting for us to tune in. The gift of prophecy amplifies our ability to hear His voice through various channels, but it requires discernment, submission, and alignment with Scripture to ensure we receive and share His messages accurately.
The Nature of God’s Communication
God speaks in diverse ways, tailored to each believer’s unique relationship with Him. The method is less important than the message itself and our faithfulness in responding to it. Revelation is often clear, but interpretation, application, and timing require wisdom and maturity (1 Corinthians 13:9).
Biblical Basis: Numbers 12:6 says, “If there is a prophet among you, I the Lord make myself known to him in a vision; I speak with him in a dream” (ESV). This highlights God’s varied communication methods, all pointing to His truth.
Analogy: Like tuning a radio to AM, FM, or digital signals, we must attune our hearts to God’s frequency through prayer, worship, or stillness. Missing His voice often results from distractions, not His silence.
Ways God Speaks
Scripture:
The Bible is the primary and authoritative way God speaks, providing the foundation for all revelation (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Prophetic insights never contradict Scripture but enhance its relevance.
Example: Daniel received revelation about Jerusalem’s restoration while reading Jeremiah’s prophecies (Daniel 9:2), showing how Scripture guides prophetic understanding.
Still Small Voice:
God often speaks in a gentle whisper, requiring us to quiet our hearts (1 Kings 19:12). Practices like worship, journaling, or fasting help us hear Him.
Example: A believer journaling during prayer felt a prompting to call a friend, later discovering the friend needed encouragement at that moment.
Impressions and Sensations:
God may give a sense of urgency, peace, or physical sensations (e.g., warmth, a burden) to convey His heart. These require testing to ensure they’re from Him (1 John 4:1).
Example: During a meeting, a believer felt a heaviness and discerned it as a call to pray for unity, shifting the group’s focus.
Visions and Dreams:
Visions (literal scenes) and dreams (symbolic or direct) reveal God’s plans or warnings (Numbers 12:6). Writing them down helps discern their meaning.
Example: A dream of a lighthouse led a believer to pray for their church’s outreach, later confirmed by a new ministry initiative.
Audible Voice or Angels:
Rare but powerful, God may speak audibly (Numbers 12:8) or through angelic messengers (Acts 10:10-11). The focus remains on the message, not the method.
Example: A believer sensed an angelic presence during worship, prompting them to share a word of encouragement that aligned with the pastor’s sermon.
Creation and Circumstances:
God speaks through nature’s beauty (Psalm 19:1) or life events, guiding us toward His purposes.
Example: A sunset inspired a believer to thank God for His faithfulness, leading to a prophetic word about His provision.
Practical Application
Tune In: Set aside daily time for prayer, worship, or journaling to hear God’s voice. Psalm 46:10 encourages, “Be still, and know that I am God.”
Test Revelations: Compare impressions, dreams, or visions to Scripture (1 John 4:1). Seek counsel from mature believers if unsure.
Act Faithfully: Respond to God’s promptings, even if small (e.g., calling a friend or praying for a situation). Faithfulness in little leads to more (Luke 16:10).
Record Dreams and Visions: Keep a journal to track revelations, noting patterns or confirmations over time.
Cautions
Avoid Over-Reliance on Subjective Experiences: Dreams, visions, or impressions must align with Scripture. A dream contradicting God’s Word is not from Him.
Don’t Seek Sensational Methods: Focus on hearing God, not chasing dramatic experiences like trances or audible voices (Luke 10:20).
Submit to Leadership: Share significant revelations with church leaders to ensure alignment with the body’s direction (1 Corinthians 14:29).
Example: A believer had a vision of a storm but tested it against Scripture and sought a leader’s input. They interpreted it as a call to pray for protection over the church, not a literal disaster, leading to unified intercession.
Navigating Diverse Contexts
In churches skeptical of prophetic gifts, emphasize Scripture as God’s primary voice and share revelations humbly (e.g., “I feel this verse applies to our situation”). In charismatic settings, ensure revelations are tested to avoid sensationalism.
