“And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets,” 1 Corinthians 14:32.

We find this short, but very important verse, embedded in the chapter that goes into detail about how the early church was to organize its gatherings.

Some were to share a song, a word of instruction, a word of prophecy, knowledge, or wisdom. And if a prophet was to speak, then their spirit was subject unto their own spirit. Those who spoke, that prophesied, were to do so one at a time, and the others were to judge.

Some have misinterpreted this portion of scripture, and have said that it actually means that when this person speaks, that they are subject one unto another. But actually, when one begins to prophesy, they have control over their own spirits.

They can speak, or not speak. And they can allow the LORD to speak through them in the words that begin to flow from His Spirit, and they can continue in this flow, or they can actually stop speaking. God has given us the freedom of speaking or stopping. We are not robots who have no minds of our own!

As this is true today, it was also true in the Old Testament. While the Holy Spirit was upon those that spoke in the Old Testament and not necessarily “in them” as is true today, these men and women still had control over their own spirits. They could choose to speak the very words they were to give to the king or they could have chosen not to speak to them.

We see this example especially in the life of Jonah, who chose not to go to Nineveh, but instead, shrank back in fear. Later on he went, but this wasn’t until afterwards.

But another thing that needs to be mentioned here is perhaps even more important. And this is that when one begins to speak the words of God, they can continue to speak and then to stop as they sense in their spirit that the anointing has lifted. But, one can also add to these words from God, and most of us have probably read or even heard, others prophesy like this. This is a dangerous thing to do, and God is a jealous God, and He hates any kind of mixture.

While one would be very unwise to add their own thoughts to the Words from God, we are not perfect vessels. We have our own thoughts and feelings about different issues in the world in which we live. And that is why that when one begins to speak for the LORD they need to empty themselves, and to enter into His presence with purity and forgiveness.

Those who speak as God’s prophets, are held to a high degree of accountability. One needs to be certain that what they speak or write is actually from Him, and not from their own flesh or thoughts.

Allow God to use you, to speak His Word, but know that it must be pure.

Amen.

~ Stephen Hanson

Stephen Hanson of In His Truth Ministries came to the LORD is a special way in 1975 and has been prophesying regularly since. In these end-time birthing pangs we are to be reminded that judgment must first begin with the household of God. Will we be prepared and ready?