Glossary: Answers to Part 2 (Advanced Prophetic Training)

LEVEL 1 THE DEEPER FLOW

A. Fear and Unworthiness —— Two biggest obstacles to overcome

We are called to make changes into others lives.

2. Why do we fight change?

a. Prophet can impart to the believer.

b. Don’t miss impartation because of someone’s personality. It is the anointing that gets imparted.
3. Remember God will offend our mind to reveal our heart.

4. Fear is sin.

B.

1. God has anointed us the same as Jesus.

2. Jesus was made perfect through suffering —— we are too.

When your desire to bless others exceeds the fear of missing it or of making a mistake, then you can minister the way Jesus did.

4. Anytime you say, "I can’t", you curse yourself and God.

II. ENTERING THE DEEPER FLOW

A. God wants to open our ears and open our mouths.

We need to pray like David: (Psalm 51:15) "O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
a. Where can we expect the flow —— In the Valley of Shittim!! Shittim was a another name for Acacia. The Valley of Shittim was the place where Joshua commanded the people to prepare to go into the promise land. It was a valley that had thousands of Acacia trees. Acacia wood represented humanity, the ark of the covenant was constructed of Acacia wood. The dwelling place of God; humanity. God says that in the day of the Joshua Generation, He will bring us into the Valley of the Acacias and in this Valley, we can expect_ new wine, new milk and a flow of God’s water ... His Prophetic Word.

b. Joshua was commanded to take the children of Israel to a land flowing with milk and honey. God wants to take us to a new position where we find the promised flow of New Testament honey - the Word of the Lord.

(Revelation 10:9 and Ezekiel 3:1-4)

III. INGREDIENTS TO THE DEEPER FLOW

A. Faith - Romans 12:6

B. Confidence: Confidence in His calling and His commissioning.

C. Obedience: Obeying the voice of the Holy Spirit; to step out when the opportunity arises.

D. Boldness: Not based on personality, vocabulary, or education.

Willingness to take risks: "Yes there are giants in the land"
1 Samuel 17:29-51

F. Determination: based upon God given vision.

G. Practice: Prophesy to the wind

H. Mentoring/Association: Elijah - Elisha

IV. KEYS TO THE DEEPER FLOW

A. Realize that your confidence in God will begin to exceed your confidence in hear, to see, hear, or feel something before you prophesy. Like a river, if you open the dam water will come out.

B. Realize there are different levels of flowing:

Water can be found in:

1. Springs - clear, cool, but usually hidden.

2. Streams - not flow or force.

3. Lazy flowing Rivers: lots of water but it meanders all over the place.

4. White-water Rapids: like a rafter, you learn to go with the flow and avoid the danger areas.

C. Realize that there are seasons of flowing: Rivers usually peek in the spring.

You will go through times and seasons when you feel dry... that’s when you must learn to dig deeper for the underground river.

"His Voice was like a noise of many waters"

2. The desire to bless others must exceed the fear of mistakes or missing it.

Humanity vs. Pride

Ezekiel 47:6-12 There is a river from the temple that flows continially.
4. There is a time for the temple to be filled , but there is also a time when the temple doors open and water is allowed to flow out. The New Apostolic temple based upon God’s pattern is designed to allow the flow of God’s _rushing_ roaring water out!

D. Realize there are a diversity of flows :

We must make provision for different administrations of the same manifestation .

Just as God can and does heal many ways, so can He minister prophetically different ways.

E. Realize that what God considers accurate and what others consider can be quite different . Accuracy must be judged on fruit .

F. Realize you must yield to Holy Spirit’s stretching : New levels for new Devils.

Example: When prophesying over people, don’t ask them there name, see If the Lord will give you a name while you are ministering to them.

V. KEYS TO THE ANOINTING

1. Victory over fear and intimidation.

2. Hearing God’s voice and ministering God’s voice.

A. Trust the voice of God.

Must believe God more than man.

B. Don’t pick and choose .

Do not edit God’s word as He gives it to you.

