Chapter 6

DIFFERENT TYPES OF PROPHETIC MINISTRY AND SPIRITUAL GIFTS  

 
I.   The Distinction Between Prophetic Office and the Gift of Prophecy
It is crucial to differentiate between those called into the office of the prophet (ascension gift ministry) and those who operate in the spiritual gift of prophecy. Ephesians 4:11–12 “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:” 1 Corinthians 12:28 “And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.” Not every believer who prophesies is called to the ascension ministry of a prophet. The spiritual gift of prophecy is given for edification, exhortation, and comfort within the church, whereas the office of prophet carries broader responsibilities for guidance, foundation- laying, and leadership.
II.   Types of Prophetic Ministry in the Old Testament
  1. Foretelling — predicting future events
Isaiah 7:14 — “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”
  1. Forthtelling — speaking God’s truth into current circumstances
Amos 3:7 — “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.”
  1. Intercessory Prophets — standing in the gap for God’s people
Moses — Exodus 32:11–14, interceded for Israel to prevent God’s wrath.
  1. Prophets to Kings and Nations — guiding rulers and nations
Nathan — 2 Samuel 12:1–15, rebuked King David over sin. Daniel — Daniel 4:27, advised Nebuchadnezzar to repent.
  1. Foundation-Laying Prophets — instructing in God’s Word and character
Haggai 1:1–14, encouraged the rebuilding of the temple.
III.   Types of Prophetic Ministry in the New Testament
  1. Confirmatory Prophets — confirming God’s direction or vision
Agabus — Acts 21:10–11, prophesied Paul’s imprisonment as confirmation of God’s will.
  1. Edifying Prophets — building up the church through exhortation
1 Corinthians 14:3 — “But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.”
  1. Guidance Prophets — providing direction in God’s plan
Acts 11:27–28 — “And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world.”
  1. Teaching Prophets — explaining God’s Word and truth
Acts 13:1–2 — Barnabas and Paul prophesied and taught in the church at Antioch.
  1. Repentance-Focused Prophets — calling people to turn from sin
John the Baptist — Matthew 3:1–12, preached repentance and prepared the way for Christ.
IV.   Spiritual Gifts Complementing Prophetic Ministry
 
  1. Word of Knowledge — revelation of truth hidden from human perception
1 Corinthians 12:8 — “To another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;”
  1. Word of Wisdom — guidance in difficult situations
1 Corinthians 12:8 — “To another the word of wisdom by the same Spirit;”
  1. Discerning of Spirits — detecting spiritual truth and deception
1 Corinthians 12:10 — “To another the discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:”
  1. Faith — supernatural confidence in God’s promises
1 Corinthians 12:9 — “To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;”
  1. Healing, Miracles, and Deliverance — confirming God’s message
Acts 3:1–10, Peter and John healed the lame man as evidence of God’s power accompanying their ministry.
V.   Characteristics of God’s Various Prophetic Ministries
  1. All prophecy must glorify God — 1 Corinthians
10:31
  1. Prophecy must align with Scripture — 2 Peter
1:20–21
  1. Prophets must operate in love — 1 Corinthians
13:1–3
  1. Prophets serve as God’s watchmen — Ezekiel
33:1–9
  1. Prophets deliver both warning and encouragement — Revelation 2:1–7
VI.   Practical Guidance for Those Called
  • Know your calling — recognize whether you operate in a gift or an office— Ephesians 4:11–12
  • Develop spiritual disciplines — prayer, fasting, worship, and study of the Scripture— Matthew 6:6; Joshua 1:8
  • Submit to accountability — avoid pride and error
— 1 Corinthians 14:37
  • Test every word before speaking — Deuteronomy 18:21–22; Isaiah 8:20
  • Operate in humility and love — always pointing people to God, not self. — John 3:30; Colossians 4:6
VII.   Conclusion:
  • Old Testament prophets primarily guided nations, kings, and Israel, often foretelling and forthtelling God’s plans.
  • New Testament prophets operate within the church, building, exhorting, comforting, and guiding believers under the New Covenant.
  • Prophetic gifts (knowledge, wisdom, discernment) complement the ministry of the prophet.
  • Integrity, accountability, love, and alignment with Scripture are essential in all prophetic ministries.
Key Verse:
Ephesians 4:11–12 “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:” Prophetic ministry in any form is designed to serve God’s people, edify the church, and glorify Jesus Christ.