How do I know if I'm a Prophet? | Prophecy 101 - Part 4 | Dr. Clem Ferris

Summary

This video script delves into the concept of prophecy in the New Testament church, highlighting it as an ascension gift ministry aimed at building up the body of Christ. It distinguishes between the spirit of prophecy, which anyone can experience, and the gift of prophecy, which edifies and comforts. The speaker emphasizes the importance of personal development, submitting to spiritual authority, and growing in one's ability to hear from God. The script discusses the process of becoming a prophet, including the need for theological training, developing spiritual senses, and the significance of others recognizing and validating one's prophetic gift. It concludes by stressing the importance of love for the church and people as a key characteristic of a true prophet.

Takeaways

• 📖 The term 'prophet' is used in various contexts, including business and sports, but in the New Testament, it refers to a specific ministry within the church.
• 🔑 The role of a prophet in the church is to build up the body of Christ, equip the saints, and help the church mature in faith, preparing for Christ's return.
• 🤔 Determining if one is a prophet involves understanding the difference between the general spirit of prophecy, which anyone can have, and the specific gift of prophecy that edifies others.
• 👂 Becoming a prophet starts with personal development, including hearing from God for oneself and not just for others.
• 👨‍🏫 The growth of a prophetic ministry is observed by others, who see the grace and gifting in the individual as they take opportunities to grow and serve.
• 🔗 The development of a prophet involves submitting to spiritual authority, demonstrating a teachable and humble spirit.
• 🧠 Spiritual senses, like spiritual hearing and sight, need to be developed just as physical senses are developed from childhood.
• 📚 Theological study is crucial for a prophet's development, as it provides a foundation for understanding and delivering prophetic words.
• 🌱 The process of becoming a prophet is likened to the iceberg principle, where the visible part (the prophetic gift) is small compared to the large, unseen part (internal development).
• 🏛️ The local church plays a significant role in the development of prophets, providing a context for training, validation, and the exercise of prophetic gifts.
• ❤️ Love for the church and its members is a key characteristic of a prophet, as they are called to equip and mature the body of Christ.

Q & A

What is the role of a prophet in the New Testament church?

In the New Testament church, prophets are one of the five ascension gift ministries given by Christ to build up the body of believers, equip the saints, and bring the church to maturity, ultimately preparing it for Christ's return.

How can one discern if they have the gift of prophecy?

Discerning the gift of prophecy involves recognizing a personal call to prophetic ministry, developing a deep relationship with God, and submitting to spiritual authority and theological training within the local church.

What is the difference between the spirit of prophecy and the gift of prophecy?

The spirit of prophecy refers to the ability of any believer to yield to a prophetic function, while the gift of prophecy is a specific spiritual gift that builds up and edifies others through words of encouragement, comfort, and revelation.

What is the developmental process for a prophet?

The developmental process for a prophet involves personal growth in hearing from God, submission to spiritual authority, theological education, and the development of spiritual senses to hear, see, and sense God's voice and will.

Why is it important for a prophet to submit to spiritual authority?

A prophet must submit to spiritual authority as a test of their prophetic ministry, demonstrating humility, teachability, and a submissive spirit, which are essential for accurately delivering God's voice to others.

How does the concept of 'gift will make room' relate to the development of a prophet?

The phrase 'gift will make room' suggests that as a prophet develops their gift and uses it within the body of Christ, God will create opportunities for them to serve and grow in their prophetic ministry.

What is the significance of the iceberg principle in the context of prophetic development?

The iceberg principle illustrates that while only a small part of a prophet's gift may be visible to others, the majority of their development lies beneath the surface, emphasizing the importance of internal growth and character building.

What role does faith play in the life of a prophet?

Faith is crucial for a prophet as it enables them to prophesy, witness, and follow God's commands. It is the foundation upon which the manifestation of God's gifts, including prophecy, is built.

Why is theological training important for a prophet?

Theological training is important for a prophet to provide a solid foundation of doctrine and truth, which is necessary for accurate and effective prophetic ministry.

How does a local church contribute to the development of a prophet?

A local church contributes to the development of a prophet by providing a context for spiritual growth, theological training, and opportunities to exercise and refine their prophetic gift under the guidance of spiritual authority.