1. Introduction
The lifestyle of the prophet is essential to their calling because God wants to grant us more authority than we currently have. Therefore, advancing to the next level of glory requires allowing God to shape our character.
The prophet’s lifestyle is the second part in this series on the prophet’s ministry. Understanding New Testament prophecy and the gift of prophecy is essential for understanding the prophet. We need to master these before God chooses us as prophets.
Since we declare the oracle of God when we prophesy, being aware of how we speak is crucial for our ministry as a prophet or prophetess. The devil aims to undermine our prophetic authority, so recognising his schemes is essential for the next step. In this lesson, we will draw on the teaching of the Apostle Peter from the first chapter of his second epistle, where he declares:
knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
2 Peter 2:20-21
2. Set Apart to God
A. Sanctification
When we are called and chosen as a prophet of God, we are set apart to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Biblically, set apart is termed sanctification. Separated means that your lifestyle as a prophet is no longer your own. Being a prophet means you may be misunderstood by many. If you are going to be a prophet to more than your local area, you may go places and do things that make no sense to other people, but in the end, they will see the fruit and realise that it was the hand of God.
Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying:
Jeremiah 1:4-5
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you;
Before you were born I sanctified you;
I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”
B. Escaping the Corruption of the World
In his teaching on character, Peter begins by emphasising separation from the world.
by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
2 Peter 1:4
Prophets proclaim the exceedingly great and precious promises of God prophetically. Therefore, they must not value the things of this world more than their love for God. James states it this way.
Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever, therefore, wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
James 4:4
In the prophets’ lifestyle, we want to avoid making the Holy Spirit jealous!
Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”?
James 4:5
C. Sanctification Also Means Holiness
Sanctification isn’t just about living a life set apart from the world for God; it also involves a lifestyle of holiness.
Holiness derives from the Greek word ἅγιος hagios, meaning pure or morally blameless. Because of this, prophetic people need to let God develop them further, not just in their gifts but also in their character.
D. Victory Over Sin
Therefore being sanctified includes having victory over sin.
3. Lifestyle of Faith and Boldness
A. Faith and Boldness
Peter continues in his second epistle by referring chronologically to the first of the character requirements – faith.
But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.
2 Peter 1:5-7
Faith is the essential foundation for any prophetic ministry.
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith;
Romans 12:6
When we act with boldness and faith, we are rewarded when God confirms the prophetic word.
Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.
Hebrews 10:35
Although faith marks the beginning of this journey, it should always lead to greater character growth. My greatest triumphs of faith often bring about deeper trials that shape character. We discover that once we have moved from faith to love, we begin the process again at a new level of glory and faith.:
For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 1:8
God desires us to advance from faith to faith:
For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”
Romans 1:17
And grace to grace:
But He gives more grace. Therefore He says:
James 4:6
“God resists the proud,
But gives grace to the humble.”
4. Lifestyle of Virtue
Next in the prophet’s lifestyle character development is virtue.
But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge,
2 Peter 1:5
Virtue differs from English, meaning “behaviour of high moral standards.”
In the New Testament, virtue comes from the Greek word ἀρέτη aretē, which means manliness (valour), i.e. excellence.
A. Manliness
We need courage if we want to serve in a prophet’s role. Our peers, including our leaders, may misunderstand us. Misunderstandings require bravery if we are to claim our promised land.:
Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.
Joshua 1:6-7
For example, Paul confronted Peter in front of Barnabas and the other Jews.
Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed; for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision.
Galatians 2:11-12
Peter, through his actions, was encouraging Gentiles to adopt Jewish customs.
But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, “If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do you compel Gentiles to live as Jews?
Galatians 2:14
B. Excellence
The other meaning of the Greek word for virtue is excellence. God wants us to use excellence in our gifts.
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
Joshua 1:8
We should not take the gift for granted but rather cherish it by studying the gift, the different prophets in the Bible, and the prophetic leaders whom we respect.
5. Growing in Knowledge
Next in Peter’s ascent to glory is knowledge:
But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge,
2 Peter 1:5
A. Diligence in Knowledge
It is necessary not only to read the word of God through a prophetic lens but also to have a solid theological foundation. Our lifestyle as prophets must include a hunger for the word of God. Peter emphasises diligence above all. Paul says the same to his “son” Timothy:
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15
B. Theology Determines Prophecy
An example of wrong theology leading to false prophecy occurred at the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, where even the most well-known prophets made errors due to faulty theology. I first recognised COVID-19 in December 2019. I prophetically warned people from January 20th, 2020, that this would be a prolonged pandemic (people were only warning of an epidemic at that time). Then, in February, ten well-known prophets with globally recognised ministries prophesied the end of COVID-19 by Passover 2020. As Passover approached with no sign of ending, they shifted the date to Pentecost 2020. Of course, Pentecost also passed, with the pandemic only worsening.
