By Rodney W.

Francis
 “THE GOSPEL FAITH
MESSENGER” MINISTRY

All Rights Reserved: No part of this manual may be altered in

any way. All enquiries should be sent to:-

“THE GOSPEL FAITH MESSENGER” MINISTRY

P.O. BOX 5601
FRANKTON
HAMILTON 2031
NEW ZEALAND
Telephone: (64 7) 846 6555
Fax: (64 7) 846 6418
E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]
Web Page: http://www.gospel.org.nz
2 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
 INTRODUCTION / 3

SCHOOL OF THE
HOLY SPIRIT
Contents
INTRODUCTION 7
DO YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE? 9
AN OVERVIEW OF THE NINE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT 19
LEARNING HOW TO PROPHESY 31
MORE HINDRANCES TO THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT 49
RECOGNIZING HOW AND WHEN GOD SPEAKS TO US 55
LEARNING TO CO-OPERATE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT 63
THE WORD OF WISDOM 71
THE WORD OF KNOWLEDGE 77
PROPHETIC MINISTRY THROUGH MUSICAL
INSTRUMENTS AND SINGERS 93
PROSPERING THROUGH THE PROPHETIC 103
GUARDING THE PROPHETIC WORD OVER YOUR LIFE 109
THE MINISTRY OF IMPARTATION 121
DEVELOPING YOUR POWERS OF PERCEPTION 133
KNOWING JESUS “IN THE SPIRIT!” 141
A CHALLENGE TO PROPHETIC ACCURACY 149
A FINAL MESSAGE FROM THE AUTHOR 156

This Manual was updated in August 2006

4 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

The vision and impact statement of “The Gospel Faith Messenger” Ministry is:

“Equipping For Leadership In The Nations Through

The Power Of The Holy Spirit.”

This publication is dedicated to helping YOU do just that!

 INTRODUCTION / 5

This series of teachings is dedicated to all who sincerely desire to learn more from the Word of God
in order to live a God-glorifying lifestyle and to those who will use them to teach others the positives
of the Holy Spirit Ministry in the here and now.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Scriptural basis of these studies are taken from King James Version (KJV) of the Bible.

Scripture quotations marked (AMP) are taken from The Amplified Bible. Old Testament
Copyright © 1965, 1987 by The Zondervan Corporation. The Amplified New Testament Copyright
© 1958, 1987 by Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Verses marked (TLB) are taken from The Living Bible Copyright © 1971. Used by permission
of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL 60189, USA. All rights reserved.

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version marked (NIV). Copyright © 1973,
1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Hodder and Stoughton Limited,
London, England.

Scriptures marked (GNB) are taken from the Good News Bible.

Word meanings marked (Bullinger’s) are taken from “A Critical Lexicon and Concordance to the
English and Greek New Testament” by E.W. Bulliger. Published by Zondervan, Grand Rapids,
Michigan 49506, USA.

Word meanings marked (Wilson’s) are taken from “Wilson’s Old Testament Word Studies.”
Published by Hendrickson Publishers, PO Box 3473, Peabody, MA 01961-3473, USA.

Word meanings marked (Strong’s) are taken from “The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of
the Bible” by James Strong, LL.D., S.T.D. Copyright © 1984. Permission to use granted by
Thomas Nelson Publisher, PO Box 141000, Nashville, Tennessee 37214-1000, USA.

Word meanings marked (Young’s) are taken from “Analytical Concordance to the Holy Bible”
by Robert Young, LL.D. (8th Edition). Published by Lutterworth Press, London, England.

Word meanings marked (Collins) are taken from “Collins English Dictionary” Copyright © 1979
by William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd., PO Box 476 GPO, Sydney 2001, Australia.
6 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
 INTRODUCTION / 7

INTRODUCTION
Everywhere I go these days, whether it be to the Fiji Islands, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Tonga,
Tanzania, Kenya, Barbados, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, USA, Canada, Great Britain, Switzerland,
Nepal, India, Italy, Germany, Singapore or Malaysia, and even here in New Zealand, I find there is
a real interest in knowing more about the things of the Holy Spirit. Not just the theories of the Gifts
and Ministries of the Holy Spirit, but “How do they actually work and how can I release them
through my own life?”

Christianity must be much more than theories and knowledge alone - if it doesn’t work for us it
becomes quite useless. We must be able to “practice what we believe and preach” if we want to
see it working effectively in and through us. This is especially so in the area of the Gifts of the Holy
Spirit. So many Spirit-filled believers have knowledge of them, but only a relatively few (in comparison)
seem to break through into the actual experience of releasing them to bless and build the Body
of Christ.

“School Of The Holy Spirit” is a compilation of Sessions that I run to help Christians to know who
they are and what they can do in the area of Holy Spirit ministry. My desire is to see people released
to live a very blessed, fulfilled lifestyle of service to God through the Gifts and Ministries of the Holy
Spirit. Scores have prophesied for the first time in their life at the “Learning How To Prophesy”
Seminars.

May this Manual be a real means of help and release for you as you seek to co-operate with the
Holy Spirit to build up the Body of Christ today.

“... since you are so eager and ambitious to possess spiritual

endowments and manifestations of the (Holy) Spirit,
[concentrate on] striving to excel and to abound [in them]
in ways that will build up the church”
( 1 Corinthians 14:12, AMP.).

- Rodney W. Francis
8 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
 DO
YOU
KNOW
WHO
YOU
ARE?
 10 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
 DO YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE? / 11
NOTES
DO YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE?
By Rodney W. Francis (Hamilton, New Zealand).

K
nowing who you are is one of the most important issues in life. Knowing who
you are determines the type of person you are, the life you lead, the vision
you carry, the faith level you live at, the challenges you will rise to. What you
believe about you is a powerful "seed" that is setting the course of your future. What
you believe depends on what you know.

So, ask yourself:

• What do you know about you (as a Christian)?

• Do you know what Jesus says about you?

Think about the following – and believe the truth of Jesus' Word:

"You are the salt of the earth . . . " (Matthew 5:13, NIV).

"You are the light of the world . . . " (Matthew 5:14, NIV).

One of the keys to an effective Christian life is in knowing who you are:

• Knowing who you are as a person.

• Knowing who you are as a born-again, Spirit-filled believer:

"You have been regenerated – born again – not from a mortal origin (seed,
sperm) but from one that is immortal by the ever living and lasting Word of
God" (1 Peter 1:23, AMP).

• Knowing the will and calling of God upon your life:

"Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and
election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall . . . " (2 Peter 1:1-
10, NIV).

"You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear
fruit – fruit that will last” (John 15:16, NIV).
• Knowing what your strengths are.
• Knowing what your weaknesses are.
• Knowing what your "gift-mix" or "gift-mixes" are, i.e. whether you are
an apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor or teacher (in the present or in the
future):

"It was He (Christ) Who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some
to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's
people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up . . . "
(Ephesians 4:11-12, NIV); or . . .
 12 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
• Knowing what Gifts of the Holy Spirit you flow in the best:

"But to each one is given the manifestation of the (Holy) Spirit – that is, the
evidence, the spiritual illumination of the Spirit – for good and profit. To one
is given in and through the (Holy) Spirit [the power to speak] a message of
wisdom, and to another [the power to express] a word of knowledge and
understanding according to the same (Holy) Spirit; to another the extraordinary
powers of healing by the one Spirit; To another the working of miracles, to
another prophetic insight – that is, the gift of interpreting the divine will and
purpose; to another the ability to discern and distinguish between [the
utterances of true] spirits [and false ones], to another various kinds of
[unknown] tongues, to another the ability to interpret [such] tongues" (1
Corinthians 12:7-10, AMP).

• Knowing whether or not you are a helps or administrative person more

than say, a prophetic person:

“Now you (collectively) are Christ’s body and (individually) you are members
of it, each part severally and distinct – each with his own place and function.
So God has appointed some in the church (for His own use): first apostles
(special messengers); second prophets (inspired preachers and expounders);
third teachers, then wonder-workers, then those with ability to heal the sick,
helpers, administrators, [speakers in] different [unknown] tongues” (1
Corinthians 12:27-28, AMP).

• Knowing whether or not you are called to be a "No.1" Leader, or a "No.2"

Leader, or to be part of a team that makes a vision successful?

• Knowing how to make decisions.

• Knowing how to live with those decisions.

• Knowing how to handle people, i.e. having good people skills.

• Knowing how to communicate clearly, so others also know what you are
carrying in your heart.

For one who is called to effective Leadership in the Kingdom of God it is vital to know:

• That God is the Author of that call:

"You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you . . . " (John 15:16, KJV).

"And he said, The God of our fathers has chosen you, that you should know
His will, and see that Just One (Jesus), and should hear the voice of His mouth.
For you shall be His witness unto all men of what you have seen and heard"
(Acts 22:14-15, KJV).
 DO YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE? / 13
NOTES
• That God has saved you and totally forgiven you:
"And you, who were dead in trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your
flesh – your sensuality, your sinful carnal nature – [God] brought to life
together with [Christ], having (freely) forgiven us all our transgressions"
(Colossians 2:13, AMP.).

• That God has washed you in the Blood of Jesus:

" . . . unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood"
(1 John 1:5, KJV);
"These are they who came out of great tribulation, and have washed them
white in the Blood of the Lamb" (Revelation 7:14, KJV).

• That God has brought you into resurrection life through the act of water
baptism (Romans 6).

• That God has filled you with the same Holy Spirit that raised Jesus Christ
from the dead:

"If the Spirit of God, Who raised Jesus from death, lives in you, then He Who
raised Christ from death will also give life to your mortal bodies by the
presence of His Spirit in you" (Romans 8:11, GNB).

• That God is not ashamed to identify with you as His sons and daughters:

" . . . because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you
did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received
the Spirit of sonship. And by Him we cry, 'Abba, Father.' The Spirit Himself
testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children,
then we are heirs – heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share
in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory" (Romans 8:14-
17, NIV). (See also 2 Corinthians 6:16-18.)

• That God believes in you:

"Being confident of this very thing, that He Who has begun a good work in
you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6, KJV). (See also
Ephesians 2:10 and 1 John 3:1-3.)

• That God has invested Himself in you:

"That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be

strengthened with might (Greek word is "dunamis") by His Spirit in the inner
man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that you, being rooted
and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the
breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ,
which passes knowledge, that you might be filled with all the fullness of
God. Now unto Him Who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all we
ask or think, according to the power that works in us, Unto Him be glory in
 14 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen"
(Ephesians 3:16-21, KJV). (See also Colossians 1.)

• That God has made you an ambassador for Christ.

What is an ambassador?

A fuller meaning of the word "ambassador" is:

"1. short for ambassador extraordinary plenipotentiary; a diplomatic
minister of the highest rank, accredited as permanent representative to another
country or sovereign.
2. ambassador extraordinary, a diplomatic minister of the highest rank
sent on a special mission.
3. ambassador plenipotentiary, a diplomatic minister of the first rank with
treaty-signing powers.
4. ambassador-at-large, an ambassador with special duties who may be sent
to more than one government.
5. an authorized representative or messenger" (Collins).
The word "plenipotentiary" means:
"1. (especially of a diplomatic envoy) invested with or possessing full power
or authority.
2. conferring full power or authority.
3. (of power or authority) full; absolute.
4. a person invested with full authority to transact business, especially a
diplomat authorized to represent a country" (Collins).

We need to take some time to consider what we have just read, for it is a clear
description of who we Christians really are. We have been invested with power and
authority to speak and act on the behalf of the King of the Kingdom we represent,
which is the Kingdom of God! We have been chosen by God through Jesus Christ
to represent Him and His Kingdom here on earth! We are His ministers of the highest
rank, invested with His full power and authority to do His business (will).

• Do you know this?

• Do you know who you are?

To be "the salt of the earth" and "the light of the world" is exactly what being
an ambassador is all about! Commissioned by the King of the Kingdom Himself! That
makes us very special indeed!

"We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making His
appeal through us . . . " (2 Corinthians 5:20, NIV).

• That God chose to make your physical body His dwelling place, His home
or place of residence, where He lives right now!

"Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit
lives in you? . . . God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple" (1 Corinthians
3:16, NIV).
 DO YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE? / 15
NOTES
"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, Who is in
you, Whom you have received from God? You are not your own: you were
bought at a price. Therefore honour God with your body" (1 Corinthians 6:19-
20, NIV).

• Do you know these things?

• Do you live in the light of the truth of these things?

Or . . . do you choose to set a lower standard for yourself and see yourself as a "need-
orientated" person still struggling to accept the truth of the Word of God?

I have come to this conclusion: As Christians we can pray, fast, read the Bible, go to
every Christian meeting, be involved in so many church things, etc. (and these are
all very good and desirable things to do), but if after all that we still see ourselves
as being "useless nobody's" who can't make decisions, still feel inferior to
others, still bound up by fear, etc., then that is the level in life we live at. We
live according to the level of our self-esteem or at the level we see ourselves!

If you are a negative person who carries a negative belief about yourself, then you
will be hindered in your releasing the ministry of the Holy Spirit through your life.
That is why it is so important that you know who you are. Right now, make a positive
decision to believe what the Word of God says to you as a born-again, Spirit-filled
follower of Jesus Christ. What He says about you, and what you say about you, are
often two very widely separated positions of opinion!

We must choose to live according to what God declares about us in His Word
as His new creations in Christ, or we will live at the level which our own
mind-set dictates to us. Our mind-set and way of thinking about us usually
sets a standard far below that which God has set for us. What level are you
living at?

GIDEON:

Gideon is a very good example of a person who was locked into a negative mind-
set and life-style (Judges 6 to 8). Israel was in bondage to the Midianites. Their strategy
was to keep Israel subjected by controlling the food supply, which in turn kept the
likes of Gideon physically weakened. Gideon, however, had managed to secretly grow
some wheat and was in the process of threshing it when an angel of God appeared
to him. Gideon would have been malnourished, hungry and lean! Yet, in spite of
those circumstances, the angel proclaimed to him, "The Lord is with you, you
mighty ("strong, powerful; very great in extent, importance" or "warrior, tyrant,
champion; one who excels" - Strong's) man of valour ("strength: courageous and
brave, especially in battle")."

What Gideon was experiencing, feeling and believing was not what the angel was
declaring! The angel saw the potential in Gideon to rise to greater things. But at that
point in time Gideon did not know who he was. He did not know the power of the
word and will of God for his life. Gideon was so caught-up in his own circumstances,
disappointments and discouragements he could not take it all in. His response was
 16 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
NOTES
a negative, "How can it be ... Why is all this happening to me? ... Where's God in
all this? ... Who me? .... Hang on there; I'm from a poor family ... and the least
important one at that! ... There must be others better than me ...”

Because Gideon did not know who he was, his mind-set and confession was built
around complaining and excuses. But God declared to him that he was a mighty
champion, able to excel ("surpass; to be outstandingly good or proficient" - Collins)!
That experience left Gideon in a position where he had to make a choice. The
choice was:

1. "Do I believe what the angel (God's Word) says about me?" or
2. "Do I believe what I say about me?"

If he chose the first, he would be able to see things change for the better. He would
really discover and know who he was in God. If he chose the second, life would
continue on its negative way. He would never know who he was as a person, a
Christian and a man of God.

With some trepidation Gideon chose to believe what God said and, from that time,
a positive change began for (and in) Gideon that saw him rise to lead Israel back into
its God-ordained position of being the victors (not the victims). The more Gideon co-
operated with God the more he discovered who he was – and the more he rose to
become a great Leader. In fact Gideon's life so changed that he became a powerful
force for good and God. Under his Leadership Israel enjoyed 40 years of safety and
security (Judges 8:28), whereas prior to that they were slaves to the Midianites.

Gideon represents your life and mine. The same choices he had are the same
choices we have today. Are you going to believe what God says about you?
Or, Are you going to believe what you say about you?

When we know who we are we carry a vision, a sense of destiny and purpose. We
know we are on a journey, a mission; we have a task to fulfil. That task is bigger than
ourselves and we need others (like-minded) to help us fulfil it.

When we know who we are we lead others, because we know where we are going.
We know something of how to get there. We take responsibility for the decisions
made and know we have to live with the consequences.

If we don't know who we are, then we cannot be a Leader, but only a follower.

What is a follower?

A follower follows someone else. A follower does not have to make decisions or take
responsibility for decisions made; a follower can always hide behind someone else
when things go wrong. When we know who we are – ambassadors of the King of
the Kingdom – we don't have to hide or rely on others to make our decisions for us.
 DO YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE? / 17
NOTES
THREE VITAL QUESTIONS:
1. Do you know who you are?

2. Do you know who you are in God?

3. Do you know Who God is in you?

Effective Leadership is determined according to the way you can answer the above
three questions. Knowing who you are in God is the ability to believe what
God's Word says about you more than what you say about you!

Knowing Who God is in you is what releases the Holy Spirit's power and
ministry out of you to touch a needy world around you. He chose to make
His base for His earthly operations in you and me! He sent Jesus and the Holy
Spirit to set-up residence in our lives, out of which He wants to impact others
around us:

"However, we possess this precious treasure [the divine Light of the

Gospel] in [frail, human] vessels of earth, that the grandeur and exceeding
greatness of the power may be shown to be of God and not from
ourselves" (2 Corinthians 4:7, AMP.).

The word "power" here is from the Greek word "dunamis" meaning "natural
capability, inherent power; capability of anything, ability to perform anything; then,
absolutely, not merely power capable of action, but, power in action" (Bullinger's).

God is now "Greater in us, than he (Satan) that is in the world" (1 John 4:4, KJV).

And He is "able to do exceeding abundantly above all we can ask or think,

according to the power ("dunamis") that works in us" (Ephesians 3:20, KJV).

The word "works" here is from the Greek word "energeo" meaning, "to be active,
efficient, be mighty in" (Strong's).

God's will is that the "dunamis" of His Holy Spirit will be actively outworking from
our lives as we fulfil our calling of being "the salt of the earth," "the light of the
world" and true ambassadors for Jesus in our generation.

Make very sure you know who you are today!

Your future depends on it!


 18 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
 AN
OVERVIEW
OF
THE NINE
GIFTS
OF THE HOLY
SPIRIT
 20 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
 AN OVERVIEW OF THE NINE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT / 21
NOTES
AN OVERVIEW OF THE NINE GIFTS
OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
By Alistair Taylor (United Kingdom) and
Rodney W. Francis (Hamilton, New Zealand).

INTRODUCTION:

“W HY IS IT that the Pentecostal Churches are growing at such a

phenomenal rate? Is it possible they have the Gifts of the Spirit which
we have not?” (Dr. Donald Coggin, former Archbishop of Canterbury).

“A church where Charismatic Gifts in all their wonder and variety are not in evidence
is something less than the Church founded at Pentecost” (Donald Bloesch).
---------------------
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit have been given to build the Church and make it whole.
We neglect them to our own loss. The Holy Spirit has been given, complete with nine
beautiful gifts, to help us to minister the love, life and power of Jesus through the
supernatural.

In this “School Of The Holy Spirit” we desire to know more about the gifts, what
they do, how we can release them in an exciting, practical way, and then to develop
them through our becoming more excellent (1 Corinthians 14:12) in the ministering
of them.

Let’s look at the Greek terms that are used to describe Spiritual Gifts:

1. In 1 Corinthians 12:1 Paul uses the word “pneumatikoi.”It is usually translated

“spiritual gifts,” but a more literal translation would be “spiritual things” or
more simply “spirituals.” It is derived from the word “pneuma,” another Greek
word used in Scripture to describe the Holy Spirit of God. “Pneumatikoi” tells
us the gifts are activated by the Holy Spirit (Who is already in us) rather than
by natural ability.

2. In 1 Corinthians 12:4 Paul uses the word “charismata” which is most often
translated simply as “gifts”; the term “gifts of grace” would more accurately
describe the meaning of the Greek. This is Paul’s most popular word for Spiritual
Gifts and it denotes that they are bestowed by the Spirit as an act of divine
grace. The gifts are such that they are freely given to anyone who desires them.

3. In 1 Corinthians 12:5 Paul uses the word “diakonia” to describe Spiritual Gifts.
The word is translated in the New Testament into the following English words
(numbers of times in brackets):

• administration (2) • ministering (3)

• ministration (6) • ministry (16)
• minister (1) • office (1)
 22 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
• relief (1) • service (2)
• serving (1) • do service (1)

It is a firm reminder that the gifts are for the well-being of others. The
verb “diakoneo” is used in Mark 10:45 by Jesus where, speaking of
Himself He says, “the Son of man also came not to be served, but
to serve and to give His life a ransom for many.” How we need to
have that attitude in our desire to bless others through the Spiritual
Gifts.

A Personal Challenge:

Think about the place of Spiritual Gifts in your own life. Can you write down some
of the gifts God has used you to bless others, say in the last two years?

Are you satisfied with the way you flowed in those gifts?

What do you think you need to do to let them flow more regularly?

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit are our “tools” to enable us to minister to others in a
God-glorifying way.

PURPOSES OF THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT:

1. To build up the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 14: 4,12).

2. To encourage (1 Corinthians 14:3, 31).
3. To comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3).
4. To praise God (1 Corinthians 14:16, NIV). The KJV uses “bless” and “giving
thanks.”
5. To build yourself up (1 Corinthians 14:4; Jude 20).
6. To win people for Christ (1 Corinthians 14:23-25).
Some Examples:
• The woman at the well (John 4).
• The healing of the lame man (Acts 3:1-11).
• Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-16).
• The appointing of the seven deacons (Acts 6:3-10).
• The girl with the spirit of divination (Acts 16:16-34).
7. To instruct (1 Corinthians 14:31, NIV). The KJV uses the word “learn.”
 AN OVERVIEW OF THE NINE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT / 23
NOTES
The purpose of God is to raise up a strong army that is equipped to do the same
works that Jesus did. Spiritual Gifts in operation are a part of that purpose. Paul makes
it very clear that the Gifts of the Holy Spirit are for every believer (1 Corinthians 12:7;
1 Corinthians 14:31). It is not God’s intention that the gifts be confined to a “spiritual
elite” or to a limited number of “superstars.” God intends that every believer manifests
Spiritual Gifts. That means YOU!

When using Spiritual Gifts our motives and words must be checked against the
standard of love. Pastor Ray McCauley (South Africa) adequately reflected the
importance of love when he said:
“The foundation for the power of God to move is the love of God.”

WHAT ARE THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT?

“The Gifts . . . of the Holy Spirit are the transrational (“beyond the mind and
understanding”) manifestations of God. They are given by God for the purpose of
ministry taking place for the good of the Body of Christ” (John Wimber, “Vineyard,” U.S.A.).

“But to each one is given the manifestation of the (Holy) Spirit – that
is, the evidence, the spiritual illumination of the Spirit — for good and
profit.
To one is given in and through the (Holy) Spirit [the power to speak]
a message of wisdom, and to another [the power to express] a word
of knowledge and understanding according to the same (Holy) Spirit;
To another (wonder-working) faith by the same (Holy) Spirit, to another
the extraordinary powers of healing by the one Spirit;
To another the working of miracles, to another prophetic insight —
that is, the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose; to another
the ability to discern and distinguish between [the utterances of true]
spirits [and false ones], to another various kinds of [unknown] tongues,
to another the ability to interpret [such] tongues. All these
[achievements and abilities] are inspired and brought to pass by one
and the same (Holy) Spirit, Who apportions to each person individually
[exactly] as He chooses” (1 Corinthians 12:7-11, AMP).
To Do
To Know Healings
Miracles
Discernment Faith
Knowledge
Wisdom
Gifts of the Others
Holy Spirit Administration
Mercy
To Say Hospitality
Philanthropy
Prophecy Serving
Tongues Teaching
Interpretation Exhortation
Giving
Leading
 24 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
The gifts are divided into three categories of three:

1. GIFTS TO SAY: Prophecy, Tongues and Interpretation of Tongues.

2. GIFTS TO KNOW: The Word of Wisdom, The Word of Knowledge and The
Discerning of Spirits.

3. GIFTS TO DO: The Gift of Faith, The Gifts of Healing and The Working of
Miracles.

1. GIFTS TO SAY (speak out):

THE GIFT OF PROPHECY (1 Corinthians 12:10):

Definition: “The Gift of Prophecy is the special ability that God gives to members
of the Body of Christ to receive and communicate an immediate message
of God to His gathered people, a group among them, or any one of
His people individually, through a divinely anointed utterance” (Peter
Wagner).

Example: Zacharias (Luke 1:67-79).

The Greek word for prophecy, “propheteia,” implies that one is speaking for another;
speaking on behalf of God.
We are exhorted to specifically desire to prophesy (1 Corinthians 14:1, 31).

Prophecy is designed by God to:

1. Strengthen the Church (1 Corinthians 14:3).
2. Encourage the Church (1 Corinthians 14:3).
3. Comfort the Church (1 Corinthians 14:3).
4. Instruct the Church (1 Corinthians 14:31).
5. To affect unbelievers (1 Corinthians 14:24).

Prophecy touches the Church at its point of need. It is based on revelation . . . the
revelation of God’s love, care and desire for His people to be built up. It is not to be
used to criticize or “bash” the Church.

See my notes on “Learning How To Prophesy” starting on Page 31.

See my notes on “Learning How To Prophesy” starting on Page 29.
MANY KINDS OF TONGUES (1 Corinthians 12:10):

Definition: “The Gift of Tongues is the supernatural ability to speak to others

and/or to God in a language or utterance never learned by the speaker”
(Dr. Bill Bright, Campus Crusade for Christ, U.S.A.).

There are two approaches:

1. That The Gift of Tongues, when coupled with The Gift of Interpretation of Tongues,
is equal to The Gift of Prophecy.
 AN OVERVIEW OF THE NINE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT / 25
NOTES
2. The second approach suggests that Tongues is expressing praise to God, and
therefore any interpretation is also in terms of prayer, praise or thanksgiving to
God Himself. The emphasis is that true Tongues and Interpretation of Tongues are
directed toward God rather than directed from God to the Church.

“The man who speaks in a ‘tongue’ addresses not men (for no one
understands a word he says) but God: and only in his spirit is he
speaking spiritual secrets” (1 Corinthians 14:2, J.B. Phillips).

“For one who speaks in an [unknown] tongue speaks not to men but
to God, for no one understands or catches his meaning, because in
the (Holy) Spirit he utters secret truths and hidden things [not obvious
to the understanding].
But [on the other hand], the one who prophesies — who interprets
the divine will and purpose in inspired preaching and teaching —
speaks to men for their upbuilding and constructive spiritual progress
and encouragement and consolation” (1 Corinthians 14:2-3, AMP.).

On the day of Pentecost the tongues spoken were interpreted as “we do hear
them speak . . . the wonderful works of God” (Acts 2:11).

It was Godward rather than “man-ward.”

I believe the Gift of Tongues as in 1 Corinthians 12 is different to the tongues we
receive at our baptism in the Holy Spirit.

THE GIFT OF INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES (1 Corinthians 12:10):

Definition: “The Gift by which God made intelligible what was hidden from all”
(Leon Morris).

