Romans 12:6, Declaring God’s Word

Romans 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;

The first spiritual gift of is that of prophecy. Barnes defined it well, “This word properly means, to predict future events; but it also means, to declare the Divine will; to interpret the purposes of God; or to make known in any way the truth of God, which is designed to influence men. Its first meaning is to predict or foretell future events; but as those who did this were messengers of God, and as they commonly connected with such predictions instructions and exhortations in regard to the sins and dangers, and duties of men, the word came to denote any who warned, or threatened, or in any way communicated the will of God; and even those who uttered devotional sentiments or praise.”

The Chinese Evangelist word Watchman Nee wrote in his book “The Ministry of the Word” said well the work of prophesying, “the work of serving men with God’s word is known as the ministry of the word, and the persons who are involved in this service are called ministers of the word. Ministry refers to the work while the minister refers to the person. The ministry of the word occupied a very important place in God’s work. Throughout the Old and New Testaments, God spoke. He spoke in the Old Testament. He also spoke in the New Testament at the time of the Lord Jesus and through the church. The Bible shows us that the most important work of God on earth is the speaking out of His Word. If we removed His word from His work, there is practically nothing left of His world.” He observed further, “The main item of His work in this world is His speaking. Without the word, there would be no work. As soon as His word is removed, His work is void. God’s work is carried through His word. In fact, His word is His work. How did God release His Word? It is amazing and unusual to realize that God’s word is released through man’s mouth. This is why the Bible speaks not only of God’s word but also of the ministers of the word. He chose to speak through man. In the Old Testament, the ministers of the word are the prophets, in the gospels – the Lord Jesus Christ and New Testament ministers of the word are the Apostles.”

This first gift involves the declaration the Word of God. The New Testament church began when the Apostle Peter first prophesied, he preached the word of God to the men in Jerusalem at Pentecost. Three thousand souls were saved. God continues to save souls through the preaching of His Word. Indeed, faith comes by hearing, and hearing the Word of God. Amen.