Why did they make this mistake that brought the prophetic ministry into disrepute? Because false theology can lead to false prophecies. The written word of God must come before God’s prophetic word. These prophets believed that Jewish feasts, like the Feast of Trumpets and the Feast of Tabernacles, are still relevant today, which is not true, as they have been fulfilled in Christ. Because they thought they were still active, they prophesied out of their own minds rather than by the Spirit. If they had aligned themselves properly with the word of God theologically, they would not have made this error.
For who has stood in the counsel of the LORD,
Jeremiah 23:18
And has perceived and heard His word?
Who has marked His word and heard it?
True prophets are men and women of the Word of God, not relying on what they have believed but constantly studying the Bible to ensure they are theologically correct. Prophets need to submit themselves to both teachers and apostles.
6. Wisdom and the prophet
Next in the building character is self-control:
to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness,
2 Peter 1:6
I think of self-control through the nature of wisdom.
A. Faith and Wisdom
Due to the prophet’s governmental and foundational roles, faith and wisdom are vital to the prophet’s or prophetess’s way of life.
We have already seen the importance of faith and boldness as a prophet, the first part of the character God aims to develop in them. Now, let us turn our attention to wisdom.
B. Mystery of His Will
In Fellowship of the Mystery of His Will, we learnt that the church’s main duty is to display to principalities and powers the authority to overcome evil spirits. We all, including the prophets, have an anointing from the Holy Spirit to destroy the enemy’s works.
There are two sides to ministry.
to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him
Ephesians 3:10-12
On one hand, faith and boldness, and on the other hand, wisdom, are vital for effective ministry.
C. Wisdom
Wisdom is crucial when we serve in the office of the prophet. Sometimes, the gift can be remarkably sharp and clear, and we believe we have the correct interpretation. However, Paul warns us that we do not see everything as perfectly as we imagine.
For we know in part and we prophesy in part.
1 Corinthians 13:9
Therefore, even as an experienced prophet, it is wise to wait on God for the interpretation, the timing, who it is for, and how it will be delivered. I often ask God-specific questions, allowing God’s peace to guide me. By doing this, God promises to help us deliver the prophecy to the right people, at the right time, with the correct interpretation, and delivered accurately.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
James 1:5
7. Perseverance and Prophets
In Peter’s list, perseverance follows self-control.
to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness,
2 Peter 1:6
Being a prophet means there will be times when God hides you away and other times when you just need to stand still.
A. Hidden
God may hide the prophet from the public or the church’s view for long periods, often with little prophetic voice. This does not mean we do not fellowship with the saints, but that we may find ourselves separated from people and alone with God.
So [Elijah] went and did according to the word of the LORD, for he went and stayed by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan. The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening; and he drank from the brook. And it happened after a while that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land.
1 Kings 17:5-7
A personal example of perseverance is when I hadn’t preached for years. God wouldn’t allow me to preach because He wanted to remove my desire for prominence and significance. It’s difficult for someone who seeks to be significant for God to go through this trial, but it is necessary so that our desires don’t drive us for prominence or importance.
That period of solitude freed my wife and me into a whole new realm of ministry, where I saw an entire people group come to Christ in Arnhem Land. When we left there, we were ministering in the early days of the Pakistan revival. We saw over 30,000 come to Christ in five years, plus around 9000 people healed en masse.
B. Standing
Sometimes, the prophet’s lifestyle requires patience, as they must stay in the area until their authority causes strongholds to fall. The prophetic apostle has an anointing to take possession of the land.
C. Standing On Your Head!
An example of this is before we moved to Arnhem Land with the Yolngu people. For thirty-five years, Christians had been crying out in intercessory prayer for these people to see revival. We had been trying for seven years to go on the mission field as a pilot and had tried to sell our business ten times. We were so desperate that one day Christine, my wife, said, “OK, I will stand on my head if I have to!” After seven years of waiting, we received a phone call within 24 hours!
Now therefore, restore the man’s wife; for [Abraham] is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you shall live. But if you do not restore her, know that you shall surely die, you and all who are yours.”
Genesis 20:7
Most of his prophecies involved walking the land that others would later claim. His walking was a prophetic act.
Christine and I partnered with God to bring revival to the Yolngu people. Once the revival was well underway, we were sent to a town called Ramingining, known as the centre of witchcraft in Australasia. The revival continued to grow around us, except in Ramingining. Standing in faith, we watched God bring the breakthrough we had been seeking: people deciding to follow only Jesus and turn away from worshipping ancestral spirits. When we left the field six years later, all the Yolngu villages were following Jesus.
8. Godly Lifestyle
In the passage from Peter’s second epistle, we see that the prophet’s way of life requires godliness after self-control.
But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness,
2 Peter 1:5-7
Godliness is vital to the prophet’s ministry.