The word “interpretation” here is from the Greek “harmeneia” meaning

“explanation” or “full interpretation” (Bullinger’s). It is the ability through the inspiration
of the Holy Spirit to bring understandable meaning to an inspired public message in
tongues. If one accepts that The Gift of Tongues is directed toward God in the form
of prayer, or praise, or thanksgiving, or exaltation of the Name and Majesty of God,
then The Gift of Interpretation of Tongues will be of the same character.

Dr. Michael Harper (U.K.) said: “We should expect the interpretation to be mainly an
expression of prayer or worship and, therefore, different from a prophecy.”

It is a Spirit-inspired declaration of praise, exaltation and honouring of God Himself.

2. GIFTS TO KNOW:
THE WORD OF WISDOM (1 Corinthians 12:8):

Definition: “The supernatural application of knowledge” (Rev. Dennis Bennett, U.S.A.).

“Wisdom” is “skill, cleverness, the right application of knowledge.”

 26 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
The Word of Wisdom gives us the skill in knowing how and when to minister accurately
by the Holy Spirit into people’s lives. It makes the timing right and enables the other
gifts to make a significant impact.

Please see my Session on “The Word of Wisdom” commencing on Page 71.

THE WORD OF KNOWLEDGE (1 Corinthians 12:8):

Definition: “The revelation of facts past, present or future which were not learned
through the efforts of the natural mind” ( Rev. Dennis Bennett ).

“God-given disclosures” (Michael Green).

Examples:
• Jesus telling Peter where to find his taxation money — in a fish’s mouth!
(Matthew 17:27).
• Ananias in the conversion of Paul (Acts 9, 22 and 26).
• Cornelius in finding Peter, who then was instrumental in bringing the Holy Spirit
to the Gentiles (Acts 10).

The Purpose of The Word of Knowledge:

1. To bring supernatural encouragement.

2. To give confirmation to what God has already been saying or doing.
3. To give insight and understanding of what is ahead in the purposes of God.
4. Where material need is involved.
5. To help in counselling/evangelistic situations.
6. To unlock hindrances to healing/unanswered prayers.
7. To give strategies in spiritual warfare.
8. To reveal where sin is being covered up.
9. To open up a meeting or situation for God to move.

See my Session notes “The Word of Knowledge” starting on Page 77.

THE GIFT OF DISCERNING OF SPIRITS (1 Corinthians 12:10):

Definition: “The gift that gives the Christian insight into the supernatural world.
The gift is to enable the person to know the motivation behind a
situation or person” (Rev. Alistair Taylor).

The word “discerning” is from the Greek word “diakrisis” meaning:

• “a thorough judging” (Young’s);
• “a distinguishing, discerning clearly, discriminating” (Bullinger’s);
• “recognizing or perceiving clearly (the differences)” (Collins).

Example: The Apostle Paul discerned a spirit of divination in a girl

(Acts 16:16-40).

This gift is for the discerning of good spirits more than evil spirits. Someone has said
there were only one-third of the angels who fell from heaven with Lucifer, which
 AN OVERVIEW OF THE NINE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT / 27
NOTES
means that two-thirds are still on God’s good side. Two to one!

Some Purposes of The Gift of Discerning of Spirits:

1. Being aware of good people and the good spirit that motivates them, i.e. gentle,
sweet, loving, faithful, etc.
Example: Jesus talking of Nathanael (John 1:45-51).
2. Counselling situations: discerning the genuine from the dishonest (truth from lies).
3. Revealing error in individuals or ministries, e.g. when Peter spoke to Jesus and
then was rebuked (Matthew 16:21-23).
4. Evaluating the operation of Spiritual Gifts.
5. Discerning the presence of evil spirits.

3. GIFTS TO DO:
A GIFT OF FAITH (1 Corinthians 12:9):

Definition: “The mysterious surge of confidence which sometimes arises within a

person faced with a specific situation or need” (John Wimber).

This can apply personally, or for others, or for Christian projects, i.e. finance for church
building.

“Faith” here is translated from the Greek word “pistis” meaning:

• “faith, faithfulness, steadfastness” (Young’s);
• “firm persuasion, the conviction which is based upon hearing, not upon sight
or knowledge; a firmly relying confidence in what we hear from God in His
Word” (Bullinger’s).

Examples:
• Daniel in the lion’s den (Daniel 6).
• Financial provision for church buildings, projects, etc.
• Ross Tooley (Y.W.A.M.) standing in a queue to buy an airline ticket with no money
in his pocket. He paid cash!

THE GIFTS OF HEALING (1 Corinthians 12:9):

Definition: “To supernaturally bring cure for the sick, physical, spiritual and emotional;
to make whole in the fullest sense of the word; saving from disease
and its effects” (Rodney Francis).

Notice this gift is in the plural: “gifts.”

“Healing” in 1 Corinthians 12:9 is translated from “iama” meaning:

• “healing” (Young’s);
• “a cure, healing” (Strong’s);
• “healing (the termination denoting the complete act; the result or product of
the act)” (Bullinger’s).
 28 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
Healing was a vital part of Jesus’ ministry. He taught His disciples to follow His example
and also heal the sick. It should be an ordinary part of our lives and ministries.
Example: Paul on the island of Melita (Acts 28:1-9).

THE GIFT OF THE WORKING OF MIRACLES (1 Corinthians 12:10):

Definition: “A remarkable or surprising event that happens by the direct intervention

of God, not following the general known laws of nature” (Dr. David Yonggi
Cho, Korea).

The word “working” is, of course, an action word and is translated from the Greek
word “energema” meaning:
• “an energy, inworking” (Young’s);
• “to be in work, to be effective, active, operative, to energize or be
energized” (Bullinger’s).

The word “miracles” is translated from the well-known word “dunamis” meaning:
• “act of power” (Young’s);
• “special miraculous power (usually by implication a miracle itself)” (Strong’s);
• “capability, power to do anything; then, power, might in action ... a miracle
as wrought by divine power; a work, with reference to the power required for
its performance” (Bullinger’s).

Examples:
• Peter walking on the water (Matthew 14:25-33).
• Joshua commanding the sun to stand still (Joshua 10:12-14).
• Jean’s Dad praying for the child with a club foot. Was instantly healed!
• The man thrown supernaturally out of a meeting in Ruatahuna, N.Z.
• Rev. David Sugar (Fiji Islands) delivering deaf and dumb people.
• Frank Skierski (U.S.A.) praying for broken down machinery.

This gift is desperately needed to impact an unbelieving Christendom and an even

more unbelieving world!
So here we conclude a very brief overview of the nine beautiful Gifts of the Holy
Spirit.

SOME PRACTICAL ADVICE:

If you are desirous of flowing more freely in these gifts, apply yourself to the following
practical pointers:
1. Ask God to help you.
2. Set aside time so that God can speak to you.
3. Confess any sin, fears, doubts or unbelief that is in your life, so you can be a
much more effective instrument in His hand.
4. Cultivate a strong desire for the gifts.
5. Expect God to use you.
6. Work alongside people who are already flowing well in the gifts.
Learn as much as you can from them.
 AN OVERVIEW OF THE NINE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT / 29
NOTES
7. Seek an impartation for a greater release of the gifts.
8. Always remain teachable.
9. Work within the guide-lines/frame-work set by the Leadership of your local
church.

It’s time to get serious about the nine Gifts of the Holy Spirit!

Special thanks goes to Rev. Alistair Taylor (U.K.). The basis for “An Overview
of the Nine Gifts Of The Holy Spirit” has been taken from “Spiritual Gifts”
(by Alistair Taylor), International Bible Institute of London, U.K., and
developed by Rodney W. Francis (New Zealand).


 30 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
LEARNING
HOW TO
PROPHESY
 32 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
 LEARNING HOW TO PROPHESY / 33
NOTES
LEARNING HOW TO PROPHESY
By Rodney W. Francis (Hamilton, New Zealand).

SECTION 1: LEARNING HOW TO PROPHESY

“But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall
come to pass in the last days, says God, I will pour out of My Spirit
upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and
your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream
dreams: And on My servants and on My handmaidens I will pour out
in those days of My Spirit; and they shall prophesy:” (Acts 2:16-18,
which is a fulfillment of Joel 2:28-29).

T
he word “prophesy” here (from Joel 2:28) means “to announce, to show,
to deliver an oracle from God, to speak as God’s ambassador; to foretell future
events; to sing songs or hymns: each implying divine inspiration” (Wilson’s).

“Worship (“do obeisance, reverence”) God: for the testimony of Jesus

is the spirit of prophecy” (the exercising of the gift) (Revelation 19:10).

A fuller meaning of the word “worship” as used in the above Verse is: “to crouch,
crawl, or fawn, like a dog at his master’s feet; hence, to prostrate one’s self , after
the eastern custom, to do reverence or homage to any one, by kneeling or prostrating
one’s self before him ... Used therefore of the act of worship” (Bullinger’s).

Our worship, therefore, must be to God Himself! Ministry comes out of worship!
It is in the attitude and atmosphere of worship that an environment is created
to release the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, especially the Gift of Prophecy.

Quote from the book “Developing The Prophetic Ministry” by Frank Damazio (USA):

“The word ‘prophecy’ in Hebrew is ‘naba’ which means ‘to flow, boil up or over;
bubble or pour forth words, to gush.’

“The Old Testament word for ‘prophet’ means ‘a spokesman or speaker who is
a special agent to deliver a message.’

“In the New Testament the words ‘prophecy, prophesy, prophesied and prophets’
are used approximately 186 times and mean ‘to speak, say; declare or make
known.’ Thus the subject is given an important place in the New Testament for
the Church.”
“When man would prophesy, whether in the Old or New Testament, the Spirit of
God would inspire their speech and cause His own words to bubble forth. The
same is true in the Church today. Men and women can utter words from the Lord
as He inspires them to speak, for the edification, exhortation, and comfort of the
entire Body” (end of quote).
 34 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
WHAT IS THE GIFT OF PROPHECY?

• Prophecy is one of the nine gifts (manifestations) of the Holy Spirit that we read
about in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. The other eight are The Word of Wisdom, The
Word of Knowledge, Faith, The Gifts of Healing, The Working of Miracles, The
Discerning of Spirits, Various Kinds of (unknown) Tongues (AMP.) and The
Interpretation of Tongues (those unknown tongues that are spoken). These
gifts should always be exercised under the guidance of the Holy Spirit – they
are His gifts anyway.

• Prophecy is the bringing forth of an anointed word under the inspiration of the
Holy Spirit – or – a prophetic declaration while under divine influence. It is a
revelation of the mind of God TO an individual Christian FOR the assembled
believers.

• “It is a Spirit-birthed word, supernatural in its origin and inspiration, but presented
using the normal language of the individual who is speaking” (Pastor Trevor
Chandler, Australia).

• “The Gift of Prophecy is the special ability that God gives to members of the
Body of Christ to receive and communicate an immediate message of God to
His gathered people, a group among them or any one of His people individually,
through a divinely anointed utterance” (David Pytches in his book, “Come Holy Spirit”).

• “It is sharing God's heart, desires and intent” (Bill Haman).

• “Prophecy is attacking, stimulating and provoking. It is designed to put a sharp

edge onto our relationship with God, in terms of how we live our lives and
handle truth” (Graham Cooke in his book, “Developing Your Prophetic Gifting”).

CULTIVATE A DESIRE:
In 1 Corinthians 12:31, the Bible exhorts us to:

• “Covet earnestly the best gifts” (KJV);

• “Eagerly desire the greater gifts” (NIV);

• “Earnestly desire and zealously cultivate the greatest and best — the
higher [gifts] and the choicest [graces]” (AMP).

• “ . . . try your best to have the more important of these gifts” (TLB).

Let’s break these word meanings down a little more:

“Covet earnestly” (Greek: “Zeloo”):

• “to be zealous towards, to be eager for” (Bullinger’s);

 LEARNING HOW TO PROPHESY / 35
NOTES
• “to have warmth of feeling for . . . affect, covet (earnestly), (have) desire, (move
with) envy, be jealous over, (be) zealous (-ly affect)” (Strong’s);

• “to be zealous for” (Young’s);

• To be “earnest” means to be “(1) Serious in mind or intention. (2) Showing or

characterised by sincerity of intention. (3) Demanding or receiving serious
attention” (Collins).

The words used in 1 Corinthians 12:31 show that we – the Spirit-filled believers —
must have a strong desire to cultivate the gifts in our lives; to be eager to see them
working through us to bless others.

We cannot be passive towards the gifts and expect them to work through us. We
must give ourselves to them in earnest . . . with a strong desire to exercise them!

1 Corinthians 14:39 tells us to “be eager to prophesy” (NIV); “eager” meaning

“characterised by or feeling expectancy or great desire” (Collins).

Have an expectancy to prophesy!

Have a great desire to prophesy!

• 1 Corinthians 12 gives us information on the gifts (general);

• 1 Corinthians 13 gives us motivation for the gifts (love);

• 1 Corinthians 14 gives us focus upon the operation of the gifts (especially

prophecy).

Why Specifically Prophecy? Because it is a “doorway” gift into the other Gifts of
the Holy Spirit.

DESIRE TO PROPHESY:
To “covet earnestly the best gifts” and to “covet to prophesy” means we must
cultivate a desire in our own heart to want to prophesy. Biblically, the words “covet”
and “desire” mean “to be zealous for.” The word “zealous” is literally “a zealot”
which means “an uncompromising partisan (“devotee to a cause”); an immoderate,
fanatical, or extremely zealous adherent to a cause, especially a religious one” (Collins).

To minister effectively in the Gift of Prophecy (and all the other gifts too), the Bible
says we should “covet earnestly.” We are not to be casual in our attitude and
seeking, nor apathetic, but to cultivate the desire to prophesy because we see by the
Word that the gifts are important for the building up of the Body. “DESIRE spiritual
gifts” (1 Corinthians 14:1).

“Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially
the gift of prophecy” (1 Corinthians 14:1, NIV).
 36 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
Why do we have to “eagerly desire” to prophesy?

If we do not have a strong desire to move out into the operation of the Gifts of the
Holy Spirit, then we will find all kinds of excuses “to hide behind,” so we will not
need to step out publicly in the exercising of them. Our desire must become
stronger than our excuses!

Excuses such as:

• “What if it is ‘me’ and not the Holy Spirit?”

• “What if I make a mistake?”

• “I’m too shy!”

• “I can’t speak out in public.”

• “I’m too frightened . . . I . . .. I . . . I . . . etc.”

God responds to our desire! To minister the Gifts of the Holy Spirit we must first
“eagerly desire” them. And that desire has to become stronger than any and
every negative excuse we have “justified” ourselves with up to this point.

“Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires
and secret petitions of your heart” (Psalm 37:4, AMP).

Jesus said: “Therefore I say unto you, What things soever you
desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall
have them” (Mark 11:24, KJV).

QUESTIONS:
What would you say the level of your desire for the Gift of Prophecy is?

How can you increase your desire to prophesy?

Things I feel I can do to prepare for a more effective ministry in the Gifts of the Holy
Spirit:

LOVE IS VITAL!
In our desiring to prophesy we should always remember that LOVE is the ultimate
motivating power of God, and LOVE should always have the pre-eminence, or first
place. The Gift of Prophecy must be born, cultivated and expressed out of LOVE and
in LOVE. LOVE is the very character of God (1 John 4:7-8).
 LEARNING HOW TO PROPHESY / 37
NOTES
1 Corinthians 13:1-3:
“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I
am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of
prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I
have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames,
but have not love, I gain nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:1-3, NIV).

“Tongues of men” minus LOVE equals nothing = 0

“Tongues of angels” minus LOVE equals nothing = 0

“The Gift of Prophecy” minus LOVE equals nothing = 0

“Understanding all mysteries”

(“that which is known to the initiated”) minus LOVE equals nothing = 0

“Understanding all knowledge”

(“perceiving, seeing”) minus LOVE equals nothing = 0

“All faith to remove mountains” minus LOVE equals nothing = 0

“Give all my goods to feed the poor” minus LOVE equals nothing = 0

“Give my body to be burned” minus LOVE equals nothing = 0

TOTAL = 0

It is possible to have or do the above things without love!

The King James Bible uses the word “charity” for love. It comes from the Greek word
“agape” (noun) and “agapao” (verb), which means “Love, love that is self-denying
and compassionately devoted to its object; love in its fullest conceivable form ...
towards God, the brethren and all” (Bullinger’s). For the marks of love see 1
Corinthians 13:4-13.

The Gift of Prophecy without love makes us nothing (1 Corinthians 13:2). This
does not mean that we seek love at the expense of the Gift of Prophecy, for 1
Corinthians 14:1 tells us: “Follow after LOVE, and DESIRE (“to be zealous of, to
wish or long for; crave; ask for” – Collins) spiritual gifts, BUT RATHER THAT YOU
MAY PROPHESY” (emphasis mine).

THE EXERCISING OF THE GIFTS BUILDS UP THE CHURCH:

“Even so you, forasmuch as you are zealous (“to have warmth for, covet
earnestly, have desire”) of spiritual gifts, seek (Greek: “zeteo” meaning
“to seek or endeavour in a way that worships God”) that you may excel
(“to superabound – in quantity or quality – make abound, have, have more
 38 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
abundant, exceed, increase” – Strong’s) to the edifying (“building up”) of
the church” (1 Corinthians 14:12, KJV).

“ . . . since you are so eager and ambitious to possess spiritual

endowments and manifestations of the (Holy) Spirit, [concentrate on]
striving to excel and to abound [in them] in ways that will build up
the church” (1 Corinthians 14:12, AMP).

In our desire to exercise Spiritual Gifts we should always seek to excel in building up
the people of God He has placed us amongst. The gifts are for the building up of
the Body of Christ.

Seek, strive to excel!

“Excel”: “1. To be superior to (another or others); surpass.

2. To be outstandingly good or proficient” (Collins).

The matter of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit in general and, in particular the Gift of
Prophecy, is not to be approached with a half-hearted attitude. We have to cultivate
a strong desire to build up the Body of Christ through the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Why?

Because we so love the Body that we want to be used (by God) to do the
utmost good to it, and we now see that the best way to build the Body is
through a genuine outworking of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit from our own
life. We need to learn to excel, super abound, at doing this. In love!

“Even so you, forasmuch as you are zealous (“desirous”) of spiritual

gifts, seek that you may excel to the edifying of the church”
(1 Corinthians 14:12).

“Since you are so anxious to have special gifts from the Holy Spirit,
ask Him for the very best, for those that will be of real help to the
whole church” (TLB.)

Write down some of the key words necessary to prophesy correctly:

 LEARNING HOW TO PROPHESY / 39
NOTES
THINGS THAT CAN HINDER THE FLOW OF PROPHECY:
Personal Battle Areas: God’s Answer:
1. Ignorance (1 Corinthians 12:1) Know the Word of God (1 Corinthians
Being “mis-informed” (AMP). 12 to 14; Romans 12).

2. Fear Love (1 Corinthians 13). “Perfect love

– of man (Proverbs 29:25) “fear” casts out fear” (1 John 4:18). (2 Timothy
is “fear with trembling and 1:7 — “fear” is “moral cowardice, timidity;
agitation” — “snare” means easily frightened or upset, especially by
“fowler, noose by which birds and human contact, indicating shyness” —
beasts are taken” - W ilson’s ); “spirit” is referring to our “character, as
–of mistakes (know the guidelines); invisible, and manifested only in one’s
– of self ego. actions” - Bullinger’s).

3. Not sure if it is God’s will for “You may ALL prophesy” (1 Corinthians
“ME” to prophesy. 14:31).

4. “I don’t feel I can.” God’s Word says you can!

5. “I don’t feel worthy.” God has made you worthy!

6. Feeling downcast and negative. Prophecy is God’s answer to the

Church to lift us all up.

7. Can’t speak publicly. “Who made your mouth? ... Have

not I the Lord?” (Exodus 4:10-12;
Jeremiah 1:5-9).

8. Don’t have a desire. God’s Word exhorts us to cultivate

one! (1 Corinthians 14:1, 39).

9. “It’s better to have the fruit of Follow after the fruit AND continue
the Holy Spirit.” to seek to prophesy (1 Corinthians 14:1).
Those who have the fruit should prophesy
more than those who don’t!

10. No one else is prophesying. All the more reason why YOU need
to edify the Church (1 Corinthians
14:3-5, 12).
It is important to note that prophesying in church should be with the approval of the
Leaders of that church.
11. Have been taught against the God’s Word and truth is greater than the
gifts being for today. teachings of men! (Joel 2:28-29; Acts
2:16-18; Acts 7:51-53 and 2 Timothy
1:6). The Gifts of the Holy Spirit are
for the “last days” Church!
Please see: “More Hindrances To The Gifts Of The Holy Spirit” Page 49.
 40 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
Question: What other personal battles do you have with the Gift of Prophecy?

GUIDELINES FOR PROPHESYING

– 1 Corinthians 14:3:

The main function and purpose of the Gift of Prophecy is for the:

• EDIFICATION: (Greek: “oikodome”): “to build up, the promotion of spiritual

growth”);

• EXHORTATION: (Greek: “paraklesis”) “encouragement, a calling near or for,

to stir up”);

• COMFORT: (Greek: “paramuthia”) “a consolation, a solace ministered with

tenderness”. “Consolation” is “to alleviate grief or disappointment” and
“solace” is “comfort in distress or disappointment, to find relief,
cheer up” ... of

1. MEN: (1 Corinthians 14:3) i.e. individuals in a public meeting. Not everyone

gets “into the spirit” of a meeting sufficiently to “receive” the benefit of
prophecy – and not all prophecy is for all in that meeting (sometimes it can be
– hence the need not to despise prophesying) (1 Thessalonians 5:16 -21).

2. THE CHURCH: (1 Corinthians 14:4-5, 12).

Our attitude towards the Gifts of the Holy Spirit will determine how much we
benefit from the Word of Prophecy given in a meeting. The true Gift of Prophecy
is God-ordained and God-inspired! It will always come within the guidelines
of edification, exhortation and comfort.

Prophesying is for believers (1 Corinthians 14:22). Prophesying is also for the conviction
of unbelievers who come into the midst of believers (1 Corinthians 14:24-25).

KNOWING THE SOURCE OF PROPHECY:

I believe we can know the source of a Prophetic Word we are to share before we
even open our mouth. There are three sources from which prophecy can come.
They are:

1. GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT: True, general prophecy will always come in the
framework of edification, exhortation and comfort. It is given in the spirit of
love and seeks to build up rather than condemn or knock down. One needs
to ask oneself before prophesying: “Does this message build the people up
according to the Scriptural guide-lines? Does it glorify Jesus Christ?” If you can
answer “yes” to those questions, then your word is of God. Bring it forth in
the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
 LEARNING HOW TO PROPHESY / 41
NOTES
2. THE SPIRIT OF MAN: Prophecy that is “inspired” by the spirit of man does
not edify, exhort or comfort. It is negative and critical, often presented with an
Old Testament style threat of judgment if the hearers don’t obey. We have every
right to reject that kind of prophecy.

3. SATANIC: Satanically-inspired prophecy is subtle, deceptive, manipulative,

domineering and the opposite to the character and nature of God. It does not
edify, exhort or comfort the believer to get closer to Jesus Christ, but can
manipulate people to make major decisions hastily, thus causing wrong decisions
that take us out of the will of God. It can be “cold, heavy and condemnatory,”
but also like “an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14). Satan will try and hide
his true nature in the delivery of such. We need to use the Gift of Discerning
of Spirits so we can not only reject such prophecies but also warn others against
them when they come.

WHO CAN PROPHESY?

1. Saul: Samuel told Saul that he would prophesy after the Spirit of God
came upon him (1 Samuel 10:5-6).

2. “Your Sons and Daughters”: The prophet Joel, approximately 800 years
before Christ came to earth, prophesied that “Your sons and daughters
shall prophesy” (Joel 2:23, 27-29 and Acts 2:1-18). He was speaking of
a New Covenant generation of believers. (We are living in that day!)

3. Zacharias: When Zacharias' tongue was loosed from unbelief (and when
he obeyed God) he was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied (Luke
1:67-79).

4. What about Women Prophesying?

(a) Miriam – Exodus 15:20-21;
(b) Deborah – Judges 4:4;
(c) Huldah – 2 Kings 22:14-20;
(d) Noadiah – Nehemiah 6:14; (She was not a good prophetess!);
(e) Anna – Luke 2:36-38;
(f) Philip’s four daughters — Acts 21:9.

5. All Spirit-filled Christians may prophesy! (1 Corinthians 14: 1, 5, 31).

That means you too! Cultivate that desire – now!

HOW DO WE PROPHESY?
We now accept the fact that the Gift of Prophecy is for all Spirit-filled Christians to
exercise. You may prophesy! So, having accepted the truth of God’s Word — and
cultivating a desire to prophesy to bless, encourage, exhort and comfort the Body
of Christ where you belong because of your love for them — you make yourself
available to God to be used as a willing vessel to bring an anointed Word.
When that Word of Prophecy comes, it first comes into our spirit; then very
 42 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
quickly to our mind where we understand the content of the message (the
theme, words, etc.). The anointing confirms we have “a word” to bring and
therefore we look for the right opportunity to share it publicly with the
assembled people.

1. WE PROPHESY ACCORDING TO THE MEASURE OF OUR FAITH:

(Romans 12:3, 6). Faith is required to make publicly known those thoughts that
have been silently given to us by the Holy Spirit.

2. WE PROPHESY BY ALLOWING OUR SPIRIT TO FLOW WITH THE DIRECTION

THE HOLY SPIRIT IS TAKING THE MEETING:

“Do not quench (“put out , extinguish, as a light or fire; to damp, hinder, repress”
— Bullinger’s ) the Spirit” (1 Thessalonians 5:19; 1 Corinthians 14:31-32).

Some interesting words are used by other translations:

“Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt.
Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil” (1
Thessalonians 5:19, NIV).

“Do not smother the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff at those who prophesy
... ” (TLB).

“Do not restrain the Holy Spirit; do not despise inspired messages ...”
(GNB).

“Never try to suppress the Spirit or treat the gift of prophecy with
contempt ...” (Jerusalem Bible).

The message is clear. We are to work in co-operation with the Holy Spirit, rather than
“to hold off” and criticize. Are you one who can positively give yourself to
the Holy Spirit to do what He wants done?

BE AVAILABLE! BE SENSITIVE! BE OBEDIENT!

Don’t try to prophesy out of an empty heart. Prepare yourself for the meetings by
praying in tongues, loving and worshipping the Lord. The key is to be “filled with
the Spirit” to the point of overflowing (John 7:37-39; Ephesians 5:18; Jude 20-21).

Prophesy life!

3. BY IMPARTATION: (“to spiritually bestow upon”).

(a) God Himself imparting: (Numbers 11:17, 25-29).

In the Old Testament the Lord took of the Spirit that was on Moses and gave
Him unto the 70 elders. The result was they all prophesied (Numbers 11:16-29).
The majority prophesied “round about the tabernacle”; two “in the camp.”

There was some concern about all the prophesying of the 70 elders, even as
 LEARNING HOW TO PROPHESY / 43
NOTES
some are concerned about the Gift of Prophecy today. It was Joshua (and Joshua
was a spiritual man!) who asked Moses to prevent the prophesying. Notice the
answer Moses gave: “Would God that all the Lord’s people were prophets,
and that the Lord would put His Spirit upon them!” (Numbers 11:28-29,
KJV).

