Chapter 20

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON PROPHETS AND THE PROPHETIC MINISTRY    Q: Who calls a prophet into ministry? A: Only God calls and appoints prophets, not men. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” — Jeremiah 1:5    Q: Can a leader or pastor make someone a prophet? A: No. Only God appoints prophets by His sovereign will. “No man takes this honor to himself, but he who is called by God, just as Aaron was.” — Hebrews 5:4   Q: What is the purpose of the prophetic call? A: To declare God’s word and reveal His will to His people. “Surely the Lord GOD does nothing unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.” — Amos 3:7   Q: How does God usually call His prophets? A: Through personal encounters, visions, or direct words from Him. “Then the LORD put forth His hand and touched my mouth.” — Jeremiah 1:9   Q: Are all prophets called in the same way? A: No, God calls each one uniquely. Moses heard from a burning bush (Exodus 3:4), Isaiah saw a vision (Isaiah 6:1–8), and Amos was called from tending sheep (Amos 7:14–15).   Q: What must follow a prophetic call? A: Obedience and consecration to God’s purpose. “Here am I; send me.” — Isaiah 6:8   Q: What qualifies a person to be used prophetically? A: A pure heart and obedience to God’s voice. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” — Matthew 5:8 Q: Why is holiness vital for a prophet? A: Because prophets represent a holy God. “Be holy, for I am holy.” — 1 Peter 1:16   Q: What is the prophet’s primary duty? A: To speak God’s word faithfully. “He who has My word, let him speak My word faithfully.” — Jeremiah 23:28   Q: What happens if a prophet refuses God’s call? A: They may face divine correction, as Jonah did. “But Jonah arose to flee… from the presence of the LORD.” — Jonah 1:3   Q: What character traits must a prophet possess? A: Humility, purity, truthfulness, and obedience. “What does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” — Micah 6:8   Q: Why is humility critical in prophetic ministry? A: Because pride leads to error. “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” — James 4:6   Q: Should prophets seek fame or recognition? A: No. Their goal is to glorify God, not self. “He must increase, but I must decrease.” — John 3:30   Q: How should prophets handle correction? A: With humility and repentance. “Let the righteous strike me; it shall be a kindness.” — Psalm 141:5   Q: What spirit should guide prophetic ministry? A: The Spirit of Christ, which is love, truth, and humility. “Learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart.” — Matthew 11:29   Q: Should prophets chase after wealth? A: Never. “Freely you have received, freely give.” — Matthew 10:8 Q: What is the danger of loving money in prophetic ministry? A: It leads to corruption and deceit. “The love of money is the root of all evil.” — 1 Timothy 6:10   Q: Should prophets charge for prayers or prophecy? A: Absolutely not. “Your money perish with you because you thought the gift of God could be purchased with money.” — Acts 8:20   Q: How should prophets handle honorariums or gifts? A: With discernment and purity, never as payment for prophecy. “The workman is worthy of his hire.” — Luke 10:7   Q: What is the greatest sign of a true prophet’s character? A: Christlike love and humility. “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”— John 13:35   Q: What is prophecy? A: The speaking forth of God’s mind and counsel by inspiration of the Holy Spirit. “Men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” — 2 Peter 1:21   Q: What is the purpose of prophecy under the New Covenant? A: To edify, exhort, and comfort believers. “He who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort.”— 1 Corinthians 14:3   Q: What is the foundation of true prophecy? A: The testimony of Jesus Christ. “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” — Revelation 19:10   Q: How can prophets distinguish God’s voice from their own thoughts? A: Through intimacy with God and the witness of the Spirit. “My sheep hear My voice.” — John 10:27   Q: What is the danger of speaking without God’s direction? A: It leads to false prophecy. “They speak a vision of their own heart, not from the mouth of the LORD.” — Jeremiah 23:16   Q: Should prophets always speak what they see? A: Not always; some revelations are for prayer. “The secret of the LORD is with those who fear Him.” — Psalm 25:14   Q: How should prophets deliver God’s word? A: With love, humility, and wisdom. “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” — Proverbs 25:11   Q: What is the difference between a word of knowledge and prophecy? A: A word of knowledge reveals facts; prophecy