The Gift of Prophecy vs. The Office of Prophet

Have you ever wondered if there was a difference between being able to prophesy and being called as a prophet? Let's take a look at the differences.

GIFT OF PROPHECY

The Gift of Prophecy is given by the Holy Spirit.

"A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. "To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another, the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge. The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing. He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said. It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have" 1 Corinthians 12:10. 

The gift of Prophecy is a revelatory gift. Prophecy means to speak forth the word of God by the anointing of the Holy Spirit. It is by divine inspiration that a person can reveal things that are unknown or explain things that are complex and to declare the purposes of God. The gift of Prophecy edifies the body of Christ. It helps to build up and strengthen the people of God in their faith. Preaching and teaching the word of God is Prophesying. A child can prophesy! This gift is activated when God has something to say. It's about revealing God's truth to the body of Christ. This is a powerful gift and not one to be taken lightly. "But one who prophesies strengthens others, encourages them, and comforts them" - 1 Corinthians 14:3

OFFICE OF PROPHET

"He that descended is the same also that ascended far above all heavens, that he might fill all things. And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers" - Ephesians 4:10-11

Jesus himself established these ministries. Prophets are called by God. In your biblical studies, you will see that many of the Prophets in the bible were personally called by God, none of them were self - appointed. You cannot just wake up one morning and decide, I'm going to be a Prophet! You must be called by God.

"I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations." Jeremiah 1:15

"The prophet's responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ" - Ephesians 4:12.

Prophets are God's mouthpieces. They edify, exhort, bring comfort, correction, and direction to the body of Christ. Prophets are watchmen/prayer warriors that are assigned to different spheres of influence within the body of Christ. Prophets sometimes foretell the future by God's revelation. "The Sovereign Lord never does anything until he reveals his plans to his servants the prophets" - Amos 3:7 

Prophets and those with the gift of prophecy move in similar ways. A Prophet has a specific work and assignment that has been ordained by God from birth. Although the gifting's between the office of Prophet and the gift of prophecy are similar, the prophetic office is a ministry and calling that you walk in for the rest of your life and years of intense training is involved. 

Each role in the body of Christ is important. Scripture says, "There are many parts. But there is only one body. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it. If one part is honored, every part shares in its joy. You are the body of Christ. Each one of you is a part of it" - 1 Corinthians 12:26-27

Blessings,

Tytenisha