Give whatever you get. Doing this takes confidence .

Never, ever water or edit a word.

3. Develop a sensitivity to God.

A. Develop an insensitivity to your surroundings. (Helps you "lock-in")

4. Dispel the fear of missing it.

What makes you think the person will know if you’re speaking the Word of the Lord if he or she can’t hear the Lord for themselves on their own.

5. Step out in faith and the Lord will honor your faith.

Like Peter you can surely trust His voice.

A. Natural mind (unjust judge)

B. The natural mind cannot fathom nor understand the things of God. It does not receive spiritual things, it always perceives them as foolish .

C. The things that your natural mind receives does not always make it the authority .

We must have the mind of Christ .

D. Do not use your mind to comprehend God or His voice ! Dethrone the_authority_ of the natural mind. Do not reject a word simply because it seems odd.

E. Do not take these keys to extremes .

VI. SEASONING FOR THE FLOW

1. Seasoning your words with grace .

2. Power versus Performance .

3. Willing to count the cost to minister in a deeper flow.

Women in Japan make a decision to stay single when they get saved.

4. Willing to expand and grow in your flow .

VII. MINISTERING A PURE FLOW

1. Pure and bitter don’t flow from the same spout.

A. James 3:9-12

2. Pure water produces life .

3. The mouth can become impure through:

VIII. CLARIFYING YOUR FLOW

1. It’s okay to ask God questions .
LEVEL II PRINCIPLES

I. WHAT WILL KEEP OUR WORDS FROM FALLING TO THE GROUND?

A. Relationship: Psalm 25:14

1. The secret of the Lord is with them who fear Him.

2. Reverence only comes through intimacy .

How intimate are you with the Lord? Do you press into knowing Him?

3. Are you searching for Him with all your heart ?

4. Do you seek , look for the Lord? ( hide n seek ) Jeremiah 29:11-14

B.

1. This is the will of God, our sanctification .

That you possess your own vessel in sanctification and honor .

2. Be ye separate , touch not the unclean thing.

3. Titus 2:11-14 Consecration = Good Works .

4. Ephesians 2:10 says, We are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works , which God predestined that we should walk in them.

1. The Word of God is our lamp and light, our illumination .

Revelation only comes as a flow to the prophet who is in God’s word .

2. The New Testament prophet can only prophesy that which is_revealed truth from the Word of God .

3. You must fill your will with God’s words which bring life .

D. Faith

1. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them; let us prophesy according to the proportion of our faith .
2. Is our level of faith limited? NO!

Without faith it is impossible to please Him...

Faith = Seeking Him

4. Hebrews 11:1 Faith is the evidence of things not seen = Revelation .

5. Romans 10 :17 Faith comes by hearing ... listening

6. Jude 20 Build your faith by praying in the Holy Ghost.

7. James 2:26 Faith without works is dead, Faith grows by

E. Use of Gift Mark 4:24

1. Take heed what you hear , with the same measure you use , is the same measure you will receive .

Use Little = Receive Little Use Much = Receive Much

1 Peter 4:10 As you have received a gift even so minister it to one another as good stewards . If you don’t use your gift what kind of stewards
3. Parable of the talents

4. Hebrews 5:14 Reason of use

Rules of the Prophets

God’s words must first go to our hearts , then our ear . Our ears have no compassion and no emotions to stir us to pray , to intercede , and to stand in the gap . But our hearts do, therefore God first speaks to our heart !

God has made thee a watchman . Watchman love the inhabitants of the city, this is why they don’t sleep on the job. Love proves out their diligence .
Jesus said watch and pray. The two go hand in hand.

A prophet who doesn’t pray prior to ministry is a clanging gong...

We are Priest who enter the Holy Place on behalf of God’s people!

What an honor God has bestowed upon us!

Prophets are not to be reproves . Let God make your tongue cling to the roof of your mouth , then when He speaks , let Him loose your tongue.

