THE TRUTH ABOUT PROPHECY: 01.Introduction To Prophecy - Zac Poonen
THE TRUTH ABOUT PROPHECY
Summary
The speaker addresses the confusion surrounding prophecy, noting two extremes: those who believe prophecy has ceased entirely and those who misuse the term. He emphasizes that understanding prophecy requires adhering strictly to the whole Bible and approaching scripture with a humble, 'babe-like' mind, free from tradition's prejudices. Ultimately, prophecy is defined as God communicating His undiluted word to man, a power demonstrated from creation to the outpouring of the Spirit on Pentecost.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Approaching the subject of prophecy through Scripture aloneThe speaker introduces a series on the truth about prophecy, noting the extremes in Christendom and urging believers to let their thinking be governed solely by the whole Bible rather than church traditions.
Coming to the word with an empty mindReferring to Jesus' words in Matthew 11, the speaker explains that believers must approach Scripture at a zero level, shedding preconceived ideas to receive light directly from God's truth.Matthew 11:25
What is prophecy?Prophecy is defined as God communicating His undiluted word to man through a servant, carrying tremendous power to change lives just as God's spoken word did in creation.
The New Covenant privilege of prophecy for allOn the day of Pentecost, Peter quoted Joel to show that God's heart's desire in the New Covenant is to pour out His Spirit on all mankind, including sons, daughters, and bondslaves, so they may prophesy.
Knowing God personally under the New CovenantContrasting the Old Covenant system where people had to consult prophets or priests, Hebrews 8 highlights that under the New Covenant all believers can know God personally, which forms the basis of prophecy.Hebrews 8:11
Guarding against widespread deception and false prophetsJust as false prophets outnumbered true prophets in ancient Israel and the early church, many deceive people today, but believers have the Holy Spirit's anointing within them to discern truth.1 John 2:26
Testing the spiritsBelievers must not believe every supernatural manifestation blindly, but are commanded to test the spirits to see whether they originate from God or the enemy.1 John 4:1
Knowing true and false prophets by their fruitsAt the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warns to beware of false prophets coming in sheep's clothing and explains that they are known by the fruit of their lives rather than their miraculous gifts.Matthew 7:15
Ministry results do not validate personal obedienceUsing the example of Moses striking the rock in Numbers 20, the speaker explains that God can use a disobedient person to bless others because of His love for the people, but that does not mean God approves of that person's walk.
Old Testament pictures of prophetic ministryThe Old Testament provides foundational concepts for prophetic ministry, describing prophets using terms such as seers who see ahead, worshippers who contemplate God, and burden bearers.
Proclaimers, mouthpieces, and watchmenOther Old Testament descriptions include heralds who proclaim God's word, mouthpieces through whom God speaks directly, and watchmen who protect and warn God's people against deception.
The prophet as a spiritual doctor for the churchWhen a church is spiritually sick, it needs a prophetic voice to diagnose the root cause and point toward the cure, mirroring how Jesus ministered accurately to individuals through the Holy Spirit.