(b) Ministerial men imparting by the laying on of hands: (Acts 19:6-7).

Paul prayed for 12 men at Ephesus and they were filled with the Holy Ghost and
prophesied. There was an Impartation as a result of the laying on of hands. (See
1 Timothy 4:14 and 2 Timothy 1:6-7).

Paul said: “For I long to see you, that I may impart (“to give a share of” –
Young’s) unto you some spiritual (“belonging to the Spirit, determined by,
influenced by or proceeding from it” – Bullinger’s) gift, to the end you may be
established (“to set, make fast, fix firmly”)” (Romans 1:11).
“The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (Revelation 19:10). The
Knox Translation of Revelation 19:10 says: “It is the truth concerning Jesus
which inspires all prophecy.”

See “The Ministry Of Impartation” starting on Page 121.

WHEN DO WE PROPHESY?
We must recognize God’s MESSAGE and God’s MOMENT. The Holy Spirit will
“arrange” that particular moment for us to bring His message.

BE AVAILABLE! BE SENSITIVE! BE OBEDIENT!

BE MOVED BY THE HOLY GHOST! (2 Peter 1:21).

Be sensitive in these two areas:

1. In the way the Holy Spirit is directing THE MEETING.

2. In the way the Holy Spirit is directing YOU.

When these two areas “agree” – and the moment is right – then release your
faith and prophesy!

The moment will present itself during “a hush” (quiet time) in worship and/or
praise, or someone else flowing with the Holy Spirit will open the way up for you
to move in God.

When you do prophesy, make sure you speak out loud enough for all to hear clearly.
In a larger church you may need to submit your Prophetic Word to a Leader and/or even go forward
to a microphone if that is what is required. Remember, the moment you receive the message
is not always the moment you must give it. You may have to wait until later in the
meeting – for the right opportunity – or even until another meeting (which would
 44 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
probably be because of a “lost” opportunity through hesitation, doubt, etc.).

“The spirits of the prophets are subject to (“under the authority or control
of”) the prophets” (1 Corinthians 14:32).

In Ezekiel 37:1-14 we see that prophecy in obedience to the voice of God brings
life, restoration and miraculous, creative healing to the Body of Christ. How the
Church needs this gift!

BE WISE . . . AND TEACHABLE!

It should be noted that when you are not known in a church, it is normally neither
wise, nor courteous to prophesy. People like to have confidence in receiving prophecy
... and knowing the life of the person prophesying helps to give this confidence.

You should have a good relationship with the Leadership and people of the church
where you prophesy so your gift can be developed into maturity through acceptance,
nurture and correction as necessary.

QUESTIONS:

1. If correction of prophecy was needed, would you take it from your Pastor or
Leadership? Yes, or No?

2. If you answered “Yes” to that question, how do you think it would affect you?

3. If you answered “No” to Question 1, why do you think you would react that
way?

Let the following Scripture minister to you:

“He that refuses (“dismisses”) instruction (“correction and reform”) despises

(“refuses, rejects as vile and worthless”) his own soul: but he that hears
reproof (“a setting right from error”) gets understanding (“to the heart is
ascribed understanding, intelligence, wisdom” - Wilson’s)” (Proverbs 15:32, KJV).

In meetings, the Leader should be sensitive enough in the Holy Spirit to recognize
the level of the anointing that is flowing at a particular time. For example, when the
Spirit of Prophecy is evident, all need to be encouraged to “move with it in God”
and prophesy “one by one” (1 Corinthians 14:31) as the Holy Spirit guides.

“And the Spirit of the Lord will come upon you, and you shall prophesy
with them . . .” (1 Samuel 10:6).

Beware of private, personal prophecy. Prophecy should be given in the church

(or church-approved meetings) where it can be judged. Wherever possible, prophecies
should be recorded. This is for your safety and protection.
 LEARNING HOW TO PROPHESY / 45
NOTES
SECTION 2: THE MINISTRY OF PROPHECY:
The Ministry of Prophecy is when a person grows or develops into a fairly regular
usage of the Gift of Prophecy and becomes known in the church as having a definite
“mantle” or anointing for this gift. It has more maturity, depth and authority than
the general Gift of Prophecy one starts off with (see Section 1).
The Ministry of Prophecy could develop into the ministry of a prophet or prophetess.
The 70 elders flowed in the Ministry of Prophecy (Numbers 11:25-27).

Likewise the prophets who met Saul (1 Samuel 10:5).

The Old Testament prophets flowed in prophecy, e.g. Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel,
Joel.

God’s work prospers through the Ministry of Prophecy:

Jehoshaphat was instructed and encouraged by the prophesying of Jahaziel

(2 Chronicles 20:13-20).
The people prospered through the prophesying of Haggai and Zechariah (Ezra 5:1-
2 and 6:14).

In the New Testament God has set in the Church the Ministry of Prophecy: Jesus
(John 4:19; John 5:24-29); Peter (Acts 2:1-18); Agabus (Acts 11:27-30 and Acts
21:8-11); Judas and Silas (Acts 15:32).

In developing the Ministry of Prophecy be encouraged to work with spiritual men

and women over you in the Lord so your gifting can find good reception among
God’s people.

SECTION 3: PERSONAL PROPHECY

(OVER YOUR LIFE):
“Now there were in the Church that was at Antioch certain prophets
and teachers . . . As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy
Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work where unto
I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid
their hands on them, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth
by the Holy Ghost, departed . . . ” (Acts 13:1-4, KJV).

The laying on of hands upon individuals and prophesying over them is a ministry for
mature saints with a proven gifting. These proven ministries can speak and impart
the Prophetic Word into our lives. It is not a ministry for “amateurs” and should be
watched with care. Far too many Christians have been “fouled up” in this area
through the wrong acceptance and application of personal prophecy — a restless
and impulsive, egotistical spirit in a person causes a hasty decision to be made to
move “somewhere else.”

The result is that one moves out of the will of God and, in time, loses their way and
even their faith through discouragement.
 46 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
Prophecy is not “automatic” in being fulfilled in our lives, but is very much
conditional upon our ongoing obedience to God.

We are not to “despise prophesying” but to “prove all things; hold fast to
that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:19-23).

“The Message” (Eugene H. Peterson) says: “Don’t suppress the Spirit and
don’t stifle those who have a word from the Master. On the otherhand,
don't be gullible. Check out everything, and keep only what's good.
Throw out anything tainted with evil.”

WHAT PERSONAL PROPHECY CAN DO FOR US:

In 1 Timothy 1:18-19 the Apostle Paul instructed Timothy concerning the prophecies
(plural) that had been spoken over his life. They would help him in three ways:

1. To fight a good warfare.

2. To hold on to the faith.

3. To hold on to a good conscience.

Personal prophecy can be used of God to give direction, but is mainly to confirm
things that God has already put in your heart. Personal prophecy helps us to fight
to keep those things alive in our heart!

Personal prophecy must be allowed to be judged by your spiritual oversight. They

carry a responsibility before God for your soul (Hebrews 13:17) and, most times, will
have a fairly clear idea of God’s direction for your life . . . especially with regard to
ministry direction (which a lot of personal prophecy is about).

Let God bring to pass His will in your life, rather than you struggling and striving to
fulfil a prophecy in your own way.

There is an impartation that takes place when hands are laid on you and prophecy
is given:

“Neglect not the gift that is in you, which was given you by prophecy,
with the laying on of hands of the presbytery (“an assembly of elders”)”
(1 Timothy 4:14-15).

“ . . . that you stir up the gift of God, which is in you by the putting
on of my (Paul’s) hands” (2 Timothy 1:6).

For more Personal Prophecy, see my Session Notes: “Guarding the

Prophetic Word Over Your Life” starting on Page 109.
 LEARNING HOW TO PROPHESY / 47
NOTES
SECTION 4: MUSICAL PROPHECY:

Music – the right kind of music – can play a very important role in the ministry of
the Holy Spirit. The Bible reveals that people were moved to prophesy with and under
the blessing of musical instruments:

• The company of prophets had musical instruments with them when they
prophesied (1 Samuel 10:5-6).

• A harp was played by David to drive the evil spirit away from King Saul
(1 Samuel 16:14-23).

• The anointing came on Elisha when the stringed instrument was played ... and
he prophesied (2 Kings 3:14-20).

The singers – 288 of them! – prophesied with musical instruments:

“ . . . who should prophesy with harps, with psaltries (“a wind instrument
or lyre”), and with cymbals . .. . who prophesied with a harp, to give
thanks and to praise the Lord” (1 Chronicles 25:1-7).

A psaltery is an ancient stringed instrument similar to the lyre, but having a trapezoidal
(“no parallel sides”) sounding board over which the strings are stretched.

A lyre is an ancient Greek stringed instrument consisting of a resonating tortoise shell

to which a crossbar was attached by two projecting arms. It was plucked with a
plectrum (“small piece of wood”) and used for accompanying songs.

Music can release the anointing, and the anointing the Gift of Prophecy.

PROPHESY!

FOR MORE ON “PROPHETIC MINISTRY THROUGH MUSICAL

INSTRUMENTS AND SINGERS” TURN TO PAGE 93.


 48 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
 MORE
HINDRANCES
TO THE
GIFTS OF
THE HOLY
SPIRIT
 50 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
 MORE HINDRANCES TO THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT / 51
NOTES
MORE HINDRANCES TO THE GIFTS
OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
By Rodney W. Francis (Hamilton, New Zealand).

This Session is in addition to the eleven hindrances already

mentioned in the “Learning How To Prophesy” notes on Page 39.

n order for us to know a good flow in Spiritual Gifts it is important that we

I recognize and deal with those things that can hinder us. Different things hinder
different people. What stops an introverted person will not stop an extroverted
person, and vice versa.

When we know what hinders us we can then face up to and deal with it. It is important
that we do this; otherwise we go through life settling for second best rather than
reaching our full potential. For some of us we have to deal with some bad experiences
from the past; experiences where we have been misunderstood or criticized, even
when our heart attitude was right. Many have been hurt and discouraged for trying
to flow in Spiritual Gifts, and yet ran into public rebuke from their Leaders.

My heart is that you may learn the joys of knowing the power and reality of releasing
the Spiritual Gifts to the blessing of the Body of Christ.
So, here are some hindrances to guard against:

1. THINGS WE ALREADY KNOW NATURALLY ABOUT A

PERSON OR SET OF CIRCUMSTANCES:

Ananias (Acts 9:10-22) was instructed by the Lord in a vision to go

and minister prophetically to Saul of Tarsus. He was given specific instructions
on where to find him, the street he was in, the name ofthe person who owned
the house, who he was to minister to, what Saul would be doing (praying), that
he had already had a vision of Ananias coming. When he got there he was to
put his hands on him to receive his sight.

Ananias’ response was one of telling the Lord what others had said about Saul.
Ananias’ mind was full of natural information on Saul. He could not perceive that
Saul could be the same one the Lord was telling him about. He said: “Lord, I have
heard by many of this man ... he’s trouble with a capital T! He’s coming here to
Damascus to beat up people like me!”

The Lord spoke again and assured Ananias that God had placed His hand and
call upon Saul’s life. At that Ananias went in faith, according to the divine guidance,
and found Saul exactly where the Lord said he would be: on his knees praying!
Ananias ministered to him. The result was Saul’s sight was restored and he was
filled with the Holy Spirit.
 52 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
2. PAST BELIEF SYSTEMS THAT ARE NARROW AND/OR
DOGMATIC:

“Now about the spiritual gifts (the special endowments of super-natural

energy), brethren, I do not want you to be misinformed” (1 Corinthians
12:1, AMP).

With regards to the Spiritual Gifts there are still large numbers of Christians
who are either taught negatively, or have the wrong information on them.
That prevents them from functioning freely in them.

Peter (Acts 10:9-21):

When God told Peter to “Rise, kill and eat,” Peter flatly refused. He was so
narrow-minded and bigoted that God had to speak three times. Even then “he
doubted in himself what the vision meant” (v.17). God spoke the fourth
time, challenging his doubts, before Peter became obedient. And he was an
apostle! Church positions do not exclude anyone from having these hindrances
in their lives.

It is interesting that Cornelius the Gentile was much more flexible and willing
to obey God than Peter was (Acts 10:1-8). Cornelius did not let the fact that
there were no dealings or recognition between Jew and Gentile deter him. He
was hungry for God and did what the angel told him. How glad he was that
he obeyed!

3. DOUBTS (including little or no faith):

Peter doubted (Acts 10:17-20):

God’s answer was (and still is): “doubt nothing I have said to you” (v.20).
Jesus had also rebuked Peter prior to Pentecost about his doubting what He
said when Peter was walking on the water (Matthew 14:28-31). Doubting
makes us sink down from the realm of the supernatural too.

The Two on the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-34):

They were so full of doubts that day as they walked that long, dusty road.
Even when Jesus drew alongside and walked with them they could not recognize
Him. After Jesus listened to them He challenged them with “You are such
foolish, foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets
wrote in the Scriptures! Wasn’t it clearly predicted by the prophets that
the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering His
time of glory?” (Luke 24:25-26, TLB).

Thomas (John 20:26-31):

He really struggled to accept the resurrection of Jesus. Quite determinedly
he declared, “Unless I see the scars of the nails in His hands and put my
finger on those scars and my hand in His side, I will not believe” (John
20:25, GNB). When Jesus met him He said, “Stop your doubting, and believe!”
(John 20:27, GNB).
 MORE HINDRANCES TO THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT / 53
NOTES
4. BAD OR HURTFUL PAST EXPERIENCES:

• Jean received prophecies concerning her boyfriend (who was dying of cancer)
being raised up and they going to the mission field. He died!

• Jean, when given a private word about marrying a man she knew she could
not love as a husband. She didn’t marry him – she married me instead.

• Being publicly stopped and rebuked when prophesying. There are two sides
to this. The first is that some people can be out of order. The second is that
some Pastors are too authoritarian and are insensitive to the damage that is
done to the person (and maybe 80% of those who witnessed the rebuke).
We need to know what to do in those times.

5. SEEING AND HEARING OTHERS MIS-USE THE GIFTS:

Many are put-off in their desire to minister the gifts because they have watched
others mis-use them. The mis-use of the gifts causes damage and it is important
that we all retain a teachable spirit. If we do need some correction and/or
adjustment in the way we minister Spiritual Gifts, then let’s thank God for those
who love us enough to tell us. Especially if it is done in genuine love.

6. SELF-CONSCIOUSNESS:
This can be a real problem in the operation of the gifts.
The dictionary meaning is as follows:
“1. unduly aware of oneself as the object of the attention of others; embarrassed.
2. conscious of one’s existence” (Collins).
In exercising Spiritual Gifts we need to be more aware of the needs of others,
so we can be available to the Holy Spirit to do what He wants, rather than be
overly worried about ourself.

7. SHYNESS:

Most people struggle with public ministry. To step out with a Word of Knowledge
or Prophecy, etc., makes that struggle even bigger. Our desire to obey God
has to be larger than any shyness. In some cases shyness can be another word
for pride.

8. PRIDE:
Pride takes many forms. In the hindering of the operation of the gifts, pride
never allows us to take risks, never allows room for mistakes. That means we
stay silent when the Holy Spirit would have us to encourage others through
the gifts. Don’t be too proud to bless others through the Holy Spirit.
 54 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
9. INSENSITIVITY:

This is too often a problem within the Christian Church! The Holy Spirit is
like a dove, gentle, yet easily offended. We must always seek to develop a keen
sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, so we can “pick-up” what He is saying in a meeting
generally, and to us individually. The more sensitive we are to Him the more He
can use us.

10. GENERAL LACK OF SPIRITUALITY:

If we are going to enjoy effective ministry through the Spiritual Gifts then we
need to have an ongoing, daily commitment to God, a good devotional life, as
well as to see the importance of being set aside for His service.

11. TOO ANALYTICAL OR LOGICAL IN OUR

THINKING:

This is a real problem area for many. Men, especially, tend to be much more
logical than women. In Holy Spirit ministry a logical, analytical mind is a definite
hindrance to releasing the gifts. Many times the message of the Holy Spirit cuts
right across logic. We must come to know the difference between the voice of
the Holy Spirit and our own analytical, logical mind-sets.

12. UNWILLINGNESS TO TRY:

We will never flow in Spiritual Gifts until we are willing to try. Instead of thinking
of ourselves and “What if I get it wrong?” our hearts should be so full of love
for others that we want to bring special blessing, encouragement, healing,
direction, etc., to lift them up closer to Jesus. But to do that we have to be willing
to prophesy, willing to share a Word of Knowledge, willing to release faith,
willing to recognize a Word of Wisdom. Christians should be people of willing
hearts and willing minds. Are you willing to release the Gifts of the Holy Spirit?

In Conclusion:
There may be a number of other hindrances that you can think of. However, there
are enough here for you to be aware of, rise above, and launch out into blessing
others through the gifts.
Don’t hold back!
Know that it is God’s will for you to minister the Spiritual Gifts.
Be released into a life of great blessing and encouragement to others. Amen.
RECOGNIZING
HOW
AND
WHEN
GOD SPEAKS
TO US
 56 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
 RECOGNIZING HOW AND WHEN GOD SPEAKS TO US / 57
NOTES
RECOGNIZING HOW AND WHEN GOD
SPEAKS TO US
By Rodney W. Francis (Hamilton, New Zealand).

A
round the world today God is doing amazing things. We are seeing and
hearing of great outpourings of the Holy Spirit. People everywhere are
discovering as never before how to co-operate with the Holy Spirit and allowing
Him to work through them in supernatural ways.

One of the “keys” to seeing the Holy Spirit released is in our ability to recognize
how and when He speaks to us — collectively and personally. This is vital to
releasing Holy Spirit ministry. For if we do not recognize the Holy Spirit’s
voice to us, we will miss the opportunity to co-operate with Him in what He
wants to do through us.

God has chosen to pour His Spirit out through His people — born-again, blood-
washed believers. It was necessary for Jesus to return to the Father in heaven so He
could send the Holy Spirit to us (John 14:16; John 15:26; John 16:7-15). The Holy
Spirit’s task is to bring to our remembrance the words of Jesus (John 14:26); to testify
to us of Jesus (John 15:26) and to speak to us those things He hears from the Father
and Jesus (John 16:13).

The Holy Spirit speaks to us of Jesus, revealing the will of Jesus to us. Our responsibility
is to listen, to know how and when He is speaking to us, recognizing what He wants
to say and do.

• Where do we stand, personally, on this?

• Do we know when God ... Jesus ... the Holy Spirit is speaking to us?

If we don’t, how do we ever hope to be able to respond in faith and obedience to

Him?

Too many Christians struggle in this area!

Until we can recognize how and when God speaks to us, we will always doubt, lack
confidence and ability to respond positively to His will for us.

SPIRITUAL GIFTS:

One area that has really helped me to develop hearing the voice of God has been my
desire to cultivate the Gifts of the Holy Spirit in my life. The principles of recognizing
when the Holy Spirit wants me to exercise the gifts have helped me to know they are
much the same as hearing God’s voice for other things as well. In the exercising of
Spiritual Gifts one has to be desirous to function in them. To do that we have to make
ourselves “available” to the Holy Spirit, i.e. that is, demonstrate a willingness to God
 58 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
that if He wants us to say or do anything in public, then we’ll do it. If we’re not
committed to doing something it simply won’t happen. That willingness to obey
makes us open our heart and spirit to God to receive from Him. We make ourselves
available. We become sensitive to what He wants done, rather than being
focused on our own natural, selfish thoughts, doubts, fear of the people, etc.

When we open ourselves up to listen, the Holy Spirit (Who loves to use us) will speak
to us and show us what He wants done. That “speaking” to us can be an impression,
a thought, a desire, a surge of compassion, a word, vision, a certain kind of feeling,
a “seeing” into the spirit realm. It can come to us as we prepare ourselves before a
meeting; as we enter into a meeting, or while we sit (or stand) in a meeting. It can
come to us via a song being sung and the Holy Spirit makes alive a certain word, line,
verse, chorus, which is the theme of what He wants us to say. It can come in prayer,
through the preaching of the Word, or via what someone else says or does.

DON’T LIMIT GOD!

Often our problem is that we tend to limit God’s way of speaking to us. We are guilty
of “tunnel vision,” which means that unless God speaks in a certain way, we don’t
respond. Some Christians have “rules” that they must get at least three, four or six
Scripture verses of confirmation before a major decision is made.

But is that necessary?

Is it God’s only way of confirming things to us?

I don’t think so.

As Christians we should at all times be seeking to live out the principles of

the Scriptures — not only in times when major guidance is required.

Knowing God’s voice is the key to obedience.

Knowing God’s voice means we don’t have to fall into the trap of limiting
God in our lives (Psalm 78:41).

GOD IS A GOD OF CREATIVITY:

God is a very creative God and by His Spirit within us He wants us to be creative
people in our service for Him.

By nature we want to work in formulas, to settle in the security of knowing how to

do things. To move with God into new areas of adventure and experience demands
a much more intimate knowledge of how God speaks to us and how He wants to
use us. Just think for a moment about the Scriptures and how God used people to
do miraculous things. Was there a repetition of various people doing the same things?
No.
 RECOGNIZING HOW AND WHEN GOD SPEAKS TO US / 59
NOTES
• There is only one incident of God speaking to a man (Moses) through a
burning bush! (Exodus 3).

• There is only one incident of Moses crossing the Red Sea! (Exodus 14 & 15).

• There is only one incident of God setting a whole mountain on fire to speak
to Israel! (Exodus 19).

• There is only one incident of the walls of Jericho falling down! (Joshua 6).

• There is only one incident of the commanding of the sun and moon to stand
still! (Joshua 10:12-14).

• There is only one incident of a man (Gideon) proving God with a fleece!
(Judges 6:36-40).

• David only slew Goliath once! (1 Samuel 17).

• There was only one man (Elijah) fed supernaturally by ravens! (1 Kings 17).

• There is only one incident of a dead prophet’s bones (Elisha’s) bringing

resurrection life to another dead man! (2 Kings 13:20-21). (If this was to be
an ongoing thing, why didn’t they bring numbers of other dead people to
touch Elisha’s bones?)

• Jesus turned water into wine only once! (John 2:1-11).

• Jesus only spat once into a blind man’s eyes to heal him! (John 9).

• There is only one incident of Peter’s shadow bringing healing and deliverance
to people! (Acts 5:12-16).

And so we could go on.

There are records of repeated miracles, such as Elijah calling fire down from heaven!
(1 Kings 18 and 2 Kings 1).

Elisha and Jesus fed the multitudes miraculously! (2 Kings 4:42-44; Matthew 15:29-
38; Mark 6:30-44).

Then there are some areas where we are all commanded to do certain things,
e.g. witness to the lost, preach the Kingdom of God, heal the sick and cast
out evil spirits (Matthew 10:1; Mark 16:15-20; Luke 9:1).

As Spirit-filled believers our responsibility is to so know the voice of God that

we are able to minister effectively in those areas of ongoing needs, or to
know when we are to allow creativity to take over and we do a “new thing”
... something we have never done before. It seems to me that there are times
 60 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
in our lives when we are called upon to do things only once, other times twice, or
repeatedly.

Unless we learn to discern the voice of God we find it so easy to settle into
the “repeatedly” mind-set rather than developing a “creative” mind-set that
allows us to respond to God. The real issue here is in focusing on knowing
God has spoken rather than “being thrown” by a new thing (that which God
asks us to do). Once we know the voice of God we can grow in confidence
because we know He is the Spirit of truth (John 14:15-17; John 15:26; John
16:13). He does not tell lies, nor does He lead us wrong. Knowing His voice
means we can learn to trust Him in everything He says to us, whether it is a
“new thing” He is asking us to do, or something we have done before.

Jesus said: “My sheep hear and know My voice” (John 10:3-4, 27).
The key to effective Christianity is in our ability to know God’s voice. There
can be no true obedience to God if we don’t know how and when He talks
to us! The word “obedience” means “a hearing attentively, or listening; hence
obedience as the result of attentive hearing” (Bullinger's). Obedience is all to do with
our ability to listen to the voice of God!

The great men and women of the Bible all knew when God was talking to them. And
so should we.

HOW DOES GOD TALK?

God is a Spirit. He talks Spirit to spirit. He speaks into our spirit. From our spirit that
information travels quickly to our mind where we begin to understand what is being
said. It is when that word (or information) enters our mind that we have a decision
to make. That first impression our mind picks up is usually from the Spirit of God.
Once we have received that impression we have to decide to accept and believe it;
or we can allow our natural, logical thinking to analyse what is being received and
then reject it. The natural will naturally tend to reject the supernatural (the Holy Spirit
information). The flesh fights against the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-18). The flesh wants
“to play it safe”; the Spirit wants to run with God, even though it might seem
outlandish, illogical or scary (check again the Biblical accounts already mentioned in
this study). Wait on the Lord for further clarification if you are not sure.

This is a vital, key area of life for us. We must learn to recognize how and
when God speaks to us.

Be accountable to others — especially your Church Leadership — so you can be

encouraged to develop and sharpen your listening skills. Out of that ability comes
effective ministry that enables you to be God’s man or woman in the right place at
the right time with the right message for the right person. When that happens you
cannot help but get the right results.

If you are one who has struggled in this area of recognizing how and when God
speaks to you, be willing to make adjustments, be willing to share your heart with
someone you recognize is hearing from God, be willing to open up to a wider receiving
 RECOGNIZING HOW AND WHEN GOD SPEAKS TO US / 61
NOTES
of how God can speak to you. God knows your heart and desires. He wants you to
know Him personally, so do not ever think God is not talking to you. He is and He
does! Keep making adjustments until you know you’re hearing from Him.

A Prayer:

“Dear Father, I come to You now, in the Wonderful Name of Jesus

Your Son. You know my heart’s desire to hear Your voice more
clearly. Right now I still my spirit and wait quietly before You (Psalm
46:10). Speak into my life. Help me to recognize when You are
speaking to me. Take away all my doubts and confusion. I love You,
Lord, and I long to be available to You, to do Your will in my life.
If there are any areas of my life that are a hindrance to my hearing
from You, Lord, please show me what they are and help me to deal
with them. I give You that right, Lord Jesus. Help my mind to be
able to clearly discern Your voice, so I will not reject what You are
saying to me. Fill me with such love for others that I will want to
be used by You to bring Your blessings and presence into their
lives.

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for hearing my prayer. I expect You to

touch my life by helping me to know Your voice more clearly
in the days ahead. I ask these things in the Mighty Name of
Jesus. Amen”


 62 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
 LEARNING
TO
CO-OPERATE
WITH
THE
HOLY SPIRIT
 64 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
 LEARNING TO CO-OPERATE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / 65
NOTES
LEARNING TO CO-OPERATE
WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
By Rodney W. Francis (Hamilton, New Zealand).

W e are living in tremendous days. Days of opportunity . . . days of harvest

. . . days of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. For us to discover more of
the ways of the Holy Spirit – and what He wants to do in and through us – we have
to learn how to co-operate with Him. His ways are so different to ours (Isaiah 55:8-
13) and, if we do not learn the “hows” and the “whats” and the “ways” of the Holy
Spirit, we will live lives that are locked into a natural mind-set that limits God. Not
very much happens for the Christian who does not hear from and respond to the
Holy Spirit. He knows the needs of every person. He knows exactly what should be
done in every situation. He knows how each individual responds the best to Him. We
need to learn to co-operate with Him so we can have the impact and results that
glorify God and bring honour to His Kingdom.