G. Anointing / Wisdom & Understanding 1 John 2:27

1. We have an anointing that abides and lives in us from Christ. This unction of the Holy One will teach us if we allow it to. However this takes time .
Time & Relationship = Trust = Confidence

Confidence is something gained through time . The anointing brings confidence!

The anointing is God’s seal of ordination. It is the anointing that destroys the yoke.
a. Strive for God’s anointing on your life to be manifested .

b. God’s anointing comes as a still small voice , not in fanfare & side shows.

c. Purity, holiness , and consecration bring release to the anointing.

d. Your word can right, but without the anointing it is void of power to accomplish God’s desired purposes.

II. PROPHETIC PROTOCOL

1. The Word of the Lord in the mouth of the untrained brings destruction and death rather than healing and life .

2. Fineness and excellence come first through watching .

3. Always, always , always speak the Word of the Lord in the spirit of the Lord.

a. Gentle

b. Kind

c. Goodness

d. Self-control

e. Peace

The Word of the Lord brings life, it is the well-spring of life.

4. At this juncture avoid words of strong correction, especially public words.

a. Not seasoned prophets (yet).

b. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you...

c. God does not establish His credibility through novices . (We are still novices)

d. If you enjoy strong corrective words you’d better examine your heart .

Psalm 37:21 The righteous shewth mercy.

Mercy and truth have met together .

Notice the order, first mercy then truth.

e. John 1:17 Make this your foundation .

Law = Old Testament Grace = New Testament

Who are you speaking for ?

John 1:17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

f. Correction through wisdom and grace brings life and encouragement .

5. Realize God has not brought us into a judgment dispensation.

III. PROTOCOL IN PERSONAL PROPHECY & PUBLIC MINISTRY

1. Minister with care & wisdom when revealing details in one’s life.

a. Do not expose or embarrass .

b. Use general terms that the person will understand without everyone else knowing.

c. Don’t be critical , condemning or demeaning .

e. God will normally entrust corrective words to the mature prophet, who can minister healing and restoration through the insight and _revelation_ the Lord gives to him or her.
f. Prophets who itch to prophesy judgment & straighten out others are not candidates for this type of ministry .

Guidelines for public ministry:

1. Are you still able to love & honestly think the same about someone once you have had knowledge of something bad ?

2. Be totally honest . If not your not ready for this kind of ministry . Avoid it

Purposely avoid it, I do.

3. Remember do not assume anything, if your not completely convinced

Keep Quite.

4. Ask the Lord to make it perfectly clear. If there is confusion , it is either your human spirit or demonic .
5. Don’t discern by the seeing of your eyes .

6. Don’t play to the crowd through responses.

IV. NATURAL PROTOCOL FOR TEAMS

1. Must recognize and submit to the Pastor . Prophets are sent to build & submit, do not take over .

Show great respect. Be affirming . Be attentive to others ministry.
Never contradict, don’t repeat words, if you received the same hold it.

3. Learn to handle the microphone . Don’t ever interrupt someone ministering

4. Don’t hog the show, let others flow as much or more than yourself.

No " I " in T.E.A.M.

5. Don’t go to long . Don’t preach your doctrine when prophesying.

Better _short_ than long . CONDENSE. It is too difficult for people in the congregation that are not being ministered to.

6. Lay hands on people wisely , with respect. Call people out by color of clothing, not color of skin , i.e. my black brother , etc.

V. MINISTERING TO THOSE IN AUTHORITY

1. Leadership protocol does come into perspective when releasing ministry, several points should be observed in this area.

a. The prophetic minister should not have improper motives, nor be presumptuous in ministering to leaders .

No notch in the belt - prophets

b. God’s desire for corrective words are that they be received not rejected.

c. We are more apt to receive correction from someone we know and trust .

Example: David & Nathan

d. Remember God builds relationship and sets divine appointments for this very reason.

e. For prophets with maturity & accuracy , specific words of correction are probably unwise to share for most leaders they see and encounter.

Prophet / Intercessor: What to pray for, and what to release ?

f. Remember the insight God shares with you serves to strengthen others, not to validate our prophetic ministries.

