The Spiritual Song - Exploring Prophetic Worship by Mike Herron

are told that the leaders of the meeting are to evaluate what has been said. The prophetic platform is not a free-for-all of craziness, it is for authentic, Holy Spirit inspired messages that conform to the truth of Scripture. Those who minister in this gift must be humble and open to correction, adjustment and in some cases, retraction of an unscriptural prophecy! ‘Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good.’ 1 Thess 5:19-21 Scoffing is to reject the fact that prophecy exists and forbidding this practice in the church is to stifle the Holy Spirit. The positive fruit of prophecy is reinforced when we are told to hold on to the good, tested words that have been presented. ‘Rem ember that people who prophesy are in control of their spirit and can take turns. For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the meetings of God’s holy people.’ (14:32, 33) In this first verse we are being reminded that the person who prophesies is not in an ecstatic state where they are completely overcome by the Holy Spirit. The Greek word is ὑποτάσσομαι ( hypotassomai ), obey, be obedient bring under control , put in subjection 31 The Spirit uses our spirit, our mind, our language (and in the case of a song, our musical ability) and experience to communicate his message to the

31 Swanson, J.