Point Number Three -- 1 Corinthians 14 proves that prophets can now get it wrong sometimes. Yeah no. It does no such thing. Bickle's argument here is that in the Old Testament you did not have to discern a prophet it was always were they right or wrong. Moving past the obvious, because that is discernment, his point on New Testament prophets is that 1Corinthians 14, the key verses today, says that the prophets must judge and discern each other. First of all, this is related to the orderly procession of church service -- not a rebranding of prophecy for the New Testament. Paul is saying in church there should be orderly peace. Let us turn to Bible commentaries for a further explanation:
Let the prophets speak, two or three,.... The apostle having finished the rules for streaking with an unknown tongue, proceeds to lay down some for the gift of prophesying; and observes, that where there are a number of prophets, as very likely there were in the church at Corinth, two or three of them might prophesy, or explain the prophecies of the Old Testament, or preach the Gospel at one opportunity or meeting: he does not use that restrictive clause, "at most", as before, because if there was any necessity or occasion for it, more might be employed, so that care was taken not to burden the people, and send them away loathing; and this they were to do, as before, in course, one after another, otherwise it would be all confusion, nor could they be heard to edification. Though some have thought that they might speak together at one and the same time, in different parts of the church: and let the other judge: the other prophets that sit and hear, and all such as have a spirit of discerning, whether what the prophets say comes from their own spirits, or from a lying spirit, from the spirit of antichrist, or whether from the Spirit of God; and even the body of the people, private members of the church, and hearers, might judge of the doctrine for themselves, according to the word of God, the standard of faith and practice; and were not to believe every spirit, but try them, whether they were of God, and their doctrines by his word, whether they were true or false; for the spiritual man is in a measure capable of judging all things of a spiritual kind, through that spiritual experience he has of the word of God, and divine things, and by the assistance of the Spirit of God. -- Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible
First Gill confirms this is regarding church service. He further elaborates that "prophesying" could also mean explaining what the Old Testament prophets were saying or preaching the Gospel. Note here also that Gill correctly points out that the entire church should be doing the work of a Berean to ensure that what was brought forth was from the Spirit of God. How do we accomplish this? Through our "impressions?" Through our feelings? No. Through the Word of God -- period.
Point Number Four -- Romans 12 further proves that New Testament prophecy is different. Except it doesn't even come close to that Mike. Here the verses in question followed by Gill's Commentary:
Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. -- Romans 12: 6-8 (ESV)
By "prophesying" is meant, not foretelling things to come, thought this gift was bestowed upon some, as Agabus, and others in the Christian church; but this, as it is of an extraordinary nature, so it is not stinted and limited according to the proportion of faith; but preaching the Gospel is here designed, which is the sense of the word in many places of Scripture, particularly in 1 Corinthians 13:2. Now such who have this gift of prophecy, or of opening and explaining the Scriptures, ought to make use of it, and constantly attend toil: "let us prophesy"; diligently prepare for it by prayer, reading and meditation, and continually exercise it as opportunity offers; nor should any difficulty and discouragement deter from it: or whereas this last clause is not in the original text, it may be supplied from Romans 12:3; thus, "let us think soberly", who have this gift, and not be elated with it, or carry it haughtily to those who attend on the exercise of it: but behave with sobriety, modesty, and humility, in the discharge thereof: "according to the proportion of faith". There must be faith, or no prophesying; a man must believe, and therefore speak, or speak not at all; - Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible
The Romans verses provide no instruction for changing the nature of prophecy in the New Testament. This is about how to utilize your spiritual gifts not how to rely upon impressions now while prophesying. As Gill correctly points out, prophesying is not even about foretelling the future, all though that may be a component it is deemed extraordinary. Instead Gill points out that it is always about the Gospel. It is about the Word of God. Behaving with sobriety, modesty and humility. At this point Mike Bickle displays none of these when he chuckles about a prophet "getting it wrong." "It's not a big deal"; Bickel says with a wry smile. As if catching himself he quickly qualifies the statement by saying that he does not mean to make prophecy frivolous. Finally Mike Bickle has hit the matter squarely on the head. He does treat prophecy in a completely frivolous manner. So does the entire syndicate. When you think you can teach the gifts of the Holy Spirit you are treating prophecy frivolously. When you think that saying there will be a "next" or a mega movement of some kind as a direct word from God then you are treating prophecy in a frivolous manner. When you think that just "getting it wrong" is not a game breaker, not enough to remove that person from being a prophet or in any way not a big deal -- then you are already treating prophecy frivolously. When you claim to be hearing directly from God and you are wrong you are indeed a frivolous false prophet. This all started with a question that was asked of Bickle that I am unsure he ever answered. Should someone who calls himself a prophet be disciplined if something he claimed was from God does not come to pass? In the Old Testament they would be stoned to death. In the New Testament church the least we can do is respect the Word of God more and refuse to give any more credence to those who would speak falsely on behalf of the Lord. You know, get it wrong.