Reflection Question: What is one way God has spoken to you recently? How can you grow in tuning into His voice through Scripture or stillness?
Session 3 – The Heart of the Prophetic, Culture, and Etiquette
The heart of prophetic ministry is love—love for God, His people, and His kingdom. Without love, even the most accurate prophecy is meaningless (1 Corinthians 13:2). This session explores how to cultivate a heart aligned with God’s, foster a healthy prophetic culture, and practice etiquette that honors the body of Christ.
The Foundation of Love
Prophecy must flow from love, as 1 Corinthians 14:1 urges, “Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.” Love ensures prophecy builds up, encourages, and comforts (1 Corinthians 14:3), rather than seeking personal recognition.
Biblical Basis: 1 Corinthians 13:2 states, “If I have prophetic powers… but have not love, I am nothing.” Luke 10:20 reminds us to rejoice in our salvation, not our gifts.
Example: A prophetic word given with love, “God sees your faithfulness and will guide your next steps,” uplifts a struggling believer, while a word given for attention may cause confusion.
Cultivating God’s Heart
Prophetic ministry requires a heart after God’s, reflecting His compassion and priorities. This involves:
Humility: Seeing ourselves as servants, not superior (Matthew 20:26-27). Humility lifts God up, not ourselves.
Submission: Operating under church leadership ensures protection and alignment (1 Corinthians 12:28).
Intimacy: Spending time with God deepens our understanding of His heart (John 15:7).
Example: David’s heart was convicted after cutting Saul’s robe (1 Samuel 24:4-6), showing his priority was God’s will, not personal gain. Prophetic believers must similarly prioritize God’s heart over self-justification.
Building a Prophetic Culture
A healthy prophetic culture values love, accountability, and diversity, creating a safe space for all to prophesy (1 Corinthians 14:31).
Honor Leadership: Submit words to pastors or elders to align with the church’s vision.
Embrace Diversity: Celebrate varied prophetic expressions (e.g., words, art, worship) as equal parts of the body (1 Corinthians 12:12).
Encourage Growth: Provide mentorship and feedback to nurture prophetic gifts.
Example: A church encouraged small group members to share prophetic words, with leaders reviewing them first. This led to a word about community outreach that unified the congregation.
Prophetic Etiquette
Do:
Share words that strengthen, encourage, or comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3).
Submit to leadership and church guidelines.
Deliver words with sensitivity, respecting the recipient’s dignity.
Don’t:
Share negative or corrective words publicly without leadership approval.
Seek recognition for your gift (Matthew 7:22).
Prophesy from personal bias or frustration.
Example: Instead of publicly declaring a corrective word about a leader’s decision, a believer shared it privately, allowing the leader to pray and confirm God’s direction, preserving unity.
Overcoming Barriers
Fear: Fear of rejection or opinions can hinder prophecy. Focus on Jesus and His call (Hebrews 12:2).
Offense: Insecurity leads to offense when identity isn’t rooted in Christ. Pray Psalm 139:23-24 to address insecurities.
Independence: Pride fuels independence, but prophecy thrives under accountability (Proverbs 16:18).
Example: A believer overcame fear of sharing a word by praying for courage and submitting it to a mentor, who encouraged its delivery, resulting in a confirmed blessing for the recipient.
Navigating Diverse Contexts
In churches new to prophecy, emphasize its biblical basis (1 Corinthians 14:3) and share words as encouragements (e.g., “I sense God’s peace over you”). In settings with strong prophetic cultures, ensure accountability to avoid excess or sensationalism.
Practical Tips
Pray for God’s Heart: Ask God to align your heart with His before prophesying (Psalm 139:23-24).
Seek Mentorship: Learn from seasoned prophetic believers to grow in love and wisdom.
Practice Humility: Always point to Jesus, not yourself, when sharing a word.
Build Relationships: Foster trust with leaders and peers to create a safe prophetic environment.
