We Are a Body
The Body of Christ represents the Church, and is likened to a natural body in the word of God. Each one of us serves a vital function within the Body to help it function as a whole. God has established each member or part of His Body according to His will, to function in the gifts He has given to each one of us. The Apostle Paul also instructs us, to eagerly desire the greater gifts; and especially the gift of prophecy.
“Now you are the body of Christ, and Each one of you is a part of it. And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And yet I will show you the most excellent way.”
1 Corinthians 12:27–31 NIV
“Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.”
1 Corinthians 14:1
After speaking about ‘the most excellent way’, the Apostle Paul goes on to teach about the necessity of our love walk being more important than the spiritual gifts themselves. We will go into more depth about this, further down the page.
- The Body of Christ has many members or parts.
- Each member has a different role or function according to God’s grace.
- Each one belongs to all the others.
- Each one is gifted differently, according to God’s grace.
- Keep your focus in the love of Christ.
“For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.”
Romans 12:4–8 NKJV
Each Member of the Body is Important
God has arranged every part of the Body just as He wanted it to be.
“But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as He wanted them to be.”
1 Corinthians 12:18 NIV
- Each part or member of the Body is important.
- Each part or member of the Body is needed in order for the Body to function effectively as it should. The Apostle Paul shows us how much we all need each other, saying,
“The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable.”
1 Corinthians 12:21 & 22
The Prophetic Voice
The prophetic voice through the gift of prophecy is as greatly needed today as it ever was. It is such an important part of the functioning of the Body of Christ that we are told to eagerly desire the gift of prophecy, especially. This is because it builds up and edifies the Church, which is so very much needed. Keeping in perspective the need for our love walk to come first, the Apostle Paul says,
“Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.”
1 Corinthians 14:1
“But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.”
1 Corinthians 14:3 & 4
- We are to especially desire the gift of prophecy.
- Prophecy edifies and builds up the Church.
Do not Quench the Fire of the Holy Spirit
Because of the importance of and need for prophecy for today; the Apostle Paul describes the quenching of it, as putting out the Holy Spirit’s fire. God has given us the authority to use the spiritual gifts that have been given to each one of us by Him – See again 1 Corinthians 12:28 – but it is the Holy Spirit that guides us and gives us the power to function in them. When we quench the flow of the Holy Spirit, by shutting down the gift of prophecy or through any other means, we are treating the power of God and the words that God Himself is wanting to speak to us, with contempt; or of no account; or of little importance. This is to our great detriment.
When the Apostle John was in the spirit on the Lord’s day – See Revelation 1:10 – a mighty angel spoke to him. Furthermore, the Apostle John says,
“And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, ‘See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.'”
Revelation 19:10
Every believer in Christ Jesus is a carrier of the testimony of Jesus. If we are truly followers of Christ Jesus, then the spirit of prophecy within each one of us, will always testify of and point to Jesus, just as it did in the prophets of Old. For the Apostle Peter declares,
“Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.”
1 Peter 1:10 – 12
Paul admonishes us instead, to test everything and to hold onto the good.
“Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold onto the good.”
1 Thessalonians 5:19–21
- We are not to quench the Holy Spirit.
- We are not to treat prophecies with contempt.
- We are to test everything and hold onto the good.
Revealing the More Excellent Way
The Apostle Paul, first establishes the extreme importance of our need to put our love walk first; before we step out into ministering to others; before we start using our gifts. This is so that we don’t cause harm to the people that we are supposed to be ministering to. Paul calls this, “the most excellent way” and reminds us; we must “follow the way of love.” He describes to us, exactly what love is.
“But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And yet I will show you the most excellent way.” Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.”
1 Corinthians 12:31 and 13:1 – 8
“Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.”
1 Corinthians 14:1
Responding to the Call
In the same way that individual players in a sports team are placed in their positions according to their abilities; so too, God has placed each individual member in the Body of Christ in the place and position where He wants them to be. But there must first be a choice by each individual person to participate; to consider the call; count the cost; and follow Him. Every person must make that individual choice to desire to see fruit for His Kingdom; to respond to the leading and call of God on their lives and to submit to God in what and where He wants them to be. Submitting to God always brings life. The writer of Hebrews reminds us,
“Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live!”
Hebrews 12:9 NIV
The Apostle Paul, likens his choice of being purposeful in following and obeying the call of God on his life, to that of someone competing in a race.
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”
1 Corinthians 9:24–27
- Take the call seriously.
- Be purposeful.
- Be self–controlled.
- Throw off every hindrance.
- Run in order to win.
It Takes a Willing Vessel
Again, the Apostle Paul says,
“Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.”
