The prophetic office is a peculiar one. This gift is mentioned in all three categories of gifting that we are looking at and it demands some explanation because they are not the same. In the motivational gift category, in Romans 12, prophecy means a gift that characterizes forthrightness and an ability to influence people with integrity, moral uprightness. Those who possess this gift are sharp in their observation of sin and can be very strong in the stance for holiness. John the Baptist had this motivational gift in addition to the office gift of a prophet. That was why he spoke against the king of his time who took his brother’s wife. It cost him his head.

It is possible to be in the office of a prophet and not have this motive gift. Prophet Nathan in the Old Testament did not have this motive gift in his prophetic operations. He still effected correction and judgment but he did it relationally. The information in the New Testament does not show that all the prophets mentioned had such motive gifts. In the 1 Corinthians 12 category of gifts, called the charismatic gifts, the prophecy there has to do with a word of inspired utterance that brings edification, comfort and exhortation. It could come along with tongues and interpretation, word of knowledge and word of wisdom, as these utterance gifts are known to function together. This is not the same as the office of a prophet. This is for one called into it. Some degree of maturity is necessary to function in this office. This office is known to see the invisible, hear the inaudible and therefore can do the impossible. It is focused on intimacy with God.

It gives direction for the will of God to be done on earth. When this dimension is imparted, the believers will walk in accuracy in the spirit, as they will also see the invisible, hear the inaudible and can do the impossible. This office also brings correction when things are not in order. This office discerns the hearts of people and has the grace to speak into the core issues in matters that affect God's Kingdom. It is the office that has been so well explained in the Old Testament as we see various prophetic operations there. Elijah, in 1 Kings 17, shows us how prophets can bring down the judgments of God. The supernatural supply for the widow in famine was also in the operation of the office of a prophet. The process and problems in the office also are seen in Elijah’s life.

All the prophets carry different lessons for us in the prophetic office. The level of intimacy and consecration necessary for this office can be seen also. 'God, before whom I stand' Elijah said. Elisha carried a double portion of the spirit of Elijah and did many more miracles of supply, healing and deliverance in his days. The New Testament prophet is not supposed to curse and may not be the only or ultimate source of the mind of God as in the Old Testament. The outpouring of the Spirit of God on earth today is different from the OT days so we have the Spirit of truth in us to generally guide and lead us. Some specifics in the plans of God are still in the hands of His prophets and we do well to receive the ministry of the prophet today.

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Rev Kola Ewuosho