Reflection Question: How can you cultivate a heart of love and humility in your prophetic ministry? What barriers (e.g., fear, offense) do you need to overcome?
Session 4 – How and When to Prophesy
Receiving a prophetic revelation is often the easy part; interpreting, applying, and timing its delivery require wisdom and sensitivity. This session provides practical guidelines to ensure prophecy is delivered in love, honors the recipient, and aligns with God’s purposes.
The Process of Prophetic Ministry
Prophecy involves four key steps: receiving revelation, testing it, interpreting it, and delivering it with appropriate timing and setting.
Receive Revelation:
God may speak through Scripture, a still small voice, dreams, visions, or impressions (Session 2). Trust that God gives good gifts when we ask (Matthew 7:8-11).
Example: You see a vision of a blooming garden while praying for someone. This is the initial revelation.
Test Against Scripture:
Ensure the revelation aligns with God’s Word and character (1 John 4:1). If it contradicts Scripture, it’s not from God.
Example: The garden vision suggests growth and fruitfulness, aligning with John 15:5 (bearing fruit in Christ).
Seek Interpretation:
Pray for clarity on the revelation’s meaning. Seek counsel from mature believers or leaders if needed.
Example: The garden may symbolize the person’s spiritual growth or a season of flourishing in their calling, not a literal garden.
Determine Timing and Setting:
Not all revelations are for public sharing. Some are for prayer, personal encouragement, or leadership (Luke 2:19).
Example: Share the garden word privately with the person, saying, “I sense God is bringing you into a season of growth in your ministry.”
Visual Aid: See the “Process of Prophetic Ministry” flowchart to guide your steps.
Guidelines for Delivery
Motivated by Love: Prophecy must flow from love (1 Corinthians 13:2). Ensure your heart is to build up, not impress.
Maintain Honor: Respect the recipient’s dignity and the church’s culture. Submit words to leadership if required.
Choose the Setting:
Private: Best for personal or sensitive words (e.g., share with a friend one-on-one).
Public: Appropriate for general encouragement or corporate direction, with leadership approval.
Example: Avoid sharing a word about a pastor’s personal life publicly; instead, share it privately with them or a leader.
Be Sensitive to Timing: Some words are for immediate sharing; others require waiting for confirmation or the right moment (1 Corinthians 13:9).
Marketplace Example: In a workplace, prophecy should be subtle and respectful. Instead of saying, “God says you’re destined for leadership,” try, “I believe you have a gift for inspiring your team.” This honors the setting while conveying God’s heart.
Cautions
Avoid Personal Bias: Ensure the word isn’t influenced by your emotions or circumstances. Pray for purity of heart (Psalm 139:23-24).
Don’t Force Fulfillment: Once a word is given, release it to God. It’s not your responsibility to ensure it comes to pass (1 Samuel 8:7).
Handle Rejection Gracefully: If a word is rejected, trust God to confirm it through others. Avoid offense by seeing yourself as a servant, not the source (Matthew 7:8).
Example: A believer received a word that a church member would start a ministry. The member dismissed it, but a year later, they launched a community outreach, confirming the word. The believer’s role was to deliver it faithfully, not to force acceptance.
Prophetic Etiquette
Do share words that encourage, comfort, or build up (1 Corinthians 14:3).
Don’t share negative or corrective words publicly without clear guidance and leadership approval.
Do submit to the church’s prophetic culture and leadership guidelines.
Don’t give a word you wouldn’t want to receive in the same setting or manner.
Reflection Question: Recall a time you shared or received a prophetic word. How did the delivery and timing impact its effectiveness?
Session 5 – How to grow in the Prophetic
Growing in the prophetic is about deepening intimacy with God, developing godly character, and faithfully stewarding the gift. This session outlines the phases of growth and practical steps to mature in prophetic ministry, always rooted in love and submission to Jesus, the Spirit of prophecy (Revelation 19:10).
Phases of Prophetic Growth
Prophetic growth involves four phases, each building on the previous to prepare believers for greater impact:
Impartation: Receiving the gift through the Holy Spirit, often via prayer, laying on of hands, or time in God’s presence (1 Timothy 4:14).
