Guardrails for Prophecy in the Church

When we open our Bibles, God speaks. It’s the primary way he speaks to people. But it’s not the only way.

God can speak through dreams, visions, or in answer to prayer. Sometimes, God speaks through prophecy. Sam Storms defines prophecy as “the human report of a divine revelation.” People with a prophetic gift hear from God and share with others. It’s encouraging when done well. Unfortunately, it’s not always done well.

I once heard the story of a worship leader who was approached by a young lady claiming, “God told me you’re going to be my husband.” The worship leader paused and said, “That’s interesting, God hasn’t told me that.” The man never saw the young lady again and is today happily married.

Sometimes prophetic words are downright spooky. I’ve heard people prophesy doom over others. Anytime we hear words like, “You’re going to enter a season of depression”, or “You’re going to lose a child”, we can confidently say God has not spoken. How can we know? The Bible provides guardrails for prophecy in the church.

In 1 Corinthians 12-14, we see the clearest teaching on prophecy and how to use it. Paul begins by stating, “Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed” (12:1). He spends three chapters discussing them, claiming we should “eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy” (14:1).

If we should eagerly desire the gift of prophecy, what is the nature and purpose of the gift? Paul says,

But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouragement, and comfort.
—1 Corinthians 14:3 (NIV)

If a prophetic word doesn’t provide strengthening, encouragement, and comfort to the hearer, it’s not from God. A word is also not from God if it doesn’t sound like Jesus, building others up and drawing them close to him, even if it’s loaded with Bible verses and sounds supernatural.

Chapter 13, which is often read at weddings, is placed between Paul’s teaching on spiritual gifts. The foundation of all spiritual gifts, including prophecy, is love. He claims if a person has the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge but lacks love, they are nothing (13:2).

I’ve heard some argue that hard words are loving, that words of doom are an act of love. I won’t adequately respond to the argument here but will simply say their definition of love differs from the Bible, which portrays love as self-giving, and others oriented.

So that’s the first guardrail. Prophetic words should build others up, not cut them down or make them feel miserable.

The second guardrail reinforces the first. Paul shares some strong language at the end of chapter 14.

If anyone thinks they are a prophet or otherwise gifted by the Spirit, let them acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command. But if anyone ignores this, they will themselves be ignored.
—1 Corinthians 14:37-38 (NIV)

Prophetically gifted people are subject to the authority of Scripture. If they refuse to listen to its instructions, they will be ignored. Additionally, we are told to submit to the elders in the church, not the prophets (1 Peter 5:5). Prophecy is an amazing gift, but it must be used under the authority of Scripture with submission to church leadership.

Lastly, we should run from a prophetic word if it can’t be challenged, or the giver believes they can’t be wrong. There must be humility. We all sin and fall short of God’s glory. Sin sways our thoughts and ways. For a person to claim their word can’t be wrong is to say they’re without sin. In reality, they may rightly hear from God but wrongly interpret what he said. They can be wrong and should acknowledge it.

The next time someone shares a prophetic word, ask these questions:

Is it strengthening, encouraging, and comforting?

Does the giver acknowledge the authority of Scripture and submit to church leadership?

Is the giver humble, willing to say, “I could be wrong?”

If it turns out God is speaking, praise him for his kindness and grace. But don’t be afraid to carefully weigh what is said (1 Corinthians 14:29). It is biblical and will keep us from unnecessary burdens.