Learning to co-operate with the Holy Spirit means we need to “sharpen up”
on our ability to recognize and know when He is talking to us. He is the Spirit
of truth (John 14:16-17; John 15:26; John 16:13) and He is always right! That’s
exactly what the Holy Spirit wants us to experience day by day. Let’s learn to co-
operate with Him.

SENSITIVITY:
To be effective in co-operating with the Holy Spirit, we need to cultivate our sensitivity
to the Holy Spirit. I believe our sensitivity is first and foremost to help us “pick-up”
on what the Holy Spirit is saying to us. Unfortunately, too often our sensitivity has
become a “defence mechanism” to guard us against criticism, rejection and negativity.
That needs to change. We are called to be positive people. We are Christians
because God has personally hand-selected us to represent Him on this earth.
We are His ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20) — people whom He has given
power and authority to speak and act on His behalf. We represent His Kingdom
on earth. He has given us the Holy Spirit to enable us to represent Him to the
full (John 16:7-15; Acts 1:8). How effective we are in our “ambassadorship”
depends on how much we learn to co-operate with the Holy Spirit.

• If we don’t know how to co-operate with Him, how are we ever going
to accomplish anything for His glory?

• Whose will are we living out?

• What works are we doing?

• And for what purpose?

It is all a waste of time if we spend our Christian lives doing things against the will
 66 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
of the Holy Spirit. At best we can only achieve natural results that are born out of
natural efforts. Let us learn to be so much the more sensitive to the Holy Spirit and
discover what exciting things He has for us.

WE NEED AN ABILITY TO PERCEIVE:

In Acts 14:7-11 we see something of how the Apostle Paul ministered. The setting
is that of the disciples having to flee from Iconium as a result of persecution and an
attempted stoning.

What did they do?

They continued to be available to the Holy Spirit!

They did not get on the defensive; they kept on with their mission in life — that of
representing Jesus on earth. So they came to Lystra and preached the Gospel. In the
meeting there sat a crippled man who had never walked in his life. He was born that
way. As Paul preached he (Paul) “steadfastly beheld the man and perceived that
he had faith to be healed” (v.9).

What was happening?

Paul was co-operating with the Holy Spirit and allowed his spiritual perception and
sensitivity to function (this is more than a natural or physical thing). As he preached
he could “see” faith rising within him. In co-operating with the Holy Spirit, Paul kept
preaching until such time as the crippled man’s faith was to such a level that something
marvellous could happen. Paul’s perception told him when the right level of faith had
been reached and then boldly stopped preaching and commanded the man to stand
up and walk! He did!

Something great happened because Paul had learned to co-operate with the Holy
Spirit and so knew that there were certain things that had to happen, and a certain
level of faith reached, before the miracle could take place. (We still have a lot to learn
about the healing ministry.) More spiritual perception is required if we want to see
more and better results.

It takes spiritual perception to be able to co-operate with the Holy Spirit boldly like
Paul did.

For more on this, please turn to “Developing Your Powers Of Perception”

starting on Page 133.

KNOWING WHAT TO DO:

In Genesis Chapters Seven and Eight we read of Noah and the ark. There we have
some typology of how Noah learned to co-operate with the Holy Spirit.

It seems that Noah and his family were unable to see out of the ark (the window
 LEARNING TO CO-OPERATE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / 67
NOTES
being at the top) and so did not see the devastating effects of the flood on those
who refused to believe the Word of God through Noah.

When it came time for Noah to leave the ark he relied on a dove (symbol of the Holy
Spirit — Matthew 3:16-17) to give him the understanding of the exact time to come
out of that, by now, “smelly” thing. He sent out a raven and a dove. The raven never
came back. The raven represents carnality; it is a flesh-eating bird and would have
had more than enough rotting carcasses to gorge himself on for a life-time! The raven
(like a carnal Christian who has never crucified the flesh — Romans 6) cannot be
relied upon to give us consistently right guidance from the Holy Spirit. The carnal life-
style distracts them from spiritual insight and, in fact, puts them at opposition with
God Himself.

The dove, however, is quite different to the raven. It represents separation from the
flesh, purity, sensitivity to right from wrong. The dove does not even have a gall
bladder, it is that pure, I’m told. When Noah released the dove it went out and
returned back to the ark (it could not land anywhere outside the ark without soiling
itself). Noah knew the timing was not yet right. He waited seven days and released
the dove again. This time the dove returned with an olive leaf in its beak. The olive
leaf represented not only the peace of God (which should be our “umpire” or guide
in all our decisions) but also new life. It spoke of the day of resurrection, of new
beginnings in the will of God.

The raven lusted after the old; the dove waited for the new. It knew it could not live
like the raven (just like Holy Spirit filled Christians cannot live like the world)! The
dove represents the Holy Spirit. Noah knew he had to co-operate with the dove to
get God’s timing for them to enjoy a new day of release and freedom in God. Noah’s
perception knew that the time was now coming right to open the ark and leave
(which he did seven days later).

When we learn to co-operate with the Holy Spirit and do things His way, we cannot
help but have “good success” (Joshua 1:8).

HOW THE HOLY SPIRIT CAME TO

THE GENTILES:

In Acts 10 we have recorded the account of how the Holy Spirit worked to get Simon
Peter released from his religious bigotry and narrow mind-set. God gave a Gentile
by the name of Cornelius a vision and told him “to send men to Joppa, and call
for one Simon whose surname is Peter: he lodges with one Simon a tanner,
whose house is by the sea: he shall tell you what you should do”
(Acts 10:5-6).

How’s that for clear guidance!!

God likes to be specific!

Cornelius obeyed and sent three men to look for Simon Peter. While they were
coming, Peter was in Joppa up on top of a house roof waiting for his midday meal.
 68 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
During that time of waiting – and very hungry! – he fell into a trance. A “trance” is
“a standing out of, removal, a standing out of one’s usual mind; the state of a person
out of his senses, ecstasy” (Bullinger’s). Collins’ Dictionary says it is “a mental state in
which a person is unaware or apparently unaware of the environment, characterized
by loss of voluntary movement ... and lack of sensitivity to external stimuli ... a state
of ecstasy or mystic absorption so intense as to cause a temporary loss of consciousness
at the earthly level.”

It is seeing and experiencing beyond the natural. I have had experiences like
that. Once, while in an elders meeting in Hamilton, New Zealand, I became unaware
of the people and proceedings around me and saw myself preaching in a church in
Hawaii, ministering to a lady in a blue dress suffering from a wounded spirit. When
I saw her (in the vision or trance) compassion hit me and tears ran down my face.
Even though I had never before preached in Hawaii I knew I was there and I knew
what I was there for. Two weeks later I was in Hawaii – personally in the body! – and
experienced to every detail what I received in New Zealand. It was a moment of
destiny – I knew I was co-operating with the Holy Spirit.

While Peter was in his trance he saw heaven opened and a great sheet with all kinds
of animals and birds in it. A voice told him to “Rise; take and eat.” But Peter refused!
As hungry as he was (physically) he could not bring himself to obey God’s voice. God
spoke again. This happened three times and then the sheet returned up again to
heaven. Peter could not work this out.

Here we have a classic example of God wanting a Christian to co-operate with the
Holy Spirit and step out into a great new ministry that would eventually impact every
nation on earth, and Peter argues strongly against God!

Peter’s beliefs, sectarianism, bigotry and plain small-mindedness made it

impossible for him to co-operate with the Holy Spirit. Peter had God in “a
little box” belief system which he was rigidly sticking to. Worse still, Peter
totally misunderstood the vision from heaven! He interpreted what he had
seen according to his own narrow-minded Israelite culture and upbringing,
and missed the point of what God was saying to him. And that is very sad.

• How often are we guilty of exactly the same behaviour?

• How often do we rigidly stick to a belief system that does not work, even defying
the grace of God when He tries to get through to us with a brand new revelation
that launches us into the fuller pur- poses of God?

Peter could not get the message – even with God telling it to him! He was sitting
there bewildered, wondering what on earth was happening to him, when the Holy
Spirit broke in on him again (He knows how to get our attention) and said, “Simon,
three men are looking for you. So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate
to go with them, for I have sent them” (Acts 10:19-20, NIV). That word seemed
more acceptable to Simon Peter, so this time he obeyed and went down to meet
them.
 LEARNING TO CO-OPERATE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / 69
NOTES
When Peter realized those men were Gentiles he would have struggled with that
also. However, God had said, “Do not hesitate to go,” or as the King James says,
“Go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.” Peter went with them
to Cornelius’ house. There he found a house full of Gentiles, something which was
unlawful for a Jew to be in (Acts 10:28), and asked what they wanted of him.

I find it interesting that Peter was maybe on his greatest mission in life in the will and
purposes of God, and he was totally unprepared (apart from things he saw in the
trance and was not sure about). He didn’t go with a prepared sermon (for which we
can be eternally thankful). He went in “blind” obedience because God had told him
to. He was learning to co-operate with the Holy Spirit.

After Cornelius explained to him about his angelic visitation and how he was told to
send for Simon, where he was and whose house he was in (God is good at giving
instructions), suddenly Peter got the true revelation of what the sheet from heaven
was all about. It had nothing to do with what he could or couldn’t eat; it had all to
do with God’s desire for him to take the Gospel of Jesus to the Gentiles (which up
to that time — apart from Jonah — had been religiously kept to the Jews).

“God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that fears Him

(God) and works righteousness, is accepted with Him . . . Jesus is Lord
of all” . . . and “God has anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy
Ghost and power (“dunamis” – “power capable of anything”): Who went
about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil;
for God was with Him” (Acts 10:34-38, KJV).

As Peter co-operated with the Holy Spirit and the truth of God’s Word, the Holy Spirit
co-operated with him. While he was preaching his newfound revelation of Jesus being
for both Jew and Gentile alike, the Holy Spirit fell on those Gentiles in a sovereign
way. They all got filled with the Holy Spirit, magnifying God and speaking in tongues
(Acts 10:44-48). Praise the Lord!

Peter’s co-operation with the Holy Spirit led to the Gospel going forth to the
Gentiles, the impact of that being that most of us reading this found Jesus
Christ as a result. The Gospel spreads abroad the best and quickest when we
listen to the Holy Spirit and do what He tells us. That is why today we are
seeing and hearing of phenomenal things happening around the globe. The
Church, at last, is learning to co-operate with the Holy Spirit!

Too often we think we are not good enough, or qualified enough. Perhaps we would
do well to seriously meditate upon this quote I had sent to me:

“It’s comforting to recall that it took willing amateurs to build the Ark,
but skilled professionials to build the Titanic!” ( Author Unknown ).

THINGS REALLY DO CHANGE:

Things really do change in the ministry when we learn how to co-operate with the
Holy Spirit. He knows the secrets and “keys” to every person’s heart. He will show
 70 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
us the way in if we will humble ourselves and sensitively listen to His voice,
then do what He tells us to do. That is co-operating with the Holy Spirit.
When we are disobedient to His voice we are not co-operating with the Holy Spirit.
Our actions are saying, “I know better than God; I’ll do it my way.” We all know how
stupid that is, but we keep doing it anyway!

In these days of the gathering in of the end-time harvest it is imperative we learn to

co-operate with the Holy Spirit. We are absolutely bankrupt without our co-operating
with Him. Even as a Christian!

Right now the challenge to each of us is to listen, wait, watch, take heed to what
the Spirit is saying. Learn to recognize His promptings and voice and, no matter what,
“Whatever He tells you to do, DO IT!” (Genesis 31:16; Genesis 41:55; John 2:5).

When we co-operate with the Holy Spirit He causes us to know what God
can do; gives us a life-style that brings God on the scene, and releases people
into the purposes of God as never before. We are also liberated into the
greater joy of the Lord.

The more I learn to co-operate with the Holy Spirit, the more exciting, challenging
and meaningful life becomes.

God bless you.


 THE
WORD
OF
WISDOM
 72 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
 THE WORD OF WISDOM / 73
NOTES
THE WORD OF WISDOM
By Rodney W. Francis (Hamilton, New Zealand).

“For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the
word of knowledge by the same Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:8, KJV).

“Now there are distinctive varieties and distributions of endowments

[extraordinary powers distinguishing certain Christians, due to the
power of divine grace operating in their souls by the Holy Spirit] and
they vary, but the (Holy) Spirit remains the same.
And there are distinctive varieties of service and ministration, but it
is the same Lord [Who is served].
And there are distinctive varieties of operation — of working to
accomplish things — but it is the same God Who inspires and energizes
them all in all.
But to each one is given the manifestation of the (Holy) Spirit — that
is, the evidence, the spiritual illumination of the Spirit — for good and
profit.
To one is given in and through the (Holy) Spirit [the power to speak]
a message of wisdom, and to another [the power to express] a word
of knowledge and understanding according to the same (Holy) Spirit”
(1 Corinthians 12:4-8, AMP).

WHAT IS THE WORD OF WISDOM?

T
he word “word” is translated from the Greek word “logos” meaning “the
spoken word; the word spoken, not written” (Bullinger’s).

“Logos” is also translated in other parts of the New Testament as:

“a word or saying”;

• “an account which one gives by word of mouth”;

• “to speak well of”;

• “to praise, to celebrate with praises”;

• “to invoke blessings upon a person”;

• “to consecrate a thing with solemn prayers, to ask God’s blessing on a thing”;

• “to cause to prosper, to make happy, to bestow blessings on.”

A summary, then, of the usage of the word “logos” is to speak in such a way as to
build, bless and cause others to prosper in the Lord. That’s what the Gifts of the Holy
Spirit are about. They are not to put down or to be used in a way that criticizes
individuals or a local body of believers in a public meeting.
 74 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
The word “wisdom” comes from the Greek word “sophia” or “sofia” and means:

• “cleverness, skill; a right application of knowledge” (Bullinger’s);

• “the ability or result of an ability to think and act utilizing knowledge, experience,
understanding, common sense, and insight” (Collins).

The Gift of the Word of Wisdom enables one to express the Holy Spirit’s revelation /
knowledge / answers to either an individual or to a group of people, church, etc., in
a way that surpasses any previous “natural ability” to input into the situation. It
carries the mark of the wisdom of God! And God’s wisdom beats all other
wisdom known to man.

• “I believe that the Word of Wisdom is an impression or a thought or a vision

or the direct audible voice of the Holy Spirit from God about HOW to deal with
a situation . . .

Wisdom, the first of the gifts named, is, I believe, closely associated with God’s
love. I find it works this way: as we move in wisdom, and wait on a word of
wisdom, God will drop something into our mind which is the right thing to say
at that time to a person. But I can only do this when I am moving in the love
of God” (Bill Subritzky in his book “Receiving The Gifts Of The Holy Spirit”).

• “The Gift of the Word of Wisdom is the special ability that God gives to members
of the Body of Christ to receive instant insight on how a given revelation (word
of knowledge, prophecy) may best be applied to a specific situation or need
arising in the Body of Christ, or how a given situation or need is to be resolved
or helped or healed” (David Pytches in his book “Come, Holy Spirit”).

Wisdom is applying knowledge with skill.

The Word of Wisdom is needed, therefore, in our lives to enable us to share the other
Gifts of the Holy Spirit correctly. For example, it is one thing to receive a Word of
Prophecy, knowledge, faith, healing, etc., but it is entirely another thing to deliver
that gift in such a way as to allow it to have its fullest impact.

Many people do receive information and Gifts in the Holy Spirit, but do not always
know how to deliver, nor to whom. If we do not minister in God’s wisdom we can
make mistakes, cause disrespect to the gifts, show insensitivity to the person or people
we are delivering the information to, and even cause offence. The gift may be right,
but the manner of dispensing it may be wrong. The Word of Wisdom helps
us to deliver it right – “the right application of knowledge.”

How very important it is that we apply things rightly. In the Biblical account of the
wise and foolish man who built their houses – one on a rock, the other on the sand
– the wise man rightly applied the word of Jesus. The foolish man heard exactly
the same words from the mouth of the same Jesus, but did not apply them
correctly. As a result he came to ruin (Matthew 7:24-27; Luke 6:46-49). The Word
of Wisdom comes from the mouth of Jesus. Let’s make sure we are listening and
acting accordingly!
 THE WORD OF WISDOM / 75
NOTES
The well-known commentator, William Barclay, has this to say on the Word of Wisdom:
“Clement of Alexandria defined ‘sophia’ (‘wisdom’) as ‘the knowledge of things
human and divine and of their causes.’
Aristotle described it as ‘striving after the best ends and using the best means.’
This is the highest kind of wisdom; it comes not so much from thought as from
communion with God. It is the wisdom which knows God . . ..
Spiritual wisdom is ‘sophia.’
‘Sophia’ is the power to confirm and to commend the truth with wise and
intelligent argument, once it has been intuitively grasped . . .
So, then, the real Church will have the clear-sighted wisdom which can act for
the best in any given situation, the wisdom which can instinctively recognize
and grasp the truth when it sees it; and the wisdom which can make the truth
intelligible to the thinking mind, and persuasively commend it to others.”

Walter A. Elwell in his “Evangelical Dictionary of Theology” writes on the Word of

Wisdom:
“An important part of the Spirit’s endowment, so far as the Christian community
was concerned, was wisdom. This gift would communicate ability to receive
and explain ‘the deep things of God’ (1 Corinthians 2:9-16). In God’s dealings
with men much is mysterious, and the ordinary Christian is often in need of a
word that will throw light upon his situation; and the person filled by the Spirit
to fulfil this ministry is through the Spirit given the Word of Wisdom. Because
of the strong sense of revelation or insight implied in the phrase, perhaps this
gift was akin to a revelational utterance by the Christian prophet.”

SOME EXAMPLES:
Some examples of the Word of Wisdom in Scripture are:

• The Apostle Paul in dealing with the spirit of divination in a young lady
(Acts 16:16-18).

Paul did not “rush in” straightaway and deliver the girl. He waited “many days”
before confronting it. That was wisdom. This example does not mean that a similar
case would necessarily be handled the same way. We may need to act today, or
tomorrow, next week, next month, next year. Let wisdom prevail! Wisdom gets
the timing right!

• The Apostle Peter in dealing with Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-16).

Peter used the Word of Wisdom to make sure that both Ananias and Sapphira
exposed their own evil doings and so suffered the consequences of their own
actions. He did not accuse Sapphira on the confession of her husband alone,
but wisely heard from her as well.

• The Apostle Paul in the healing of the cripple (Acts 14:7-10).

Here is a good example of spiritual knowledge skilfully and rightly applied. The
 76 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
cripple’s faith rose as Paul preached. Paul perceived in the spirit what was
happening and, through the Word of Wisdom, knew the right moment to
release the man’s faith to be healed. He was healed.

• Solomon passing judgment on a child (1 Kings 3:16-28).

A good Old Testament example is that of Solomon passing judgment on the

women who were arguing over their two children — one dead and one alive.
Both women were claiming that the remaining live child was their’s and the
dead child was the other’s. Solomon called for a sword to divide the remaining
live child in two, so the women could have half each! When Solomon made
that decision known the true mother of the living child cried out to give her
child to the other woman (in order to save its life). Solomon then knew who
the real mother was. This judgment from Solomon caused all Israel to “see that
the wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment” (1 Kings 3:28).

Personal Experience:
I have found on numbers of occasions the Holy Spirit has given me a key word to
describe to me how to minister into a person’s life. It may be a Scriptural word like
“gentleness” or “faith”; or it may be an outrageous word like “tube of tooth-paste,”
“egg-shells” or “mis-fit.” Whatever the word is I have discovered that it is a key in
the Holy Spirit on how to minister very effectively and powerfully — yet at the same
time very gently and sensitively — into that person’s situation. I may never have
spoken to that person in my life before and know nothing (naturally) about them.

Those key words, I believe, are Words of Wisdom. They would not be my choice or
tactics in ministering to somebody. But I’ve discovered God knows best! His wisdom
is far superior to mine!

We, today, need the Word of Wisdom in our lives as we seek to fulfil the purposes
of God and to lead others into all that which He has for them. Let’s be alive in the
Holy Spirit and allow Him to share His wisdom, revelation, knowledge and
understanding to us in ways that will tremendously bless those we meet.


 THE
WORD
OF
KNOWLEDGE
 78 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
 THE WORD OF KNOWLEDGE / 79
NOTES
THE WORD OF KNOWLEDGE
By Rodney W. Francis (Hamilton, New Zealand).

“For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the
word of knowledge by the same Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:8, KJV).

“To one is given in and through the (Holy) Spirit [the power to speak]
a message of wisdom, and to another [the power to express] a word
of knowledge and understanding according to the same (Holy) Spirit”;
(1 Corinthians 12:8, AMP).

WHAT IS THE WORD OF KNOWLEDGE?

L
et us, first of all, break it down to its original Greek meanings:

• “Word” Greek: “logos” is “the spoken word; the word spoken, not written”
(Bullinger’s).

• “Knowledge” Greek: “gnosis” is “knowing, or recognition, the knowledge

or understanding of a thing, the insight which manifests itself in the thorough
understanding of the subjects with which it meets and in the conduct determined
thereby” (Bullinger’s).

• The Word Of Knowledge, therefore, is knowledge received from the Holy

Spirit to enable us to more effectively minister to the needs of people, to know
and understand situations, circumstances, strategies of the enemy (kingdoms
of darkness), etc. It enables us to know how to speak in the above situations
with a knowledge that can surprise, baffle, dis-arm, open-up, bring answers,
healing and understanding.

The Word of Knowledge is one of the nine Gifts of the Holy Spirit which we read of
in 1 Corinthians12:1-11.

They are:

• The Word of Wisdom

• The Word of Knowledge
• Faith
• The Gifts of Healing
• The Working of Miracles
• Prophecy
• Discerning of Spirits (good and bad)
• Many Kinds of Tongues
• The Interpretation of Tongues.
 80 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
All these gifts are of the Holy Spirit, and are Spirit-inspired. They are supernatural in
nature, to help the Spirit-filled believer to bring the presence and reality of the Living
Christ into a situation, as well as to bring answers to humanity — both individually
and collectively.

Definitions:

• “I believe that the Word of Knowledge is a thought, or impression on our mind

or a vision or the direct audible voice of the Holy Spirit ABOUT a situation” (Bill
Subritzky in his book “Receiving The Gifts Of The Holy Spirit”).

• “This is the supernatural revelation of fact about a person or situation, which

is not learned through the efforts of the natural mind, but is a fragment of
knowledge freely given by God, disclosing the truth which the Spirit wishes to
be made known concerning a particular person or situation” (John Wimber, “Vineyard
Fellowships,”U.S.A.).

HOW DOES THE WORD OF KNOWLEDGE

OPERATE?
It is one thing to know the theories of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, but quite another
to recognize that such a gift is ours to use.

The first obstacle we face in being used by the Holy Spirit Giftings is often our (the
Christian’s) ignorance of the gifts.

Kill Ignorance!!

The Apostle Paul in the very first verse of 1 Corinthians 12 makes this important
statement:

“Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.”
The word “ignorant” means “not to perceive or know; not to understand or
comprehend” (Bullinger’s).

It can also include being misinformed, which is how the Amplified Bible expresses it:
“Now about the spiritual gifts (the special endowments of supernatural
energy), brethren, I do not want you to be misinformed.”

CULTIVATE A RIGHT ATTITUDE:

Too often our ignorance of the gifts is shown by our attitude toward them. For
example, some have the idea that to “operate” or “function” in the gifts it is all of
the sovereignty of God: we do nothing; He kind of overpowers us and comes through
outside of our will. This is not true. God never violates our will! To flow in the gifts
we must be willing and available to obey the Holy Spirit. This means that in faith, in
 THE WORD OF KNOWLEDGE / 81
NOTES
response to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, we will be willing to make publicly
known (generally) that knowledge which we have received from the Holy Spirit —
even though we did not know that information naturally beforehand.

To Function In The Word Of Knowledge, One Must:

• Have a strong desire to release the Gifts of the Holy Spirit;

• Be sensitive to God;

• Know or recognize when the Holy Spirit is speaking to us about a certain person
or matter;

• Know the right timing to make known that certain information;

• Know how to minister that “word” in an edifying way;

• Be willing and prepared to accept any fine-tuning, teaching and correction from
those over us in the Lord; and also to

• Take responsibility for what effects the Word of Knowledge has after you have
“delivered” or “spoken” it.

GAIN KNOWLEDGE FROM GOD AND PEOPLE:

The answer to ignorance is knowledge. Become informed observe learn recognize

about what the Word of God has to say. 1 Corinthians Chapters 12 to 14 and Romans
12 are important portions of Scripture to know well.

• Observe other people who flow in the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.
• Learn from their good points and also their not so good points.
• Recognize the human part of us can make mistakes, even in Holy Spirit
ministry!

HAVE THE RIGHT MOTIVATION:

Make sure that your motivation is always to build up God and His people. The Gifts
of the Holy Spirit are always to edify, exhort and comfort people (1 Corinthians 14:1-
3). To minister effectively in the gifts one needs to love people, have good relationships
with people, have an acceptance by the people – otherwise so much of what we
have to share with them will be rejected. To flow in the Gift of the Word of Knowledge
(or any other spiritual gift) does not make us a prophet of God – we cannot demand
that the people accept what we say or else it will be “Thus saith the Lord, brimstone
and judgment will fall upon thee ... shund a barunda!!”
 82 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
LEARN FROM THE POSTMAN – WE ARE GOD’S
MESSENGERS:
In exercising the Gift of the Word of Knowledge we are passing on to others information
from the Holy Spirit that He wants them to know at this time in their life. A natural
illustration that might be helpful to your understanding is that of the postman.

He is employed to deliver a message to pre-appointed people. His job is to take the

message to the person whose name is on the envelope. It is not the postman’s message
— that comes from the sender. The postman doesn’t have to know or understand
the lifestyle of the person who the letter is addressed to. His job is simply to deliver
the message (whether he understands it or not). If the postman gets careless or
outside his realm of authority, then there is every possibility that the message will be
delayed — or even delivered to the wrong person! (That breeds confusion).

Likewise in the Holy Spirit ministry. Our “employer” the Holy Spirit asks us to deliver
a message to a certain person. It is not “our” message and the message is not for
us. We are simply the delivery person. When we do just as the Holy Spirit asks us —
no more and no less — then the message (the Word of Knowledge) will be delivered
to the right person in the right place at the right time. Remember, the Holy Spirit is
the Spirit of truth (John 14:15-17; John 15:26; John 16:13-15).

It is when we try to interfere with that process that the Gifts of the Holy Spirit fall
into disrepute. Once that happens repeatedly people will “switch-off” to the messenger
and not receive any “words” from them in their hearts, even if they show otherwise
outwardly at the time of reception.

SUMMING UP:

In summing up this section, then, to operate in the Word of Knowledge (in an ongoing
and acceptable way) one needs to have:

• A GOOD DEVOTIONAL LIFE:

That is, building a personal relationship with Jesus and the Holy Spirit in
prayer and the studying of the Word of God. It is through taking time to be
with God that we learn to recognize His voice and when He is speaking to
us. If we do not know His voice we will never be able to respond to Him or
exercise the gifts.