Character: Developing humility, love, and submission to reflect God’s heart (James 4:10).
Recognition: Learning to operate in God’s anointing with accountability and wisdom (1 Corinthians 14:29).
Favor: Walking in a God-given mantle for a specific mission, with increased influence (John 15:7).
Example: A believer received impartation during a prayer meeting, grew in character through submission to leaders, gained recognition by sharing accurate words in small groups, and later walked in favor by leading a prophetic ministry.
Biblical Basis
John 15:7 says, “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” Abiding in Christ and His Word is the key to prophetic growth, ensuring revelations align with His will.
Example: A believer studying Psalm 23 sensed God’s provision for their church, leading to a prophetic word that encouraged a fundraising campaign.
Practical Steps for Growth
Abide in God:
Spend daily time in prayer, worship, and Scripture to deepen intimacy (Psalm 46:10). Intimacy yields revelation.
Example: Journaling prayers led a believer to receive a word about a friend’s healing, confirmed by their recovery.
Develop Character:
Pursue humility, submission, and love (1 Corinthians 13:2). God values character over gifting (Numbers 20:6-12).
Example: Moses struck the rock instead of speaking to it, missing God’s heart. Prophetic believers must reflect God’s heart, even under pressure.
Seek Mentorship:
Learn from mature prophetic believers, even from a distance, through teachings or observation (Proverbs 15:22).
Example: A beginner joined a prophetic training group, receiving feedback that refined their ability to interpret visions.
Practice Faithfully:
Share words in safe settings, like small groups, and accept feedback (1 Corinthians 14:31).
Example: Practising in a small group, a believer shared a word about joy, which resonated and built their confidence.
Desire More:
Earnestly desire spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 14:1), trusting God to increase your capacity as you’re faithful (Luke 16:10).
Cautions
Avoid Sensationalism: Don’t chase dramatic revelations to prove your gift. Focus on faithfulness (Luke 10:20).
Embrace Mistakes: You may misinterpret or mistime words. Learn from feedback without fear (Proverbs 9:9).
Stay Submitted: Independence undermines growth. Submit to leadership and peers for accountability (Proverbs 16:18).
Example: A believer shared a premature word publicly, causing confusion. After submitting to leadership and receiving correction, they grew in timing and sensitivity.
Navigating Diverse Contexts
In churches sceptical of prophecy, focus on small, encouraging words grounded in Scripture. In prophetic communities, avoid comparing your gift to others, as each has a unique role (1 Corinthians 12:12).
Practical Tips
Study Scripture: Memorize key passages like 1 Corinthians 14 to ground your prophetic words.
Find a Safe Space: Join a small group or prophetic team to practice and receive feedback.
Stay Teachable: Welcome correction to refine your gift (Proverbs 15:22).
Pray for Increase: Ask God to deepen your intimacy and revelation (Psalm 42:7).
Reflection Question: What step can you take this week to grow in intimacy with God or practice your prophetic gift?
Session 6 – Prophecy in the Local Church
Prophecy is a gift that blesses the local church when exercised in submission, love, and alignment with its culture and leadership. This session explores how prophecy operates within the church, the roles of seers and prophets, and how to foster a healthy prophetic community.
Prophecy’s Role in the Church
Prophecy strengthens, encourages, and comforts the church (1 Corinthians 14:3), aligning it with God’s purposes. It serves to:
Equip believers for ministry (Ephesians 4:12).
Confirm God’s direction for the church (Acts 13:1-3).
Draw unbelievers to faith (1 Corinthians 14:24-25).
Example: A prophetic word during a service, “God is calling us to pray for our city’s youth,” prompted the church to launch a youth outreach, resulting in new members and transformed lives.
Seers vs. Prophets
Both seers and prophets operate in the gift of prophecy, but their approaches differ (1 Chronicles 29:29).
