And what about the correct use of prophecy?

Let’s step back and distinguish prophecy in the Old (or First) Testament, and prophecy in the New Testament era.

In what we call the Old or First Testament era God arranged for people known as prophets to pen the words that would be recorded and included in the OT canon.

There is much more that could be said about the OT prophets but for my purpose today the important point is that in the OT the pre-eminent source for authoritative word from God was the prophets.

The writing of the NT texts, however, was entrusted to those God designated as apostles.

OT prophecy differs from NT prophecy.

Those who prophesy under the New Covenant have a different authority to OT prophets.

In OT times anyone who gave a false prophecy was to be stoned. Not so in NT times. Phew!

In OT times a prophets who failed to pass on the warning God sent them to give would be held accountable in a truly severe way — see Ezekiel 3.17-21.

In NT times we do not have to obey what is prophesied unless it sits well with us. Paul was warned not to go to Jerusalem – but he went anyway (Acts 21.8-14).

In OT times prophets could and did prophesy destruction, for example Jeremiah was told at the start of his ministry in chapter 1:

10 See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.’

In contrast NT prophets have an entirely positive purpose. We read in v.3:

3 But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort.

In public, therefore, Paul instructs us in v.12:

‘Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church.’

This principle that prophecy is intended by God to build up his people is, of course, also found in the OT.

On one occasion when God told Ezekiel to prophesy we read:

2 ‘Say to those who prophesy out of their own imagination…’ (Ezekiel 13)

And what did God want to say to these false prophets? This warning:

22 Because you disheartened the righteous with your lies, when I had brought them no grief, and because you encouraged the wicked not to turn from their evil ways and so save their lives, 23 therefore you will no longer see false visions or practise divination. I will save my people from your hands. And then you will know that I am the LORD.”’

There can equally be false prophets in both eras.

In Lamentations 2 God laments false prophets as follows:

14 The visions of your prophets

were false and worthless;

they did not expose your sin

to ward off your captivity.

The prophecies they gave you

were false and misleading.

The New Testament apostles applaud those who dare to help others escape a path that leads to destruction. See Galatians 6.1-3 (NIV-UK):

1 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves.

Please notice the word ‘gently’ in this text.

If your church or Fellowship is going through a period of conflict or division, prophecy is best avoided.

Why do I say that?

Because the people involved are parties in the conflict, and so any ‘prophecy’ will appear to be a way to enlist God on our side. That really does not help. If we claim that God is with me on my side of the argument, I am implying that God is not with you on your side of the argument.

That is not helpful.

I have seen this play out firsthand, and it polarises the factions and prevents us from listening to one another.

In times of conflict, what is needed is peacemakers, pastors, apostles — often people from outside the group who are in conflict — trusted outsiders who are given the authority by all parties to listen, to exercise discernment, and to bring good judgment and point a way forward.

Now we may truly believe that God is more on our side of an argument. Well, in that case, state that up front. Do not try to invoke God’s authority by means of prophecy. Rather, own your conviction yourself.

Better still, really try to listen to the other party for what they discern to be God’s will.