• Play:
• Song Name: Session 5
• Artist: Initmacy with God Conference

‘HEARING GOD
for
OURSELVES and OTHERS’

INTRODUCTION

• Having a right image of God as our Heavenly Father is foundational for us – if we’re going to have an intimate relationship with Him
• Just as in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve, God wants relationship and intimacy with us (Psalm 16v11 – In His presence is fullness of joy, and at His right hand are pleasures forevermore)
• John 14v23 – If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him (intimacy). He who does not love Me does not keep My words)
• Love and intimacy with God includes living righteously before Him and obeying His word
• Out of that place of intimacy, obedience, and living righteously before God, we are in a good place to hear God, not only for ourselves, but also for others. This is what the bible calls prophecy.
• All gifts, including prophecy, are initially given by the grace of God - but the development of these gifts are determined by our character growth and personal walk and intimacy with God.

PROPHECY (Slide 1)

Prophecy is like a swimming pool – it goes from the Shallow End to the Deep End.

Shallow End (Prophetic gifting). This is ‘inspirational level’ prophecy where our aim is to edify, encourage, comfort. It seeks to bless people and glorify the Lord in simple terms. This is the level the apostle Paul was referring to when he said “Pursue love, and eagerly desire the gifts, especially that you may prophesy (1 Cor 14v1)

Middle Section (Prophetic ministry). This is ‘revelational level’ prophecy where we believe God for more specific ‘revelational’ words instead of the general ‘inspirational’ type. Prophetic ministry brings God’s perspective, releases vision and calling, undermines the enemy, and can bring direction, correction, or warning, to individuals/churches. Prophetic ministry will move in the supernatural realm more.

Deep End (Office of prophet). The prophet will continue with ‘revelational level’ prophecy but at a deeper level. The prophet will be concerned with holiness and purity, building the church, and establishing kingdom values and practices for Christ’s return. He will speak to churches, cities, regions, and nations. Their words will be heard by those in authority – church leaders, kings, and governments. Their words will often be accompanied by signs and wonders and healing miracles, and clear signs of the supernatural presence of the Lord.

We are going to stay at the Shallow End – where we will look to edify, encourage, and comfort others!

Adapted from a word given to Larry Randolph

“One of the greatest ministries you can ever possess is the ministry of encouragement. In a world without hope, people need the affirmation of My love. Signs, wonders, miracles, and healings, are important, but the most important thing is love with encouragement.

Encouragement was the motivational force behind the ministry of Jesus, and should also be the priority of all Christians. So bless rather than curse, build up where others have torn down, and always use your gift for the edification of mankind”.

GUIDELINES & SAFEGUARDS FOR PROPHECY (Slide 2)

“And it shall come to pass in the last days…..your sons and daughters shall
prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream
dreams” (Acts 2v17)
“Pursue love and eagerly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you
may prophesy” (1 Cor 14:1)
“The one who prophesies edifies, encourages, and comforts” (1 Cor 14:3)

1. What is prophecy?
Prophecy is hearing from God out of our relationship and intimacy with Him – then speaking forth His heart, mind, and counsel – this can be ‘current’ or ‘predictive’.

2. Why is prophecy so important?
– Every Spirit filled Christian can prophesy at an ‘inspirational level’ – some develop a ‘prophetic ministry’ – a few become ‘prophets’
– It edifies, encourages, comforts, and points to God
– By direct verbal communication it brings people into contact with God’s real perspective on their lives and situations.
– It opens people’s eyes to God’s love and care.
– It equips believers to fight the fight of faith and delivers them from the wiles of the enemy.
– It reminds believers of their identity and purpose, and all that God has provided for them in Christ.

3. Prophecy can include a word of knowledge/word of wisdom.
A word of knowledge on its own can be positive or negative.
For example, a word of knowledge about a person who is suffering from particular physical symptoms can encourage faith to receive healing. This is positive.
On the other hand, a word of knowledge about a person or situation which reveals the problem can appear negative at first. When this happens hold it and wait for word of wisdom/prophecy to come. This is God’s answer to the problem and should be positive and encouraging.

4. It is not always right to prophesy.
– If you know about a situation in the natural it is unwise to prophesy.
– It is dangerous to continually bring the same word to the same person. Let others confirm God’s word to them.
– Do NOT prophesy correction, direction, warning, or about marriages, babies, or serious illnesses. If you believe God has revealed something to you pray into it and inform leaders (Cliff Richard to get married?)
– If God reveals something in a counselling situation it is not always wise to prophesy, but better to ask questions based upon what God has revealed to you.

5. How do I recognise God’s voice?
Prophecy comes from within us and not from ‘somewhere out there’.
Thought, Impression, Words, Picture, Dream, Vision, or Voice.

6. How do I activate the prophetic gift?
Begin to ask God who He wants you to pray for and to give you something to encourage them. In a meeting, or in the company of people, have the desire to prophesy, be expectant, stir up the gift within you, pray in tongues – ask Father for ‘prophecy’.
If we are expectant for God to use us, we may receive a ‘thought’ or a ‘picture’, or we may see a ‘word’ over a particular person. Sometimes God’s voice can be ‘very faint’ and we can miss it if we’re not paying attention. When we believe we have received something from God, we then need the wisdom of God to know what this means, and if, when, and how, to speak out.

