There are three kinds of prophecy according to their nature. The nature of prophecy refers to its features or qualities. Ultimately, the nature of the prophecy depends on the purpose that this prophetic word achieves. Here are the three kinds of prophecies:
SIMPLE PROPHECY
The Apostle Paul tells us that everyone can prophesy. Everyone needs to be instructed and encouraged to do so. Through prophecy, others can be encouraged by God. Paul specifically found the need to distinguish between encouragement and instruction. In 1 Corinthians 12:7, Paul said, “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” He is referring to encouragement here. We believers first begin to prophesy, we all prophesy out of our maturity (or immaturity). For most of us, we can give encouragement with the help of the Spirit. All believers can prophesy at this level.
Each believer is given some manifestation in the Holy Spirit. Moreover, each gift is not for personal interests, but for the common good. It’s not to say that the believer would not and must not benefit from spiritual gifts. Paul received extraordinary vision and revelations that were designed only for his immediate benefit (2 Cor. 12:1-10). Nevertheless, the body of Christ also indirectly benefited from them because Paul was encouraged and refreshed, he was better equipped to do his ministry work. Do you agree that God takes care of His people? While spiritual gifts are ultimately used as tools to encourage the church, they can also encourage the person delivering the prophetic encouragement.
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Was there ever a time when you felt discouraged by encouraging another person? How are the simple prophetic words beneficial to the believer delivering them?