• A RIGHT RELATIONSHIP IN A DOCTRINALLY SOUND,

SPIRIT-FILLED CHURCH:
The importance of being established into the life of a church cannot be
overemphasized. If we want to be effective in the Word of Knowledge we
must be “rooted into” a church home where our gifts can be exercised,
developed and proven that they are indeed the Holy Spirit and not some
human ego trip. It is vital that our gifts can be “judged” by the Body of Christ
(1 Corinthians 14:29; 1 Thessalonians 5:19-26).
 THE WORD OF KNOWLEDGE / 83
NOTES
• A TEACHABLE SPIRIT:
In matters of the Holy Spirit Gifts there are many things to learn. If we do
not have a humble, teachable spirit, then we are going to finish up in real
trouble. I thank God for those who have spoken into my life, both to give
correction and encouragement. The result of that is that I have grown in
confidence and faith to exercise the Gifts of the Holy Spirit as I recognize His
promptings. Some marvellous things have happened over the years!

If we are not teachable and we begin to develop “gifts” on a wrong

understanding or in error, we will certainly self-destruct further down the
track — the tragedy being that many lives can also be ruined in the process
as well. Don’t be too proud to receive loving instruction!

• A SENSITIVE SPIRIT:
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit are usually for exercising in a public manner.
Therefore we need to cultivate a sensitive spirit towards God — and also
towards the meeting or environment we are in. God is not a God of disorder
or chaos and, if we are sensitive to Him, He will show us how to deliver a
Word of Knowledge in a way that is beautiful. Sensitivity will also help give
us the right timing and the right way to go about things.

• A GENUINE LOVE FOR PEOPLE:

In 1 Corinthians 13 we are told that it is possible to develop great gifts of
God in our life, yet still not love! We can separate our gifts, develop them to
a tremendous degree, and still be impersonal and unloving towards people.
The Bible says if we do that, then we are NOTHING! We have missed God
somewhere, even though we can use His gifts. That is a great tragedy and,
far too often, is the testimony of too many Christians over the years (John
13:34-35; John 15:7; 1 John 4:7-21).

It is love for God and people that teaches us the most about the exercising
of Spiritual Gifts! The ministering vessel needs to know something of love
and compassion. He is dealing with eternal souls, and the result of his Word
of Knowledge can mean release or ruin for many years to come. It is not by
chance that 1 Corinthians 13 is placed where it is – right in the middle of
Chapters 12 and 14 which teach us about Spiritual Gifts.

• A DESIRE TO BE USED:
No one will flow in the gifts if there is no desire to. God responds to desire
(Psalm 37:4; Psalm 145:16-21; Psalm 21:2). “The desire of the righteous
shall be granted” (Proverbs 10:24). Paul desired to impart Spiritual Gifts into
the saints: “For I long (“to desire earnestly”) to see you, that I may impart
(“to give a share of”) unto you some spiritual (“belonging to the Spirit,
determined by, influenced by or proceeding from it” - Bullinger’s) gift, to the
end you may be established (“set fast, fixed firmly”) (Romans 1:11, KJV).
 84 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
The Apostle also exhorted us to:
“ . . . covet (“be zealous for”) earnestly (“serious in mind or intention; demanding
serious attention” - Collins) the best gifts” (1 Corinthians 12:31, KJV).

“Follow after love, and desire spiritual gifts . . . ” (1 Corinthians 14:1).

Cultivate Your Desire To Flow In Spiritual Gifts.

Pray for God to stir your spirit over these matters.

Don‘t be Afraid to Ask!

It is always good to learn from others. When someone is functioning in a lovely way
in the gifts, don’t be afraid to approach them later to learn more.

MANY VARIATIONS ON USING THE GIFTS:

There is only one Holy Spirit, but there are many different ways the Word of Knowledge
can operate. God uses our personalities and, as they are all different, there can be
quite a variety of ways the gift can function. Don’t be afraid of this.

“Now there are distinctive varieties and distributions of endowments

[extraordinary powers distinguishing certain Christians, due to the
power of divine grace operating in their souls by the Holy Spirit]
and they vary, but the (Holy) Spirit remains the same.

And there are distinctive varieties of service and ministration, but

it is the same Lord [Who is served].
And there are distinctive varieties of operation — of working to
accomplish things — but it is the same God Who inspires and
energises them all in all” (1 Corinthians 12:4-6, AMP).

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE:
Over the years of moving in the Word of Knowledge I have recognized various ways
in which I receive “a word.” They are:

• In The Prayer Closet Before A Meeting Even Begins:

I will become aware that a certain person will be in the meeting; the Holy
Spirit will show me something of that person’s need or what I am to minister
to them. This method has often been tested, as many times when I get to
the meeting the person concerned is not there! But they eventually turn up
— late! — and once again the Holy Spirit shows He knows what He is doing.
Truth prevails!

• A Witness In My Spirit:
I will just suddenly know something about a particular person or persons that
I am to minister to. The Holy Spirit makes the information “alive” in my spirit.
I know it in my “knower.”
 THE WORD OF KNOWLEDGE / 85
NOTES
It is important to recognize that “witness” as it can mean the difference
between a “missed opportunity” or a “Holy Spirit encounter” for someone.

• The Word of God:

Many times as I have looked at people while preaching – even before and
after the preaching is all over! – there will suddenly come alive in my spirit
a particular Scripture verse or portion (it’s important to know the Word of
God). That portion will hold specific “keys” that person needs to know and
can be the means of great release, encouragement, etc. This method is often
quite powerful. “The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God”
(Ephesians 6:17, KJV).

“He (The Holy Spirit) shall bring to your remembrance whatsoever I (Jesus)
have said unto you” (John 14:26, KJV). When the Word of God is in us, the
Holy Spirit of God can release it out of us! Through the operation of
Spiritual Gifts!

• My Eyes:
Because I have a real love for people I find compassion will well-up inside me
when I look at people. This doesn’t happen all the time, but when it does it
can be very effective – sometimes embarrassing as I will start to shed tears.
Whether I know the person or not doesn’t seem to make any difference.
Through my eyes I will suddenly know things and how I am to speak a word
or minister to that one. Our eyes are very important: “The light of the body
is the eye” (Matthew 6:22; Luke 11:34-36).

One of the most powerful ways of receiving a Word of Knowledge for others
is via “the eye-gate.” Love and compassion are released through seeing, i.e.
When Jesus saw the needs of people He was moved with compassion (Matthew
9:36; Matthew 14:14; Matthew 15:32; Matthew 20:34; Mark 1:41;
Luke 7:13).

I have discovered we can use our spiritual eyes to receive Words of Knowledge
for others. This can happen when we look at a person with our natural eyes
and yet, at the same time, we can “see” with our spiritual eyes and receive
information from the Holy Spirit for that person.

Here is a very simple illustration: In a meeting (preferably under spiritual Leadership

supervision) you can place a chair (or chairs) at the front of the meeting (or
where everyone can see). Invite a volunteer to come and sit in the chair. The
Leader then exhorts the people to look at the person sitting on the chair (without
boring into them with insensitive, unnecessary staring). At the same time
everyone is exhorted to open their heart and spirit to God, making themselves
available to the Holy Spirit to receive a Word of Knowledge for that particular
person. I will lead them all in a prayer, something like this: “Holy Spirit, we make
ourselves available to You right now. If there is anything You would like me to
say to that person (on the chair) that will help to bless, inspire, encourage,
minister and speak to them in such a way that they know it is the Holy Spirit,
then, Lord, I am willing to share it. I thank You, Lord, that You want to use me
in this way. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
 86 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
I then encourage the people to “pick-up” on those “first impressions.” Once
they have, then they are asked to come forward to speak out what they have
got over the person. It is a good thing to have the “words” given recorded,
so the person can go back and listen to them again at home. This has proved
to be a tremendous blessing to numbers of people. For larger groups, several
chairs can be used at the same time (portable tape recorders would be
needed). I have seen church congregations released in a variety of the Gifts
of the Holy Spirit using this method. And the “words” given have been
accurate and very good. Christian, your eyes are for seeing!

• My Ears:
Ears are for listening! First to God, then to the heart-beat of people. The
Holy Spirit can speak a word in my ear and I know I have to obey. Sometimes
it has been as strong in the Spirit as though someone was shouting at me.
Other times it is “the still small voice” (1 Kings 19:12).

“Seeing” and “hearing” are two keys to Holy Spirit ministry:

And the man said to me, “Son of man, see with your eyes, hear with
your ears, and give attention to all that I am going to show you; for you
have been brought here in order to show it to you. Declare to the house
of Israel all that you see” (Ezekiel 40:4, NASB; Ezekiel 44:5). Seeing and
hearing run together. They are Biblical principles (Luke 2:20; John 3:11,32; Acts
4:20; Acts 22:15). When Holy Spirit-filled believers are alert and available to
God we are able to “see” and “hear” things to pass onto others in an uplifting
and positive way.

• My Heart:
The gifts can operate by having an open, listening heart. A word can come
into my heart and I know it is a Word of Knowledge. I then know what to
do. If I don’t know what to do, I wait until things fall into place. God always
makes an opportunity for that which He wants us to do.

• Vision Form:
In recent years I have had the blessing of seeing in vision form what the Holy
Spirit wants me to do. Sometimes a meeting has been unfolded to me before
it even takes place, so I know what God wants me to do in that meeting.
Other times I just “see” a word written across a person’s life (while I am
preaching or in their presence) that tells me how to minister to that person.
For example, words like “gentle,” “sensitive,” “self-conscious,” “shy,”
“cautious,” “wounded spirit,” “sweet,” “big heart of love,” etc. Every time
this happens, I just know how to minister and when I do there comes a flow
of further information to share. These times have proven to be powerfully
positive and uplifting as the people respond to the Holy Spirit ministry of the
Word of Knowledge. Often the Word of Knowledge is also entwined with
the Word of Wisdom, the Discerning of Spirits, the Gift of Faith and the Gift
of Prophecy.

In my travels I have observed an increasing number of people who are

seeing pictures for others. As they are spoken out the interpretation is also there
 THE WORD OF KNOWLEDGE / 87
NOTES
with the one “seeing” the picture, or someone else gets the interpretation to
give. It is always refreshing to see the Body of Christ functioning in this way.

• Through songs:
Many times in a meeting the Holy Spirit will make alive a certain verse of a
hymn or a chorus – even one line or one word. It proves to be the theme
or emphasis in a meeting and one learns to “go with the flow.” The result
often is the operation of the Gift of Prophecy and the Word of Knowledge.

The “song of the Lord” or “prophetic singing” or a new “song in the Spirit”
can be a very powerful way of ministering to a group, or to an individual.
Not long ago I was tremendously blessed to listen to a new “prophetic song”
being sung out in a duet. Two Christian brothers (both in different parts of
the meeting) sang out in harmony a prophetic song. It was precious.

• Through other people:

God speaks to us through other people. If we are spiritually alert we can
“pick up” what the Holy Spirit would say to us – the end result can be a
Word of Knowledge. (I am not talking about being “super-spiritual” – we
need to be relaxed and still in our spirit to hear from God).

When the gifts are allowed to flow in public meetings, they help to inspire
and release others to function. The gifts are given to help the whole Body
of Christ to release the reality of the presence of Jesus in our midst (Revelation
19:10). Ministry should not be confined to, nor dominated by, the Pastor(s)
and Elders, or by a “selected few.” The gifts are for every Spirit-filled believer
to exercise to “the edification, exhortation and comfort” of the Body
(1 Corinthians 14:3).

• Through faith:
All the gifts require active faith on our part. Without faith we will never make
known the things the Holy Spirit shows us in a public way. It can be quite
“scary” at times to move in faith and give a Word of Knowledge to someone
totally unknown to you in front of a small or large crowd.

Faith is the putting into practice (or action) those things we have been quietly
receiving from the Holy Spirit. Faith is what turns the information, impression,
picture, etc. received into a gift to be given away. A gift is not a gift until it is
given away! A prophecy is not a prophecy to benefit others until it is spoken
out. As long as you keep it to yourself, you are the only one who can benefit
from it. Do not let excuses, fear, shyness, uncertainty stop you from speaking
out that which the Holy Spirit shows you. Faith causes us to rise above all those
things and to release to others what God has given to you (to pass on). Keeping
it all to yourself is being somewhat selfish!. The mind tries to tell you it’s crazy,
that you will be wrong, that the person won’t respond, or you’ll be rejected as
being “a spiritual nut.”

Through the Word of Knowledge I have been used to build up discouraged Christians,
know what other people have done to those who are hurting or emotionally and
 88 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
spiritually at breaking point, find people, seal the will and call of God, release Gifts
of the Holy Spirit into other people’s lives, tell people the calling of God on their lives,
know physical sicknesses, establish Christian ministries (like “The GFM”), start churches
– the examples are varied and many. Scores of people have told me after these words
– many have been years after – that those words were so right and the things
mentioned happened. I give all the praise to God for this. It never ceases to amaze
me as to the accuracy of the Word of Knowledge when we know we are hearing
from the Holy Spirit.

The operation of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit should not be a “hit and miss” affair if
we are willing to learn and grow in the ways of the Lord. Always seek to “sharpen”
the gifts ... to be as accurate as possible ... to the glory of God, and the edifying of
the Church.

WISDOM AND CHOICE:

The Word of Wisdom is often used alongside a Word of Knowledge. When God gives
a Word of Knowledge to a person, it is important to know what to do with this gift.
How do we apply it?

There are four choices we have as to what to do when we receive a Word of Knowledge
and we need to ask ourselves, “What is the best and right thing to do with this
knowledge?”

Is the Word of Knowledge you have received:

1. For prayer purposes only?

2. To be shared with the local church oversight first?

3. For private sharing with the individual concerned? (Keeping in mind you
must be accountable to your Church Leadership – they should know what
is going on).

4. For sharing in an edifying way in a public meeting? To speak out Words of

Knowledge in public meetings, they must be done in such a way that the
individual concerned, and the meeting as a whole, is edified.

If there is any doubt about the knowledge received, or what you should
do with it, check with your Church Pastor, Elders, Leadership. Run it past them an
let them advise you what to do. That way you are ministering under the guidance,
safety and counsel of your spiritual covering (and every one of us needs spiritual
covering and accountability when we are ministering in the Gifts of the Holy Spirit
– none of us are to be a “law” unto ourself). Be humble and teachable!
 THE WORD OF KNOWLEDGE / 89
NOTES
SOME BIBLE EXAMPLES:
Numerous examples of the Word of Knowledge can be found in the Bible. Just a few
will be related here.

JESUS: – The woman at the well.

In John 4:4-42 (especially Verses 15-19) we read of Jesus
ministering to the Samaritan woman and bringing great
change into her life through a Word of Knowledge:
“Jesus said unto her, Go, call your husband and come back here. The
woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her,
You have well said, I have no husband: For you have had five husbands;
and the man you are living with right now is not your husband . . .
The woman said unto Him, Sir, I perceive (“see”) that You are a prophet
(“public expounder”).”

The impact of this word was a transformed life on her part and many of the
Samaritans became believers. Revival came to their village!

ANANIAS: – The conversion of Saul (Acts 9:1-31, especially

Verses 10-18).

CORNELIUS: – To find Simon Peter (Acts 10:1-8).

PETER: – To help him break his bigotry against the Gentiles

(Acts 10:9-17 and Acts11:2-19).

PETER: – When the three men from Cornelius came looking for him
(Acts 10:17-21).

PETER: – When he exposed the sin of Ananias and Sapphira

(Acts 5:1-11). (Peter was functioning in the authority of
an apostle here).

PAUL: – Knew a man called Ananias (not the same Ananias of

Acts 5) would come and put his hand on him and pray
for him to receive his sight (Acts 9:4-18; Acts 22:7-16).

PAUL: – Was warned of God to get out of Jerusalem quickly

(Acts 22:17-21).

THE PROPHETS: – At Antioch had a Word of Knowledge that Barnabas and

Paul were to be separated for the work of God (Acts 13:1-4).

PAUL: – And the Macedonian call (Acts 16:9-10).

PHILIP: – Was told to jump on the Ethiopian’s chariot (Acts 8:26-40).

 90 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
OLD TESTAMENT EXAMPLES:
It is possible that the Word of Knowledge operated through Spirit-filled men in the
Old Testament:

ELIJAH: – In showing himself to King Ahab (1 Kings 18:1-2).

ELIJAH: – In the choosing of Elisha to succeed him (1Kings19:15-16).

ELISHA: – Over the deeds of Gehazi his servant (2 Kings 5:20-27).

SAMUEL: – In the finding of Saul’s asses and the call of God on Saul
(1 Samuel 9:15-27).

MORE THAN ONE GIFT CAN BE IN OPERATION

WHEN WE MOVE IN THE GIFTS OF
THE HOLY SPIRIT:
When we pass on a Word of Knowledge to others, there is in operation at that one
delivery more than just the Word of Knowledge.

For example, there can be:

• The Word of Knowledge (the information or ministry to pass on);

• The Word of Wisdom (knowing the time and place to give it);

• The Gift of Discerning of Spirits (depending on the message and circumstances,

Discerning of Spirits helps you to know the spirit of the person you are to
minister to);

• The Gift of Prophecy (some Words of Knowledge come out to congregations

in prophecy);

• The Gift of Faith (it takes that to make known spiritual or supernaturally gained
knowledge about others!);

• The Gifts of Healing (where a Word of Knowledge involves the physical

condition of a person);

• The Working of Miracles (where there is a miraculous confirmation straight

away of the Word of Knowledge given).

To exercise the Word of Knowledge (or any Gifts of the Holy Spirit) is a
blessing and a privilege. What a joy it is to see people touched by the Holy Spirit
because we allow Him to use us to be a channel through which He can flow.
 THE WORD OF KNOWLEDGE / 91
NOTES
Be available!

Be sensitive — to God, and to people!

Be sure you are hearing the Holy Spirit!

Be obedient!

Give God the glory!


 92 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
 PROPHETIC
MINISTRY
THROUGH
MUSICAL
INSTRUMENTS
AND
SINGERS
 94 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
 PROPHETIC MINISTRY THROUGH MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS AND SINGERS / 95
NOTES
PROPHETIC MINISTRY THROUGH
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
AND SINGERS
By Rodney W. Francis (Hamilton, New Zealand).

H
oly Spirit ministry functions through many and varied means. One of the not
so common today is that of musicians prophesying on their instruments.
That is, the ability to play prophetically on their instruments in such a way as
to release the anointing to the people. Some musicians do know the joy of doing
this. As they play, others are inspired to prophesy and release the revelation of God
out of their lives!

“The prophetic musician sees further than the task of music, because it is a ministry
requiring knowledge beyond the physical task of playing notes in the right order. It
is a music of divine appointment to comfort, encourage, strengthen, confront and
stir people to higher goals, or take us to another level of worship” (Excerpt from “The
Musician” by Kerry Wright).

This is the realm where musicians can play prophetically, whereby the anointed
tune — even a new tune — can actually enable the Holy Spirit to interpret
the feeling and/or message of the tune to our hearts. As we listen intently
while the musician plays (can be singular or plural), we “pick-up” the heart beat
of God, and the theme of that heart beat is interpreted to us in the realm of
our understanding. When that happens we can experience deep peace, joy,
inspiration, even tears, as the Holy Spirit speaks. Yet no words have been spoken;
only an anointed tune on an instrument.

MUSIC IS IMPORTANT:
“Music is very powerful because it is an expression, and particularly so because it
relates to the emotions which are the most powerful feelings of all . . . Find a skilled,
Spirit-led musician who can play prophetically over an individual, and we have a most
powerful weapon of warfare that every musician should be aspiring to . . . A musician’s
qualifications lies not in their skill, but in the spiritual discernment, sensitivity and
obedience to their calling . . . The role of the musician is that of a ministering role;
it is not merely to sing a few nice choruses” (Kerry Wright).

“There is a spiritual communication that greatly transcends any form of communication.

It is profound and more meaningful than human words are able to articulate. Somehow
it is a pure communication of the heart and mind together, and it is so pure that there
is no possibility of misunderstanding. When I looked at the Lord I began to understand
Him in the same way. We continued to use words, but the meaning of each one had
a depth no dictionary could have ever captured” (Excerpt from “The Final Quest Vision”
by Rick Joyner).
 96 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
I see prophetic ministry, prophetic music and prophetic singing as being like that. It
reaches far beyond the realm of our natural ability or understanding and lifts us into
the very presence of God through the enabling of the Holy Spirit anointing being
released out of us.

Music – the right kind of music – can play a very important role in the ministry
of the Holy Spirit. The Bible reveals that people were moved to prophesy
with and under the blessing of musical instruments:

• The company of prophets had musical instruments with them when they
prophesied (1 Samuel 10:5-6).

• A harp was played by David to drive the evil spirit away from King Saul
(1 Samuel 16:14-23; 1 Samuel 18:10; 1 Samuel 19:9).

• The anointing came on Elisha when the stringed instrument was played...
and he prophesied: “ . . . But now bring me a harpist.” While the harpist
was playing, the hand of the Lord came upon Elisha and he said, ‘This
is what the Lord says . . ..” (2 Kings 3:14- 20, NIV).

DAVID’S GREAT CHOIR:

David was a great music man. He could play skilfully himself (1 Samuel 16:16) and
actually made a number of musical instruments for use in the house of worship.
Music and singing were a major part of the worship services in his day.
1 Chronicles 23:5 tells us:
“And, said David . . . 4,000 are to praise the Lord with the instruments
which I made for praise” (AMP).

Let us now look at 1 Chronicles 25:1-8 (NIV):

“David, together with the commanders of the army, set apart some of the
sons of Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun for the ministry of prophesying,
accompanied by harps, lyres and cymbals. Here is the list of the men who
performed this service:

From the sons of Asaph:

Zaccur, Joseph, Nethaniah and Asarelah. The sons of Asaph were under
the supervision of Asaph, who prophesied under the king’s supervision.

As for Jeduthun, from his sons:

Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah and Mattithiah, six in all,
under the supervision of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied, using
the harp in thanking and praising the Lord.

... All these were sons of Heman the king’s seer. They were given him through
the promises of God to exalt him . . .
All these men were under the supervision of their fathers for the music of
the temple of the Lord, with cymbals, lyres and harps, for the ministry at the
house of the Lord. Asaph, Jeduthun and Heman were under the supervision
of the king.
 PROPHETIC MINISTRY THROUGH MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS AND SINGERS / 97
NOTES
Along with their relatives — all of them trained and skilled in music for the
Lord — they numbered 288. Young and old alike, teacher as well as student,
cast lots for their duties.”

The musicians –288 of them! – prophesied with musical instruments. (A psaltery is

an ancient stringed instrument similar to the lyre, but having a trapezoidal – “no
parallel sides” – sounding board over which the strings are stretched. A lyre is an
ancient Greek stringed instrument consisting of a resonating tortoise shell to which
a crossbar was attached by two projecting arms. It was plucked with a plectrum –
“small piece of wood” – and used for accompanying songs - Collins).

The NIV uses the word “lyre,” while the KJV uses the word “psaltery”.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO PROPHESY?

The word “prophesy” in this chapter is translated from the Hebrew word “naba 2”
meaning:
• “flowing (1), abundantly utter (1), belch out (1), pour out (3), send forth (1),
utter (4)” (Young’s);

• “to prophesy, i.e. speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse):-
prophesying, make self a prophet” (Strong’s);

• “to announce, to show, to deliver an oracle from God, to speak as God’s

ambassador; to foretell future events; to sing songs or hymns: each implying
divine inspiration” (Wilson’s).

Prophesying is all about ministering by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. It is more
than natural talent and ability. It is the co-operating with the purposes of God to
express – by word and deed – that which He desires. As we recognize His leadings
in our lives we can yield to, and co-operate with, the anointing of the Holy Spirit to
release His supernatural purposes in a gathering. It is functioning under divine
inspiration and revelation of the Holy Spirit to do that which He wants done. When
that is happening the presence of Jesus becomes a blessed reality. The Church is
edified and needs are met as we flow with the Spirit of truth!

What Do We See In 1 Chronicles 25:1-8?

1. David saw music as an integral part of inspiring his army. He worked with
his army commanders to set apart musicians and singers! (v.1).

2. Some were “separated to the [temple] service” (AMP) for the ministry of
prophesying with musical instruments (v.1).
They were set apart to wait on their ministry, so they could function effectively
under / in the anointing. The result: they inspired a whole army to rise and
face the enemy very positively.

3. They prophesied under the king’s supervision (v.2).

They did it for David’s desire – and it worked powerfully! How much more
should we prophesy under King Jesus’ supervision?
 98 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
4. Their prophetic music was used in thanking and praising the Lord (v.3). It
was exaltation of the Lord Himself!

5. Those specifically chosen of the sons of Heman had a good hereditary

background and upbringing. Heman was the king’s “seer” (v.5). “Seer” was
the name by which prophets were known before (1 Samuel 9:9). The word
is translated from the Hebrew “chozeh” meaning “a beholder in vision,
prophet” (Strong’s). Heman would have instilled into his children the
importance of knowing how to yield to the anointing.

6. The musicians and singers were under the supervision of their fathers (v.6),
who were under the supervision of King David. This speaks of a teachable
spirit, submission, obedience and accountability.

7. They were trained and skilled in music for the Lord – 288 of them! (v.7).
They prophesied with musical instruments.

8. Teacher and student worked together (v.8).

This teaches us the importance of training, mentoring and releasing others
to bring about a continuity of creativity, skilfulness and quality of developing
that prophetic cutting edge so necessary today.

9. Lots were cast for their duties (v.8).

They never knew who they would specifically be playing their instruments
with until the lot was cast. That meant they had to always be prepared
for whatever and whoever. They were ready for when their name was called.

DAVID’S EXAMPLE WAS CONTINUED:

When we turn to 2 Chronicles 5:12-14 we see those families of Asaph, Heman and
Jeduthun in full flight (this is about 10 years after 1 Chronicles 25). Can you picture
that great host of dedicated, anointed musicians and singers – all decked in their
beautiful robes – standing near the altar with 120 priests blowing trumpets in unison
in a sound of praise and thanksgiving to God?

Something was released in the spirit realm! The presence of God came among
them in the form of a glory cloud. As it hit them they went down on the
ground. They had touched heaven and heaven had touched them. What an
awesome time it was. Prophetic musicians and singers releasing the presence
of God amongst the people. Praise the Lord!

In 2 Chronicles 29:25-31, 36 (about 290 years after 1 Chronicles 25) we see the
legacy of David had continued. Hezekiah was then king:
“He (Hezekiah) stationed the Levites in the temple of the Lord with
cymbals, harps and lyres in the way prescribed by David and Gad the
king’s seer (“chozeh”) and Nathan the prophet (“nabi” meaning “a
prophet or inspired man” - Strong’s); this was commanded by the Lord
through His prophets (“nabi”). So the Levites stood ready with David’s
instruments, and the priests with their trumpets.
 PROPHETIC MINISTRY THROUGH MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS AND SINGERS / 99
NOTES
Hezekiah gave the order to sacrifice the burnt offering on the altar.
As the offering began, singing to the Lord began also, accompanied
by trumpets and the instruments of David king of Israel. The whole
assembly bowed in worship, while the singers sang and the trumpeters
played. All this continued until the sacrifice of the burnt offering was
completed . . .
So the service of the temple of the Lord was re-established. Hezekiah
and all the people rejoiced at what God had brought about for His
people, because it was done so quickly” (NIV).

