Pastor Rob Bray | November 2, 2025
The gift of prophecy is one of the most misunderstood yet powerful spiritual gifts available to believers today. Far from being reserved for a select few, prophecy is something every Christian can and should pursue according to Scripture.
Why Should We Pursue Prophecy?
In 1 Corinthians 14:1, Paul instructs believers to “pursue love and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.” This isn’t a suggestion—it’s a command. Paul emphasizes prophecy because it serves a unique purpose: it speaks directly to people in ways that can pierce through barriers when other forms of communication fail.
The ultimate goal of prophecy is described in verse 3: “upbuilding and encouragement and consolation.” When we prophesy, we’re not trying to impress others or showcase our spirituality. We’re delivering God’s heart to His people for their benefit and growth.
The Power of Prophetic Words
Paul paints a remarkable picture in 1 Corinthians 14:24-25 of what can happen when prophecy operates in the church. When unbelievers or outsiders enter and hear prophecy, “the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you.”
This supernatural revelation can convert hearts in ways that apologetics and logical arguments sometimes cannot. It’s not that these other methods aren’t valuable—they absolutely are—but prophecy offers a unique pathway to reach people’s hearts directly.
How Does New Testament Prophecy Differ from Old Testament?
Understanding the difference between Old and New Testament prophecy is crucial for anyone wanting to operate in this gift.
Old Testament Prophecy
In the Old Covenant, prophecy was primarily an office held by specially appointed prophets. These individuals carried significant authority and were held to the highest standards—if their predictions didn’t come to pass, they could face severe consequences, including death.
New Testament Prophecy
The New Covenant democratized prophecy. Now every believer has access to prophetic gifts through the Holy Spirit. Think of it like the difference between a police officer who carries a weapon as part of their official duties versus a regular citizen who owns a gun. Both can use their weapons, but the officer carries additional authority and responsibility.
Similarly, while there may still be those who operate in the office of a prophet, every believer can prophesy and should be encouraged to do so.
What Does Prophecy Look Like Today?
Modern prophecy manifests in various ways:
Prophetic pictures or visions – Visual images that God gives to communicate His messageWords of knowledge – Supernatural insight into someone’s life circumstancesScriptural words – When the Holy Spirit highlights specific Bible verses for someoneProphetic analogies – Metaphors and stories that convey God’s messageEmphatic words – Strong impressions or sensations that lead to ministryEncouragement and comfort – Words that build up and strengthen faithFuture insights – Glimpses of God’s plans and purposes
How Can You Discern if a Word is from God?
Not every thought or impression is a prophetic word from God. Here are key ways to test whether something is truly from the Holy Spirit:
Biblical Alignment
Any genuine prophetic word will align with Scripture. The Spirit and the Word are twins—they never contradict each other. This is why knowing your Bible is essential for operating in prophecy.
The Fruit Test
Genuine prophecy will always edify, encourage, and comfort. If a word tears down, brings condemnation, or serves to elevate the speaker rather than bless the recipient, it’s likely not from God.
The Unction Meter
Pay attention to the level of spiritual compulsion you feel. If you sense only a slight prompting, use more disclaimers like “I sense this might be for you” or “Please test this.” When you feel a strong unction from the Holy Spirit, you can speak with more confidence while still remaining humble.
Community Confirmation
Submit prophetic words to mature believers for testing. Ask trusted spiritual mentors whether they believe a word aligns with Scripture and bears good fruit.
How Do You Grow in the Prophetic Gift?
Like any spiritual gift, prophecy requires practice and development.
Start with Hearing God for Yourself
Before you can hear God’s voice for others, you need to practice hearing His voice for your own life. Spend time in prayer, fasting, and Bible study to develop spiritual sensitivity.
Take Risks and Make Mistakes
Growth requires stepping out in faith, even when you’re uncertain. You’ll make mistakes—that’s part of the learning process. The key is maintaining humility and being willing to be corrected when you get something wrong.
Practice in Safe Environments
Life groups and small group settings provide excellent opportunities to practice prophecy in a loving, supportive environment where people know each other’s stories and are motivated by genuine care.
Don’t Judge Success by Immediate Results
Sometimes you won’t see the fruit of a prophetic word immediately. A person might seem unresponsive in the moment, but God could be using that word in ways you’ll never know. Obedience to God’s prompting is more important than visible results.
Overcoming Fear and Resistance
Most people feel initial resistance when God prompts them to share a prophetic word. This is normal and even experienced by mature believers. The key is learning to act in obedience despite the fear.
Remember that in the New Testament, you won’t be “struck down” for getting a word wrong like in Old Testament times. God is gracious and patient as we learn to hear His voice more clearly.
The Heart Behind Prophecy
The foundation of all prophetic ministry must be love. Paul begins his teaching on prophecy by saying “pursue love” before discussing spiritual gifts. Without love as the motivation, prophecy becomes self-serving rather than God-honoring.
This means developing a genuine heart for God’s people and His church. If you find yourself critical or bitter toward the church, address those heart issues first. You cannot effectively prophesy over people you don’t truly love.
Life Application
This week, challenge yourself to step out in faith and practice hearing God’s voice. Start by asking the Holy Spirit to give you encouragement for someone in your life—perhaps a family member, friend, or fellow church member. Don’t worry about getting a dramatic revelation; even simple words like “God loves you” or “He has a plan for your life” can be powerfully prophetic when delivered at the right moment.
Consider these questions as you begin this journey:
Am I regularly spending time listening for God’s voice in my own life through prayer and Bible study?Do I have a heart of love for God’s people, or do I need to address bitterness or criticism toward the church?What fears or reservations do I have about stepping out in prophecy, and how can I overcome them?Who in my life might benefit from an encouraging word from God, and am I willing to risk looking foolish to bless them?
Remember, prophecy isn’t about perfection—it’s about obedience and love. As you step out in faith, God will develop this gift in your life and use you to encourage and build up His people.