declares God’s intent or will. “To another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits.” — 1 Corinthians 12:10   Q: Should prophecy contradict Scripture? A: Never. “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” — Isaiah 8:20   Q: What is the ultimate goal of prophecy? A: To glorify Christ and build His Church. “Let all things be done for edification.” — 1 Corinthians 14:26   Q: Who was the first person called a prophet in Scripture? A: Abraham. “Now therefore restore the man’s wife; for he is a prophet.” — Genesis 20:7   Q: What was Moses’ prophetic role? A: He spoke to God face-to-face and delivered His law. “Since then there has not arisen in Israel a prophet like Moses.” — Deuteronomy 34:10   Q: What characterized Old Testament prophets? A: They revealed God’s will, often with signs and judgments. “I have also spoken by the prophets, and have multiplied visions.” — Hosea 12:10   Q: How did God communicate with them? A: By visions, dreams, and direct speech. “If there is a prophet among you, I make Myself known to him in a vision.” — Numbers 12:6 Q: What was the message of most Old Testament prophets? A: Repentance, righteousness, and faithfulness to God. “Return to Me, and I will return to you.” — Malachi 3:7   Q: What was Elijah known for? A: Confronting idolatry and restoring true worship. “How long will you falter between two opinions?” — 1 Kings 18:21   Q: What was Elisha known for? A: A double portion of Elijah’s spirit and many miracles. “Let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.” — 2 Kings 2:9   Q: What was Isaiah’s key message? A: Salvation through the coming Messiah. “Unto us a Child is born.” — Isaiah 9:6   Q: What was Jeremiah’s main burden? A: Calling Judah to repentance and foretelling the exile. “I set you over nations and kingdoms to root out and to plant.” — Jeremiah 1:10   Q: How did Old Testament prophets differ from New Testament prophets? A: The Spirit came upon them temporarily, but now He dwells within believers. “He dwells with you and will be in you.” — John 14:17   Q: Who was the greatest prophet of the Old Covenant? A: Jesus said, “Among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist.” — Matthew 11:11   Q: What was John the Baptist’s prophetic focus? A: To prepare the way for the Messiah through repentance. “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” — Matthew 3:2   Q: Who is the perfect example of a New Testament prophet? A: Jesus Christ. “A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you… like me.” — Acts 3:22–23   Q: How did Jesus fulfill prophetic ministry? A: By revealing the Father’s will, preaching repentance, and fulfilling Scripture. “I speak to the world those things which I heard from Him.” — John 8:26   Q: What made Jesus the perfect Prophet? A: He never erred, only spoke the Father’s words. “I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things.” — John 8:28   Q: Did Jesus perform miracles as proof of being a prophet? A: Yes, but miracles were signs pointing to His identity, not the basis of His authority. “The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me.” — John 10:25   Q: Name some New Testament prophets besides Jesus. A: Agabus (Acts 11:27–28), Barnabas (Acts 13:1), Judas and Silas (Acts 15:32), and John (Revelation 1:9–11).   Q: What was Agabus known for? A: Predicting famine and Paul’s imprisonment. “This man will be bound by the Jews at Jerusalem.” — Acts 21:11   Q: How did Paul confirm Agabus’ prophecy? A: It agreed with what the Holy Spirit had already shown him. “The Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains await me.” — Acts 20:23   Q: What does this teach about personal prophecy today? A: It should confirm what God has already revealed to your spirit. “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit.” — Romans 8:16   Q: Are prophets still part of the New Testament Church? A: Yes. “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets…” — Ephesians 4:11   Q: What is the purpose of prophets in the body of Christ? A: To equip and edify believers for maturity. “Till we all come to the unity of the faith.” — Ephesians 4:13 Q: How do prophets build up the Church? A: By providing revelation, direction, correction, and encouragement under the Spirit’s guidance. — 1 Corinthians 14:3   Q: Should prophets operate independently of church leadership? A: No, they must be accountable. “The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.” — 1 Corinthians 14:32   Q: How should prophetic words be judged in the Church? A: By mature spiritual leaders, using Scripture and discernment. “Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge.” — 1 Corinthians 14:29   Q: What happens when prophetic words