The prophetic men, David, Gad and Nathan, had inspired the people to carry on the
great act of worship to God through the musicians and singers. The KJV says:
“the song of the Lord began also with the trumpets, and with the instruments”
(2 Chronicles 29:27). That style of anointed, prophetic worship had been
retained and was an important part of their services.

When we release the prophetic anointing through the musicians and singers
it creates an environment whereby God can re-establish the service of His
house “so quickly” (v.36). The KJV says it was “done suddenly.”

A further 190 years on, in Ezra 3:10-13 (NIV), we read of the ministry of the
musicians and singers as prescribed by King David being a major part of the
celebration and worship at the laying of the foundation of the temple of God.
They were there in their robes and in their place to praise the Lord! Their
ministry created a very emotional atmosphere that had people expressing
joy through shouting on the one extreme to weeping on the other.

In Nehemiah 12:27-47 we have the dedication of the Wall of Jerusalem. (This

happened about the same year as Ezra 3.)

Again the importance of music and singing is portrayed. They were sought out
and brought together to Jerusalem and formed into two large choirs. A procession
was led by Ezra, with the choirs going in opposite directions along the top of the
wall, but meeting together and taking their place in the house of God (v.40).
Then the choirs sang.

“They performed the service of their God and the service of purification,
as did also the singers and gatekeepers, according to the commands
of David and his son Solomon. For long ago, in the days of David and
Asaph, there had been directors for the singers and for the songs of
praise and thanksgiving to God. So in the days of Zerubbabel and of
Nehemiah, all Israel contributed the daily portions for the singers and
gatekeepers . . .” (NIV).

The musicians and singers occupied such an important function in David’s day (and
beyond) that they were in full-time ministry, improving their skills and being
in a state of readiness.
 100 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
NOTES
The Psalmist declared:
“Your procession has come into view, O God, the procession of my God and
King into the sanctuary.
In front are the singers, after them the musicians; with them are the maidens
playing tambourines.
Praise God in the great congregation; praise the Lord in the assembly of
Israel ...
Summon Your power, O God; show us Your strength, O God, as You have
done before.
Because of Your temple at Jerusalem kings will bring You gifts ...
Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth, sing praise to the Lord . . .
Proclaim the power of God, whose majesty is over Israel, whose power
is in the skies.
You are awesome, O God, in Your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power
and strength to His people.
Praise be to God!” (Psalm 68:24-35, NIV).

Let’s face it: the unsaved know how to use music for their ends.
Look at Daniel 3:4-7,10-18 to see how Nebuchadnezzar used it to make people bow
down to idolatrous gods!

“We are coming into a time when it will be extremely hazardous to play around with
worship. A church would be better off with just one called and equipped musician,
than a band full of people with good intentions but no calling” (Don Potter, “Morning
Star” Journal).

My heart is to see our musicians and singers – both official and unofficial –
released to fulfil their destiny in God. My prayer is that we Christian Leaders
will set the platform for them to launch more and more into the prophetic
realm, prophesying with their voices and with their instruments. They, in
turn, will release the congregations of God’s people to soar more into the
things of the Holy Spirit. When that happens we will experience that glory
cloud of God in our midst in an awesome way!

TESTIMONY: (Received July, 1998).

“At times I go to the local prison to either preach or conduct the music. Recently, I
was asked to fill-in for a couple who usually play the music, and as I began to lead
the worship, the power and glory of God hit. We were being lifted in worship to a
new level, the Holy Spirit taking us into the supernatural presence of God. You could
tangibly feel the glory of God come down! I began to prophesy with the guitar! It
was awesome! It seemed as though we were joined by a host from heaven! Something
broke over that place in the heavenlies! The powers of darkness were shackled! Two
prisoners gave their hearts to Jesus; the two prison workers present were mightily
impacted!
Later, a couple who live close to the prison, reported that they could hear the high,
thunderous praises of God from within the prison. The following week, the couple
who usually conduct the music, said they’d never experienced such quietness, peace
and tranquility in that prison before. God changed the climate in there, and the Word
 PROPHETIC MINISTRY THROUGH MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS AND SINGERS / 101
NOTES
of the Lord is having ‘free course’. Glory!” (Pastor Mac. Rauhihi, Murray Bridge, South
Australia).

I say:
• Let the song of the Lord come forth!
• Let the prophetic word of the Lord be released through the musical
instruments and the singers!
• Let the Gifts of the Holy Spirit break forth out of our lives because of
these things!

Let’s pray, believe and encourage one another to that end.

God bless and inspire you PROPHETICALLY!


 102 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
NOTES
PROSPERING
THROUGH
THE
PROPHETIC
 104 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
NOTES
 PROSPERING THROUGH THE PROPHETIC / 105
NOTES
PROSPERING THROUGH
THE PROPHETIC
By Rodney W. Francis (Hamilton, New Zealand).

T
hroughout Scripture we read of prophecy being exercised by men and women
of God. The Bible records that both young (Philip’s four daughters – Acts 21:9)
and old (Zacharias – Luke 1:67-79) knew the blessing of ministering in prophecy.

WHAT IS PROPHECY?

In the Old Testament the words “prophecy” or “to prophesy” are translated from
several Hebrew words:

• “massa” meaning “what is lifted up, a burden, message” (Proverbs 30:1;

Proverbs 31:1);

• “nebuah” meaning “prophecy” (2 Chronicles 9:29; 2 Chronicles 15:8; Ezra

6:14; Nehemiah 6:12);

• “nabi” meaning “a prophet” (Daniel 9:24);

• “chazah” meaning “to see (in vision)” (Isaiah 30:10);

• “nataph” meaning “to cause to drop, let drop” (Micah 2:6,11)

(all meanings from Young’s).
However, the most common Hebrew word used is:

• “naba” meaning “to prophesy, i.e. speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction
or simple discourse): prophesy (ing), make self a prophet” ( Strong's ).
“To announce, to show, to deliver an oracle from God, to speak as God’s
ambassador; to foretell future events; to sing songs or hymns: each implying
divine inspiration” (Wilson’s);
“naba” is used over 105 times in the Old Testament.

In the New Testament the Greek words used are:

• “propheteia” meaning “prophecy, public exposition” (Young’s)

“propheteia” is used 15 times;

• “prophetikos” meaning “prophetic” (Young’s) (2 Peter 1:19).

• “propheteuo” meaning “to foretell future events, divine, speak under

inspiration, exercise the prophetic office: prophesy” (Strong’s);

“To hold the office of a prophet; to do the work of a prophet, i.e. to speak
forth, in declaration, warning, or exhortation, as directed by the Spirit of God”
(Bullinger’s) (used over 25 times).
 106 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
NOTES
Prophecy, therefore, is the bringing forth of spoken words that are inspired by the
Holy Spirit. It brings to life the message and Word of God to a group of people in a
particular place at a particular time. Prophecy should bring a consciousness of God’s
will and desire for His people.

BUILDING THE TEMPLE:

For example, the building of the Temple of God in Jerusalem was completed because
the people were inspired by two prophets:

“Then the prophets Haggai and Zechariah son of lddo began to

prophesy to the Jews of Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God
of Israel Who was with them. At this, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and
Jeshua son of Jozadak started again to build the Temple of God in
Jerusalem; the prophets of God were with the people, giving them
courage” (Ezra 5:1-2, Jerusalem Bible).

Haggai and Zechariah were in touch with God and, because of that, were able to
inspire the people to rise up into action to fulfil the purpose of God. Prophecy
encouraged the hearts and spirits of the people! It motivated, then activated
them. The Amplified Bible says God’s Spirit was upon Haggai and Zechariah.

If we turn over to Ezra 6:14 we read:

“And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the
prophesying of Haggai and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded
and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel,
and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and
Artaxerxes king of Persia” (KJV).

They prospered through the prophetic word!

That word “prospered” means “to accomplish successfully; to reach the goal” (Wilson’s).

Prophecy enabled them:

1. To prosper.

2. To build.

3. To finish the work.

4. To obey God’s commands.

5. To obey man’s commands.

They reached their goal!

They accomplished successfully the task given them!

 PROSPERING THROUGH THE PROPHETIC / 107
NOTES
Prior to this the work had ceased because of opposition and discouragement. The
outward circumstances had become their focus, and they ground to a halt. How
true this can be of life today.

When the Prophetic Word is coming forth amongst God’s people it helps us to focus
on that which He wants done. He wants us to reach the goal, to accomplish successfully
those things He has called us to do.

In Holy Spirit ministry focus is very important. It helps us to be all that more specific
in doing what God wants done. So, let’s

FOCUS:
What does it mean?
“ ... A point upon which attention, activity, etc. is directed or concentrated ... To
bring or come to a focus or into focus.
To fix attention (on); concentrate. From the Latin: hearth, fireplace” (Collins).

“The adjustment of the eye or a lens necessary to produce a clear image. A state
of clear definition. The centre of interest or activity.”

“lnfocus”: “Clear, clear-cut, distinct, sharp, well or sharply defined”;

“Out of focus”: “Unclear, indistinct, blurred, blurry, fuzzy; centre, focal point,
heart, core, hub.”

Concentrate, centre, direct, bring to bear; zero in on, pinpoint.

Converge, merge, meet; come or bring into “focus”
— Reader’s Digest Complete Wordfinder.

We can start out full of vision, excitement and faith. But as time goes on we tend
to “lose our focus” and become subject to all kinds of negativity. It takes the Holy
Spirit working through prophetic people to stir us back into the reality of the situation.
Prophecy – true prophecy – lifts us into the realm of how God sees us, things,
circumstances, the course of our life, etc. He inspires someone prophetic to
speak His Word of life! That word “is spirit and it is life” (John 6:63) – it
generates our spirit to rise, believe and act upon what He wants. We need
the Gift of Prophecy today so we can prosper in God’s will!


 108 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
GUARDING
THE
PROPHETIC
WORD
OVER
YOUR LIFE
 110 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
 GUARDING THE PROPHETIC WORD OVER YOUR LIFE / 111
NOTES
GUARDING THE PROPHETIC WORD
OVER YOUR LIFE
By Rodney W. Francis (Hamilton, New Zealand).

W
e are living in the days of the climaxing of all history and the ushering in
of the second coming of Jesus Christ. In the light of this, what kind of
people should we be in the Kingdom of God? What is the Holy Spirit
ministry meant to be accomplishing in and through us?

In this Session we shall look at the importance of the “Prophetic Word” in our life
and how we must guard it carefully. The effectiveness of our ministry is directly related
to the Prophetic Word.

WHAT DO WE MEAN, THE PROPHETIC WORD?

The Prophetic Word is that “rhema” or spoken word that is spoken into our life
through anointed, mature men or women of God under the guidance and inspiration
of the Holy Spirit. It has to do with the confirmation, encouragement and direction
that God wants our life’s pathway to follow, so we can prepare, walk and work
according to His will. It is not knowing God intellectually, nor is it discovering God’s
will through much study of the Scriptures (as helpful as that is). The Prophetic Word
is imparted to us by men and women ministering in the apostolic and prophetical
mantling.

Holy Spirit people “are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets,
Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone. In whom all the building
fitly framed together grows unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom you
also are builded together for an habitation ("fit for inhabiting, a dwelling place")
of God through the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:20-22).

We are built upon the foundation of apostles and prophets.

What is an Apostle?

The word “apostle” is translated from the Greek word “apostolos” meaning:

• “one sent forth” (Young's);

• “a delegate; specifically an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner

of Christ [“apostle”] (with miraculous powers): apostle messenger, he that
is sent” (Strong's);

• “one sent, messenger, ambassador, envoy” (Bullinger’s).

What is a Prophet?

The word “prophet” is translated from the Greek word “prophetes” meaning:
 112 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
• “a prophet, public expounder” (Young’s);

• “A foreteller (“prophet”); an inspired speaker” (Strong’s);

• “One who speaks forth openly before any one, a proclaimer of a divine
message . . . one on whom the Spirit of God rested; one to whom and
through whom God speaks; one to whom God makes known His mysteries.
Hence, it means, one to whom God reveals His truth, and through whom He
speaks . . . ” (Bullinger’s).

The New Testament Church is built upon the prophetic foundation of apostles and
prophets. It will always be that way. Today we are seeing again the raising up of
apostles and prophets to bring the Church to maturity, as well as to enable us to
fulfil the purposes of God in the earth through the power of the Holy Spirit.

The “mystery” (“that which is known only to the initiated; a secret”) or “revelation”
of God is made known to the apostles and prophets by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians
3:3-5).

Spirit-filled believers are built upon that apostolic and prophetic foundation. For us
to further build our life and ministry effectively upon that foundation, we need the
Prophetic Word to help us. What a tremendous privilege we have to build our ministries
upon the foundation God has already laid!

THE APOSTLE PAUL’S DESIRE:

Paul was a man who yearned to be used of God in imparting the Prophetic Word
into believers. He was a true apostle with a heart to see Christians rise to fulfil their
greatest potential in God.

In Romans 1:11 he said:

“For I long (“to desire earnestly”) to see you, that I may impart (“to give
a share of”) unto you some spiritual (“belonging to the Spirit, determined
by, influenced by or proceeding from the Spirit” - Bullinger's) gift (“charisma”
– “grace, favour, kindness”), to the end you may be established (“to set
fast, fix firmly in usefulness”).”

The Living Bible puts it this way:

“For I long to visit you so that I can impart to you the faith that will
help your church grow strong in the Lord.” (That faith is the Prophetic
Word).

WHY DID PAUL HAVE THIS DESIRE?

1. Because he knew that we need something more than we have got right now!

2. He knew how effective Spiritual Gifts and giftings were in his life and ministry.
 GUARDING THE PROPHETIC WORD OVER YOUR LIFE / 113
NOTES
3. He knew that the things of the Holy Spirit are imparted by spiritual Leaders.

4. He knew what the result of that impartation would do for us, in us, and
through us.

5. He knew this was God’s way of giving to us His Prophetic Word.

Paul not only desired to impart unto others, he did impart unto others!

PAUL’S INSTRUCTION TO TIMOTHY:

In 1 Timothy 1:18-20 we see something of the importance of guarding the Prophetic
Word over our life. Paul admonished Timothy. He said:

“This charge (“a proclamation, public notice, command, especially as a

military term, a general order” – Bullinger’s; “an extra message”) I commit
(“to put alongside of”) unto you, son Timothy, according to (“in relation
to, as stated by”) the prophecies (that is the Prophetic Word) which went
before on you, that you by them (the Prophetic Words) might war a
good warfare (“military service; a military expedition, campaign” – Bullinger’s)”;

“Holding faith (“firm persuasion, the conviction which is based upon hearing,
not upon sight or knowledge; a firmly relying confidence in what we hear
from God in His Word” – Bullinger’s), and a good conscience (“a knowing
with one’s self, consciousness; the being one’s own witness; the testimony
to one’s own conduct borne by consciousness, especially the consciousness
man has of himself in his relation to God” – Bullinger’s); which some having
put away concerning faith have made shipwreck (“ruin, destruction” -
Collins)”:

“Of whom is Hymenaeus (name means “nuptial” or “a wedding song”)

(2 Timothy 2:15-18) and Alexander (“helper of man, man-defender”) (2
Timothy 4:14-15) whom I have delivered unto Satan (“the adversary,
accuser”), that they may learn (“to educate, discipline, instruct”) not to
blaspheme (“to drop evil or profane words, especially to revile God or divine
things” – Bullinger's).”

In the above Scriptures we see that the purpose for the Prophetic Word is threefold:

1. That by it we may war a good warfare.

2. That we will hold on to faith.

3. That we maintain a good conscience.

• The Prophetic Word imparted into us gives us “keys” or the strategy to know
how to stand against the enemy of our souls, Satan. (Planning strategy –
knowledge).
 114 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
• The Prophetic Word makes us strong to stand against all enemy attacks in all
its many forms. (Inward strength to face the enemy in his actions against us).

• The Prophetic Word helps us to mature the Christian Church in divine order
under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. (Imparting God’s victory into others.)

How we need to stand true to God in the aforementioned points!

WE SHOULD NOT FORGET OR BELITTLE THE

PROPHETIC WORD:
Paul’s advice to Timothy here is strong. It is not a matter or attitude of “Take it or
leave it.” He is charging Timothy with serious matters. If the Prophetic Word is
treated with carelessness, our life is likely to lose its direction and purpose.
And that will cause us to become shipwrecked!

According to Paul, some Christians were allowing their lives to get away from the
Prophetic Word – the result was they could no longer be used in Holy Spirit ministry.

Hymenaeus and Alexander made such shipwrecks of their lives that the Apostle Paul
had to turn them over to Satan to be taught a lesson.

Instead of glorifying God with their mouths through believing the Prophetic Word
over their lives, they were actually blaspheming God! It appears they continued to
be a part of church fellowship – how critical and negative they must have been –
until Paul used his Leadership authority to put them out. I imagine that those two
men would rue the day they spoke lightly of the Prophetic Word over their lives.

Let us turn to 1 Timothy 4:1-3, 14-16.

“Now the Spirit speaks expressly (“for an express purpose; with specific
intentions; plainly, exactly or unmistakably” - Collins), that in the latter times
some shall depart (“to place one’s self away from”) from the faith, giving
heed to seducing (“wandering, deluding, alluring away from”) spirits, and
doctrines (“teachings”) of devils” .. . . having their conscience seared
with a hot iron . . . ”

“Neglect not (“don’t be careless with!”) the gift that is in you, which
was given you by prophecy (the Prophetic Word), with the laying on of
the hands of the presbytery (“board of elders”).”

“Meditate (“to care for, take care for anything so as to be able to perform
it” – Bullinger’s) upon these things (spoken through the Prophetic Word);
give yourself wholly (“to be in completely, totally or entirely”) to them
(spoken to you through the Prophetic Word); that your profiting (“a cutting
down of impediments that are in one’s way; hence, progress, a going forward,
advancement” – Bullinger's) may appear (“be visible, open to sight”) to all.”

“Take heed unto yourself, and unto the doctrine (“teaching”): continue
 GUARDING THE PROPHETIC WORD OVER YOUR LIFE / 115
NOTES
in them: for in doing this you shall both save yourself, and them that
hear you.”

I would like to quote from the Amplified Bible:

(V.1) “But the (Holy) Spirit distinctly and expressly declares that in latter
times some will turn away from the faith, giving attention to deluding
and seducing spirits and doctrines that demons teach.”

(V.2) “Through the hypocrisy and pretensions of liars whose consciences

are seared (cauterised) . . . ”

(V.14) “Do not neglect the gift which is in you, [that special inward
endowment] which was directly imparted to you [by the Holy Spirit]
by prophetic utterance when the elders laid their hands upon you [at
your ordination].”

(V.15) “Practice and cultivate and meditate upon these duties, throw yourself
wholly into them [your ministry], so that your progress may be
evident to everybody.”

(V.16) “Look well to yourself (to your own personality) and to [your] teaching;
persevere in these things – hold to them; for by so doing you will
save both yourself and those who hear you.”

How similar this is to 1 Timothy 1:18-20 that we looked at previously in this Session.

WHAT DO WE SEE IN THESE VERSES?

The beginning of the chapter tells us the conditions about us in the last days. The
devil is out to stop the Christian from:

1. Warring a good warfare, (he would rather we just “gave in” and accepted
the “status quo” in Christian circles).

2. He (the devil) wants us to depart from the faith.

3. He (the devil) wants to wreck our conscience.

How we need to live by the Prophetic Word!! No wonder Paul tells Timothy not to
be careless and neglect the gift that is in him through the Prophetic Word!

Notice how the gift was placed in Timothy (1 Timothy 4:14):

1. By prophecy (the Prophetic Word).

2. By the laying on of hands.

3. The laying on of hands was done by proven, recognized men – Elders

in the church where Timothy was submitted in right relationship.
 116 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
QUESTIONS:
Are you submitted to, and in right relationship with the Elders and Leadership of your
church? If not, why not?

If you are struggling in your attitudes and relationship to your Leadership, what can
you do to improve things?

KNOW THOSE WHO PROPHESY OVER YOU:

It is so important that we build a good relationship with our Leaders. If we do not

know those who prophesy over us we can have real problems being confident in
giving ourselves totally to what they say. Our Church Leadership should be able to
confirm both the minister or ministries, and the message (Prophetic Word) given.

This area is so important as it will mean the difference between faith or doubt, release
or bondage. We must have confidence in the Prophetic Word. Otherwise, how can
we:

1. Take care to cultivate the gift imparted? (1 Timothy 4:14).

2. Take care of the things spoken in order that we might perform it?
(1 Timothy 4:15).

3. Give ourselves wholly to them? (1 Timothy 4:15).

If there is no real confidence in the Prophetic Word realm, then:

1. We cannot progress the way God wants us to (1 Timothy 4:15).

2. We won’t take heed to ourselves like we should (1 Timothy 4:16).

3. We won’t guard our teaching as we ought (1 Timothy 4:16).

Then, that would mean we:

1. Would struggle in saving ourselves, and

2. Be ineffective in saving those who know and hear us (1 Timothy 4:16).

Weak men and women of God produce weak converts!! “Prophetic Word” men and
women of God standing steadfast in the faith produce sons and daughters of the
Living God – the King!!

The Prophetic Word working in our life makes all the difference!
 GUARDING THE PROPHETIC WORD OVER YOUR LIFE / 117
NOTES
STIR UP THE GIFT OF GOD!

Let’s turn now to 2 Timothy 1:6-7 and be encouraged by Paul’s words to Timothy:

“Wherefore I put you in remembrance (“to call to one's mind”) that you
stir up (“to rekindle up, light up again”) the gift of God, which is in you
by the putting on of my hands.”
“For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love,
and of a sound mind” (KJV).

“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is
in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit
of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline” (2 Timothy
1:6-7, NIV).

“ . . . I want to remind you to stir into flame the strength and boldness
that is in you, that entered into you when I laid my hands upon your head
and blessed you.
For the Holy Spirit, God’s gift, does not want you to be afraid of people,
but to be wise and strong, and to love them and enjoy being with them”
(2 Timothy 1:6-7, TLB).

Paul reminds Timothy to stir up the gift of God that is already in him. The gift was
put in him (imparted) by the apostle personally laying his hands on Timothy.

Timothy did not need to be afraid of stirring the gift. He could be assured that with
the Prophetic Word God has also given us “power (“dunamis” – “ability, power,
natural capability, inherent power; capability of anything, ability to perform anything;
power in action. It is the power where God is at work, revealing and carrying out the
plan of salvation” - Bullinger’s), love (“the love which springs from admiration and
veneration, and which chooses its object with decision of will, and devotes a self-
denying and compassionate devotion to it. Love in its fullest conceivable form” -
Bullinger’s) and a sound mind (“controlling all inordinate desires by self restraint” -
Bullinger's).”

THE PROPHETIC WORD IN THE OLD

TESTAMENT:

In Numbers 27:16-23 we see God instructing Moses to lay his hand upon Joshua.
Joshua was a man in whom the Spirit of God dwelt and Moses was to impart a
greater responsibility of authority and Leadership into him.

“And the Lord said unto Moses, You take Joshua the son of Nun, a
man in whom is the spirit, and lay your hand upon him”;
“And set (“to cause to stand”- Young’s) him before Eleazar (“God is helper”)
the priest, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge
(“command”) in their sight.”
 118 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
“And you shall put some of your honour (“beauty, brilliance, esteem;
personal integrity; allegiance to moral principles; fame, respect” - Collins)
upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be
obedient . . . at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall
come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the
congregation.”

“And Moses (“drawer out” or “drawing out” - Exodus 2:10) did as the
Lord commanded (“to set up – a precept or command”) him: and he took
Joshua (“Jehovah is Salvation”), and set him before Eleazar the priest,
and before all the congregation”:

“And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the Lord
commanded (“to speak, lead forth words” - Young’s) by the hand of Moses”
(KJV).

Here we see a public impartation of that which was in Moses being placed into Joshua
at the commandment of God. The Prophetic Word from Moses to Joshua would
enable Joshua to more effectively know God — so much so that at Joshua’s word the
people would go out and come in. Because the impartation came from a man
recognized by the people, their confidence in him to impart of his honour was accepted
and trusted. The people knew Moses, as well as knowing Joshua was a man of the
Spirit. Both men had proven records.

Impartation of the Prophetic Word is ordained of God Himself. In Deuteronomy 34:9

we read of another impartation from Moses to Joshua. Moses laid his hands upon
Joshua and imparted the Spirit of Wisdom into him:

“Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because
Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites listened to him and
did what the Lord had commanded Moses” (NIV).

For more on “The Ministry Of Impartation” please turn to Page 121.

A FEW OTHER EXAMPLES OF PROPHETIC WORDS

GIVEN IN SCRIPTURE:

1. Jacob gave words over his twelve sons (Genesis 49:1-28).

2. The nation, Israel, received a word when they cried unto God because of their
bondage to the Midianites (Judges 6:7-10). Gideon was raised up to bring the
victory.

3. Saul received a Prophetic Word from the Prophet Samuel concerning his becoming
king over Israel (1 Samuel 9:15-27).

4. David also received a Prophetic Word from the Prophet Samuel to be anointed
king of Israel in place of Saul (1 Samuel 16:1-13).
 GUARDING THE PROPHETIC WORD OVER YOUR LIFE / 119
NOTES
5. King Ahab was given a Prophetic Word about there being no rain (1 Kings 17:1)
and then three and a half years later given another one that there would be
great rain before he got home that night (1 Kings 18:1, 41-46).

6. Judah, under Jehoshaphat’s Leadership, was given a Prophetic Word about how
to face the invading enemy — that they would not need to fight as God would
fight for them. They were to also send out their singers into the front line before
the army (2 Chronicles 20:1-23). God won a great victory for them that day.

THE EARLY CHURCH LEADERS

IMPARTED — Acts 6:
When the need arose for seven deacons to be chosen to serve the widows’ tables,
those seven men were prayed over with the laying on of hands. The result was:

“And the Word of God increased; and the number of the disciples
multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests
were obedient to the faith.”

“And Stephen (“a crown”), full of faith and power, did great wonders
and miracles among the people” (see Acts 6:1-8).

We see a similar happening in Acts 13:1-4. Barnabas and Paul were separated and
sent forth through Holy Ghost ministry from the prophets and teachers gathered
there at that time. Those prophets and teachers were recognized as such by the
Church. They were not novices.

SUMMING UP:

A new day is dawning for the Church and the ministry of the Prophetic Word being
imparted into Spirit-filled believers is going to increase in the days ahead. Holy men
and women moving in Holy Ghost power and anointing will be used of God to
transform Christians into a mighty army to fulfil the purpose of God. We must be
open and ready for more of the supernatural ministry of God to be imparted into us
(Ezekiel 37:1-14).

