PROPHETIC GUIDELINES: PROPHETIC WORD

(Message by Tanny Keng)

1. Guidelines

a) These are the guidelines to facilitate the proper exercise of prophecy in the church. Guidelines are included for both the prophets and the persons receiving the prophecy.

2. Prophetic Word

a) Wait patiently upon your prophetic word as timing is very important (Isaiah 40:31, Psalm 27:14, 37:7, Hosea 12:6, Hebrews 6:11, 12). When patience is not applied and when we don’t wait on the Lord we may produce an Ishmael like Abraham and Sarah (a counterfeit, not of God) or simply negate our prophecy like Saul, who, anointed by the Lord as King ended up losing that position.

b) Act upon your prophetic word when you have received confirmation and counsel. Do nothing different unless definitely directed following all directions to the detail and cooperating with God, neither going ahead of Him nor lagging behind. Examples: David (1 Samuel 16:13), Jehu (2 Kings 9), and Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 20, Matthew 13:18, 23).

c) Don't make major decisions based on a prophetic word. It was never God's intent for you  to be led by prophecy, but to be "led by the Spirit" (Romans 8:14). Don't neglect God's Word, prayer, wisdom, mature counsel and your inward spiritual witness when making major decisions.

d) Things may go completely opposite of what was prophesied to you for a season. Things may get worse before they get better after having received a prophetic word, though not always. Patiently hold fast to the promises of God (Hebrews 6:11, 12).

e) We must be developed before certain things are manifested. If our Lord had to be equipped by having human experience for His office as High Priest then we will need to be perfected as well (Hebrews 2:6-10). Jesus was prepared for 30 years for only 3 years of earthly ministry.

f) Present-day prophets are not infallible. Even a true prophet is capable of making mistakes or mixing a true word with error. Just as we should never accept a false prophet because of a true prophecy, we should never reject a true prophet because of a false prophecy. If after careful judgment part or all of your prophetic word is found to be inaccurate, then bring it to the Leaders' attention in a spirit of meekness rather than condemnation. Remember Paul's admonition to "Prove (test) all things; hold fast to that which is good" (1 Thessalonians 5: 21)

g) The Character of the prophet is critical. Never receive a prophecy from a “prophet” with questionable character. The fruit of the Spirit must be evident from his / her life.

The End ...