contradict each other? A: The Word of God is the final authority. “Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven.” — Psalm 119:89   Q: Can women operate in prophetic ministry? A: Yes. “Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied.” — Acts 21:9   Q: What is the relationship between apostles and prophets? A: They both lay foundational truth in the Church. “Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets.” Ephesians 2:20   Q: Do prophets replace pastors and teachers? A: No. Every ministry gift complements the other. “There are diversities of ministries, but the same Lord.” 1 Corinthians 12:5   Q: What is the hallmark of mature prophetic ministry? A: Accuracy, humility, accountability, and love. “Speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him.”— Ephesians 4:15   Q: What are five biblical ways to test your own prophecy? A: Does it align with Scripture? (Isaiah 8:20) Does it glorify Jesus? (John 16:14) Does it produce peace, not confusion? (1 Corinthians 14:33) Does it bear good fruit? (Matthew 7:16) Does the inner witness of the Holy Spirit confirm it? (Romans 8:16)   Q: Why must prophets test their revelations? A: To avoid error and presumption. “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits.” — 1 John 4:1   Q: What is the danger of untested revelation? A: It can lead to false prophecy and confusion. “They have seen false visions and lying divinations.” — Ezekiel 13:6   Q: Should prophets prophesy from emotions or pressure? A: No. Only speak when the Spirit leads. “The Lord GOD has spoken! Who can but prophesy?” — Amos 3:8   Q: How should a prophet respond if their word does not come to pass? A: In humility, repentance, and self-examination. “Examine yourselves whether you are in the faith.” — 2 Corinthians 13:5   Q: Can a true prophet ever make a mistake? A: Yes, in judgment or timing, but not in willful deception. “We know in part and we prophesy in part.” 1 Corinthians 13:9   Q: What separates an error from false prophecy? A: A false prophecy claims, “Thus says the Lord,” when God never spoke. — Jeremiah 23:31   Q: How does God feel about false prophecy? A: He hates it. “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you; they make you worthless.” — Jeremiah 23:16   Q: What is the test of time in prophecy? A: True words from God will be fulfilled. “When the word of the prophet comes to pass, the prophet will be known.” — Jeremiah 28:9   Q: Should prophets be quick to speak? A: No. “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak.” James 1:19   Q: Who was the first false prophet in the Bible? A: The serpent in Eden. “Has God indeed said…?” — Genesis 3:1   Q: What defines a false prophet? A: One who speaks lies in God’s name or leads people astray. “They speak a vision of their own heart.” — Jeremiah 23:16   Q: Can false prophets perform miracles? A: Yes, by deceptive power. “For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs.” — Matthew 24:24   Q: What motivates most false prophets? A: Greed and self-promotion. “Through covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words.” — 2 Peter 2:3   Q: What is God’s judgment on false prophets? A: Destruction. “That prophet shall die.” — Deuteronomy 18:20   Q: How can believers protect themselves from deception? A: By staying rooted in the Word and the Spirit. “Your word is a lamp to my feet.” — Psalm 119:105   Q: Why does God permit false prophets? A: To test our love for Him. “For the Lord your God is testing you, to know whether you love the Lord your God.”— Deuteronomy 13:3   Q: What warning did Jesus give about false prophets? A: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing.” — Matthew 7:15   Q: How can we recognize them? A: By their fruit. “You will know them by their fruits.” Matthew 7:16   Q: What fruit identifies a true prophet? A: Holiness, humility, and love for truth. “A good tree cannot bear bad fruit.” — Matthew 7:18   Q: Should prophets control people’s lives through their words? A: No. Prophecy should confirm God’s will, not replace personal relationship. “As many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” — Romans 8:14   Q: What is prophetic manipulation? A: Using “prophecy” to control, intimidate, or exploit others — something God condemns. “Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit.” — Ezekiel 13:3   Q: Should people depend on prophets for direction? A: No. Depend on the Holy Spirit. “You have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things.” 