Seers:
Receive revelation through visions, impressions, or spiritual senses, often requiring time to process (2 Kings 6:15-17).
Focus on intimacy and spiritual encounters, guiding the church into God’s presence.
Example: A seer might see a vision of a river during worship and share, “God is bringing refreshing to us today,” leading to extended worship.
Prophets:
Receive direct words or messages, often with less need for interpretation (Exodus 33:11).
Focus on direction, correction, or confirmation for the church or individuals.
Example: A prophet might tell leadership, “God is calling us to focus on discipleship this year,” guiding strategic planning.
Clarification: Both roles glorify Jesus (Revelation 19:10) and require submission to leadership to avoid disruption.
Fostering a Prophetic Community
A healthy prophetic culture embraces diversity, accountability, and submission, ensuring prophecy blesses the church.
Submit to Leadership: Share words with leaders first, especially if directional or corrective. Respect the church’s culture and guidelines.
Embrace Diversity: Value different expressions of prophecy (e.g., words, acts, worship) as equal parts of one body (1 Corinthians 12:12).
Judge Words Wisely: Test prophecies against Scripture and the Spirit’s witness (1 Corinthians 14:29). Leaders should teach the congregation to discern, reducing pressure to filter every word.
Create a Safe Space: Encourage believers to practice prophecy in small groups, where feedback and mentorship foster growth.
Example: A church trained its members to judge prophetic words using 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21. When a word about financial provision was shared, the congregation prayed, tested it, and saw God provide for a new building project.
Navigating Denominational Differences
In churches sceptical of spiritual gifts, approach prophecy with humility and biblical grounding:
Emphasise Scripture (e.g., 1 Corinthians 14:3) to show prophecy’s role in edification.
Share words discreetly, focusing on encouragement (e.g., “I believe God sees your faithfulness and will guide you”).
Avoid confrontational or sensational delivery to build trust.
Practical Tips for Church Prophecy
Work with Leadership: Submit words to pastors or elders before sharing publicly.
Align with the Service: Share words that complement the sermon or worship theme (e.g., a word on healing during a healing-focused service).
Be Accountable: Develop relationships with mentors who can provide feedback on your prophetic words.
Reflection Question: How can your church create a safe space for prophecy to grow? What steps can you take to submit your gift to leadership?
Session 7 – Processing a Prophetic Word
Receiving a prophetic word is a privilege that requires discernment, testing, and responsible stewardship. This session equips believers to evaluate, respond to, and act on prophetic words, ensuring they honor God and edify the church (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21).
Session 9 – Speaking in Tongues
The gift of speaking in tongues (1 Corinthians 12:10) is a powerful spiritual tool that edifies the believer, builds up the church, and enhances prophetic ministry. As a gift of the Holy Spirit, it serves multiple purposes, from personal prayer to public ministry, always pointing to Jesus, the Spirit of prophecy (Revelation 19:10).
Credits, Copyright and Document History
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Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked ESV are from the ESV¨ Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version¨), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Prophecy vs. the Office of a Prophet
Gift of Prophecy: A spiritual gift for all believers to edify the church. It flows from love and requires no specific title (1 Corinthians 14:1).
Office of a Prophet: A calling for specific individuals to serve as God’s mouthpiece, often with broader authority and responsibility (Ephesians 4:11). Anointing grows with maturity, while a mantle is tied to a specific mission (e.g., Elijah’s mantle passed to Elisha, 2 Kings 2:13-14).
Clarification: Anointing is the Spirit’s empowerment on an individual, growing through faithfulness. A mantle is the divine authority for a mission, which may transfer to others.
Why Desire Prophecy?
Prophecy fosters intimacy with God, builds His church, and reveals His heart. 1 Corinthians 14:1 urges, “Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.” It is not about personal status but about serving the body and glorifying Jesus.
Reflection Question: How have you seen prophecy encourage or strengthen someone? How can you desire this gift to serve your church?
Visual Aid: See the “Purposes of Prophecy” chart to visualize how prophecy impacts the church (1 Corinthians 14:3, 24-25).