1 Corinthians 14:1
Amongst the Apostle Paul’s instructions regarding the use of the gifts of prophecy and tongues in the Church or the Body of Christ; he tells us; that all may prophesy. This means that no one is exempt from receiving it well if they want it. Each one who eagerly desires this gift and remains open for the Lord to use them and to step out and be obedient, can be mightily used of God in this way. Amen? This has been my experience also. Paul explains, this is so that all may learn and all may be encouraged. What a gracious heavenly Father we have!
“For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged.”
1 Corinthians 14:31
But it takes a willing vessel to step out and do it.
Be Positioned Well
To describe the effective use of our spiritual gifts in the Body of Christ, let us continue to use a sports team as an analogy. In a sport’s team, each player needs to know what position they are playing. They also need to know what the other player’s roles are in their team, and what each individual player’s skill set is. This is so that they can work effectively together to beat the opposition and win their game. It is the same with the different spiritual gifts being used in the Body of Christ.
A number of years ago, the Lord gave me a prophetic word for the church that I was fellowshipping in at that particular time, saying, “I am enormously proud of My Body! I have designed it to function exceptionally well!”
So, God is enormously proud of the way He has designed His Body to work. He has not made a mistake! When we gather together as one, each one of us needs to know where God has placed us or appointed us to succeed, so that His purposes can be fulfilled in and through our lives. In this way, we touch many others as well. We each need to know what our individual giftings are, so that the Body of Christ can function well together as a whole. For this reason, it is also helpful to know the different giftings and functions of those around us, and to know others well enough, so that we can learn to relate well with one another; work in with one another; and to trust one another; so that everyone succeeds.
Support One Another – Be Practiced at Playing Your Part
And just as each member of a sports team has specific attributes that enable them to play in a specific position, so it is with the role of prophecy in the Body of Christ. Each one of us must understand the value of our voice being used by God in the place of His choosing and in the way of His choosing, so that His eternal purposes can be revealed. All this is according to the workings of the will of the Lord. Amen?
Regardless of the gifts God has given to each one of us, each one of us must learn to function accurately in our own spiritual gifts, as we develop them and see them mature over time. But we also need to learn how to operate in our gifts, in conjunction with others, as a part of the Body of Christ as a whole. When each member learns to submit to one another in love and to work together as one, we will know much more success in the Lord. Amen?
- When each member of the Body of Christ knows each other’s proper function and strengths, it helps the Body to work together and have confidence in its ability as a whole.
- Know that you are needed.
- Know where God has placed you.
- Know that God has placed you there for a reason.
- Get to know how others function in the Body of Christ as well.
- Be humble and submit to one another in love.
Be Practiced at Working as a Team
Just like the players of a sport’s team don’t just turn up for the final game, but train together and continue to practice in between games, we also need to stay connected with others in the Body of Christ on a regular basis, in order to develop strong, Godly, and safe relationships. This helps us to learn how to best function together as a family, and how to encourage and help one another in any areas of weakness. Each one of us should do our best to work in well with others and to open up opportunities for others to learn, grow and succeed. The Body of Christ becomes more proficient, when we meet together on a regular basis and keep connecting at a heart level, not just superficially.
- Stay connected with the rest of the Body of Christ on a regular basis; not just at a superficial level.
- Including everyone when you get together means that everyone stays informed.
- Be aware of the strengths of those around you and where others need your support.
- Open up spaces and opportunities for others to succeed.
Keep Moving in the Right Direction
It is important for everyone ministering, to stay sensitive to the Holy Spirit and with what God is doing at any given time. We don’t know all that God is doing, but we choose to be sensitive to the workings of the Holy Spirit, and when He asks us to respond, we respond.
- Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit.
- Make sure you go where the Holy Spirit leads.
When we are submitted to Godly authority, as unto the Lord, the Lord will see that we are protected from harm. Godly authority will always show Godly attributes and a life lived in humility before the Lord. The fruits of the Holy Spirit should be evident in every leader’s life. Leaders should be able to demonstrate a walk of faith that others can also imitate. And remember, that leadership carries the accountability before both God and man; so, obey Godly leaders so that their work will be a joy, not a burden. The writer of Hebrews says,
“Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.”
Hebrews 13:17
“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.”
Hebrews 13:7
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22 & 23
Be Ready at All Times
The moving of the Holy Spirit within a community of people operating together prophetically in love, can be likened somewhat, to a game of rugby union – a sport commonly played in New Zealand. Or, to the game of soccer, also played in New Zealand, as well as many other countries in the world. Both games can be played on a sports field. In both of these sports, there is a learnt skill, in knowing when to pass the ball, and when to keep possession of it. Every player must keep a watchful eye on the ball, so that when the ball is passed to them, they are ready to play their part and respond. So it is, with the functioning of the gifts of tongues and interpretation in the Body of Christ; as well as the gifts of prophecy and words of knowledge; as they operate in conjunction with all the other spiritual gifts given by God.
