Why Are People Chasing the Prophetic in the Modern Day Church?

The Sufficiency of Scripture

In recent years, there has been a surge of interest in prophetic ministry within the church. Believers are flocking to conferences, seeking prophetic words, and pursuing experiences that promise divine revelation. Yet this raises a crucial question: why do we need additional prophetic insight when we already possess the complete, written Word of God?

The Bible is sufficient for all matters of faith and practice. As Scripture declares, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Timothy 3:16-17, KJV). This powerful statement affirms that Scripture equips us completely for every spiritual need. If God's Word thoroughly furnishes us for all good works, what more could we possibly require?

The Prerequisite for True Revelation

It's essential to understand that genuine spiritual revelation is only accessible to those who have been born again and received the Holy Spirit. Jesus made this clear: "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3, KJV). Without regeneration, we remain spiritually dead and unable to comprehend divine truth.

The Apostle Paul reinforces this principle: "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Corinthians 2:14, KJV). Only when the Holy Spirit indwells a believer can that person truly understand and receive revelation from God.

The Biblical Framework for Prophecy

The gift of prophecy hasn't ceased, but it must operate within biblical boundaries. Scripture provides clear instruction on how prophecy should function in the church: "But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort" (1 Corinthians 14:3, KJV). Notice the purpose: to build up, encourage, and comfort the body of Christ—not to reveal new doctrine or supersede Scripture.

Furthermore, Scripture establishes accountability: "Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted" (1 Corinthians 14:29-31, KJV). Prophecy must be tested and judged by the church, measured against the unchanging standard of God's Word.

The Danger of Pursuing Experience Over Scripture

The Holy Spirit's primary role is to illuminate Scripture, not to provide mystical experiences divorced from God's Word. Jesus promised: "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come" (John 16:13, KJV).

The Spirit guides us into all truth—but what is that truth? Jesus answered: "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth" (John 17:17, KJV). The Holy Spirit reveals truth by opening our understanding to Scripture, not by bypassing it.

The Importance of Faithful Translation

If we claim to be led by the Spirit, we must also be committed to reading accurate translations of Scripture. The proliferation of paraphrases and modern versions that depart significantly from the original languages should concern every believer. Scripture warns: "Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar" (Proverbs 30:5-6, KJV).

A Spirit-led believer will be sensitive to translations that alter or dilute God's message. The King James Version has served as a faithful benchmark for centuries, and whilst no translation is perfect, we should be wary of versions that reshape Scripture to accommodate contemporary sensibilities.

The Peril of Mystical Practices

Many modern "prophetic" practices bear disturbing similarities to occult methodologies. The practice of emptying one's mind, sitting in silence, and waiting for spiritual impressions mirrors techniques found in Eastern mysticism, New Age spirituality, and even witchcraft. This should alarm us.

God's Word explicitly forbids such practices: "There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD" (Deuteronomy 18:10-12, KJV).

True communion with God happens through His Word and prayer—not through mystical meditation techniques. Scripture declares: "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Psalm 119:105, KJV). We don't need to empty our minds; we need to fill them with Scripture.

The Call to Return to Scripture

The modern obsession with prophetic experiences represents a departure from biblical Christianity. It distracts believers from the sufficiency of Scripture and opens the door to deception. Paul warned Timothy: "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables" (2 Timothy 4:3-4, KJV).

Are we witnessing this prophecy fulfilled today? When believers prioritise personal prophecies over systematic Bible study, when they seek experiences over doctrine, when they chase after signs and wonders whilst neglecting the transformative power of God's Word—this is precisely the scenario Paul predicted.

We must return to the foundation: the Word of God. As Scripture reminds us: "We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost" (2 Peter 1:19-21, KJV).

Scripture is our more sure word—more reliable than any contemporary prophetic utterance. Let us anchor ourselves to this unchanging truth, test all things by it, and reject any teaching or practice that leads us away from biblical Christianity. The chase for prophetic experiences often leads to spiritual deception. Instead, let us pursue God through His revealed Word, walking in obedience and allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us through the truth of Scripture…

Key Takeaways:

• Scripture is sufficient: The Bible thoroughly equips believers for all matters of faith and practice (2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV)
• Revelation requires regeneration: Only those who are born again and have received the Holy Spirit can truly understand divine truth
• Prophecy must align with Scripture: Biblical prophecy serves to edify, exhort, and comfort—not to supersede or replace God's Word
• Beware of mystical practices: Modern "prophetic" techniques that mirror occult methodologies should be rejected
• Return to Scripture: The Word of God is our "more sure word of prophecy" and should be our foundation
• Fill minds with Scripture: Rather than emptying our minds, we should fill them with God's Word