Maturing the Gift of the Prophet - Levels of Understanding by Wade Urban 1 Cor. 14:26 – “How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.” Just as with levels of authority and revelation, believers must also prophecy according to their level of understanding. Before I explain, I believe it’s important to point out the three components of a prophetic word. The three components are revelation, interpretation, and the application. When receiving revelation, believers must know its source is God. 1 Jn. 4:1 – “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone into the world.” Does your revelation agree with scriptural truth, or violate it? Does the revelation bring edification, exhortation and comfort, or condemnation and judgment? Is the revelation a “word” authored by Holy Spirit, or something you’re thinking about? Once you know the revelation is of God; then the next component is the interpretation – what does it mean? Often revelation comes in symbolic form which requires spiritual interpretation. Dreams, visions, even impressions often come symbolically. Not everyone who receives revelation has the anointing to interpret symbols. Also, if the revelation is about a specific person, that symbolism may mean something specific to them that you have no idea about. Much damage can result if we plunge ahead with our own misinterpretation of a prophetic word to someone. The final component is the application – we know the revelation is of God, the interpretation is certain, now what do we do with it? Should this be a general word to be given in an assembly – if so, what’s the proper timing in the service? Have you received the proper referent authority from the leader/pastor to give the “word”? Is the content of the “word” consistent with the flow of Holy Spirit, or will it disrupt and quench Holy Spirit’s moving? Should the “word” be given to a specific person, rather than the entire assembly? When should it be given? How will the “word” come forth – the tonality, volume, forcefulness of the spoken “word”? Will it properly portray the heart of God’s love? Many believers who have just begun their prophetic ministry tend to prophecy beyond their level of understanding. Instead of reporting their impression, unction, dream or vision, they attempt to give an elaborate, detailed prophetic word that goes well beyond their level of understanding the revelation. The key to ALL believers – beginners and mature alike – is that if we do not receive an interpretation, we should never make one up! This can be misleading and harmful on many levels. If God gives a vision for a person and we don’t know what it means – God didn’t intend for us to know! Just inform the person of what the Lord showed in the vision. It could be a warning (word of wisdom), or even a divine “heads-up” (word of knowledge) for them. Often those with whom we share the “word-vision”, know exactly what the Lord is saying to them. When we try to go beyond our level of understanding, we can “muddy up” the waters of revelation and cause confusion where Holy Spirit meant to bring clarity. The next issue to consider is prophesying according to our current level of faith – later. Amen.
Posted on: Thu, 31 Oct 2013 11:32:55 +0000
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