Prophecy

Definition: The ability to quickly discern right from wrong and a desire to speak the truth to bring about change.

What it means

Those with the motivational gift of prophecy tend to see things as only black and white with no gray. Those individuals with this gift tend have the ability to better discern the true character and motives of people and see things in absolutes. Believers with the motivational gift of prophecy are the “eyes” of the body. It means your personality type will strongly be influenced and motivated to judge the actions and motives of others more strictly by the Word of God alone.

Purpose in the Body

(II Samuel 12:1-15)

To reveal inner heart motivations

To bring awareness of God's purpose

To bring people to their knees in humility

Practical Example

Sometimes those graced this way wish they didn’t have these abilities, or they may become discouraged or depressed after expending personal emotional and spiritual energy. One young man strongly gifted this way is exceptionally good at solving difficult problems. What he has had to learn is to not become so personally connected with the issue that he becomes too blunt and harsh in his communication. He can become angered by situations that are out of order or lack integrity. When he responds in this manner, he loses credibility and relationships break down. At the same time, if he can remain detached from identifying with the problem, he helps many people in desperate situations for which others have given up serving.

Profile of Motivational Gifts

"…we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us…" - Romans 12:6

Speaking Gifts (I Peter 4:11) Serving Gifts (I Peter 4:11)

Living Out Your Gift

Understanding your motivational gift is only the beginning. The functions, qualities, and actions below paint a picture of how this gift naturally shows up in your life, and where grace can sharpen it further. Read through each section prayerfully and consider how these patterns reflect your own experience.

Functions of the Gift

Discerns the character, motives, and gifts of others; discerns spirit of individual or group (Acts 17:22)
Capacity to identify, define, and hate evil (Psalm 119:53; Ezekiel 3:14; Psalm 45:7
Refers to Scriptural truth to authorize insights (Acts 2:17, 25)
Concern for the reputation and plan of God (Acts 3:12)
Sees issues as black or white without compromise
Helps others see blind spots and change; speaks God's Word in spite of consequences (Acts 4:20)
Desires to see outward evidence to demonstrate inward change (Luke 3:8)
Rejects dishonesty and insincerity in any form; interested in correcting problems quickly, not in hearing explanatory details (Acts 5:3-4)

Personal Qualities

Needs to express insights verbally, especially regarding right and wrong (Luke 1:41-45; Job 32:18-20)
Persuasive, direct, and frank in speech, particularly when correcting another; concerned more for decision than feelings (Acts 2:14; Job 32:21-22; Matthew 16:22)
Views relationships in terms of authority; desires to give open evidence of loyalty (Matthew 26:33-35, 51; Job 32:1-4)
Personally operates on spiritual principles
Eager to have others point out their blind spots; appreciates constructive criticism (Luke 5:8)
Grieves over sins seen in others (Psalm 119:136; II Corinthians 12:21)
May tend to make quick judgments; may be impulsive about actions to take (Matthew 14:28-29)

Positive Actions

Put off harshness and anger and speak with humble frankness
Express interest in individuals as well as group needs
Consider the perspective of others when defining what is right and wrong
When calling people to decisions, also motivate them to continued growth
Reach out in warmth and friendliness to help others build personal relationships with you
Listen invitingly to others, disciplining strong desire to proclaim discernment
Stand for convictions without resisting God's authority in others
Will edify individuals while dealing with their sins
Praise partial progress toward standards set before individuals and groups

How to Use This in Your Small Group

Small Group Questions

Motivational Gift Discussion & Application Guide

Meeting #1

Action:
Have everyone has complete the assessment. Now have group members share their three highest motivations. With each motivation they should share a practical example of how they see this motivation appearing in their lives.

Prayer Point:
Pray for each other appreciating how God has made each one and for the maximizing of the gifts that are the highest for them.

Meeting #2

Action:
This meeting have group members share their three lowest motivations. Get ready to laugh. With each motivation they should share an example from their life that demonstrates a deficit in each area.

Prayer Point:
Pray for each other asking God to add people around them that are strong in the areas they exhibit weakness.

Meeting #3

Action:
The motivational gifts are often compared to parts of the human body as follows:

Prophecy – eyes
Service – hands
Teaching – mind
Giving – arms
Exhortation – mouth
Administration – head
Mercy – heart

Question One: Have the group members pick one of these comparisons and describe how it is true or maybe not a good comparison.

Question Two: Have the group members describe how a person who is motivated by one gift (the eye) could easily misunderstand a person who is motivated by another gift (the heart). They can use any two motivations.

Prayer Point:
Pray for each other asking for God’s help us to appreciate others who do not have like motivations as our own. Perhaps people could give specific names for prayer.

Meeting #4

Action:
Pick a particular scenario like for example visiting someone in the hospital and have group members each pick and describe how a person with one motivation might behave in this scenario. The group should cover all seven motivations. Other possible scenarios might be coming upon a traffic accident or helping someone prepare for an exam.

Prayer Point:
For this time just take prayer requests that might or might not be related to the motivational gifts.

Meeting #5 (allow extra time)

Action:
We want to demonstrate the strengths of each gift. Have everyone pick a motivation in which they are high and come prepared to demonstrate it in 5-7 minutes. Some suggestions follow:

Prophesy – share something that is prophetic for some individuals or the whole group.
Teacher – do a short teaching
Exhortation – share an encouragement for some individuals or the whole group.
Leadership – lead the group through a brief team building exercise.
Serving – do something to serve the group (bring food or wash feet, etc.)
Giving – bring a gift along for everyone.
Mercy – pray for each person to be lifted out of any hardship they are experiencing.

Prayer Point:
To close this study, have each individual sit in the middle of the room and all pray for blessing on them as they go forth and use the spiritual gifts they have been given. Specific scriptures can be prepared ahead of time and shared as well with each group member.

Your Next Step Starts Here

One assessment is a great start. Use the resources below to go deeper into your God-given design, discover additional gifts, and begin living with greater purpose and clarity.

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