Safeguard No. 1. Scripture Knowledge. The prophet's most important safeguard in understanding God's word for the moment is of course the Holy Scriptures. Not only must a prophet believe in the inerrancy of Scripture and submit himself to the standard of God's written Word, the prophet must become personally immersed in God's written Word. God's minister should have a sound head knowledge of scriptural truths and principles drawn from thoughtful and long-term study, and also personal, first-hand experience of applying the truths of Scripture to all of life's situations. Such a solid framework enables the prophetic person to ascertain the legitimacy of the word that comes to him by the Holy Spirit.

The DANGER of operating without a thorough knowledge of scripture is the tendency to superimpose our own personal experiences over God's written Word. This practice eventually leads to the emergence of false doctrine, presently a serious problem in the body of Christ. (2 Timothy 4:3, 2 John 1:10)

Safeguard No. 2. Awareness. The prophet's second safeguard is a practical understanding of the times in which he or she lives. During David's struggle with king Saul, he gathered an army to meet at Hebron. Among those who joined him were the men of Issachar. The scripture says that they were men who understood the times and knew what had to be done (I Chronicles 12:32). A prophet who carries burdens for and speaks or writes about nations, kingdoms, cultures, and governments, should have a reasonable grasp of the world in which he lives. He should be able to frame his word for the moment into the context of history, geopolitical and economic forces, and human nature. But God also speaks to individual needs as well. In such cases, awareness is not always possible. Nor is it necessarily required. Sometimes, the Holy Spirit reveals a specific personal need or area through prayer alone. This kind of ministry involves great sensitivity and practice to hone to perfection.

The DANGER of operating with little or no awareness is that our knowledge of God remains provincial and narrow, limited by our own personal experience. Without a broad view, we tend to misinterpret events in light of our own limited sphere of understanding. The flip side of this problem, and one that reveals itself more in one-on-one ministry or personal prophecy (see Week 18), is that too much familiarity can also color or taint our word.

Safeguard No. 3. Accountability. The prophet's third safeguard is the body of Christ. No one called to be God's prophet can afford to walk alone. The prophet can protect himself from most error by making himself accountable to other mature and supportive believers around him. In this context, the prophet can learn by taking small steps and testing his intuitive capabilities to hear God. God's Prophets are called as part of a team of five ministry gifts to the Church (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers - Ephesians 4:11) and must learn to walk alongside and in harmony with the other four.

The DANGERs of operating outside of the body of Christ are numerous. Many prophetically gifted people, not committed to walking in submitted and accountable relationships, have become prideful and arrogant, even laws unto themselves. Prophetically gifted souls and their followers who fail to integrate and flow with the body of Christ, often morph into cultic expressons, leading many astray.

A spiritual gift not yet mentioned in this series, one that is very helpful at times in this area of ministry, is the gift of discerning of spirits (I Corinthians 12:10). Those with this gift are supernaturally empowered by God to ascertain whether a word originates 1) within the speaker, 2) from a demonic source, or 3) is truly of God. This gift might also be considered as another safeguard for God's Prophets.

Has God called you to be one of His prophets? Do you think you might have the gift of "seeing" and "hearing" what is on the Father heart of God? Have you tested the waters? Is your burden for individuals only, or do you have a sense of what God is doing among the nations? How much of your sense of God's word for the moment is shaped by what others are saying around you? Are you really hearing from God on your own or are you simply echoing the words of others? Are you familiar with the principles of Scripture? Be careful. God warns us not to shoot off our mouths until He is ready for us to speak.

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
James 1:19

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Over the next three weeks, we will be looking at the theme of how God prepares His prophets for ministry. Next week we will look at The Preparation of the Prophet.

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