Safe Boundaries for Prophesying

June 26, 2020

HOW TO PROPHESY WITHIN SAFE PERIMETERS

~ Avoiding Pitfalls & Knowing Your Boundaries ~

I received my calling to the prophetic realm in 1984. The Lord has been raising me up and training me all this time. I feel led to share the various boundaries the Lord has given me in regards to prophesying so hopefully it will help you avoid some of the pitfalls.

At the top of the list of safety is overstepping our metron which often results in backlash from the demonic and people. I have written about the word metron many times. (You may type in the word metron in the search page at my website) Metron comes from a Greek word that Paul spoke of in regards to the measure of authority the Lord gave him to minister. In using this word “metron”, the scripture is clear that the Lord has given us each a measure and our measures are as unique and different as each one of us.

2 Cor 10:12-16 NKJV

For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 13 We, however, will not boast beyond measure, {3358} but within the limits {3358} of the sphere {2583} which God appointed us — a sphere {2583} which especially includes you. 14 For we are not overextending ourselves (as though our authority did not extend to you), for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ; 15 not boasting of things beyond measure, that is, in other men’s labors, but having hope, that as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere, 16 to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s sphere of accomplishment.

Greek Measure:

- NT:3358
- NT:3358 metron (met’-ron); an apparently primary word; a measure (“metre”), literally or figuratively; by implication a limited portion (degree):
- KJV – measure.

Greek Sphere:

- kanon
- NT:2583 kanon (kan-ohn’); from kane (a straight reed, i.e. rod); a rule (“canon”), i.e. (figuratively) a standard (of faith and practice); by implication, a boundary, i.e. (figuratively) a sphere (of activity):
- KJV – line, rule.

Other scriptures using the word “metron”:

Matt 7:2-3 NKJV

For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.

Matt 23:31-33 NKJV

“Therefore you are witnesses against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers’ guilt.

Mark 4:24-25 NKJV

Then He said to them, “Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given.

Luke 6:38 NKJV

Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”

John 3:34 NKJV

For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure.

Rom 12:3 NKJV

For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.

Eph 4:7 NKJV

But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

Eph 4:13 NKJV

Till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;

Ephesians 4:16 KJV

From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Revelation 21:15 KJV

And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.

Revelation 21:17 KJV

And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel.

SCRIPTURAL GUIDELINES TO PROPHESY

The scripture says that to prophesy is to build up/confirm, invite/entreat, and comfort/encourage. I do my best to stay within those boundaries in the things He shares with me.

1 Cor 14:3 NKJV

But he who prophesies speaks edification {3619} and exhortation {3874} and comfort {3889} to men.

TO BUILD UP – Edify

According to the Greek, to build up is raising a structure that is built upon through confirmation. For those of you who are confirmed in your walk in the Lord through reading the Words the Lord gives me, if means that you are being built up or edified. It means that He is building His abiding house inside of you, where you will dwell together in peace and maturity. It also means that together, He is also bringing us together to build up His corporate heavenly house.

TO EDIFY – Greek
oikodome
NT:3619 oikodome (oy-kod-om-ay’); feminine (abstract) of a compound of NT:3624 and the base of NT:1430; architecture, i.e. (concretely) a structure; figuratively, confirmation:
KJV – building, edify (-ication, -ing).
NT:1430
NT:1430 doma (do’-mah); from demo (to build); properly, an edifice, i.e. (specially) a roof:
KJV – housetop.

Other scriptures using the same Greek word, “To Edify”

Matt 24:1 Mark 13:1 Mark 13:2 Rom 14:19 Rom 15:2 1 Cor 3:9 1 Cor 14:3 1 Cor 14:5 1 Cor 14:12 1 Cor 14:26 2 Cor 5:1 2 Cor 10:8 2 Cor 12:19 2 Cor 13:10 Eph 2:21 Eph 4:12 Eph 4:16 Eph 4:29

English synonyms for the word Edification: Uplifting, enlightening, teaching, instructing, guiding, leading, steering. To Edify: coach, direct, raise up, inform, prepare, benefit, uplift, tutor, etc.

TO EXHORT – To implore, bring solace, invite, entreat

In the Greek, the word exhort means to implore and it comes from a root word meaning to call for or invite, perhaps even pray as in pleading.

TO EXHORT – Greek
paraklesis
NT:3874 paraklesis (par-ak’-lay-sis); from NT:3870; imploration, hortation, solace:
KJV – comfort, consolation, exhortation, intreaty.
NT:3870
NT:3870 parakaleo (par-ak-al-eh’-o); from NT:3844 and NT:2564; to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation):
KJV – beseech, call for, (be of good) comfort, desire, (give) exhort (-ation), intreat, pray.
NT:2564
NT:2564 kaleo (kal-eh’-o); akin to the base of NT:2753; to “call” (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, dir. or otherwise):
KJV – bid, call (forth), (whose, whose sur-) name (was [called]).

