SCHOOL OF THE PROPHETIC—

Stephen A. Hanson

Week 4—“Timing With Giving Prophetic Words & Waiting on the Vision”

Timing

Gal. 4:4 Mk. 1:15--Waiting on the prophetic promise is very important.
Eccl. 3:1--What is the season in your life? (You need to know it.)
Hab. 2:3--The vision is for an appointed time.
**Judge the prophet by his character, and his fruits.
**Consider the "content" of the word, and "accuracy". Spirit in which it is given.
Ishmael--We will produce an Ishmael when we run ahead of God.

Don't run ahead, or lag behind. God is always on time!

Spirit Witness

If you want to know the specific will of God, depart from evil, do good, and seek peace. Ps. 34:14.
--Don't do anything until you have peace.

Fruit of Spirit

Need gifts and fruits. Spiritual mind is shown by a life of peace. Rom. 8:6

Clearance

"Strainings"..Acts 16:6, 9
Counsel

Seeks wise counsel--Prov. 12:15; 11:14; 15:22; 19:20, 21; 20:18; 24:6
Confirmation

II Co. 13:1--Every matter confirmed by 2 or more witnesses.

Unity

In agreement. Ps. 33:1; Matt. 18:19; Judges 20:11; Acts 2:1
Wisdom is Supreme--therefore get wisdom
Prov. 4:7

RO'EH-HOZEH AND NABBI

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I thought it might be good to talk about the "reception" or the "receiving" of a prophetic word, vs. the "speaking" of that prophetic message or word. The two words being used here are RO'EH-HOZEH, and nabbi'. Nabbi' referrs to the "speaking forth" of a prophetic message, or to "bubble up."

  Also, in looking at I Sam. 9:9, it states, "He that is now called a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer." The thought is that the person who was called a "seer" (ro'eh) in the time of Samuel came later to be called "prophet" (nabbi) in the time when I Sam. was written. It also needs to be pointed out that both terms mean "to see." However, many of us involved in prophetic ministry would realize that oftentimes, a message comes to us beforehand, we "receive" it, we listen as the Lord is saying these things to us. This reception is called in Hebrew RO'EH-HOZEH. There may be a matter of time between when we hear God speaking a word to us, and when we actually "speak" it forth.

  I found myself this last Sunday going to a particular church in town here to deliver a "word" for the congregation. I had "received" the message about a week beforehand, and had come to the church, but no one was there that Sunday. This made me wonder at the time, what I should do with it. This word was one of which had been sent out to the body of Christ. The word was, entitled, MY SHEEP. At the time, I knew that it had significance for this church, partly because it began speaking about Zion being the home of God, and that in ages past he dwelt among his people, but now in these days, he dwells with us in our spirits. The name of the church was Zion Full Gospel Church, a relatively small church, but filled with people who had a zeal and fervor for serving the Lord.

  As mentioned before, I sent out this word to the body of Christ at large because it seemed to have some "universal" application. But I knew that somehow, I needed to take it, and run with it. There is a "waiting" upon the Lord for His timing in these matters I believe. When God speaks to us, remember that we need to consider how and when the message should be "delivered." When worshiping and praising the Most High God in a service or worship time in a church, and a word is "received," then usually it is delivered very soon afterwards, or immediately, during the time of worship. But perhaps, during the week, and in our prayer time, we "receive" a word or message for a particular individual or church. Inquire of the Lord as to "how" and "when", or even "if" we should deliver this message. It may or may not be immediately.

  Timing becomes very important for prophetic people, especially when they must consider when and how to deliver a particular word. The God we serve is one in which we can continually seek for guidance and wisdom in these matters. He not only is there to give the word, but is there to enlighten and guide us every step of the way, so that we know how and when to speak it. This scripture then, can become our guiding light when considering these things:

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:

a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and
a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to
refrain,
a time to search and a time to
give up,
a time to keep and a time to
throw away,
a time to tear and a time to
mend,
a time to be silent and a time
to speak,
a time to love and a time to
hate,
a time for war and a time for peace. Ecc. 3:1-8

Activation:rity

Receiving a Word for Our Local Church or Corporate Body:

During this week we are going to go deeper into sharing what the Lord is saying to us. Last week, we shared a word of knowledge for an individual or the group, and this time I am asking you to share a thought for the entire group. This will give you the opportunity to begin to share words for your local body of believers.

During this time I want you to find a quiet place and ask the Lord what He may be saying to you for the group. Remember that: ³But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. I Cor. 14 This is to be done in a safe and controlled environment where no harsh or judgmental words are being offered.

To conclude, as you consider the scripture in 1 Cor. 14:26, "What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church." Consider these things and see if you fit into this pattern from the scripture.