A. Bridling the Tongue
Because a prophet has great authority to speak into existence things that are not yet present (for example, couples unable to have children becoming able to have a child), the prophet must learn to control their tongue. Our tongue needs to be sanctified and set apart for God.
Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things.
James 3:4-5
See how great a forest a little fire kindles!
This means that the prophet’s standard of language must be higher than that of others. Others may consider swearing unimportant, but the prophet must regard even these as breaches of their separation from God.
Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.
Ephesian 4:29
We must remember the importance of the prophet watching their tongue, as we are the mouthpiece of God.
B. Blessing and Cursing
Because God wants to grant us authority, we must be careful not to curse people. If we start cursing, God will withhold more dominion because He does not want the prophet’s authority to be misused.
But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God.
James 3:8-9
While on the mission field, a prophetess caused a man’s wife to die by misusing her prophetic gift. Some observers believed the prophecy was from God because the woman died. However, that was not the case. Because the couple did not realise this was a false prophecy, the husband and wife wrongly believed her words. Their trust in the prophecy gave the devil the power to kill the woman, as she quit living because “God had spoken.” She died within a fortnight because she believed the lie. We must never use our prophetic gift to curse people.
C. Oracle of God
When prophesying, being careful with our speech is even more important. Referring to the proclamation ministries, the apostle Peter reminds us that we speak as God’s mouthpieces when we serve as prophets or prophetesses.
If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God.
1 Peter 4:11
9. Being Kind
But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.
2 Peter 1:5-7
Brotherly kindness involves regularly showing kindness, unlike a single act of kindness to someone in need. It is an ongoing sacrifice towards those around us, whether it’s our immediate family, a work colleague, or a close neighbour. It makes sense that this integrity was added to Peter’s list after we achieved high self-control!
A. Essential to Teamwork
Living and working in a team requires self-sacrifice and understanding our brothers’ perspectives. We should support those around us by encouraging and praising them instead of criticising.
B. Apostle Paul’s Unkindness
Paul is an example of someone who failed the test of brotherly kindness. He argued with Barnabas about taking John Mark along on their missionary journey. Barnabas was an encourager and showed brotherly kindness, extending grace to John Mark:
Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark.
Acts 15:37
Because John Mark had previously deserted Paul on the last trip, Paul wasn’t keen on giving him a second chance.
But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work.
Acts 15:38
As a result, Paul and Barnabas parted ways:
Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus;
Acts 15:39
Paul was in the wrong and paid the price by losing nearly all his friends, except Luke, in his later years. He asked John Mark to reunite with him. Paul only wanted to mend their relationship because John Mark was helpful to him in the ministry.
Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry.
2 Timothy 4:11
By adopting a lifestyle of kindness, the prophet will be better equipped to see breakthroughs by building a strong team around them.
10. Lifestyle of Love
The final stage in the cycle, Peter mentions, is love.
But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.
2 Peter 1:5-7
A lifestyle of love ensures that the prophet does not speak in a way that displeases or dishonours God.
He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
1 John 4:8
And
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
1 Corinthians 13:2
11. Prophets and Ethics
A. Ethics and Revival
You may be surprised to learn, but in the four revivals I have been involved in, ethical deficiencies have been a significant contribution to their early demise.
B. Itinerant Ministry
When a prophet ministers in a church but is not the senior leader, they should remember that although they may be second in importance regarding ministry gifts, they must remain subject to the local church where they serve.
C. Respecting Other Ministry Gifts
Because prophets hear and see into the spiritual realm more clearly than others, there are risks for them. The prophet needs to stay humble and respect the views of other ministries. In particular, the teacher is one whom the prophet may find hard to appreciate. Yet, they are potentially the most important to the prophet, helping to ensure that the prophet does not prophesy based on incorrect theology or become too ‘spiritual,” seeing things with their own mind rather than the mind of God. Some prophets have gone astray, being seduced by demons and transforming themselves into angels of light.
12. Summary of the Lifestyle of the Prophet
In New Testament Prophecy, we discovered what prophecy in the new covenant looks like. We then looked at the gift of prophecy and the prophet’s ministry. In this lesson, we have learned:
- The lifestyle of the prophet is separated from the world and separated unto God.
- It is a lifestyle of victory over sin.
- The lifestyle of the prophet requires a balance of character and gifting.
- It requires faith, boldness, and courage.
- Wisdom must balance faith if prophets are to dispossess the devil’s territory successfully.
- There needs to be a thorough understanding of theology because if theology is faulty, the prophecy will be a mixture of God and the person’s mind.
- The prophet needs to control the tongue if they want to grow in their authority and influence.
- Brotherly kindness and love are essential to the office of the prophet.
- We must maintain a high level of ethical integrity with the other ministry gifts.
Finally, in these two series on prophecy, we will look at the spirit of Jezebel and the prophet’s authority to displace this spirit.
© Use by Permission Awakening Impact Ministries/Dr Neville Westerbeek van Eerten D. Miss. 2025