1 John 2:20   Q: How should prophets relate to money? A: With contentment and integrity. “Be content with such things as you have.” — Hebrews 13:5   Q: Should prophets boast in their revelations? A: No. “Let him who glories, glory in the Lord.” — 2 Corinthians 10:17   Q: How should prophets handle criticism? A: With humility and patience. “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you.” — Matthew 5:11   Q: What happens if a prophet becomes proud? A: God will resist them. “Pride goes before destruction.” Proverbs 16:18   Q: Should prophets be accountable to others? A: Yes. Accountability keeps them safe. “In the multitude of counselors there is safety.” — Proverbs 11:14   Q: How can prophets remain pure? A: By daily communion with God and obedience to His Word. “How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.” — Psalm 119:9 Q: What should be the prophet’s greatest desire? A: To know God intimately. “That I may know Him.” — Philippians 3:10   Q: Will prophets exist in the end times? A: Yes. “Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy.” Acts 2:17   Q: What will be their role? A: To prepare the Church for the return of Christ. “Prepare the way of the Lord.” — Isaiah 40:3   Q: What is the greatest need for prophets today? A: Holiness and truth in a deceptive age. “Sanctify them by Your truth; Your word is truth.” — John 17:17   Q: What will false prophets do in the last days? A: Deceive many through false signs and messages. “Many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.” Matthew 24:11   Q: How can true prophets guard themselves? A: By living close to God and submitting to His Word. “Keep yourselves in the love of God.” — Jude 21   Q: What is the ultimate message of all true prophecy? A: Repentance, faith in Christ, and righteousness. “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” — Matthew 4:17   Q: Will prophecy ever cease? A: Yes, when perfection (Christ’s return) comes. “Whether there are prophecies, they will fail.” — 1 Corinthians 13:8   Q: Until then, how should prophets serve? A: Faithfully, humbly, and in love. “It is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” — 1 Corinthians 4:2   Q: What is the prophet’s greatest reward? A: God’s approval and eternal fellowship with Him. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:21 Q: What is the summary of prophetic ministry? A: To know God, reveal His heart, call people to holiness, and glorify Jesus Christ. “For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.” — Romans 11:36   Q: What is the primary responsibility of a prophet? A: To speak God’s Word accurately, avoiding personal opinions or presumptuous statements. Deuteronomy 18:20 – “But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name… even that prophet shall die.”   Q: How should a prophet guide people in righteousness? A: By calling them to repentance, warning against sin, and pointing them toward holiness. Ezekiel 3:16–21 – “Son of man, I have made thee a watchman… if thou warn the wicked… thou hast delivered thy soul.”   Q: Are prophetic symbols to be worshipped? A: No, symbols only illustrate God’s message; they are not God. 2 Kings 18:4 – Hezekiah destroyed the bronze serpent because people were worshipping it.   Q10: What is the purpose of prophetic actions? A: To dramatize God’s message, warn, or reveal future events. Ezekiel 4:4–8 – Lying on his side symbolized Israel’s judgment.   Q: What marks a mature prophet? A: Humility, Christ-centeredness, wisdom, love, accountability, and alignment with Scripture. Philippians 2:5–8 – Imitate Christ’s humility. 1 Corinthians 13:2 – Without love, prophecy profits nothing. Q: What are the risks of immaturity in prophetic ministry? A: Pride, presumption, false prophecy, manipulation, and speaking outside God’s will. James 4:6 – “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Q: Can someone make another person a prophet? A: No, laying on of hands or teaching cannot create a prophet; God alone ordains them. 1 Timothy 4:14 – The gift was given by prophecy and divine recognition, not human imposition.   Q: Can prophetic schools create prophets? A: No, schools can train discernment, character, and biblical knowledge, but the office is divinely appointed. Ephesians 4:11 – Prophets are given by Christ, not made by man.   Q: What is the role of accountability in prophecy? A: To prevent error, pride, and misuse of the gift, ensuring alignment with God’s heart.   Q26: How can prophetic ministry be protected? A: Test all words with Scripture, submit to accountability, and remain Christ-centered. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 – “Test all things; hold fast what is good.” 1 John 4:1 – Test the spirits to see if they are from God.   Q: Should prophets seek personal fame? A: No, they must pursue humility and seek to please God, not men. Galatians 1:10 – “…if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.”