Q.
How do you know you have the gift of Prophesy operating in your life?
Margaret
A.
Hello Margaret,
Thank you for your question and interest. I’ve been studying the gifts for the last couple of years. I’m still chewing on what I’m learning. There is the prophet of the Old Testament who sometimes wrote Scripture, predicted future events, and/or boldly proclaimed truth. There is the prophet of Ephesians 4 who appears to be linked to writing Scripture (Eph. 3:5) and was a part of the foundation of the New Testament church (Eph. 2:20). There is the gift of prophecy listed in the function gifts of Romans 12 that is an enduring gift throughout life. Then, there is also the gift of prophecy listed among the manifestation gifts of 1 Corinthians 12 that are concerned with addressing specific needs of the moment. Maybe I’ll dive into these ideas more in the future.
But for your present inquiry, it seems we have an inspired answer given in 1 Corinthians 14:3, “But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.” In this context, prophecy is a means of delivering edification (truth that builds up), exhortation (an encouragement to apply that truth), and comfort (a sense of hope specifically tied to that application of truth).
It seems prophecy is a divine enablement to strengthen others through the truth as it is in Jesus.
As to knowing whether you have a gift operating in your life, there are two helps. It seems the Spirit bears witness with your spirit that you have a particular gift and burdens you regarding it’s operation. Also, other Spirit-filled people will often recognize a gift in you.
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How important is it to know what gift we have? I am 71 and do not know. I try to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit daily. I do desire to be a good follower of the Spirit.