God confirms His word (not ministers) with signs following.

g. Sometimes prophetic ministry must be accomplished in private .

Why?

1. The Word to the leader will affect many others. Leaders must be allowed to pray in private and make appropriate considerations toward the Word .

2. This is not to say that all words to leaders are private , God’s word does affirm leaders in the eyes of the people .

Examples of private ministry :

3. Divine wisdom and discretion is needed when ministering in these areas. It is precisely why prophets need training in areas of leadership and protocol .

a. How would you prophesy to leaders of nations .

b. Be careful what you share publicly .

c. Don’t be a big-shot, remember you are God’s errand boy.

d. 1 Kings 13 - read & study - Prophets are not above God’s correction

VI. PROPHESIES CAN NEVER CONTROL, DICTATE OR DOMINATE

1. Control and domination are often visible through an individual with prophetic gifting who through the gifting see themselves superior to others less revelatory .

2. Pride says, " I am superior to others " Remember God is no respecter of persons, we all must be dependent upon each other in the Body of Christ.

3. Controlling prophets many times will have a small flock of their own, believers that look to them to guide their every decision ( who to marry, how to invest, etc.)

Many times this feeds the independent spirit, driving the individual to become totally disconnected to the body, eventually becoming "mavericks" and "lone ranger prophets". If this type of control is not dealt
with the person will take on an Absalom spirit, and thus become divisive and destructive to God’s flock.

Absalom works to turn the people of God away from their shepherd thus destroying the flock of God.

4. This form of control is not prophecy at all, it is witchcraft under the disguise of spiritual ministry.

5. Remember prophecy is only one way of determining the will of God in your life.

Some others include:

a. Peace of the Spirit.

b. Divine arrangement and contracts .

c. Pastoral counsel .

d. Prayer & fasting .

VII. PROPHESY GIVEN TO EDIFY OTHERS, NOT FOR PERSONAL GAIN

1. True Holy Spirit inspired prophetic ministry will glorify God in the persons life .

b. Revelation 19:11 Spirit of prophesy is the testimony of Jesus .

c. John 16:14 The Holy Spirit will glorify Jesus Christ.

2. Check the fruit of the prophet .

Do their prophecies promote themselves or their ministries ?

3. Do not use prophetic ministry to promote your agendas, eschatology, doctrine or your own promotion .

4. Prophets are trained by the Lord through life’s circumstances to speak the Word of the Lord without the thought of the fear or favor of man.

VIII. WORD OF THE LORD VS. NATURAL KNOWLEDGE

1. Deception comes through our desires , emotions, compassion & heart for others.

a. Must separate my will from God’s will.

b. The Word of the Lord is God’s proclaimed "particular" will for that _person_ or church or situation .

2. Some areas of concern include :

a. Marriage - life-long covenant between two consenting individuals.

b. Known relationships - your natural knowledge and desire , good or bad will influence you in ministry to people you are close to.

c. Healings and Miracles -

1. Avoid prophetic ministry to known situations.

2. Healing is God’s revealed will through scripture: "Jesus’ stripes"

3. Avoid assuming or prophesying someone’s healing without a word from the Lord.

4. Word of Knowledge - OK - Natural Knowledge - No Good

5. When giving a Word of healing God also gives the power to heal .

IX. PROPHETS DIVINELY GIFTED TO MINISTER TO ALL GOD BRINGS THEM

LEVEL III PITFALLS

I. INTRODUCTION

1. God always works first on our manhood, maturity , marriage, and motives before He concentrates on our ministry .

2. God must first purge and purify us before we can affect the multitudes.

b. Members do not call themselves to a 5-fold ministry of their choosing.

c. Ephesians 4:8,11 He gave some to be...

5. The gifts and callings of God are based on His sovereignty , not on _human worth or persistence in requesting a position .

a. To whom much is given , much is required .

b. Jesus has a special love for those called to represent Him. He has given to them of His own nature , grace, gifts, and ministry . So those to whom much is given, much is required . James 3:1 declares that
these will be judged more strictly.

c. This principle of accountability seems to apply strong to those called to be prophets.

d. Those called to speak directly for Him with "thus saith the Lord" are given much .

e. Much more is required of prophets in the areas of obedience , integrity, righteousness, and Christ-likeness .

