The Purpose Of New Testament Prophecy Is To Edify, Exhort And Comfort
The word, “edify,” means to build up or strengthen. The word, “exhort,” means to encourage and the word “comfort” means exactly that.
The message of prophecy is positive!
When anyone speaks a message into your life that leaves you filled with condemnation or fear or disturbs your peace…that message was not from God. Forget that prophecy!
Let me explain the difference between the spirit of condemnation and the spirit of conviction. The Holy Spirit convicts; Satan condemns. When the Holy Spirit convicts, it says, “You told a lie, repent and be restored.” God the Holy Spirit exposes the problem, tells you how to solve it and the solution will always bring peace. Afterwards, you feel uplifted, edified, encouraged, and comforted.
The spirit of condemnation is from Satan and it leaves you saturated with a sense of defeat and despair. There are no solutions and there is no edification, exhortation or comfort. There is nothing positive! Afterwards there is no relief. Receive the spirit of conviction; reject the spirit of condemnation.
Let me illustrate from Scripture. Jeremiah 1:10 gives a prophecy that says, “See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and ear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and plant.” The words “uproot, tear down, destroy and overthrow,” tell you what needs to be done. Then the Holy Spirit gives a positive solution…”build and plant.” Compare II Corinthians 10:8 and 13:10 with Jeremiah 1:10 and discover from Scripture that the end purpose of all true prophecy is to edify.
Source: Judging Prophecy
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