- The eye of the prophet sees what the heart of God reveals.
- It is a compassionate awareness of what God is doing.
- Stay sensitive to the Holy Spirit and be aware of what the Holy Spirit is doing at any given time.
- Be aware of what God is doing in the people around you.
- Be already moving in the spirit, and ready to respond when God asks you to.
There is an example of this in Scripture, in the Apostle Paul’s charge to Timothy, concerning his preaching of the word.
“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction.”
2 Timothy 4:2
In the book of Ecclesiastes, we are told that there is a time for every season and activity under heaven. So, it is important as much as possible, to be aware of the times and the seasons that we are in as the Body of Christ.
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.”
Ecclesiastes 3:1
Don’t Look to the Vessel
Prophetic ministry presents itself through all personalities, works in conjunction with the other spiritual gifts and achieves more than one purpose. But we need to always remember, that as mentioned earlier, we must always, first, follow the way of love. For this reason, our heart’s preparation beforehand, is vitally important. We need to be sure, that whatever our personality or gifting; that we are always acting in humility and love. Again, the Apostle Paul says, concerning even himself,
“If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.”
1 Corinthians 12:2
When functioning in the prophetic, some people may appear to respond like ‘forwards in the scrum’ of a rugby union game. They may appear confrontational, and are prepared to get up close to others if they have to, but it must always be done in love. They cope well when faced with opposition, and will hold their ground and not be moved. Their purpose is to keep the prophetic ‘ball’ moving forward, and at just the right time, they use their voice.
When Each one Plays Their Part
Others, may function like the position of the ‘backs’ in a rugby union game. As soon as the prophetic ‘ball’ is passed and the anointing comes, they are ready to run with it. They can both, run long distances and run at speed! They gain large amounts of ground in the spiritual realm, in a relatively short period of time. They may get to see the joyous response in others when they ‘place the winning try’ or ‘touch down’; but must also be ready to stop, give way to others and allow others to speak if that is what the Lord is doing. For the sake of clarity, the Apostle Paul instructs us,
“How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God. Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.”
1 Corinthians 14:26 – 33
As we gather together as one, still others may function like the ‘goal kicker’ ‘converting a try’ in a rugby union game. They add value to the prophetic through their accuracy and skill. Through them, the Lord may want to give an application to the worship or about the teaching. When functioning well, they keep calm under pressure, are able to shut out distraction, and once understanding the Lord’s purposes, will release the prophetic ‘ball.’
- Don’t look to the personality or the vessel.
- Don’t compare yourself with others as to how you function or respond.
- Keep your heart content in what the Lord is asking you to do.
- Be ready to step forward.
- Step back when God asks you to.
Expect Opposition
In the game of rugby union, the opposition’s eye is on the one who carries the ball. The opposition’s goal is to bring that player down and to gain possession of that ball. The enemy’s tactics are exactly the same against those who desire to operate well in the prophetic or in any other spiritual gift. This is why we must function well together as a Body. We need to keep encouraging one another; protecting one another; helping one another and praying for one other to succeed in our various calls. There are two major things that undermine someone’s ability to function in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. These are, the spirit of comparison and the spirit of compromise.
Comparing your gift or current ability with someone else’s, will undermine God’s ability to use you. For example, Satan will try to convince you that you can’t be prophetic, or that you are not needed, because someone else operates in the gift differently to you, or seems more proficient at it than you. The reality is, they may have had more experience or opportunity to learn than you, or the functioning of the gift may present itself differently in them, than it does in you. God wants us to simply be ourselves and to operate in our various giftings in the way in which He has designed us to, not in the way He has designed someone else to. Every one of us is needed in exactly the right place that God has called us to be, and at the time that He needs us to be there. If we don’t do what God is asking of us, it may be, that no one else will!
The Apostle Paul gives us some wise advice about not comparing ourselves with others, saying,
“We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.”
2 Corinthians 10:12
Don’t Settle for Compromise
Comparing ourselves with others, can cause us to settle for compromise; to shut down the gift, or to try to fit into a role in order to please someone else. This is disheartening and discouraging for us, and it frustrates the purposes of God.
- Don’t compare.
- Don’t compromise.
- Keep looking to Jesus.
- Remember the power of prayer.
The Apostle Paul says,
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.”
Ephesians 6:18
Have Faith That God Will Use You Well
Our operation in the gift of prophecy will be according to our faith. The Apostle Paul says,
“… If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith.”
Romans 12:6
Have faith that God has both called you and placed you where you are. When you hear the voice of the Holy Spirit, trust Him and step out to respond in obedience. Amen.
Have you prayed for someone else to succeed in their calling today?
