THE PROPHETIC PROCESS– RECEIVING, INTERPRETING GOD’S WORD
I. Receiving God’s Word — Methods and Biblical Examples
God speaks to His servants in different ways. The prophet must cultivate sensitivity to the Holy Spirit and discern His voice.
1 Samuel 3:1–10 (Hannah’s son Samuel) “And the child Samuel ministered unto the Lord before Eli. And the word of the Lord was precious in those days; there was no open vision. And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see; and before the lamp of God went out in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep; the Lord called Samuel. And he answered, Here am I. And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me.
And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down. And the Lord called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again. Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, neither was the word of the Lord yet revealed unto him. And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. Then Eli perceived that the Lord had called the child. Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place.”
Methods of Receiving God’s Word in Scripture:
- Audible voice of God — 1 Kings 19:11–13 (Elijah hearing God in a still small voice)
- Vision or dream — Daniel 7:1, Joel 2:28–29
- Scripture revelation — 2 Peter 1:20–21
- Inner witness of the Holy Spirit — Romans 8:16
Prophets must wait in quietness, attentiveness, and obedience to receive from God, not from imagination or human prompting.
II. Interpreting God’s Word — Discernment and Wisdom
Once the Word is received, it must be rightly understood. Misinterpretation leads to false prophecy.
2 Peter 1:20–21 “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
Proverbs 3:5–6 “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Key principles in interpretation:
- Scripture is the standard — align revelation with God’s Word.
- Pray for wisdom — James 1:5
- Consult mature, Spirit-led believers — Proverbs
15:22
- Consider context — Luke 24:27 (Jesus explained the Scriptures to the disciples)
- Test the fruit — Galatians 5:22–23
III. Delivering God’s Word — Humility, Timing, and Love
Prophecy is not merely about speaking words; it is about delivering God’s message for edification, exhortation, and comfort.
- Corinthians 14:3 “But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and ”
Ezekiel 3:17–19 “Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.”
Guidelines for delivering prophecy:
- Speak only what God has revealed, not personal opinion. — Deuteronomy 18:20
- Deliver with humility and gentleness — Colossians 4:6
- Speak in love, aiming to restore and guide — Ephesians 4:15
- Wait for God’s timing, not rush from excitement or pressure. — Ecclesiastes 5:2
- Avoid creating dependence on the prophet instead of God. — John 3:30
IV. Differentiating Between Old Testament and New Testament Prophets Old Testament Prophets:
- Often spoke to nations, kings, and the people of Israel. — Jeremiah 1:4–10; Isaiah 6:1–13
- Sometimes delivered laws, judgments, and foretelling of Messiah — Micah 5:2; Isaiah 53
- Many had roles beyond prophecy (priest, judge, shepherd). — Moses, Samuel
New Testament Prophets:
- Operated under the New Covenant with the Holy Spirit in every believer — John 14:26; Acts 2:17–18
- Focused on edification, exhortation, comfort, and correction of the church. — 1 Corinthians 14:3
- Confirmed God’s guidance rather than controlling it. — Acts 21:10–13
V. The Necessity of Humility and Self-Examination
Every prophet must examine themselves before delivering the Word.
2 Corinthians 13:5 “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?”
Proverbs 16:18 “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”
Humility ensures that God is glorified, and prophecy builds, restores, and does not harm.
VI. Avoiding the Love of Money or Power
The prophetic ministry is a calling, not a business. Prophets must never charge for prophecy or prayers.
Matthew 10:8 “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.”
- 1Timothy 6:5–10 “Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. For the love of money is the root of all evil…”
VII. The Prophetic Process involves:
- Receiving: Hear God’s Word through the Spirit, Scripture, vision, or dream.
- Interpreting: Confirm accuracy through Scripture, prayer, counsel, and context.
- Delivering: Speak with humility, love, and wisdom, always glorifying God.
- Testing: Evaluate prophecy against God’s Word, timing, fruit, and confirmation.
- Living Rightly: Maintain holiness, humility, and dependence on God, avoiding pride and greed.
Key Verse:
Acts 21:10–11 “And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus. And when he was come unto us, he took Paul’s girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.”
Agabus received revelation, interpreted it, and delivered it to Paul with clarity, warning, and God’s authority — an example for every prophet.