Other scriptures using the same Greek word, “To Exhort.”

Luke 2:25 Luke 6:24 Acts 4:36 Acts 9:31 Acts 13:15 Acts 15:31 Rom 12:8 Rom 15:4 Rom 15:5 1 Cor 14:3 2 Cor 1:3 2 Cor 1:4 2 Cor 1:5 2 Cor 1:6 2 Cor 1:6 2 Cor 1:7 2 Cor 7:4 2 Cor 7:7 2 Cor 7:13 2 Cor 8:4 2 Cor 8:17 Phil 2:1 1 Thess 2:3 2 Thess 2:16 1 Tim 4:13 Philem 7 Heb 6:18 Heb 12:5 Heb 13:22

English synonyms for the word Exhort: Urge, persuade, sway, promote, prevail upon, press, peptalk, encourage, animate, stimulate, impel, instigate, inspire, provoke, rouse, hasten, recommend, caution, warn, alarm, enjoin, entreat, charge, impress, preach, lecture.

HE SPEAKS THROUGH THE GIFT OF EXHORTATION

{As quoted from the book 101+ Ways God Speaks (And How to Hear Him)

The gift of exhortation is the ability to inspire someone to move forward from the past. It can touch a heart to begin again and move into action. It gives hope and encouragement to see beyond the difficulties and onto a brighter future.

I know a special lady who has a vivacious personality, and loves to talk to people. Throughout the years she’s had a “ministry” to people who are sick. Visiting often, calling and sending cheer, she has been a real uplift to many people. Whether she has ever thought of it as a ministry, I do not know. My guess is that she just considers it a part of her own personality and natural life. But it is obvious that her gift of cheer is God-given and is a wonderful uplift.

For some, this gift needs the balance of patience. An exhorter has the ability to foresee the desired result and is greatly motivated towards helping one obtain it. His zeal is so fervent he needs patience to slow down to the pace of the downhearted one. Someone having this wonderful gift to encourage and motivate others may often seem insensitive to the pain of the moment, being misconstrued as a lack of compassion. Yet, the Holy Spirit has so touched the one who has the gift to exhort, there is great motivation to do something about it.

The gift of exhortation within Jesus’ body is His heart, saying, “I believe in you.” Next time someone reaches out with a smiling touch of words, listen for the Lord’s great zealous heart to motivate you away from the “mully-grubs.” Understand that He waits to see your tear sparkled eye look up and say, “OK Lord, I dare to try again.”

TO COMFORT – To encourage, comfort and console.

To comfort is to give encouragement, consolation, and draw near to in comfort.

TO COMFORT- Greek
paramuthia
NT:3889 paramuthia (par-am-oo-thee’-ah); from NT:3888; consolation (properly, abstract):
KJV – comfort.
NT:3888
NT:3888 paramutheomai (par-am-oo-theh’-om-ahee); from NT:3844 and the middle voice of a derivative of NT:3454; to relate near, i.e. (by implication) encourage, console:
KJV – comfort.

Other Scriptures using the same Greek word, “To Comfort”:

English synonyms for the word Comfort: To console, solace, pacify, calm, compose, tranquilize, give respite, relieve, ease, alleviate, soften, lighten one’s burden, hearten, disburden, support, sustain, bear up, cheer, gladden, divert, warm, nourish, refresh, receive, soothe, compose, reassure, warmth.

Our God is comforting. He speaks ease and consolation to our pain.

“As whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you.” (Isaiah 66:13 NKJV)

PROPHETIC PERSONALITIES

The prophets are called to the believers, to furnish, restore and confirm her. {Perfect and edify}

Eph 4:11-12 KJV

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

PERFECTING
NT:2677
NT:2677 katartismos (kat-ar-tis-mos’); from NT:2675; complete furnishing (objectively):
KJV – perfecting.
NT:2675
NT:2675 katartizo (kat-ar-tid’-zo); from NT:2596 and a derivative of NT:739; to complete thoroughly, i.e. repair (literally or figuratively) or adjust:
KJV – fit, frame, mend, (make) perfect (-ly join together), prepare, restore.

It is a very awesome accountability to speak on behalf of the Lord God. People who prophesy are to concern themselves with getting their message right with as little of self showing as possible, but even more important is conveying Who He is and His heart behind the message.

Often those with a prophetic call get their role models mixed up and identify with the OT personalities of the prophets. Remember, according to the New Testament scriptures, prophets (and the 5-fold ministry) are called to build His people, not unbelievers. It is best to identify with Jesus and how He treated His sheep. Consider the following scriptural descriptions of Jesus; humble, gentle, kind, nurturing. Jesus was stern to the unbelievers who were unrepentant and non-teachable. But He is greatly compassionate to those who are His children.