For this ministry to be really effective in our life it is very important that we are rightly
related into a church fellowship (home-base) where we can develop under the watchful
eyes of Spirit-filled Leaders.

The Ministry of Impartation should only be received from proven, mature, competent
men or women of God, with the support of your Church Leadership. This ministry
is not for private counselling sessions, but should be out in the open in the church
so what is being said over your life can be “judged” by the Body. There must be
accountability, otherwise much damage can be done if people “give themselves
wholly” to a Prophetic Word that is wrong!
 120 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
When all the Scriptural guide-lines are adhered to, then the Prophetic Word can come
forth into our life and we can fulfil God’s purpose for us through the power of the
Holy Ghost.

God bless you mightily.


 THE
MINISTRY
OF
IMPARTATION
 122 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
 THE MINISTRY OF IMPARTATION / 123
NOTES
THE MINISTRY OF IMPARTATION
By Rodney W. Francis (Hamilton, New Zealand).

W
e shall now look at a very important subject for those wanting to be used
effectively by God in public ministry. That is "The Ministry Of Impartation."
When I speak of impartation I mean the ability to give unto others that
which God has given to us . . . either sovereignly, or through other anointed vessels
(messengers) of God.

The Greek word for "impartation" is "metadidomi" meaning:

• "to give over, i.e. share: give, impart" (Strong's);

• "to give a share of" (Young's);
• "to share in association with anyone, i.e. to impart, communicate" (Bullinger's);
• "1. to communicate (information, etc.); relate.
2. to give or bestow (something)" (Collins).

Other words we can use to help bring a clearer meaning are: "transmit, pass on,
confer, transfer."

There are two main ways by which impartation happens to us:

1. FROM GOD HIMSELF:

A sovereign, divine impartation that enables us to do what we've not been able to
do before.

In Numbers 11 we read that the burden of Leadership was becoming too heavy on
Moses life. When he cried out to God about this, God's response was to get Moses
to gather together 70 men of the Elders of Israel:

"And the Lord said unto Moses, Gather unto Me seventy men of the elders
of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people, and officers over
them; and bring them unto the tabernacle of the congregation, that they
may stand there with you.

And I will come down and talk with you there: and I will take of the spirit
which is upon you, and will put it upon them; and they shall bear the burden
of the people with you, that you bear it not yourself alone" (Numbers 11:16-
17, KJV).

God promised to take of the spirit that was upon Moses and impart or put it upon
the 70 elders, so they could carry the burden that Moses was carrying.

"And Moses went out, and told the people the words of the Lord, and
gathered the seventy men of the elders of the people, and sat them round
about the tabernacle.
 124 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
And the Lord came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the
spirit that was upon him (Moses), and gave it unto the seventy elders: and it
came to pass, that, when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied and
did not cease" (Numbers 11:24-25, KJV).

God divinely imparted of the spirit from Moses to the 70 Elders. When that happened
they began to prophesy – something they had never done before. That impartation
enabled them to take on greater responsibility to support Moses, to minister to the
people and to release the Holy Spirit out of their lives to bless others in a more
powerful way. There was a transferring from one to another, so the one receiving
could function much more like the one doing the imparting or transferring.

BEZALEL (Exodus 31:1-6; Exodus 36:1):

In this section of Scripture we read of a sovereign imparting from God to Bezalel. An
impartation of “the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds
of crafts – to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut
and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship”
(NIV).

God touched Bezalel in such a way that, from the moment of that touch, he was
able to do things much more expertly than he was ever able to do before. God
imparted to him the qualities he needed to fulfil the purposes of God for his life.
What an asset he was to Moses!

2. BY ANOINTED MEN OR WOMEN

LAYING HANDS ON OTHERS:
God, in His great desire to see us blessed and equipped for His service, has provided
various ways and means of impacting our lives. One of those ways is the Ministry of
Impartation through the laying on of hands by mature, recognized Leaders.

The more I look into the life and ministry of the Apostle Paul, the more I see his heart
to give away from himself those things God had placed within him. He lived to see
others effectively trained in matters of God; in matters of the Holy Spirit ministry.

For example, look at the heart he carried when he said:

"For I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make
you strong – that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each
other's faith" (Romans 1:11-12, NIV).

Paul's desire was to help others to rise in effective ministry through all that God had
given to him. He learned that he could pass on through impartation blessings and
giftings of God.

Impartation has to do with the giving and receiving of spiritual gifts, blessings, healing,
baptism in the Holy Spirit, etc., for the work of the ministry. It is the transference of
these "gifts" from one man or woman of God to another, especially through the
 THE MINISTRY OF IMPARTATION / 125
NOTES
laying on of hands. There is an invisible flowing of spiritual ability from one to the
other. That invisible flowing goes from the spirit and heart of the imparter through
the arms and hands into the spirit and heart of the one having hands laid on them.

Let's consider five areas of impartation:

1. For BLESSINGS:
(a). Isaac to Jacob Concerning Marriage:

"And Isaac called Jacob, and blessed him, and charged ("commanded" – Wilson's)
him, and said unto him, You shall not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan.
(See my book, "The Evil Powers of Canaan"). Arise, go to Padan-aram, to the
house of Bethuel your mother's father: and take you a wife from there of
the daughters of Laban your mother's brother. And God Almighty bless you,
and make you fruitful, and multiply you, that you may become a multitude
of people; And give you the blessing of Abraham, to you and to your seed
("offspring") with you; that you may inherit the land . . . which God gave unto
Abraham" (Genesis 28:1-4, KJV).

Here we see Isaac imparting the Abrahamic blessing to Jacob, on the condition that
he marry the right girl! As we follow through on the lives of Jacob and Esau (his
brother) we can clearly see that Jacob experienced a far greater blessing than Esau
did. Esau chose to disobey and rebel against his parents and God, and lived out a
miserable existence (Genesis 26:34-35; Hebrews 12:14-17).

(b). Israel (Jacob) Blessing Joseph and His Sons:

As Israel neared the end of his life he blessed Joseph and his sons, Ephraim and
Manasseh:

"And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim's head,
who was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh's head, guiding his
hands wittingly ("expertly, skilfully, with good success, understandingly" - Strong's);
for Manasseh was the firstborn. And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before
whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God Who fed me all my
life long unto this day, The angel who redeemed me from all evil, bless the
lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers
Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the
earth. And when Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand upon the
head of Ephraim, it displeased him: and he held up his father's hand to remove
it from Ephraim's head unto Manasseh's head.

And Joseph said unto his father, Not so, my father: for this is the firstborn;
put your right hand upon his head. And his father refused, and said, I know
it, my son, I know it: he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great:
but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall
become a multitude of nations. And he blessed them that day, saying, In you
shall Israel bless, saying, God shall make you as Ephraim and Manasseh: and
 126 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
he did set Ephraim before Manasseh" (Genesis 48:14-20, KJV ).

Here we see Jacob passing on through impartation the Abrahamic covenant of

blessing. His prophetic insight also enabled him to know that the younger son of
Joseph would be greater than the firstborn. The laying on of hands was so important
that Joseph tried to change his father's hands upon the heads of his sons. But Israel
knew what he was doing and blessed accordingly.

(c). Jesus to children:

"And they kept bringing young children to Him (Jesus) that He might touch
them; and the disciples were reproving them [for it]. But when Jesus saw [it],
He was indignant and pained, and said to them, Allow the children to come
to Me – do not forbid or prevent or hinder them – for to such belongs the
kingdom of God. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive and accept and
welcome the kingdom of God as a little child [does], positively shall not enter
it at all. And He took [the children up one by one] in His arms and (fervently
invoked a) blessing, placing His hands upon them" (Mark 10:13-16, AMP). See
also Matthew 19:13-15.

Jesus loved imparting blessings into children. Today He still loves to impart His blessings
into the lives of His children – small and big!

2. For BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT:

(a). The Samaritan Believers:

The Samaritan believers (converted through the ministry of Philip) received the Holy
Spirit as a result of Peter and John laying hands on them:

"When the apostles back in Jerusalem heard that the people of Samaria had
accepted God's message, they sent down Peter and John. As soon as they
arrived, they began praying for these new Christians to receive the Holy
Spirit, for as yet He had not come upon any of them. For they had only been
baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John laid their hands
upon these believers, and they received the Holy Spirit. When Simon saw this
– that the Holy Spirit was given when the apostles placed their hands upon
people's heads – he offered money to buy this power (Greek word is "exousia"
meaning "delegated authority"). 'Let me have this power too,' he exclaimed,
'so that when I lay my hands on people, they will receive the Holy Spirit!'
But Peter replied, 'Your money perish with you for thinking God's gift can be
bought!'" (Acts 8:14-20, TLB).

Peter and John imparted the power of the Holy Spirit to those new believers through
the laying on of hands. That caused something to be clearly seen by Simon the
sorcerer, so much so he wanted to buy the power! He was rebuked for his evil thinking.
The things of God cannot be bought! There was a demonstration of power as the
hands of the apostles released the impartation into the new believers.
 THE MINISTRY OF IMPARTATION / 127
NOTES
(b). Saul of Tarsus:

When Saul was converted on the road to Damascus by a sovereign and divine
intervention of God, he was instructed by Jesus to go to Damascus and wait for one
Ananias to come and lay hands on him to receive his physical sight back and to be
filled with the Holy Spirit:

"And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his
hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, Who appeared unto
you in the way as you came, has sent me, that you might receive your sight,
and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes
as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and he arose, and was
baptized . . . And straightaway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that
He is the Son of God" (Acts 9:17-20, KJV).

As a result of Ananias' obedience to God and laying his hands on Saul, there was an
impartation of the Holy Spirit from him to Saul. Saul was strengthened to proclaim
Christ in a way that amazed all who heard him. True impartation strengthens us for
God's work.

(c). The Twelve Believers at Ephesus:

Paul at Ephesus was not only able to instruct believers into a deeper revelation of
understanding, but also to impart through the laying on of hands something of that
deeper dimension. After they were water baptized he laid hands on them. The result:

"And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them;
and they spake with tongues, and prophesied" (Acts 19:1-7, KJV).

Through impartation by the laying on of hands those believers were released into a
dynamic new dimension of the Holy Spirit, including the Gift of Prophecy.

3. For SPIRITUAL GIFTS:

The Apostle Paul's desire to see people released into ministries through the Holy Spirit
gifts is further shown in his exhortation to Timothy:

"Neglect not (or "don't be careless about") the gift that is in you, which was
given to you by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery
("board of elders"). Meditate ("to care for, take care for anything, so as to be able
to perform it") upon these things: give yourself wholly to them; that your
profiting may appear to all" (1 Timothy 4:14-15, KJV).

"Be sure to use the abilities God has given you through His prophets when
the elders of the church laid their hands upon your head. Put these abilities
to work; throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone may notice your
improvement and progress.
 128 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
Keep a close watch on all you do and think. Stay true to what is right and
God will bless you and use you to help others" (1 Timothy 4:14-16, TLB).

An impartation was given through the laying on of hands.

"Wherefore I put you in remembrance that you stir up ("rekindle, fan into
flame") the gift of God, which is in you by the putting on of my hands" (2
Timothy 1:6, KJV).

Paul was encouraging Timothy not to forget those times of impartation he experienced
when hands were laid on him.

Nor should we!

4. For SERVICE:
(a). The Seven Deacons:

In Acts 6 we discover the early Church ran into some problems regarding relationships
and the threatening of unity. The decision was made to appoint seven deacons to
care for the widows day by day. Those seven men had to have a testimony of honesty,
be full of the Holy Spirit, and wisdom. Once the men were chosen the apostles
gathered round them:

" . . . and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. And the word
of God increased ("to give increase, cause to grow, enlarge" - Bullinger's); and the
number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company
of the priests were obedient to the faith. And Stephen (one of the seven), full
of faith and power (Greek is "dunamis" meaning "natural capability, inherent
power; capability of anything; ability to perform anything; then, absolutely, not merely
power capable of action, but power in action" – Bullinger's ) did great
wonders and miracles among the people" (Acts 6:1-8, KJV).

Again we see something happened in the realm of the Spirit when the apostles laid
hands on those seven deacons. A noticeable impact as a result of impartation. Souls
saved; signs, wonders and miracles.

(b). Moses Handing Leadership to Joshua:

When Moses' time on this earth was about to conclude his concern was to know
who to pass the baton of Leadership on to:

"Moses said to the Lord, 'May the Lord, the God of the spirits of all mankind,
appoint a man over this community to go out and come in before them, one
who will lead them out and bring them in, so the Lord's people will not be
like sheep without a shepherd.' So the Lord said to Moses, 'Take Joshua, son
of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay your hand on him. Have him
stand before Eleazar the priest and the entire assembly and commission him
in their presence. Give him some of your authority so the whole Israelite
community will obey him. He is to stand before Eleazar the priest, who will
 THE MINISTRY OF IMPARTATION / 129
NOTES
obtain decisions for him by enquiring of the Urim ("lights, revelation") before
the Lord. At his command he and the entire community of the Israelites will
go out, and at his command they will come in.' Moses did as the Lord
commanded him. He took Joshua and had him stand before Eleazar the priest
and the whole assembly. Then he laid his hands on him and commissioned
him, as the Lord instructed through Moses" (Numbers 27:15-23, NIV ).

The KJV uses the word "honour" instead of "authority" and is translated as follows:

1. "beauty, brilliancy" (Young's);

2. "grandeur (i.e. an imposing form and appearance): beauty, comeliness, excellency,

glorious, glory, honour, majesty" (Strong's);
3. "any good quality or endowment for which a person is admired, honoured,
praised" (Wilson's);
4. "1. personal integrity; allegiance to moral principles. 2. fame or glory. 3. great
respect, regard, esteem . . ." (Collins).

God instructed Moses to set Joshua aside, to lay hands on him and impart some of
his authority (honour) so Joshua could better lead Israel. That impartation caused the
Israelites to respond to and obey Joshua's Leadership. The impartation gave Joshua
a spiritual credibility that the people responded to.

In Deuteronomy 34:9 we read of Joshua receiving an impartation of wisdom from

the hands and heart of Moses:

"And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had
laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened ("listened") unto
him, and did as the Lord commanded Moses."

Joshua received more wisdom for Leadership as a result of that impartation from the
hands of Moses.

(c). From Elijah to Elisha (2 Kings 2:1-15):

As the time of Elijah’s departure from this earth drew closer, Elijah spoke to Elisha:

“What wish shall I grant you before I am taken away?” And Elisha replied,
“Please grant me twice as much prophetic power as you have had.” “You
have asked a hard thing,” Elijah replied, “If you see me when I am taken from
you, then you will get your request. But if not, then you won’t” (TLB).

Here we read of an impartation that would take place from Elijah to Elisha. It was
conditional upon Elisha seeing Elijah leave. Elijah had obviously had a great impact
upon Elisha, an impact that made him want to be twice as effective as Elijah. It was
a desire that had grown over time. Now the moment had arrived when Elisha could
ask one thing of Elijah – “a double portion of your spirit be upon me” (AMP).
Elisha did see Elijah go. The impartation came to him and Elisha
went on to experience that which he greatly desired.
 130 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
5. For THE HEALING MINISTRY:
The subject of divine healing has long been a difficult and conflicting one in certain
parts of the Body of Christ. Yet, when we look to the Scripture we discover it should
be a normal part of Christian life and ministry.

(a). The Ministry of Jesus:

Jesus gave us the teaching and command that healing is "the children's bread"
(Matthew 15:26; Mark 7:27). Jesus Himself led by example:

"When the sun was setting, the people brought to Jesus all who had various
kinds of sickness, and laying His hands on each one, He healed them. Moreover,
demons came out of many people, shouting, You are the Son of God!" (Luke
4:40-41, NIV).

Jesus imparted health and healing through the laying on of hands.

"And He (Jesus) came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company
of His disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judea and Jerusalem,
and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear Him, and to be
healed of their diseases: And they that were vexed ("harassed") with unclean
spirits: and they were healed. And the whole multitude sought to touch Him:
for there went virtue (Greek is "dunamis" meaning "power, power capable of
anything") out of Him, and healed them all" (Luke 6:17-19, KJV).

Here we see an impartation from Jesus to the sick as a result of their "making contact"
with Him. The power of God went out of Him into them.

The same principle applies in the account of the woman with the issue of blood:

"And a woman, having an issue of blood twelve years, who had spent all
her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, Came behind Him
(Jesus), and touched the border of His garment: and immediately her issue of
blood stopped. And Jesus said, Who touched Me? When all denied, Peter and
they that were with Him said, Master, the multitude throng You and press
You, and You say, Who touched Me? And Jesus said, Somebody has touched
Me: for I perceive ("to perceive, observe, obtain a knowledge of, or perceive insight
into" - Bullinger's) that virtue ("dunamis") is gone out of Me. And when the
woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down
before Him, she declared unto Him before all the people for what cause she
had touched Him, and how she was healed immediately. And He said unto
her, Daughter, be of good comfort: your faith has made you whole; go in
peace" (Luke 8:43-48, KJV). See also Luke 13:10-13.

(b). Jesus Taught His Disciples:

"And when He (Jesus) had called unto Him His twelve disciples, He gave them
power (Greek is "exousia" meaning "delegated authority") against unclean spirits,
 THE MINISTRY OF IMPARTATION / 131
NOTES
to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease"
(Matthew 10:1, KJV). See also Mark 3:13-15.

Jesus gave to His disciples what He had. That is impartation from one to another
– delegated spiritual authority. He did it also to the seventy in Luke 10:1-9.

"And these signs shall follow them that believe; In My name shall they cast
out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents;
and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands
on the sick, and they shall recover" (Mark 16:17-18, KJV).

(c). His Disciples Did It!:

After Paul's experience of being shipwrecked at sea, he was washed ashore on to the
island of Melita. Not only did he survive being bitten by a deadly snake, he took the
initiative and prayed for the chief man's sick father:
"His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went
in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him.
When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were
cured" (Acts 28:1-10, NIV). See also Acts 3:1-13; Acts 5:12-16 (Peter's shadow became
a point or instrument of impartation); Acts 19:11-12 (handkerchiefs and Paul's hands
imparted healing to many).

SUMMING UP:
God, in His desire to have us equipped to bless, impact, touch and heal our generation
for His glory, has given to us the Ministry of Impartation; that "extra" dimension that
enables us to function in a much greater way in the supernatural. We can prepare
ourselves naturally, but He has provided a means whereby we are empowered spiritually
by impartation from those who carry a recognized ministry and anointing in the Holy
Spirit.

God's heart is that each of us receive an impartation in the areas mentioned, so we

in turn can not only function in them, but learn to know how to impart them to
others.

• Have YOU received an impartation into your life?

• It is there for you.

Footnote: For those using these notes to lead into a time of prayer and impartation,
make sure that the ones doing the imparting are functioning in the blessings, gifts
of the Spirit and healing ministry before they try to impart these things to others. You
can not give out or impart to others what you yourself have not got.

Likewise, those wanting to receive an impartation must carry a genuine desire to

function in those things they are wanting to have imparted to their lives.

Impartation prayer through the laying on of hands is for specific things to do with
 132 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
our being much more effective in serving God than ever before. Impartation is not
for a "general prayer line of people."

Those coming for the prayer of impartation must want it for specific reasons and
those doing the imparting must have a recognition that their life and ministry flows
in the things they're imparting.

If possible let the laying on of hands for impartation be done in team ministry. This
brings about greater confirmation of what is being imparted, as well as accountability.

God bless you.


DEVELOPING
YOUR
POWERS
OF
PERCEPTION
 134 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
 DEVELOPING YOUR POWERS OF PERCEPTION / 135
NOTES
DEVELOPING YOUR
POWERS OF PERCEPTION
By Rodney W. Francis (Hamilton, New Zealand).

P
erception is something we all have, yet it is one of those things we tend not
to be too public about. Having something – and knowing what to do with it
– can be two different matters! Perception is a very important part of life and
we should use it in all kinds of situations.
But if someone was to seriously ask us:
• What is perception?
• What do we do with it?
• Do we know when we’re operating in it?
• How does it work for you?
• How do you know it is right?
we have to stop and think it through. For most of us we’ve quite possibly never been
challenged on this area of our lives.

Perception was (and is) a major part of Christian guidance throughout the
Scriptures. There are approximately seven different Hebrew words and eleven Greek
words that it is translated from. The main meanings are:

Old Testament (Hebrew):

• “bin” “to understand”;
• “taam” “to taste, perceive”;
• “yada” “to know, be acquainted with”;
• “nakar” “to discern”;
• “raah” “to see”;
• “shur” “to behold (“look, listen”)”;
• “shamea” “to hear, hearken.”

New Testament (Greek):

• “aisthanomai” “to perceive”;
• “blepo” “to see, perceive, understand”;
• “ginosko” “to begin to know”;
• “oida” “to see, know, be acquainted with”;
• “epiginosko” “to know about, fully”;
• “heurisko” “to find, discover”;
• “theoreo” “to see, perceive”;
• “katalambano” “to take thoroughly, apprehend”;
• “katanoeo” “to observe thoroughly with the mind”;
• “noeo” “to observe with the mind”;
• “horao” “to see.”
(all taken from Young’s Concordance).
 136 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
Collins Dictionary gives us the following: “1. to become aware of (something) through
the senses, especially the sight; recognize or observe. 2. to come to comprehend;
grasp.”

It is closely linked to “discernment” or the ability to discern: “1. to recognize or

perceive clearly. 2. to recognize or perceive (differences) ... to divide or separate.”

There is a natural perception and there is a spiritual perception. Perception is all about
seeing beyond the outward exterior. It is seeing beyond what one is presented with.
The challenge is to recognize when it is happening, the reasons why it is
happening and what should we do about it?

If it is a major part of our lives – and it should be – why are we not more
open about it? Is it because we don’t want it to be questioned or challenged
as to its accuracy? The more we can prove the accuracy of our perception and
discernment the more we can exercise it with confidence (Hebrews 5:14).

THE MINISTRY OF JESUS

• The Bible shows us that Jesus functioned through perception.

• He perceived (“epiginosko”) the thoughts in the hearts of people (Luke 5:22).

Luke 9:47 uses the word “oida.”

• Mark 2:8 tells us “Jesus perceived (“epiginosko”) in His spirit.”

• He perceived (“katanoeo”) the craftiness of the Scribes and Priests (Luke 20:23).
Matthew 22:18 uses “ginosko” in perceiving their wickedness.

• In Matthew 16:5-12 (“ginosko”) Jesus perceived the discussions of His disciples

were heading down a wrong track and addressed them accordingly.

THE EARLY CHURCH

The Early Church functioned very powerfully and effectively through the exercising
of their discernment. Even the people perceived (“katalambano”) Peter and John
were not trained, but knew they had been with Jesus (Acts 4:13).

• In the Samaritan revival (Acts 8) Peter and John had dealings with one Simon
the sorcerer. He was obviously attracted to and stirred by the Holy Spirit ministry.
However, Peter perceived (“horao”) the unrepentant condition of his heart
and rebuked him accordingly (v.23).

• At Cornelius’ house Peter perceived (“katalambano”) that God is no respecter

of persons (Acts 10:34). That perception changed the Early Church permanently!

• Paul relied on his perceptive (“oida”) ability when he healed the cripple in Acts
14:7-10. He was able to see the faith level of the man’s heart and knew that
he could be healed!
 DEVELOPING YOUR POWERS OF PERCEPTION / 137
NOTES
• At Athens Paul perceived (“theoreo”) the men there were far too superstitious
in everything! (Acts 17:22).

• He likewise discerned (“theoreo”) that the ship he was travelling on was going
to end up in big trouble (Acts 27:10). (Imagine how you would feel being on
board a ship you knew was going to sink!)

SOME OTHER EXAMPLES:

• Through Jesus giving a Samaritan woman a Word of Knowledge at Jacob’s well,
she perceived (“theoreo”) He was a Prophet! (John 4:19).

• In John 6:15 Jesus perceived (“ginosko”) the people would try and force Him
to become their king!

• When Zacharias was struck dumb in the temple, the people rightly perceived
(“epiginosko”) he had seen a vision (Luke 1:11-12, 21-22).

Perception was also active in the lives of people in the Old Testament:

• The Shunammite woman, who extended hospitality to Elisha, perceived (“yada”)

he was a man of God (2 Kings 4:9). That perception caused her and her husband
to build a comfortable resting place for Elisha to use every time he passed by
that way

• Israel was spared in the days of Esther because her Uncle Mordecai originally
perceived (“yada”) the evil plottings of Haman (Esther 4:1). His perception
caused him to know something was going very wrong for him and his people.
It prompted him to action – action that saw a great turn-around of events. Israel
lived instead of being obliterated.

• Eli the priest eventually perceived (“bin”) that God was calling young Samuel
(after Samuel had woken him up three times!) (1 Samuel 3:8).

• Gideon got a real “wake-up” call when he perceived (“raah”) his visitor was
an angel of God! (Judges 6:22).

“HOW DOES PERCEPTION FUNCTION?”

From the afore-mentioned examples we see that perception functioned in the following
ways:

01. Discerning the thoughts and hearts of people (Luke 5:22).

02. Discerning the reasonings within the hearts of religious people
(Mark 2:6-8).
03. Discerning the reasonings amongst the disciples (Matthew 16:5-12).
04. Recognizing people had something more than education (Acts 4:13).
05. Discerning a heart that was in desperate need of repentance (Acts 8:23).
 138 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
06. Understanding God’s heart toward all men (Acts 10:34).
07. Discerning when someone had faith to be healed (Acts 14:7-10).
08. Discerning hearts that were too superstitious (Acts 17:22).
09. Discerning coming danger in travels (Acts 27:10).
10. Discovering the ministry gift of another (John 4:19; Galatians 2:9).
11. Discerning plans and actions that others would take (John 6:15).
12. Discerning when someone else had seen a vision (Luke 1:21-22).
13. Discerning a physical need to help the man of God (2 Kings 4:9).
14. Discerning evil plans against the people of God (Esther 4:1).
15. Discerning the call of God on someone else’s life (1 Samuel 3:8).
16. Discerning an angel of God (Judges 6:22).

Perception and discernment are very important functions for us. We have seen how
they have operated in various Bible illustrations. Yet, strangely, there are two areas
where we seem to be somewhat weak in perception:

1. Perceiving God!
“When He passes me, I cannot see Him; when he goes by, I cannot
perceive (“bin”) Him” (Job 9:11, NIV).

“For God speaks once, yes twice, yet man perceives (“shur”) it not” (Job
33:14).
The NIV states: “For God does speak – now one way, now another –
though man may not perceive it.”

Job was going through a major trial in his life and it seems that his circumstances
were “blinding” him from comprehending God and His voice? How we must guard
against our circumstances getting in the way of perceiving when God is near.

“For who among them has stood in the council of the Lord, that he
should perceive (“raah”) and hear His Word? Who has marked His word
– noticing and observing and giving attention to it – and has actually heard
it?” (Jeremiah 23:18, AMP).

• Are we looking?
• Are we listening to God and His Word?

2. Perceiving Our Own Heart!

“And why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not
perceive (“katanoeo”) the plank that is in your own eye?” (Luke 6:41, NKJV).

Perception works best for us when it comes to other people, circumstances and
situations! But not so good for our own personal lives.

