Ministry 101Sýnishorn

Teaching and learning Scripture are much more than academic exercises. Both involve being guided by God’s principles in relationship to others, as well as knowing and responding to God. Studying God’s Word calls for the learner to put the Word of God into practice, not just to hear it (Jas. 1:22). It involves hearing a word from the outside and putting it on the inside, so that it may be expressed in our every action. Proverbs 2 tells us to incline our ears unto wisdom; to apply our hearts to understanding; to cry after knowledge; to lift up our voices for understanding; to seek knowledge as silver and search for her like hidden treasures—and then we will understand and find the knowledge of God (Prov. 2:1–7). God says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6), and He admonishes us to meditate on His Word day and night that we may observe to do all that is written therein.

All things should be done for the purpose of edifying others. If those around us cannot be taught by what we are doing, then we shouldn’t do it. Just as with the gift of tongues (spoken in the church to benefit everyone), so it is with the gift of prophesying. Those who listen should learn and be comforted.

The end result of prophesying is to comfort, encourage, edify, strengthen, exhort, stimulate and help. These results should be the guidelines for prophesying within the New Testament church.

We, as believers, are given the sole responsibility in ministry to build others up. This takes place in various ways as we walk in love, promote harmony and peace, and seek the true welfare of others. We must prophesy unto the edifying of the church, and speak things that are good and beneficial for the spiritual progress of others.

Thank you to Andrew Wommack for providing this plan. For more information, please visit https://www.awmi.net/.