6. Weed Seeds, Root Problems and Character Flaws

a. Weed seeds are attitudes within a person’s heart that will spring into a dangerous weed of wrong behavior .

b. Problems occur when weed seeds are allowed to sprout, because they will grow .

7. The root system becomes intertwined with the roots of the Word of God within your heart .

a. Why are root problems dangerous ?

b. Realize that God does not uproot tares until after the harvest.

c. Winter seasons , trees cannot be pruned while fruit is on the branches.

d. God will wait until your winter season to uproot your bad roots .

8. However, we can uproot small weeds while they are still attitudes and are not yet fully matured plants .

a. Deal with weed seeds before they become root problems.

b. Root problems will become intertwined with personality &performance .

c. Quick repentance is the hoe for digging up weed seeds !

a. God’s goodness in choosing us.

b. God’s severity in training and maturing us.

c. Heaven in the calling ; Hell in the perfecting .

d. Remember: There is no limit in what God can & will do to perfect us.

I. ELIJAH PITFALL : 1 KINGS 17-19

A. Elijah demonstrated many admirable qualities of a Prophet of God.

1. Prayer

2. Faith

3. Obedience to the voice of the Lord.

4. Willingness to put his life on the line.

5. Challenged the people of God.

B. Character flaws existed in Elijah’s life which would cause him to be susceptible to satanic pitfalls.

1. The pit of self-pity .

2. 1 Kings 19:4-8

a. Prayers of self-pity: "God kill me. I am the only one left who serves You".

b. Elijah was mighty in prophesying and performance but weak in personality , attitude, and adjustments to rejection and persecution.

c. Elijah could not handle rejection and persecution .

e. Many times successes are followed by rejection and threats of destruction.

II. SPIRIT OF ERROR

A. The spirit of error will find its strength and roots when one becomes exclusive and seclusive .

B. Based normally in the " I AM " mindset with pride as its foundation .

Warning Signs:

1. Why isn’t the leadership seeing this ?

2. Self-pity and " Woe-is-me " mentality .

3. Criticism towards leaders .

4. Self-importance rather than esteeming others.

C. This exclusive / seclusive spirit will use those bound by it to sow and suspicion in the Body of Christ (it is the opposite of edification).

1. Deception : Their doctrine is still OK, not realizing their spirit is wrong .

2. Freedom : Destroy the inflated sense of self-importance, get out of the self-pity party and martyrdom / persecution complex.

D. The deception of this spirit blinds our eyesight in seeing the need for and dependency on the Body of Christ ; once the believer is cut off from dependence on the Body of Christ, they become open prey for satanic destruction .

1. NO LONE RANGERS - NO MAVERICK PROPHETS

E. Prophets must maintain Christ’s character , able to receive both and negative input with consistent grace .

F. Prophets must maintain a proper attitude and a healthily , steadfast walk with Jesus whether received or rejected by the people of God, and the leadership of His church.

1. "Suffering is the standard for the Prophetic life"

2. Persecution and suffering is the prophet’s cross to bear.

G. Wisdom

1. Avoid reaction to leadership’s response , whether good or bad. (Don’t look for kudos)

2. Learn to handle rejection and persecution by abiding in the Lord’s_presence.

3. Avoid the deception of seclusion and exclusiveness .

4. Avoid the pit of discouragement .

5. Don’t be deceived . You are not alone. God has His remnant .

6. REMEMBER: Repent and respond properly.

7. Receive God’s grace to receive praise without becoming proud .

8. Receive God’s grace to accept persecution without developing a complex.

9. Don’t try to be a sheriff .

10. Keep a broad perspective.

11. Walk in great mercy .

12. Recognition is not dependent on being behind a pulpit .

13. No one except yourself can keep you from becoming what God wants you to become.

1. Scripture of choice for prophets.

2. Learn to rejoice in all things.

I. 1 Peter 4: 1-2

1. Those who have suffered in the flesh have crossed from sin .

2. Suffering brings about humility ; humility brings the exaltation of Jesus.

1. Abraham allowed family pressures an influences to hinder him from obeying_ God completely. Family pressures also hindered Abraham in his _decision _ making.

