For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith (Romans 12:3-6 KJV).
Clarifying the Distinctions of Gifts
Many members…one body…multiple gifts. God’s Spirit is poured out on all flesh. Yet, unity does not imply uniformity. The gifts function according to the grace and the proportion of faith we possess as individuals. This diversity strengthens us. By it the house of God is edified, meaning it is built up, established, and emboldened.
Keep in mind the distinct and separate meanings of “your sons and daughters shall prophesy” (Joel 2:28) and “He Himself gave some to be…prophets” (Eph. 4:11). The first statement refers to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon God’s prophetic army, while the second refers to the giving of specific leadership gifts. Men and women called to the office of prophet not only prophesy but are prophets—fivefold ministers who bear a heavy burden of responsibility and are subject to a high level of scrutiny. They are called to speak, often into weighty matters; therefore, their prophetic track records must be scrupulously assessed.
I want to look at the distinctions in gifting. My intent is to eliminate confusion and empower believers to move in the gifts without hindrance and in direct proportion to their individual faith. This clarification will help us distinguish spiritually silly, lawless, false “prophets” from those who are called of God to love and nourish His Church.
The Proportion of Faith
An analogy will help us to see the various levels at which spiritual gifts operate. Think about an occasion when you or someone in your family was sick. How did you handle the need? Did you take your position of spiritual authority and pray for the sick person? Or did you ask your favorite healing evangelist to fly in and do it for you?
Having a sick person prayed over by someone with a gift like Kathryn Kuhlman or Smith Wigglesworth would be wonderful. Certain people are powerfully anointed in the area of healing. But they don’t necessarily live at your house. But you do. Therefore, my guess is that you relied on your measure of faith and you prayed.
Now let’s assume that your prayers were marvelously answered. Did your success prompt you to rent out an arena and hold a massive healing service? The answer is probably not, unless the healing ministry is your God-ordained calling and you have been maturing in it for some time.
Every believer is called to pray for the sick. What distinguishes most Christians from Benny Hinn is a matter of proportion: Benny Hinn has been set apart by God for the healing ministry. He is one of God’s “generals” in that realm, and the faith in which he operates is proportional to his assignment.
Faith and Prophesy
Now apply the analogy to the prophetic. Joel prophesied that all would prophesy. That means all. Yet, not all are called in the same way. Some are set apart by God to prophesy at a high level of magnitude and accountability. They don’t just prophesy; they are prophets—to nations, destinies, cities, churches, and leaders. They are sent by God to plow specific prophetic roadways and release specific prophetic direction.
A high level of faith is required for the office of prophet. Moral excellence, prophetic accuracy, precise articulation, and boldness are critical to the mission. Not everyone is called to operate at that level in the prophetic realm. That does not mean that others whose central callings are focused elsewhere cannot be used as God’s mouthpieces in the course of their everyday lives. God raised all of us to be oracles in our spheres of influence. We are His mouthpieces in our homes, businesses, schools, and communities. And we are called to speak in proportion to our faith.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Want to learn more about prophesying in proportion to your faith? Start reading Dr. Tim Bagwell’s new book The Prophetic Generation for FREE here: The Prophetic Generation Free Preview or find it at bookstores everywhere!
About Dr Tim Bagwell