7. When do I speak out?
Hold it and pray? Ask - ‘What does this mean?’ - and - ‘What do I do with it?’ (‘Is this word for me/others?’ ‘Is this word for prayer/prophecy?’ ‘Is this word for now/later?’)
Occasionally God will give you something without revealing the meaning, and just tell you to share it with a particular person, because it will be meaningful to them.
Sometimes you will have to ‘capture the first thought’ and just run with it, by faith.
If you are in a meeting and are still unsure check with the leader of the meeting? God will show you what He wants you to do in one way or another,

8. How do I speak out?
Lovingly and clearly and in the right spirit. Guard against being harsh and judgemental. Remember prophecy is to edify, encourage, and comfort – not to knock down or condemn.
Also, it is better to say ‘I believe God is saying …’ than ‘Thus says the Lord…’ because people are then free to judge the prophetic word. If we say ‘Thus says the Lord’ how can people argue with God?

9. Our model is New Testament prophecy – not Old Testament prophets.
As New Testament believers our model must be to ‘pursue love, and to encourage and build up’. We are not called to model ourselves upon some of the Old Testament prophets and ‘thunder forth’ words of correction or judgement from the Lord!!

10. What about words of correction, direction, or warning?
As a general rule words of correction, direction, or warning, for an individual or church, would only be given to those with a ‘maturing prophetic ministry’ and should always be submitted to the local church leaders and not brought publicly. This builds in accountability. When people know this framework is in place it makes them feel safe and secure, because they then know that when this kind of prophetic word is spoken it has already been tested by the leaders.
Also, as a rule of thumb, it is ok to give general words of encouragement to a person on a ‘one to one basis’. But words of correction, direction, or warning, as well as needing to be checked and confirmed by leaders, should only be given to an individual with a third person present as witness.

11.All personal prophecy is partial, progressive, and conditional.
All personal prophecy is partial (it is incomplete with a mixture of the flesh), progressive (it is always unfolding), and conditional (it depends upon our response and obedience to the prophetic word.

12. How do I test and weigh prophecy?
All prophecy must be tested and weighed. What God is saying will never contradict scripture, and will be Christ honouring because “the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (Rev 19:10).
We also need to test the attitude and spirit of the person bringing the prophetic word. Whatever is said can have three origins – it can be human, demonic, or of God. Love does not insist on its own way (1 Cor 13:5 Amp) – therefore a person bringing a prophecy should believe they have heard God and speak out by faith – but not insist that they are right.
Remember also that “we prophesy in part” (1 Cor 13:9) so prophecy will be incomplete, and there will be a human element to our prophesying which will need to be sifted. If you are still unsure check with your house group leader or someone else in a leadership position.

13. Revelation, interpretation, application, and timing.
When we receive a prophetic word it needs all four of the above. In one sense receiving the revelation is the easy part. The more difficult part is to get the right interpretation, application, and timing. Because if we get these wrong it could result in true prophecy from God being rejected as false prophecy. This is because a wrong interpretation can lead to a wrong application, and wrong timing. Negative fruit could be the result. Therefore, it is always wise to receive insight from others, particularly from leaders. It is unwise to share prophetic words with ‘friends’ to get ‘their opinion’.

PROPHETIC ACTIVATION

What exactly is ‘prophetic activation’? Prophetic activation is where we activate the gift of prophecy, by making the choice to prophesy, regardless of how we feel. We say ‘Yes’ to God, and by doing this we open the tap for prophecy to flow from within us. We don’t have to feel anything, get goose bumps, or stir up our flesh. All we have to do is make the choice, listen for God’s word, and begin to prophesy by faith.

WRITING THE THOUGHTS OF GOD (Slide 3 + Slide 4)

The purpose of this exercise is to demonstrate that we can hear the voice of the Lord with confidence, and to have the opportunity to experience this for ourselves.

1) Take out your pen and paper and relax. When we begin like this and listen, paying attention to whatever comes to our spirits, the words will generally begin to come to mind. Don’t try to scrutinize the words during the time of listening, just write what comes to your spirit, and judge the content later when the Lord has finished speaking. Give Him your full attention and ignore the distractions around you.
2) Pray. “Father, thank You that I am Your son/daughter, and You have said for us to come boldly to Your throne of grace and make our requests known to You. Therefore, I am asking You to speak to me now and share some of the thoughts You have towards me. I am going to believe You for this, and write what I hear You say to me. In Jesus name. Amen.”
3) Be silent and listen. Take a minute or so and just meditate on the Lord. Focus on Him, see Him in your mind, know He is thinking of you right now, and wants to share with you what He is thinking.
4) Begin to write. Start with “Lord, I believe You are saying to me…….”. Place no limitations on what you write, just let your pen flow with what you hear. Just write what comes to mind and wait for more.
5) Do this exercise regularly. Take this process into your quiet time with the Lord and watch your devotional life really come alive, as your time with Him becomes a two-way conversation.

PROPHECY (Slide 5)

Prophecy is very similar to writing the thoughts of God. It is simply the Holy Spirit giving us thoughts and information in our spirit for another person. The main difference is, that in prophecy we speak it out. Again, the procedure is as above.

1) Father’s presence. Ask person’s name and give them yours. Encourage them to relax, and bring them into Father’s presence. Believe the Holy Spirit wants to speak through you to encourage and bless.
2) Be Silent – Look, Listen, and Feel. Relax and expect to enjoy yourself. Go silent for 45-60 seconds to ‘tune in’. During this time begin to ‘look’, ‘listen’, and ‘feel’ what God is saying. Look to ‘draw out the gold’.
3) Prophesy. Prophesy to the person what you believe you have received from God. Get feedback to test the accuracy of the prophecy.
4) After prophesying. Pray for God to seal what was from Him in the person’s heart, and for anything not from Him to fall away.

FINALLY (Slide 6)

• Father God loves us – is in a good mood – and wants intimacy with us
• Showing our love for God includes living righteously and obeying His word
• From that place of intimacy, obedience, and living righteously before God, we are in a good place to hear His voice, and ‘swim in the supernatural’, both individually and corporately, as the body of Christ