JESUS’ PERSONALITY

Matt 12:15-21 NLT

But Jesus knew what they were planning. He left that area, and many people followed him. He healed all the sick among them, but he warned them not to say who he was. This fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah concerning him: “Look at my Servant, whom I have chosen. He is my Beloved, and I am very pleased with him. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations. He will not fight or shout; he will not raise his voice in public. He will not crush those who are weak, or quench the smallest hope, until he brings full justice with his final victory. And his name will be the hope of all the world.”

Zech 9:9-10 NLT

Rejoice greatly, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey — even on a donkey’s colt.

Matt 11:29-30 NLT

Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light.”

2 Cor 10:1 NLT

Now I, Paul, plead with you. I plead with the gentleness and kindness that Christ himself would use.

Isa 40:10-11 NLT

He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.

Isa 57:15 NLT

The high and lofty one who inhabits eternity, the Holy One, says this: “I live in that high and holy place with those whose spirits are contrite and humble. I refresh the humble and give new courage to those with repentant hearts.

Lam 3:31-33 NLT

For the Lord does not abandon anyone forever. Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion according to the greatness of his unfailing love. For he does not enjoy hurting people or causing them sorrow.

Ps 103:8-14 NLT

The LORD is merciful and gracious; he is slow to get angry and full of unfailing love. He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He has not punished us for all our sins, nor does he deal with us as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our rebellious acts as far away from us as the east is from the west. The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he understands how weak we are; he knows we are only dust.

PROPHESYING IN ANGER

The Holy Spirit told me many years ago that prophets prophesying in anger and division, and pointing fingers were in danger of being given over to a counterfeit spirit. In such cases they would end up seeing false visions and hearing false voices, if they did not turn from their own bitterness of anger, strife and sowing division in His people. It is the wolf spirit that uses the sharp teeth in his mouth to tear and wound and rip apart. It is the Spirit of the good Shepherd to gather and feed and nurture and heal.

Lying spirits

1 Kings 22:19-23 NKJV

Then Micaiah said, “Therefore hear the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing by, on His right hand and on His left. 20 And the LORD said, ‘Who will persuade Ahab to go up, that he may fall at Ramoth Gilead?’ So one spoke in this manner, and another spoke in that manner. 21 Then a spirit came forward and stood before the LORD, and said, ‘I will persuade him.’ 22 The LORD said to him, ‘In what way?’ So he said, ‘I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.’ And the LORD said, ‘You shall persuade him, and also prevail. Go out and do so.’ 23 Therefore look! The LORD has put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these prophets of yours, and the LORD has declared disaster against you.”

PROPHESYING JUDGMENT

When we point a finger, there are fingers pointing back to us. It is the same with His sword. The sword of God has 2-edges. We must always check the state of our own heart when pointing a finger of warning. In giving such a Word, it is in the lowest possible place that we must bow. To do so with our hearts lifted up, is a very scary place of being seriously cut back.

Be very careful when you are prophesying judgment. The scriptures reveal that our Papa’s heart searches all over the world for intercessors to stand in the gap and pray against such possibilities. It is not His heart to bring death, but to grant loving-kindness towards a repentant people. It is my understanding that the prophet who prophesies judgments without the accompanying urgent call to prayer does not have the heart of God.

I have written much on the fact that the church is all that is left of the salt that protects the world from death. It is our responsibility to cover those who are not innocent and pray they be given time and opportunity to hear the gospel and receive Jesus.

Ezek 33:10-11 NKJV

Say to them: ‘As I live,’ says the Lord GOD,’I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’

Ezek 18:31-32 NKJV

Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,” says the Lord GOD. “Therefore turn and live!”

PROPHESYING EMOTIONS

I try to gauge my feelings when I am writing under inspiration. I try very hard not to personalize what I am sharing. That means that if I am feeling frustration or uptight about life, then I do not prophesy it. The feelings of my flesh are not God’s heart for His people.

He can inspire my emotions, but if He does, I make sure they are always under the barometer of love and grace. It is also very important that the Words which flow are not laced with underlying bitterness. If so, it will be imparted to those who hear.

Above all, try to keep a general overall positive tone. If a message leans towards being a negative word or a rebuke, then “parent” the tone with as much love and pleading as possible.

PROPHESYING IN ARROGANCE

Remember the above scriptures about how Jesus ministered what He heard and He saw. Mostly He was a humble Teacher. He was not driven with a restless, pacing spirit. He did not sweat. He did not strive. His heart and voice and attitudes were not arrogant. He did not look down upon others, rather He served them. He was not haughty in His voice against the demons. He did not have to yell at them or force them to comply. He knew Who He was, and simply walked in that, without debating His calling with anyone. He ministered out of a resting, abiding fellowship with what He heard and saw from His Father.