Why Process Prophetic Words?
Prophetic words are treasures from God, meant to strengthen, encourage, and comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3). Properly processing them ensures they fulfil God’s purpose without causing confusion or harm.
Biblical Basis: 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 instructs, “Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good.” 1 John 4:1-2 emphasises testing spirits to confirm they confess Jesus Christ.
Example: When Agabus prophesied Paul’s imprisonment (Acts 21:10-14), Paul tested it, recognised God’s call, and proceeded to Jerusalem, prepared for the outcome.
Steps to Process a Prophetic Word
Test Against Scripture:
Ensure the word aligns with God’s Word and character (1 John 4:1). A word contradicting Scripture is not from God.
Example: A word about financial breakthrough aligns with 2 Corinthians 9:8 but must be tested for timing and context.
Check Resonance:
Does the word resonate with your spirit or confirm what God is already saying? (1 Corinthians 14:29).
Example: A word about a new ministry resonated with a believer’s prayers, prompting them to prepare.
Seek Confirmation:
Look for confirmation through other believers, leaders, or circumstances (1 Corinthians 14:29). God often repeats strategic words.
Example: A word about relocation was confirmed by a job offer and a leader’s counsel, giving confidence to act.
Pray and Reflect:
Journal the word and pray for clarity on its application (Luke 2:19). Not all words are for immediate action.
Example: Mary treasured Jesus’ birth prophecies, waiting years for their fulfilment.
Act Responsibly:
Respond according to God’s timing and leading, even if it means waiting or enduring hardship (Acts 21:13).
Example: A word about healing led a believer to pray persistently, resulting in gradual restoration.
Judging a Prophetic Word
Use these questions to evaluate a word’s authenticity:
Does it align with Scripture and God’s heart? (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Is it encouraging, comforting, or edifying? (1 Corinthians 14:3)
Does it point to Jesus and glorify Him? (Revelation 19:10)
Does it resonate with your spirit or confirm other revelations?
Has it been confirmed by leaders or other believers?
Example: A word, “God is calling you to teach,” was tested against Scripture, resonated with the recipient’s passion, and was confirmed by a mentor, leading to a teaching role.
Practical Application
Record Words: Write or record prophetic words to track patterns and confirmations over time.
Submit to Leadership: Share significant words with leaders for guidance and alignment (1 Corinthians 14:29).
Pray for Clarity: Ask God to reveal the word’s meaning and timing (Matthew 7:7).
Act in Faith: Step out when confirmed, trusting God’s leading, even if the path is unclear.
Cautions
Don’t Despise Prophecy: Value words as God’s voice, even if they challenge you (1 Thessalonians 5:20).
Avoid Blind Acceptance: Test every word, as false prophets exist (1 John 4:1).
Release Outcomes to God: Don’t force a word’s fulfillment. Trust God’s timing (1 Samuel 8:7).
Example: A believer received a word about a new job but tested it and waited. Months later, an opportunity aligned with the word, confirming God’s timing.
Navigating Diverse Contexts
In churches unfamiliar with prophecy, share how you tested the word biblically to build trust. In prophetic communities, emphasise accountability to avoid untested words causing confusion.
Practical Tips
Keep a Journal: Record prophetic words, Scriptures, and confirmations to discern God’s voice.
Seek Counsel: Discuss words with trusted leaders or mentors for clarity (Proverbs 15:22).
Test Patiently: Don’t rush to act; wait for God’s timing and confirmation (Psalm 27:14).
Honour the Word: Treat accepted words as treasures, praying over them regularly.
Reflection Question: What prophetic word have you received or given? How can you test and steward it responsibly?
Session 8 – Discerning of Spirits
The gift of discerning of spirits (1 Corinthians 12:10) is a vital complement to the gift of prophecy, enabling believers to perceive spiritual realities and align with God’s purposes in a gathering or situation. This gift goes beyond simply distinguishing good from evil; it equips believers to sense the presence and activity of the Holy Spirit, angelic beings, or demonic influences, facilitating a deeper move of God’s Spirit.