2. God had told Abraham to leave his family and his country . However, a study of scriptures show that his father and his family traveled with him, causing him to settle in Haran for several years, hindering his fulfillment of God’s plan in the land of Canaan .

3. Again, family pressures are found with Lot in their travels and with Sarah, convincing him to go in to Hagar and produce Mr. Ishmael (which continues to hinder the family of Isaac to this day).

4. God has not called us to be dictators . However, there are times when God reveals His will clearly to the prophet and, as priest of the home, he must take a firm stand in waiting patiently until God’s way for his personal prophecy to be fulfilled_ is revealed.

5. Often, other family members are motivated by their own convictions rather than divine directives about the when , where and how of fulfilling a Word.

V. MOSES’ PITFALL : OVER-PROTECTIVENESS

A. Numbers 14:11-24

1. Human compassion and mercy vs. prophetic purposes .

a. Moses’ personal strength of mercy taken to the extreme became his weakness and downfall .

2. Moses was overprotective of his pastoral flock and too instant that God preserve the established generation instead of starting a new one.

3. Several times God had spoken to Moses about killing off the older generation, the ones unwilling to get Egypt out of themselves . Moses argued each time with God to preserve them. These very ones Moses tried to preserve pushed him beyond his own limits , causing him to respond in anger and forfeit His own prophetic destiny.

a. It is better to allow God’s prophetic purposes & decrees to prevail.

1. Isaiah and Hezekiah

2. Estimated 10 problems could have been avoided.

b. Don’t insist that old wineskin saints or denominations have to come in.

If so you may end up in the wilderness with them.

c. Provoking people can cause you to cancel part of your own personal prophetic destiny .

VI. JONAH’S PITFALL: PRIDE AND JUDGEMENT

A. Jonah 1-3

1. Jonah had the weed seed attitude of pride and a root problem of judgment .

Jonah was more interested in seeing God destroy the wicked than in seeing God have mercy on them. His character flaw was being more concerned about his reputation and respectability than with the people he ministered to.

VI. JONAH’S PITFALL: PRIDE AND JUDGEMENT

2. Don’t be immature prophets with roots of pride , anger, stubbornness, and selfish-ambition.

3. Don’t run from assignments that have the possibility of making you look bad or that may be unprofitable .

a. God may send you to the bottom of the ocean to think it over for awhile.

b. Remember: Although the Lord will not make you go against your will He has ways of making you willing.

4. Don’t be a spoiled child prophet that dictates to God how to fulfill His Word through them.

5. Don’t try to intimidate or threaten God.

6. Avoid saying things like : "This isn’t fair, I deserve better than this"

B.

1. Put to death popularity , personal promotion and selfish service.

2. If you don’t get out of the Jonah Syndrome, God will remove your covering and sunburn your head.

C. Warning signs of the Jonah Syndrome:

1. Anger and resentment at God’s severe perfecting process.

2. Unproductive, little corporate effectiveness .

3. No release and acknowledgment in the Body of Christ.

4. Loose cannons; Maverick prophets ( do as you please)

5. In for the quick glory or the long haul ?

6. Justifying our sin , not owning up.

7. Cynical, critical , and judgmental.

D. When you are corrected, learn to receive the correction no matter how you _feel about it ( you may be blind to the issue). Don’t listen to peers or family, simply take the correction and grow so God can lift you up.