BACKLASH FROM DEMONS AND PEOPLE

When we declare God’s Word, whether it be in prophesy, warfare or teaching, we have 2 options. We can do it from a place of intimacy with Him in the secret place, or we can do it out in the open and risk backlash. Look what happened to Joseph when he reached beyond his wall of safety:

Gen 49:22-23 NLT

“Joseph is a fruitful tree, a fruitful tree beside a fountain. His branches reach over the wall. He has been attacked by archers, who shot at him and harassed him.

When we prophesy with the wrong heart or without the purity of His heart, we end up prophesying out of presumption and that causes us to go outside of our metron. When we operate outside of the given measure of authority that He has established for us, it is like reaching beyond our hedge of protection. This leaves us wide open to suffer the brunt of demonic and/or people backlash.

REPENTING OF PRESUMPTION

The quickest way to come back under your covering or your wall of protection and declare His Word from the secret place is to repent of presumption… Presumption is assuming that you are conveying the message or the heart of God. Presumption can also be assuming the timing of God. When we prophesy from a wrong motive, or give a wrong message, have the wrong heart, or attitude, it is presumption.

We each must be our own judge and candle what we say, and how we say it. I trust that the Lord will raise up His spokespeople, hone their giftings with His clear Word and call over His beloved church.

HE SPEAKS THROUGH PROPHECY

{As quoted from the book 101+ Ways God Speaks (And How to Hear Him)

Prophecy is the inspired speaking forth of the mind of God. When hearing the Lord through the gift of prophecy, give Him time to confirm His Words in other ways. His confirmations will safeguard against false prophecy. There are some standards by which prophecy should comply:

Prophecy will:

1. Be in one accord with the scriptures. (2 Timothy 3:16)
2. Glorify Jesus, God’s Son. (1 John 4:1-3)
3. Edify, not tear down. Build the body toward wholeness, not bring division or strife. (Ephesians 4:12)
4. Love the sinner, hate sin. (John 8:3-11)
5. Convict, but not condemn. (John 3:17)
6. Present the Lord as a solution, if it declares a problem. (Ephesians 3:20,21)
7. Be non-controlling. (2 Timothy 2:24)
8. Be valid through the proof of time. (Deuteronomy 18:21,22)
9. Be tested. (1 Corinthians 14:29)
10. Be a sign to the unbelievers. (1 Corinthians 14: 24,25)
11. Exhort. Gives invitation and entreaty. (1 Corinthians 14:3)
12. Comfort. It consoles and encourages. (1 Corinthians 14:3)
13. Be given in proportion to the speaker’s faith. (Romans 12:6)

Even the best of prophesy can be misdirected because of human input. I have known people who have heard the Lord’s Word, and yet not conveyed His heart and intent through prophesy. Usually this happens, because although they have actually heard the Lord’s Word about certain issues, they take it another step and attempt to interpret how the Lord is feeling. For the most part, these prophesies are in error because they interpret God to be some angry force that is wrathfully spanking His kids. I am sure anyone who has ever heard prophesy has come across this at one time or another! The best way to prophesy is to stay within the scripture: “But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men.” (1 Corinthians 14:3 NKJV)

Edification means to build up, to promote another’s growth. Exhortation means to console, encourage and comfort. Comfort also means to calm. [#3619, 3874, and 3889 Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, Greek.]

The best example I have ever heard of prophesying was when a man was called out of an audience and told, “It’s not over, until it’s over.” He was told even though he thought he had retired and life would be down hill from there on, the Lord had plans for him and he had yet his best to offer others and to God. It was a very consoling and encouraging message to someone who thought he was too old and outdated. The message was so encouraging that his wife who sat next to him cried joyful tears.

The highest standard for all prophesy is love. Those who prophesy are called to encourage the bride of Christ, and will be held accountable as to how they treat His bride. No matter what the message, any harsh prophesy short of love is abuse.

1 Cor 13 NLT

If I could speak in any language in heaven or on earth but didn’t love others, I would only be making meaningless noise like a loud gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I knew all the mysteries of the future and knew everything about everything, but didn’t love others, what good would I be? And if I had the gift of faith so that I could speak to a mountain and make it move, without love I would be no good to anybody. 3 If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would be of no value whatsoever.

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. 6 It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 8 Love will last forever, but prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will all disappear. 9 Now we know only a little, and even the gift of prophecy reveals little! 10 But when the end comes, these special gifts will all disappear.

It’s like this: When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child does. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. 12 Now we see things imperfectly as in a poor mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God knows me now. 13 There are three things that will endure — faith, hope, and love — and the greatest of these is love.