Peter in the New Testament probably best illustrates the motivational gift of Prophecy. Sometimes I think Prophets get a bad rap for being outspoken and yet, sometimes they are because of their tendency to speak out of the flesh instead of the Spirit.
Spirit controlled prophets are needed in the Church today. They also need the gift of mercy so they don't act out of their flesh. They are able to discern quickly when something is error and are able to expose it. Most prophets in the Old Testament were hated by others because of their warnings about coming judgments. I think they must have been lonely many times and yet they were willing to proclaim what God had told them to do.
*Prophets need to express themselves.
They need to express their thoughts and ideas verbally, especially when it comes to matters of right and wrong. In the Gospels, Peter spoke more often than any other disciple. He also became the spokesman for the early Church.
...but Prophets tend to expose without restoring.a prophet's primary concern about stopping the spread of evil tends to motivate him to expose a sinner rather than restore him. In so doing, he will fail a test of spirituality. He, however, believes that exposure of sin is the first step of restoration.
*Prophets make quick impressions of people.
They tend to make quick judgments about what they see and hear. They also tend to express their views before others speak. Peter spoke more than any other disciple did.
...but Prophets tend to jump to conclusions.
They tend to draw conclusions from a few known facts. Once a hasty conclusion has been made, prophets tend to look for confirming evidence. This can result in their taking words and actions of the accused out of context in order to prove their point.
*Prophets are alert to dishonesty.
They have an amazing ability to sense when someone or something is not what it appears to be. They react strongly to any form of deception or dishonesty. Peter must have seen deception in Ananias and Sapphira since he was prompted to question them about it. His condemnation resulted in their deaths.
...but Prophets tend to react harshly to sinners.
When a prophet sees sin, he tends to denounce it so strongly that it appears to others as "overkill". After exposing the sin, the prophet tends to expect immediate repentance regardless of whether his rebuke was given in love or was even fully accurate. His motive in magnifying sin is to promote repentance.
*Prophets desire justice.
They tend to cut off those who sin so that justice will be done and others will be warned. Peter desired to cut off his offenders, and he asked Jesus how often he would have to forgive them. A prophet knows that "a little leaven leavens the whole lump".
...but Prophets can be unforgiving.
It is difficult for a prophet to make a separation between sin and the sinner. He tends to reject both with equal vigor. Those who hear his harshness interpret his denunciation as angry tirades. Peter's epistles provide a balance of truth and love.
*Prophets are open about their own faults.
They are as open about their own failures as they want others to be about theirs. When Christ appeared to the disciples, Peter fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord."
...but Prophets tend to condemn themselves.
The harsh judgments that prophets have for others, they also have for themselves. They tend to be extremely self-critical and feel worthless when they fail. After Peter denied Jesus, the heavenly messenger who proclaimed the Lord's resurrection knew Peter's need for extra reassurance of God's Love and said..."Go...tell his disciples and Peter..."
*Prophets want wholehearted involvement.
Once prophets are committed to a cause, the are wholeheartedly involved in it. Within the context of their commitment, the are quick to respond to situations and opportunities. When Peter recognized Jesus walking on the water, he asked Jesus to bid him to come.
...but Prophets tend to be impetuous.
Because of his tendency to make quick decisions, a prophet can be impulsive and can vacillate between extremes. At first Peter refused to allow Jesus to wash his feet; then he asked Jesus to wash his whole body.
*Prophets are loyal to Truth vs. People.
They are loyal to truth even if it means cutting off relationships. When Jesus asked the disciples if they were also going to leave Him, Peter replied that he would stay because Christ had the words of eternal life.
...but Prophets tend to cut off people who fail.
Whenever prophets see or hear something that is wrong, they feel responsible to speak out against it. It does not occur to them to ask: "Whose responsibility is this? Do I have all the facts? Do I need to take action at this time?"
*Prophets are willing to suffer for right.
They are eager to suffer when it comes to standing for the truth or doing what is right. Peter rejoiced that he was counted worthy to suffer shame for Jesus when he was beaten for obeying God rather than men.
...but Prophets can lack tactfulness in rebuke.
They tend to be painfully direct when correcting others, regardless of who they are. This bluntness can cause the prophet embarrassment, as when Peter rebuked Jesus.
*Prophets are persuasive in defining Truth.
They have a special ability to be articulate in defining what is right and what is wrong. Great conviction was brought to thousands of the Day of Pentecost when Peter pointed out ... "Ye have taken (Jesus), and by wicked hands have crucified and slain (Him)."
...but Prophets tend to dwell on the negative.
Prophets tend to divide everything into two classes-- right or wrong. Once the label a person or activity, that judgment tends to be fixed in their minds, and they often feel compelled to persuade others to agree with them.
YOU MIGHT BE A PROPHET IF:
___You see actions as right or wrong.
___You react strongly to people who are not what they appear to be.
___You can usually detect when something is not what it appears to be.
___You can quickly discern a person's character.
___You feel a responsibility to correct those who do wrong.
___You separate yourself from those who refuse to repent of evil.
___You explain what is wrong with an item before you sell it.
___You let people know how you feel about important issues.
___You enjoy people who are completely honest with you.
___You are quick to judge yourself when you fail.
___You are willing to do right even if it means suffering along for it.
Is there someone in your church who seems to be quick to discern right, wrong, truth and deception? If he/she is a Spirit filled person, do not turn them away. Listen to them! Sometimes they bring messages we don't want to hear. Sometimes we like our world where right and wrong, truth and deception are not easily determined. In our world today, someone who stands for something (Truth) sounds really refreshing!
As born again Believers we are all called to be Prophets, for some of us it just comes harder than for others. We are all to call evil, evil and good, good. We are all called to follow truth and despise sin.
If your spiritual gift is not Prophecy, then you need to ask God to grow that in you. He will!
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