In 1 Timothy 4:14-16 we are given further instruction of the importance of the place of prophecy in our lives. There is so much to be gained when we know the truth of prophetic input. In these three verses we are told to not neglect the gift that is in us, which was given us by prophecy. Through the gift of prophecy we can receive revelation of giftings from God that we will not know naturally. These giftings will enable us to function in a much better way than our natural abilities. The Apostle Paul goes on to encourage us to meditate (“to think about something deeply; to reflect deeply on spiritual matters”) upon those things that have been prophesied to us; to so know that they are God-inspired that we can give ourselves entirely (“without reservation or exception; wholly; completely”) to them, so that our progress (“advance towards completion, maturity, or perfection”) may be evident to all.

Why not stop a moment and consider what these verses are saying. In over 50 years of Pentecostal Christian experience I cannot remember these truths being taught. The prophetic ministry is very mis-understood, therefore it is under-valued, and neglected; the result is that we miss out on so much of the benefits of why the Holy Spirit has been given to us. He is the bearer of nine wonderful Spiritual Gifts ~ including the gift of prophecy ~ so that we may know God’s purposes and giftings in our lives to function for His glory in such a way that others will see the benefits of the prophetic at work in and through us. If we doubt prophetic utterances, then there is no way that we are going to meditate on and give ourselves entirely to what is prophesied over us. And when we are like that, then there are no spiritual benefits gained ~ our spiritual progress is hindered. The big question is: “Can we afford to neglect the prophetic ministry any longer?”  

It is therefore very important that we are able to discern whether or not a prophecy spoken over us is from God, the spirit of man, or the enemy. If we cannot discern the difference, then we are likely to either reject everything prophetically, or we will “swallow” everything as being from God, when it may not be! 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 tells us: “Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise (“to set out at nought, treat as contemptible” ~ Bullinger’s; “to think nothing of” ~ Young’s) prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.” Stop! Read these verses again!  

When we follow the Biblical instructions then we are going to live to guard our own life and our teachings. When we do this, then we will both save ourselves and also those who will listen to our testimony of God’s giftings at work through our lives. What Paul is teaching us here about the importance of prophetic input and impartation is so that we will be able to function in our God-calling in a God-gifted and inspired way. That spiritual impartation enables us to do things we can never do naturally. If this means of spiritual input was not necessary then we would not be taught to take care that we do not neglect it.  

Paul, when setting aside Timothy for ministry, charged (“commanded”) him to remember the prophecies that had been prophesied over him in times past. Why? Because those prophecies had given him instruction on how to wage a good warfare, how to stand in the faith, and to live with a good conscience (1 Timothy 18-20). He did not want him to neglect the prophecies, as that would mean he would suffer more hurt and loss than necessary in his life and ministry. It is no different for us today.

• What are we doing with the prophecies that have been prophesied over us?

Unless we can demonstrate to God by our actions of giving ourselves entirely to the prophetic words He sends our way, then we are never going to get the benefits of the spiritual and supernatural enablings that are necessary for us to represent Him here on the earth. Let me remind you again: Spiritual Gifts are God’s idea, not ours. And He never gives us anything that is not necessary for our fulfilling His call and commission here on earth. ~ Rodney W. Francis.

Bible  Readings:  1 Corinthians 14; 1 Timothy 1:18-20. 

Please Pray This Prayer:

“Dear God, I come to You in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, and I ask You to help me to get much more serious about Spiritual Gifts operating more freely out of my life. Your Word tells me that I should and can prophesy, and so I ask You to stir and liberate me to be able to minister this beautiful gift to build up the Body of Christ. Help me to deal with all those negativities in my life that are not allowing me to function more fully in Your Spiritual Gifts. I really do want to be an effective and fruitful minister of Your Gospel in my day and generation. In Jesus' name, I pray these things. Amen."

 The Gospel Faith Messenger Ministry,  New Zealand. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.