The two main areas we need to be more perceptive in, we are actually weak!
 DEVELOPING YOUR POWERS OF PERCEPTION / 139
NOTES
With regards to our perception of God’s voice and presence, we have need of
presenting ourselves to Him, to bring ourselves to the place of sitting at His feet. We
have need to allow Him to reveal to us what is in our own heart. We need those
times of being “still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). Then we need to
carry that through to pulling the log out of our own eye! All of us have experienced
others who know the will of God and life’s answers for everyone else. Yet their own
life often carries no corresponding actions. We’ve all (personally) struggled with
perceiving the will of God for ourselves.
Why is this?
Is it because God wants us to be more open to other members of His Body to helping
us to make some major decisions?

Jean and I have recently been through some major decision-making processes. We
came to realize about three-quarters way through that guidance wasn’t working out
like we’d anticipated. Then a dear Presbyterian Elder had an unexpected word for me
that broke through a mind-set that was looking for an answer along a “church-
acceptable” mentality. Suddenly I was able to think and perceive “outside of the box”
and things fell into place for us very quickly. God had called us to walk a different
path for this next season of our lives. We’re so very glad we’ve made the decisions
we have. But not every one understands the way we’re going. Yet (we can honestly
say) God has vindicated the direction in a number of ways.

Perception!

Discernment!

The ability to make a spiritual distinction; the ability “to see” behind the
outward show. It is there to lead us, guide us, help us, forewarn us, protect
us. We have it so we can more specifically help, understand and minister to
others in the name of Jesus through the love of God within us.

IN CONCLUSION:
Be encouraged to have a discussion among your Christian friends about how perception
works for you. You will be surprised at how helpful it will be to talk about how this
important area of your life works.

Be challenged to improve your perceiving and discerning skills. They can be

sharpened, improved and matured! They could save yours – and others –
lives!


 140 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
KNOWING
JESUS
“IN THE
SPIRIT!”
 142 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
 KNOWING JESUS “IN THE SPIRIT” / 143
NOTES
KNOWING JESUS
“IN THE SPIRIT”
(HOW WELL DO WE KNOW HIM?)

By Rodney W. Francis (Hamilton, New Zealand).

J
esus returned to the Father in heaven, so the Holy Spirit could be sent to us
(John 16:7-15). It is the Holy Spirit’s ministry to reveal Jesus to us. In fact we
cannot really know Jesus except through the Holy Spirit. That is why it is so
important that every believer on Jesus needs to go on and be filled with the Holy
Spirit! It was Jesus’ command to His followers that they “go no further” until they
be “endued with power (“dunamis”) from on high” (Luke 24:49).

Jesus Christ can no longer be known through natural or intellectual means

(2 Corinthians 5:16). He can only be known “in the Spirit.”

Why?

Because that is the main purpose of the Holy Spirit being sent to us. It is God’s way.
True Christianity is that which is “born of the Spirit” – it cannot be seen, understood
or entered into any other way (John 3:1-13). Therefore, let us never under-estimate
our need for the Holy Spirit to be “alive in us,” “active in us,” and having the freedom
“to reveal more of Christ to us!”

We can know Jesus no other way.

THE BOOK OF REVELATION:

In the Book of Revelation we see something of how the Holy Spirit works. The word
“revelation” means “an uncovering, the act or process of disclosing something
previous secret or obscure; especially something true; to reveal.” That’s the Holy Spirit’s
ministry to us. That’s His commission! The Bible is a closed book until the Holy Spirit
is able to uncover it to us. We can only understand and fulfil God’s Word by revelation
of the Holy Spirit.

THE POWER OF CHOICE:

The Apostle John was on the isle of Patmos, having been banished there for
demonstrating the love of God to the people! Patmos was a barren, sterile island that
never saw any fruitfulness of anything that was planted there. In the natural, John
was sent there to die a slow, cruel death by starvation. But he had within him the
Holy Spirit! He had a choice. He had the choice of giving in to the natural circumstances
and believing there was no hope, no rescue, no future but to die! Or, he had the
choice of believing the truth of the Christian message that “Greater is He that is
in you than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). His choice was between yielding
to the flesh, or yielding to the Holy Spirit within him. He chose to yield to the Holy
Spirit!
 144 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
CHOOSING TO BE “IN THE SPIRIT”:
His own testimony was: “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day!” (Revelation 1:10).
John reveals there are two things that happen when we are “in the Spirit”:

1. We hear a voice (Jesus);

2. We see Who the voice comes from (Jesus).

When we are “in the Spirit” that voice is the voice of revelation right from the
heart of God. It is the voice of truth and it always reveals more of the real
Jesus to us. We know the true Jesus only by the Holy Spirit. John “in the Spirit”
had a revelation of Jesus Christ. He saw Him as He really is!

“In the Spirit” God trusts us with information that enables us to hear and see things
as they really are! They are not polluted with man’s interpretation and man’s
understanding of Biblical truth.

It is quite amazing that many Christians view the Book of Revelation as mainly a book
of end-time events. But the Book of Revelation is first and foremost “the revelation
of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 1:1)! We must never by-pass the Person of Jesus and
focus on “events.” Nothing must ever be allowed to take the place of Jesus!

When John got “into the Spirit” God showed him truths that he could not learn
or know any other way. He received revelation of the Spirit because he was “in the
Spirit.” Jesus revealed Himself to John. He saw Him as He had never been seen before
(that we know of). Jesus was revealed “by the Spirit” to John by at least 75 different
names in the Book of Revelation! It is well worth your while sitting down with a pen
and paper, and searching out all the names by which Jesus was revealed to John
when he was “in the Spirit.” Here’s my list from the KJV; you may find more:

SOME NAMES OF JESUS:

01. Jesus (14:12; 17:6; 19:10; 20:4; 22:16).
02. Christ (20:4; 20:6).
03. Jesus Christ (1:1; 1:2; 1:5; 1:9; 12:17).
04. The Word of God (1:2; 1:9; 6:9; 19:13; 20:4).
05. Which is (Who is) (1:4; 1:8; 4:8; 11:17; 16:5).
06. Which was (Who was) (1:4; 1:8; 4:8; 11:17; 16:5).
07. Which is (Who is) to Come (1:4; 1:8; 4:8; 11:17; 16:5).
08. The Faithful Witness (1:5; 3:14).
09. The First Begotten of the Dead (1:5).
10. The Prince of the Kings of the Earth (1:5).
11. I Am (1:8; 1:17; 1:18; 1:18).
12. The Alpha (1:8; 1:11; 21:6; 22:13).
13. The Omega (1:8; 1:11; 21:6; 22:13).
14. The Beginning (1:8; 21:6; 22:13).
15. The Ending (1:8; 21:6; 22:13).
16. The Lord (1:8; 14:13).
17. The Almighty (1:8; 19:15).
 KNOWING JESUS “IN THE SPIRIT” / 145
NOTES
18. The First (1:11; 1:17; 2:8; 22:13).
19. The Last (1:11; 1:17; 2:8; 22;13).
20. The Son of Man (1:13; 14:14).
21. He That Lives (1:18; 2:8; 4:9).
22. He Who Was Dead (1:18; 2:8).
23. He That Holds (Has) the Seven Stars in His Right Hand (2:1; 3:1).
24. He Who Walks in the Midst of the Seven Golden Candlesticks (2:1).
25. The Spirit (2:7; 2:11; 2:17; 2:29; 3:6; 3:13; 3:22; 14:13; 22:17).
26. He Who Has the Sharp Sword With Two Edges (2:12).
27. The Son of God (2:18).
28. He Who Searches the Reins and Hearts (2:23).
29. He That is Holy (3:7; 6:10; 15:4).
30. Holy, Holy, Holy (4:8).
31. Lord God Almighty (4:8; 11:17; 15:3; 16:7; 21:22).
32. O Lord (4:11; 6:10; 15:4; 16:5).
33. He That is True (3:7; 6:10; 19:11; 22:6).
34. He That Has the Key of David (3:7).
35. He That Opens (3:7).
36. He That Shuts (3:7).
37. My New Name (3:12).
38. The Amen (3:14).
39. The True Witness (3:14).
40. The Beginning of the Creation of God (3:14).
41. The Creator of All Things (4:11; 10:6; 14:7).
42. The Lion of the Tribe of Judah (5:5).
43. The Root of David (5:5; 22:16).
44. The Root and Offspring of David (22:16).
45. A Lamb (5:6; 14:1).
46. The Lamb (5:8; 5:12; 5:13; 6:1; 6:16; 7:9; 7:10; 7:14; 7:17; 12:11; 13:8;
14:4; 14:4; 14:10; 15:3; 17:14; 19:7; 19:9; 21:9; 21:14; 21:22; 21:23;
21:27; 22:1; 22:3).
47. The Seven Spirits of God (1:4; 5:6).
48. He That Lives Forever and Ever (4:9; 5:14; 10:6).
49. Our God (7:10; 7:12; 8:4).
50. The Mystery of God (10:7).
51. The God of the Earth (11:14).
52. Our Lord (11:8; 11:15).
53. The Spirit of Life From God (11:11).
54. The God of Heaven (11:13).
55. His (God’s) Christ (11:15; 12:10).
56. God (12:5; 12:6; 12:10; 13:6; 15:8; 16:19; 16:21; 17:17; 18:5; 18:20;
19:4; 19:5; 19:9; 19:17; 20:6; 20:9; 20:12; 21:2; 21:3; 21:4; 21:7; 21:10;
21:23; 22:1; 22:3; 22:9; 22:18; 22:19, to give a few of many).
57. King of Saints (15:3).
58. God Almighty (16:14).
59. Lord of Lords (17:14; 19:16).
60. King of Kings (17:14; 19:16).
61. The Lord God (18:8).
 146 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
62. The Lord Our God (19:1).
63. The Lord God Omnipotent (19:6; 22:5).
64. Faithful (19:11; 22:6).
65. Almighty God (19:15).
66. The Great God (19:17).
67. The Tabernacle of God (21:3).
68. The Lord God of the Holy Prophets (22:6).
69. The Bright and Morning Star (22:16).
70. Lord Jesus (22:20).
71. Lord Jesus Christ (22:21).

Other Possibilities:
72. The Voice (1:12; 1:15; 10:4; 10:8; 14:2).
73. The Conqueror Upon the White Horse (19:11; 19:19; 19:21).
74. The Judge/Avenger (6:10; 11:18; 14:7; 15:4; 16:5; 16:7; 17:1; 18:8;
18:20; 19:2; 19:11; 20:12).
75. The Testimony (6:9; 11:19; 12:11; 12:17; 15:5; 19:10).
76. He Who Reigns Forever (11:15).

I trust this will give you a new appreciation of the Book of Revelation. In the light of
this book, the following questions have to be asked:

• How well do we know Jesus (the Jesus of the Bible)?

• How filled are we with the Holy Spirit?

• How often do we choose to be “in the Spirit”?

• Do we so know the Holy Spirit of Truth that Jesus can reveal Himself
to us with any name He desires?

• Or, do we only recognize and know Jesus by a few names? Each of

His Names gives us a different revelation of His Person and Character.

The purpose of our being “in the Spirit” is to please God, to know God, and to fulfil
the will of God (which can only come through revelation).

THE SEVEN CHURCHES:

When the Holy Spirit revealed the true condition of the Seven Churches in Asia to
John, He never revealed Jesus the same way twice. Jesus was revealed by different
names to each of the different churches. However, to the church of Ephesus He
revealed Himself as “He that holds the seven stars in His right hand” (Revelation
2:1) and to the church in Sardis as “He that has the seven Spirits of God, and the
seven stars” (Revelation 3:1). The stars represent the seven angels (“messengers;
agents” – Young’s; “messenger, to tell or deliver a message, one who is sent in order
to announce, teach, or perform anything” – Bullinger’s) of the seven churches. It seems
each of those churches had an angel or heavenly messenger who was held directly
 KNOWING JESUS “IN THE SPIRIT” / 147
NOTES
accountable to Jesus Himself for “the happenings” of and within their respective
churches? Jesus held them in His right hand! (That’s close).

Every church was commanded to “hear what the (Holy) Spirit says unto the
churches” rather than what the angel says. (Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29; Revelation
3:6, 13 and 22). That includes each of us individually. We are accountable to the
Holy Spirit; the “angel” of the church is accountable to Jesus Himself.

In His opening statement to the angel of every church (after He revealed Himself by
different names), Jesus spoke to every church exactly the same thing: “I know your
works (“ergon” meaning “deeds, doings, labour, work and trade”).” Nothing is
hidden! The Lord Jesus knows every thing that has been done! If we don’t tune our
spiritual ears into hearing what the Holy Spirit is saying today we will not be acceptable
to Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit’s ministry is to help us to know Jesus “in the Spirit.”
To do that we have to be “in the Spirit.” That’s a choice we have to make continually.

Jesus revealed Himself to the churches by different names. Does this not suggest that
Jesus wants to be known in different churches by a uniquely different way? Every
church needs to know its own purpose and revelation of God as to why it was raised
up of God in the first place. That is called knowing “the prophetic foundation.” Lose
that purpose and a church becomes “history.”

All the great teachers, apostles and prophets in the Bible functioned by “divine
revelation” (John 3:11 – Jesus; Acts 4:20 – The Apostles; Acts 9; 22 and 26; Galatians
1:11-12; Galatians 2:2 – Paul; 1 Samuel 3:19-21 – Samuel; 2 Kings 6:17 – Elisha;
Isaiah 6 – Isaiah; Jonah 1:1; 3:1 – Jonah, to name a few). They were men and women
“of the Spirit”!

THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE:
There is no substitute to being “in the Spirit.” Everything else produces religiosity,
legalism, formalism, coldness and spiritual death. Unless we Christians re-discover
the truth and power of living “in the Spirit” we will continue to see our churches
losing their impact in society. It is the Spirit that gives life! It is the Spirit that liberates!
It is “in the Spirit” where God’s answers are found. We need to know such freedom
by and “in the Spirit,” that all our fears, inhibitions, inferiorities, insecurities, etc.,
are broken off our lives. Only then can we express ourselves so “naturally spiritually”
and so “spiritually naturally” that will amaze those we are amongst. Galatians 5:25
says, “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”

Knowing Jesus is all about being “in the Spirit” and hearing and seeing from the
Living Jesus for ourselves.

Do we so know the Spirit’s voice that Jesus is able to reveal Himself to us

however He chooses – and we’d still know it was Him?

It is very interesting that in the Book of Revelation Jesus reveals Himself more by the
names of “God” and “The Lamb” than any other names.
Jesus IS God! There is no way around that! (John 1:1,14).
 148 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
Jesus IS The Lamb! There is no salvation from sin apart from coming to “The Lamb
of God Who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).
Both these names are proving huge stumbling-blocks in the religious world today.
Modern “Christianity” does not want to accept Jesus as either! But unless we come
to Jesus the Bible way, we will never ever know the real Jesus Who is only
heard and seen “in the Spirit.”

• Where is it at for you right now?

• Who is the Jesus you are serving?

• Is He the Jesus of the Bible?

• Are you filled with the Holy Spirit of God? (If not, why not? – Seek out
other Spirit-filled believers who can help you to receive the Holy Spirit. You will
then begin to discover revelation of the Word “by the Spirit” that makes Jesus
Christ the Living Lord of your life).

• The choice is yours . .. .

• WHAT WILL IT BE?

Live and walk “in the Spirit”!!


 A
CHALLENGE
TO
PROPHETIC
ACCURACY:
THE
PROPHET
SAMUEL
 150 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
 A CHALLENGE TO PROPHETIC ACCURACY: THE PROPHET SAMUEL / 151
NOTES
A CHALLENGE TO
PROPHETIC ACCURACY:
THE PROPHET SAMUEL
By Rodney W. Francis (Hamilton, New Zealand).

T he Bible is full of the accounts of God speaking to men and women. God longs
to speak with us and to lead us in the way He has chosen for us. In this final
section we will look briefly at the life of Samuel who was greatly impacted by
hearing God speak to him and who, as a result, impacted his generation powerfully.

THE PROPHET SAMUEL:

Samuel was a miracle child. He was born of a barren mother (Hannah) because she
had cried out to God in anguish of soul to have a son. She particularly asked God
to give her a son (1 Samuel 1:11) and promised God that she would give him to the
Lord if He answered her prayer. God answered her prayer and Samuel was born.
Hannah kept her promise and presented Samuel to God at a very young age. Samuel
actually lived in the temple under the guidance of Eli the priest.

The first time Samuel was confronted with the voice of God is recorded in 1 Samuel
3. He was asleep when God called to him. God’s voice was powerful enough to wake
Samuel up. Samuel thought it was Eli calling him so he ran into Eli’s room to ask
what he wanted. That woke up Eli (physically), who had not heard anything at all
and certainly had not called for Samuel. Samuel was sent back to bed. God called
the second time to Samuel and again Samuel ran into Eli’s room to see what he
wanted. Eli sent him back to bed the second time.

God called again the third time and Samuel ran in to see Eli. By now Eli was starting
to realize that God was calling to Samuel, so he instructed Samuel that if the voice
came again he was to answer: “Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening” (1
Samuel 3:9, NIV).

God did call again the fourth time and Samuel responded just as Eli had instructed
him.

Here are some points to consider as to why Samuel heard from God:
1. He was born of God (1 Samuel 1:27) (so are we: John 1:12-13; 1 Peter 1:23).
2. He was dedicated to God (1 Samuel 1:11, 20-28).
3. He was blessed with God-fearing parents (1 Samuel 1:3, 11, 15, 17-28).
4. He dwelt in the temple (house of God) (1 Samuel 1:24-28).
5. He absorbed the atmosphere of the house of God (1 Samuel 1:24-28; 1 Samuel
3:1).
6. He was chosen by God (1 Samuel 3) (so are we: Deuteronomy 7:6; Psalm 4:3;
John 15:16; 1 Corinthians 1:26-29; Ephesians 1:4; James 2:5; Revelation 17:14).
7. He carried the call of God on his life (1 Samuel 3) (so do we: Isaiah 42:6; Isaiah
43:1; Isaiah 45:4; Romans 8:28-31; 1 Peter 2:9).
 152 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
LET GOD SPEAK . . .
Because Samuel had been dedicated and set aside for God’s service, he was in a place
where he could hear from God, even though only a child. When God first spoke to
him, Samuel, who had not heard the voice of God before, thought it was man calling
him, so naturally ran to see what Eli wanted. The sad part here is that Eli – who should
have recognized that God was speaking to Samuel – did not, and sent Samuel back
to bed. In fact it took Samuel running into Eli’s room three times before Eli realized
that God was trying to speak to the boy. Eli, unfortunately, had lost his way in God
and the result was his spiritual sensitivity no longer picked up the voice of God as
quickly as he should have. How tragic it is when the priests of God no longer recognize
when God is speaking.

On the other hand, Samuel had never heard the voice of God before. But he knew
he heard someone calling him. Samuel quickly responded to the voice. To get up out
of bed in the middle of the night in response to a voice shows the eagerness of young
Samuel to listen, learn and respond. He revealed a servant heart by leaving the
comforts of a warm bed to go to see what Eli wanted.

The fourth time God called Samuel, Samuel responded just as Eli had instructed him.
God never revealed more to Samuel until He got Samuel’s response. When He got
that He began to tell Samuel things about what God was going to do in Israel and
how He was going to judge the house of Eli (1 Samuel 3:11-14).

When God spoke to Samuel that night it had a profound affect upon him. The fear
of God came upon him and he was afraid to talk to Eli about the vision he had.
When God speaks to us it gives us vision. It enables us to see more clearly
in the spiritual realm.

Eli, naturally, wanted to know what God had said to Samuel. Being the submissive
servant heart that he was, Samuel told Eli what God had said (1 Samuel 3:15-18).
Immediately in the next verse we are told: “And Samuel grew, and the Lord was
with him, and did let none of His words fall to the ground. And all Israel
knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the Lord. And the Lord
appeared again . . . for the Lord revealed (“opened”- Wilson’s) Himself to Samuel
in Shiloh by the Word of the Lord” (1 Samuel 3:19-21).

God found someone who would listen to Him. When He found that man He spoke
to him. Not only did He speak but he so impacted young Samuel’s life that it
was evident for all to see. Even all Israel knew Samuel was called to be a
prophet of God.

Hearing God speak caused Samuel to value highly the Word of the Lord. He guarded
it so strongly that it was said, “he did let none of His words fall to the ground”
(1 Samuel 3:19). Oh, how we need to value the Word of the Lord like that. It needs
to be our first priority in life. When it is I’m sure we will all hear God speak to us on
a regular basis.

Samuel quickly learned to discern between the voice of man and the voice
 A CHALLENGE TO PROPHETIC ACCURACY: THE PROPHET SAMUEL / 153
NOTES
of God. He became very good at hearing God’s voice. Samuel grew up to be
a tremendous prophet of God. He so learned to know God’s voice that he
was able to be extremely accurate in his pronouncements of what God was
saying. His words to Saul, for example, were amazing. Saul (also a young man at the
time) had been sent by his father to find the family donkeys that had strayed. Having
not found them, Saul’s servant suggested they take advantage of going to see the
seer (“a perceiver, one who sees in the realm of the Spirit, a prophet” – 1 Samuel
9:9) not knowing that God had arranged for Saul to meet Samuel. One day before
they met, God had spoken to Samuel about Saul. You read about this in 1 Samuel
Chapters 9 and 10.

Here is a list of the amazing accuracy of Samuel’s prophetic word concerning

Saul:

1 Samuel 9: God speaking to Samuel about Saul:

1. “In about 24 hours time (tomorrow)” (v. 15-16);
2. “I will send you a man” (v. 16);
3. “He will be from the land of Benjamin” (v. 16);
4. “You are to anoint him to be leader over Israel” (v. 16);
5. “So he may save/deliver God’s people out of the hand of the
Philistines” (v. 16);
6. “I’m responding to their (Israel’s) cry (for a king)” (v. 16).

The next day, when Saul turned up, God spoke again:

1. “This is the man I told you about” (v. 17);

2. “This man shall rule over My people” (v. 17).

When Samuel spoke to Saul he knew all about him and what was going to happen
that very day, even though he had never met him before in his life!

1. “I am the seer” (Samuel knew his own calling in God) (v. 19);
2. He told Saul to go up to the high place and they would eat together
(v. 19);
3. “Tomorrow I will let you go, and will tell you all that is in your heart”
(v. 19). Imagine the impact of that!!
4. “Your asses (donkeys) were lost three days ago” (v. 20);
5. “Don’t worry about them, for they are found” (v. 20);
6. “Israel’s desire is on you and your father’s house” (v. 20).

The next day Samuel went to speak to Saul alone while he declared unto him the
Word of the Lord (v. 27).

1 Samuel 10: What Samuel spoke out:

1. Samuel anointed Saul with a vial (or bottle) of oil (v. 1);
2. He kissed him (v. 1);
3. He declared God had anointed Saul to be ruler over God’s inheritance (v. 1).
 154 / SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

NOTES
Samuel then gave Saul signs as to what would happen that day:

1. “You will find two men by Rachel’s grave” (v. 2);

2. “The grave is at the border of Benjamin at Zelzah” (v.2);
3. “Those two men will speak to you” (v. 2);
4. “This is what they will say to you: “The asses you are looking for are
found” (v. 2);
5. “Your father is now more worried about your safety than he is the asses”
(v. 2);
6. “From there you will go to the plain of Tabor” (v. 3);
7. “At the plain of Tabor three men shall meet you” (v. 3);
8. “They are going up to Bethel” (v. 3);
9. “They are going up there to worship God” (v. 3);
10. “One man will be carrying three young goats” (v. 3);
11. “The second man will be carrying three loaves of bread” (v. 3);
12. “The third man will be carrying a bottle of wine” (v. 3);
13. “Those three men will greet you” (v. 4);
14. “They will say to you ‘Shalom’ or ‘Peace’” (v. 4);
15. “They will give you two loaves of bread” (v. 4);
16. “You are to receive those two loaves” (v. 4);
17. “Then you will come to the hill of God (in Gibeah – NIV)” (V. 5);
18. “At that hill you will see the Philistines’ guards (or outpost – NIV)” (v. 5);
19. “Then you shall come to the city” (v. 5);
20. “There you shall meet a company (or procession – NIV) of prophets” (v. 5);
21. “They will be coming down from the high place” (v. 5);
22. “They will have various kinds of musical instruments (Samuel named them
all: lyres, tambourines, flutes and harps) being played before them” (v. 5);
23. “The prophets will be prophesying” (v. 5);
24. “The Spirit of God will come upon you” (v. 6’);
25. “You will start prophesying with them” (v. 6);
26. “The Spirit’s power will turn you into another man!” (v. 6);
27. “When all this has happened, do what you think best! For God is with
you!!” (v. 7);
28. “You will go down to Gilgal before me” (v. 8);
29. “I will then come and offer the sacrifices of peace offerings” (v. 8);
30. “Wait for me seven days till I come, and then I’ll tell you what you shall
do!!” (v. 8).
“AND ALL THOSE SIGNS CAME TO PASS THAT DAY!! (v. 9).

Something like 39 declarations (at least!).

This kind of prophetic ministry can only happen consistently when a man or
woman knows the voice of God. There is no way Samuel could have described
so accurately about the asses, Saul’s life, the places he would go, the people he would
meet, the exact words they would say to him, the musical instruments they would
be carrying, Saul prophesying among the prophets (something he had never done
before), etc. Samuel was speaking out that which God had spoken to him.

Samuel’s credibility was so good that the people could safely say of him: “He is a
man of God, and he is an honourable (“possessing or characterized by high
principles”) man; all that he says comes surely to pass” (1 Samuel 9:6).
 A CHALLENGE TO PROPHETIC ACCURACY: THE PROPHET SAMUEL / 155
NOTES
It is important that we learn from the Bible the importance of being set aside for
God and living a righteous life-style that enables us to say “Yes” to the voice of God.

Regardless of the cost, do not let anything stand between you and the will of God.

Let God show you what He wants of you.

Let God’s Holy Spirit bring the conviction necessary to release you into the greater
purposes of God.

Let God speak . . . !

Listen.

Yield!

Obey!

Samuel impacted his generation, as well as the generations to follow!

What impact will you make in the service of the King?

How strong is your desire to be prophetically accurate?


 A FINAL PERSONAL MESSAGE

I
t has been our privilege and delight to go through this “School of the Holy
Spirit” with you.

We trust your life has been greatly enriched and you have discovered a greater
understanding and freedom to exercise the Gifts and promptings of the Holy
Spirit.

Gifts are not gifts until they are given away. It is only as you pass on the messages
of the Holy Spirit through the gifts that they actually become gifts to the
receiver(s).
In your situation, may you continue to bless, encourage and inspire others to
keep a right, sharp focus on the Ministry of the Holy Spirit. Always seek to build
up and bring out the best in others.

If you are one who has obtained a copy of this Manual and were not able to
personally go through the “School of the Holy Spirit” with us, then our prayer
is that the Holy Spirit Himself has especially ministered to you through these
pages and helped you to pick up something of our heart to see men and women
released into more exciting and challenging adventures in the service of God
the Holy Spirit.

Thank you for

allowing us to be
a part of your life.

Rodney and Jean Francis

(New Zealand).