VII. ACHAN AND JUDAS PITFALLS

A. Joshua 6-7 Joshua 6-7

1. Achan’s character flaw was selfishness .

2. I saw, I coveted , I took, I put... Joshua 7:21

3. Achan’s only concern was for " Me and Mine"

4. 600,000 other soldiers obeyed the command of the Lord through Joshua

5. Achan knew that his actions jeopardized the whole camp of Israel.

B. Remember Your Overall Purpose.

1. To fulfill God’s purpose for His Church.

2. Not to possess the most or to make our ministry the greatest.

3. Independence must die . Interdependence must live .

4. Kill old perspectives that say prophets are loners , functioning independently from the rest of the Church.

5. Judas’ Character Flaws

1. The desire to be rewarded for every service.

2. The desire for reputation .

3. Wrong understanding of leadership promises . (Matthew 19:28)

4. Self-ambition, frustration and resentment.

5. Justification for betrayal

D. Judas and Achan had a kindred spirit and the same root problem:" Self"

1. Most likely Judas, because of impure ambitions, misinterpreted Jesus’ promises and directives regarding His ministry.

2. " I have sacrificed my business, my opportunities for promotion, and my possessions to follow Jesus day and night. Now, I get the impression from what Jesus is saying that He won’t fulfill my dreams. I thought
following Jesus would advance my position, power, and prestige."

3. This is Satan’s first step of deception , convincing us that _leadership _ is not living up to the promises that they have made .

a. Deception causes wrong interpretation .

b. Deception causes justification .

c. Deception causes betrayal .

E. How does this deception work?

1. Improper motives and promises that are not put on the Isaac altar .

2. If given place the Judas spirit will cause you to be self-righteous .

a. Self- serving .

b. Self- promoting .

F. We must examine our hearts .

1. Do we want our voice to be heard ?

2. Do we need to be noticed ?

3. Do we need a "pat on the back" for almost everything we do ? (rewards)

4. Do we operate in self-preservation ?

5. Do we refuse (in our hearts) input from oversight ?

6. Do we tend to be loners ?

7. How do we respond to the promotion of others ?

8. How does the promotion of others affect us ?

We all have, at times, denied the Lord or have felt let down by the Lord. However, how did you respond?

Like Peter or Judas?

a. Philippians 2: 7 No reputation...

b. John 12:24 Corn of wheat falls and dies...

c. Proverbs 21: 2 Right in our own eyes...

d. Matthew 6:33 Seek first the Kingdom...

VIII. JAMES AND JOHN SYNDROME MARK 10:35-45

A. Desire for position and power rather than servant-hood and ministry to others.

B. Immature , ambitious drive causing you to seek for a position in ministry closest to the leader .

1. Lack of contentment with God’s plan for promotion and position .

2. Deception of false qualifications and experience .

C. More zeal than wisdom . Caused by impure motives and unsanctified ambitions.

D. Jesus did not rebuke James and John, but taught (directed) them to the
truth .

1. Serving vs. Mastering

2. Ministering vs. Managing

3. Authority and greatness from the Kingdom perspective rather than the world’s standard .

E. Ambition and zeal are profitable if sanctified and directed by Holy Spirit.

F. All servants of great authority served an apprenticeship.

1. Joshua

2. Samuel

3. Elisha

4. The Twelve Disciples

5. Timothy

G. Don’t feel like a failure.

1. Proverbs 18:16 A man’s gift will make room for him...

2. Psalm 75:6-7 Promotion comes from the Lord...

H. Luke 9:51-54

1. Many times, zeal not coupled with wisdom is destructive .

2. "You do not know what manner of spirit you are of"

3. Religiosity destroys... Relationship gives life

I. Just because we are not received does not give us the right to call down fire!

1. Examine our hearts .

2. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER say "God judge that one"

3. Judge not, lest ye be judged .

4. Look into your heart. Are you sending blessing to those who reject you?

IX. BALAAM PITFALL : TRUE PROPHESIER; FALSE PROPHET

A. Judgment of prophecy vs. Judgment of the prophet .

1. Prophecy

a. Spiritual message must conform to Biblical Truth.

b. Objective, verifiable statements about the past or the present must be checked against the facts .

c. Predictions for the future are judged by whether they come to pass .

