Barnabas Ministries UK

Rev. John Willoughby

MOTIVATIONAL GIFTS

(All Scriptures in NKJV, unless otherwise noted.)

II. PROPHETIC.

1. MOTIVATION.

a) It meets spiritual needs. “If prophecy, let us prophecy in proportion to our faith” (Rom 12:6).

b) The ‘Seer’. The motivation to make motives and attitudes right and to discern and declare spiritual truth. It is having spiritual insight, with the ability to ‘see’ where people or programmes really are.

2. CHARACTERISTICS.

a) Insight. An ability to discern (‘see’) character, motives and attitudes in people and projects. This includes an ability to pinpoint insincerity and hypocrisy, and to be indignant about it. He is concerned with the abuse of Biblical truth.

b) Speech. They have a directness, persuasiveness and frankness, so that they may be viewed as harsh or blunt. They will often reprove evil openly without fear of response. Sometimes tears accompany their words and they can talk in great detail about the matter in hand.

c) Sensitivity. They may seem outwardly to be rather tough and blunt, but are often very sensitive and can experience an inward weeping over their own faults and the failings of others.

d) Strict standards. There is an intensity in a ‘prophetic person’, setting very high standards for themselves and others. Their emphasis is on the truth – black or white, right or wrong. They tend to love the Bible, which is the truth. They tend to press for decisions and have a need to see immediate outward evidence of internal changes.

3. JOHN THE BAPTIST. MT 3:1-15.

* v3. He depended on scripture to seal his authority and ministry (Jn 3:34).

* v2, 7-10. He was direct and frank in his speech saying (Jn 3:36).

* v1-2, 5-6. He looked for immediate repentance.

* v7-10. He had the courage to reprove evil openly (Mt 14:4).

* v7. He was able to discern hidden motives in people.

* v4. He lived a lonely and separate life, because of his call.

* v10. He was zealous for God’s honour and purposes – to the point of being martyred (Lk 9:9).

* v11-12. He pointed to Jesus (Jn 3:29-30).

4. DANGER AREAS.

* They can be too intense, dogmatic, frank and overbearing and are sometimes prone to overstate the situation.

* They tend to be too introspective and can be too tough on themselves.

* They can have very strongly held views and can be too demanding and critical of others.

* Their public boldness, strict standards and often strong personalities can hinder development of intimate personal relationships.

* Due to their lifestyle, they can be easily misunderstood by others.

* If thoughts are bottled up inside, they can say the wrong thing at the wrong time, in the wrong spirit.

5. SOME ADVICE.

a) To others and pastors. Do not be fearful of asking their opinions concerning spiritual things and projects – even though you may not want to hear what they have to say! Encourage them and give them room to grow in their gifting and thus be a blessing to others.

b) To ‘prophetic’. Keep in touch with your leaders (for affirmation, approval, encouragement and correction). Do not go your own way. Find a friend who will let you talk your heart out in order to let go of your thoughts and feelings. Women ‘insights’ should rely heavily on the confirmation and ‘covering’ of a mature husband.

“The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.” and “though I …. understand all mysteries and all knowledge and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.” (Prov 29:25. I Cor 13:2)