What is the Gift of Discerning of Spirits?
The gift of discerning of spirits allows believers to perceive what is happening in the spiritual realm, providing clarity on the source and nature of spiritual activity. It helps identify whether a prompting, atmosphere, or message is from God, human imagination, or a deceptive spirit. This gift is essential for prophetic ministry, as it ensures that revelations align with God’s heart and truth.
Biblical Basis: 1 John 4:1-3 instructs believers to “test the spirits to see whether they are from God,” emphasising that every spirit confessing Jesus Christ is from God. In Acts 16:16-18, Paul discerned a spirit of divination in a girl, demonstrating the gift’s role in exposing deception.
Purpose: The gift serves to:
Facilitate God’s presence in worship or prayer by recognising His movement (e.g., sensing a call to healing or repentance).
Protect the church from deception by identifying false influences (1 John 4:1).
Guide intercession and prophetic ministry by revealing God’s intentions.
Enhance spiritual sensitivity to angelic activity, as seen in 2 Kings 6:15-17, where Elisha’s servant saw angelic armies after Elisha prayed for his eyes to be opened.
The Role of Discerning of Spirits in Prophetic Ministry
This gift complements prophecy by providing clarity and context for revelations. For example:
In Worship: A believer might sense a heaviness in a congregation and discern it as a spirit of fear. They can then lead the group in prayer to break it, creating space for God’s peace to flow.
In Prophetic Words: Discerning whether a word is from God or human emotion ensures that only God-inspired messages are shared.
In Intercession: The gift can reveal specific spiritual strongholds, enabling targeted prayer that aligns with God’s will.
Those with this gift often act as spiritual gatekeepers, helping to direct the flow of a meeting toward God’s purposes. They can sense when the Holy Spirit is leading toward a specific action (e.g., worship, repentance, or healing) or when a distracting influence is present.
Practical Application
Cultivate Sensitivity to the Spirit:
Spend time in prayer and worship to attune your spirit to God’s voice. Psalm 46:10 encourages us to “be still and know that I am God.”
Practice journaling impressions or spiritual insights during personal prayer to grow in discernment.
Test All Insights:
Compare impressions to Scripture (1 John 4:1-3). Any revelation that contradicts God’s Word is not from Him.
Seek confirmation from mature believers or leaders to ensure accuracy.
Use the Gift to Serve:
In a church setting, share discerned insights with leadership privately to guide the service (e.g., “I sense God is calling us to pray for healing now”).
Avoid fear-based reactions. If you discern a negative spiritual influence, pray for God’s truth and love to prevail rather than focusing on the problem.
Facilitate God’s Presence:
If you sense angelic activity or a move of the Spirit, encourage the congregation to press into worship or prayer. For example, “I feel God’s presence strongly; let’s linger in worship to see what He wants to do.”
Cautions
Avoid Fear-Based Discernment: Not every negative feeling indicates a demonic presence. Human emotions or circumstances can cloud perception. Always seek God’s peace and truth (Philippians 4:7).
Submit to Leadership: Share discerned insights with church leaders to ensure they align with the service’s direction and the church’s culture.
Focus on Jesus: The gift should always point to Christ and His work (Revelation 19:10). Avoid fixating on spiritual phenomena or sensationalism.
Why Desire This Gift?
1 Corinthians 14:1 encourages believers to “earnestly desire the spiritual gifts,” including discerning of spirits. This gift enhances prophetic ministry by ensuring accuracy, protecting the body, and creating space for God’s Spirit to move powerfully. It equips believers to partner with God in revealing His heart and advancing His kingdom.
Example: During a prayer meeting, a believer discerns a spirit of discouragement affecting the group. Instead of announcing it publicly, they pray silently, then share with the worship leader, “I sense God wants to release joy tonight.” The leader shifts to uplifting songs, and the atmosphere changes, leading to testimonies of renewed hope.
