Timothy, my son, I am giving you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies previously made about you, so that by them you may strongly engage in battle – 1 Timothy 1:18 (HCSB)
The primary source of prophecy is the word of God (2 Peter 1:18-21); we also receive prophecy through inspired utterances of men and women of God (2 Peter 1:21; Acts 13:1-3) and these prophecies will always be in line with the word of God and Spirit of God.
Our Christian experience is influenced to a large extent by how we handle prophecy. Many at times, after getting a word from the Lord, we face the temptation of basking in that prophecy without action. Our reference scripture gives us the right attitude to applying prophecies to our lives.
Prophecy served two purposes in this verse:
- Prophecy influences the direction of our life and the instructions we are to follow – When we receive prophecy, it gives us direction and a way of life to follow. For example, the prophecy on Samson’s life came with specific instructions for him to live by, failure to allow those instructions to guide him led to his downfall. (Judges 16). To see God’s promises come to pass in our lives, we must make sure we obey the instructions tied to the promises.
- Prophecy gives you ammunition to fight life’s battles: Battles in life are inevitable (John 16:33) and prophecy serves a purpose of helping you fight life’s battles when they come.
If you receive a prophecy about a specific promise of God in your life, you are to use that prophecy to fight against any opposition to that promise. For example, if God promised you a job and you are yet to get it, you use that promise to fight warfare in prayer and keep yourself encouraged. You daily remind God of the promise and fight the lies of Satan with that promise.
For prophecy to serve its purpose in your life, you must also cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked.(2 Timothy 1:19)
Clinging to faith enables you to fight battles effectively – Ephesians 6:16 – And also use the shield of faith with which you can stop all the burning arrows that come from the Evil One. (ERV)
Keeping your conscience clear helps you not to fall like Samson did – Ephesians 6:14 – So, stand strong with the belt of truth tied around your waist, and on your chest wear the protection of right living. (ERV)
PRAYER: Father, I thank you for the good things you have spoken concerning me in your word and through men and women of God. With these prophecies, I will live a life pleasing to you, overcome all the lies of Satan and fulfill my destiny in Jesus name. Amen.