2. Prophets and prophetic ministers discerned by:

a. _Character

b. Spirit of wisdom .

c. Fruit of the Holy Spirit in personal life.

d. Fruit of ministry remains after initial manifestations of miracles or signs.

John 15:16

B. Numbers 22:1-41

1. Notice, Balaam’s message , ministry, and manhood seemed to be in order .

However, further study reveal his motives , maturity, methods , and money were not in order at all.

2. Since the King called for Balaam, he was probably the greatest prophet of his time and regions . He seemed to be God fearing and one who walked in integrity.

He would not prophesy anything but that which God spoke to him.

a. Verse 13; half-truth stated .

b. Verse 12; God speaks. This is always important . NOTHING else matters.

c. Verse 17; Test of pleasing God rather than man . (God had spoken)

d. Verse 17; Manipulation, honor , fame, money , possessions.

Satan knows what to temp us with!

Fame, gold, girls, glory...

3. Many words spoken in pride (sin).

a. The spirit reveals itself.

4. Balaam should have said only what God said .

a. Boasting about his ministry and declaring he could not be bought .

b. Lack of humility.

c. Let your yes be yes and your no be no.

d. DO NOT be pressured by man to prophesy .

5. Balaam’s motives are revealed in verse -19. He had not died to that could be gained .

a. "Stay here tonight while I inquire of the Lord"

b. Deception trapped him. Pride brought his fall .

6. Verse 20; God speaks with Balaam, giving him an opportunity to pass the test .

a. " If the men come to call you, rise and go"

b. Balaam rose with no mention of the men calling him.

c. Another failed test.

7. Verse 22; God’s anger was aroused because he went. God is ready to kill him and Balaam has no understanding of God’s feelings toward him because of his sin .

a. This prophet was never intimate with God .

b. Balaam did not even know when God was angry with him .

c. Balaam did not understand truth : gifts and callings are without repentance .

d. Balaam only knew God through his gift . Where are we in this area?

8. God again is merciful , hoping Balaam will repent of his way, sending the Angel of the Lord.

a. The donkey saves his life by turning aside from the path . The donkey knew his master was on the wrong path; amazing

b. Donkey discerns spirit world more so than a prophet blinded by lust for riches, power , and position .

9. Why would this Prophet who inquires of the Lord , not know about Israel?

a. Why would he try to move God’s hand against the apple of His eye?

b. Blindness and Deception caused by sin .

c. If Balaam were intimate with God, he would have known about Israel.

10. Verse 28; the donkey speaks. Wow when has this happened before?

Is this guy dull, or what? Not only does the donkey speak, but it carries on a conversation with Balaam (the real donkey).

a. Balaam is still so dull , not realizing what the Lord is up to, so the Lord opens his eyes to see the angel .

b. Sin truly does dull our seeing and hearing .

11. Balaam then does what is expected of him; false repentance.

a. "I have sinned. If it displeases You, I will turn back"

b. Another failed test.

12. This guy is bent on destruction . Why?

a. People pleaser vs. God pleaser

b. Love of money .

"You cannot serve God and mammon"

Motive + Action = Deeds

Remember God confirms His Word, not His Prophets

13. Balaam went on to prophesy good true words about Israel, but led them to sin, counseling Balak to tempt them with immoral women.

a. Later Balaam was destroyed by Israel; tragic ending for a gifted man.

14. Because of the strength of the prophetic gift and it’s place in the heart of God, it becomes, potentially, the most destructive gift if the heart of the recipient is not continually being cleansed and renewed through
the Word of God.

a. Lack of accountability and submission to authority are the very worst enemies of the Prophet.

b. The one called to see and hear for others struggles most with seeing and hearing for himself.

c. This is God’s safety check valve for prophets . Creating _dependency_ upon mentors and oversight from non-prophets to speak into their lives!

15. The Greatest Keys to Effective Prophetic Ministry:

a. Intimacy with Jesus .

b. Accountability and Submission to Authority .

c. Interdependence with the Body of Christ