Reflection Question: How have you sensed God’s presence or a spiritual shift in a gathering? How can you grow in discerning His voice versus other influences?
What is the Gift of Speaking in Tongues?
Speaking in tongues is a supernatural ability to speak in a language—whether heavenly or earthly—unknown to the speaker, empowered by the Holy Spirit. It is a gift available to all believers who desire it, often received through the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4).
Biblical Basis: Acts 2:4-11 describes the disciples speaking in tongues at Pentecost, enabling people from different nations to hear the gospel in their own languages. 1 Corinthians 14:2-5 explains that tongues edify the speaker personally and, with interpretation, the church.
Types of Tongues:
Personal Edification: A private prayer language to build up the believer’s spirit (1 Corinthians 14:4; Jude 1:20).
Public Ministry with Interpretation: Tongues spoken in a gathering, followed by interpretation to edify the church (1 Corinthians 14:5, 13).
Evangelistic Tongues: Speaking in a known human language for outreach, as seen in Acts 2.
Purposes of Speaking in Tongues
Personal Edification:
Tongues strengthen the believer’s faith and intimacy with God. Jude 1:20 encourages us to “build yourselves up in your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit.”
It allows believers to pray beyond their understanding, aligning with God’s will (Romans 8:26-27).
Intercession:
Tongues enable Spirit-led prayer for situations or people when words are insufficient. Romans 8:26 says, “The Spirit helps us in our weakness… intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”
Church Edification:
When paired with interpretation, tongues deliver a message to the congregation, similar to prophecy (1 Corinthians 14:5). The interpretation may come from the speaker or another believer.
Prophetic Enhancement:
Tongues can heighten spiritual sensitivity, preparing believers to receive prophetic revelations or discern God’s direction in a meeting.
Practical Application
Personal Prayer:
Use tongues daily in private devotion to deepen your connection with God. For example, pray in tongues during worship or while meditating on Scripture to align your spirit with His.
Journal any insights or impressions received after praying in tongues, as they may lead to prophetic words or clarity.
Public Ministry:
In a church setting, speak in tongues only if prompted by the Spirit and if interpretation is expected (1 Corinthians 14:27-28). If no interpreter is present, pray silently to avoid confusion.
Seek interpretation through prayer or by asking another believer to interpret. For example, after speaking in tongues, you might pray, “Lord, reveal the meaning of this message.”
Evangelistic Use:
Be open to God using tongues to communicate in a known language for outreach, as in Acts 2. This is rare but powerful when it occurs.
Integration with Prophecy:
Tongues can prepare the heart for prophetic ministry by increasing sensitivity to the Spirit. For example, praying in tongues before a service may open your spirit to receive a prophetic word.
Example: During a small group prayer, a believer speaks in tongues and senses it’s for the group. Another member interprets, saying, “God is calling us to trust Him in this season of transition.” The group is encouraged and prays for guidance, leading to a breakthrough in unity.
Cautions
Avoid Self-Promotion: Tongues are not a sign of spiritual superiority. 1 Corinthians 14:18-19 shows Paul valued intelligibility in the church over personal use of tongues.
Respect Church Culture: In some settings, public tongues may be unfamiliar. Submit to leadership guidelines and prioritise edification over expression.
Seek Interpretation: Public tongues without interpretation can cause confusion (1 Corinthians 14:23). Always pray for clarity or ensure an interpreter is present.
Why Desire This Gift?
Speaking in tongues builds personal faith, empowers intercession, and enhances prophetic ministry by aligning believers with the Holy Spirit’s leading. 1 Corinthians 14:1 encourages us to “desire the spiritual gifts,” and tongues, when used humbly, glorifies Jesus and strengthens His church.
Reflection Question: How has praying in tongues impacted your spiritual life? If you haven’t received this gift, how can you earnestly desire and seek it (1 Corinthians 14:1)?
Document History:
April 2013; version 1 Original document developed for Africa context due to lack of free teaching material
July 2025 Version 2 Revised for UK context
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