Charismatic Bible Studies - 1 Peter 3:1-7

[Hidden In Him]

Operating In The Prophetic, While Still Honoring God's Line Of Authority



Joel prophesied that when the army God arose in the end-times, both men and woman would prophesy, for as He stated,"Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy... and upon My menservants and maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days." This means both will be recruited as soldiers in the end-time army of God, but should they still take literally the command to maintain the Biblical line of authority in the marriage, or should that now be regarded as an outdated product of ancient culture? If they are still applicable, what is the role of the Christian wife in the spiritual war? I believe God calls a Christian wife to be a prophetic voice to her husband, through visions, dreams and direct utterance, and as we shall see I believe this is supported by scripture.

The apostle Peter's teachings in our next passage apply today in my opinion, and for one simple reason: The Christian marriage is intended to reflect the relationship between Christ and His bride, the church.

1 Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. 3 Do not let your adornment be merely outward — arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel — 4 rather let it be the hidden woman of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. 5 For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror. 7 Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered. (1 Peter 3:1-7)

A wife calling her husband "Lord" is almost abhorrent to 21st century ears. It seems so far removed from the way we conduct ourselves today that this passage simply gets discarded for seeming abusive on its face. For my own part, the intent was not on how husbands were addressed but rather on if they were granted headship, because of who the Lord wanted them to represent in the marriage. If God created the husband and wife relationship to reflect our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, does the church still honor Him as Lord today? Do we still submit to Him in our daily lives? Maybe most relevant, do we still allow Him to teach us the things of God?

Peter taught that husbands were to "dwell with them with understanding," meaning they were to spend time teaching their wives everything God was showing them (see Ephesians 5:24-27), that both might arrive at full knowledge and full sanctification, and their prayers ascend to God in unity and love as if praying as one. But there was clearly a line of authority. The husband reflected Christ, so his wife was not to usurp authority over him during a church service by standing up and becoming his teacher. Paul added that even "the law" said wives should submit to their husbands.

11 Let a wife learn in silence with all submission. 12 But I do not permit a wife to teach nor usurp authority over her husband, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but his wife being deceived fell into transgression. 15 Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love and holiness, with self-control. (1 Timothy 2:11-15)

34 Let your wives keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak, but are to be submissive, even as the law also says. 35 And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church. (1 Corinthians 14:34-35)

What law was Paul referring to here? He was likely referring to the judgement God pronounced in Genesis 3:

13 And the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” 14 So the Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this... 15 I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed. He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.” 16 To the woman He said, “I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception. In pain you shall bring forth children. Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you.” (Genesis 3:13-16)

Women still experience pain during childbirth, so there seems little to suggest that a husband's headship over the wife in marriage has been done away with, especially given that Paul reiterated Genesis as the justification for why husbands should continue leading in the marriage. But what then was the role of the Christian wife? Simply to listen and submit, or to contribute supernaturally? Eve was Adam's helpmate, so how were Christian wives to be helpmates to their husbands in fulfilling the work of Christ, and the calling of God upon their lives?


The Wife As A Prophetess

A husband and wife can be compared to two soldiers in the field. One is in charge by virtue of rank, but prophecy is like receiving communiques from headquarters, and though coming through the wife constitute orders they will act upon as a unit. In spiritual terms, should they be in combat in the field where decisions have to be made, he is the officer in charge and God's will is he be able to lead so they can act on his authority. But they are both to be receiving instructions from higher up, so as to know the Lord's command in any given situation. And in receiving such instruction, the wife was obviously intended to function in it with him, given that wives were indeed prophesying during New Testament times.

1 Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you. 3 But I want you to know that the head of every husband is Christ, the head of the wife is the husband, and the head of Christ is God. 4 Every husband praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head. 5 But every wife who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved. (1 Corinthians 11:1-5)

The head covering Paul spoke of here served as a public declaration that she was submitted to her husband's authority in the marriage. Yet while she was not permitted to usurp authority over her husband in church, she WAS nevertheless permitted to prophesy both to and over him, as well as over other men in the congregation. She was to keep silent and ask her husband at home regarding Christian teaching, yet she could prophesy as the Spirit led her without hindrance, being responsible to God alone.

29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. 30 But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent. 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. 32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33 For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. 34 Let your wives keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak, but are to be submissive, as the law also says. 35 And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church. (1 Corinthians 14:29-35)

Not only could wives prophesy in church, but Paul went on to describe prophecy as one of the greater gifts (1 Corinthians 14:1); one that should be prayed for earnestly (1 Corinthians 12:31). And there were clearly women prophetesses in the early church, for they are mentioned several times. One was Anna, who prophesied to men and women alike that the Christ child had finally come. She was led by the Holy Spirit to speak about Jesus “to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38). The masculine gender of the signifiers that described her intended audience suggest that Anna prophesied to both men and women.

 

[Hidden In Him]

The Power Inherent In A Woman

What happens when a Christian wife prophesies over her husband? Like soldiers in the field, prophetic dreams and other forms of utterance protect him from harm, for starters. Pilate's wife was an unsaved woman, and she nevertheless received a dream which had he listened might have protected him from making a terrible mistake, and crucifying the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God.

11 Now Jesus stood before the governor. And the governor asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” Jesus said to him, “It is as you say.” 12 And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He answered nothing. 13 Then Pilate said to Him, “Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?” 14 But He answered him not one word, so that the governor marveled greatly... 19 and while [Pilate] was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, “Have nothing to do with that just Man, for I have suffered many things today in a dream because of Him.” 20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. (Acts 27:11-14, 19-20)

It is also clear that the Lord could give directives through both woman and wives when prophesying by the Spirit of God, and even command the leaders of Israel through them. As a result they were sometimes on the front lines leading Israel into war, and in celebrating God's victories over their enemies.

20 Then Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took the timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances. 21 And Miriam answered them, “Sing to the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously! The horse and its rider He has thrown into the sea!” (Exodus 15:20-21)

Jewish tradition holds that Miriam played no mere insignificant role in helping lead Israel out of Egypt. As one source on the Midrash states:

Although, unlike her brothers, she did not have any formal position, the Rabbis assert that she contributed greatly to the redemption of Israel from Egypt. She is mentioned as the one who prophesied the birth of Moses and his being the deliverer who would redeem Israel from the Egyptians, a task in which she would also assist him. In addition, Miriam acted as a leader during the wanderings in the wilderness; by her merit the Israelites were accompanied on their journeys by the well that bears her name: “Miriam’s Well.” (Miriam: Midrash and Aggadah, Jewish Women's Archive).

Through prophecy, women could also accurately act as judges, discern right judgment by knowing hidden matters of the heart, and likewise remind Israel's leaders of what the Lord had commanded them. In Deborah's case she could hear from God so accurately that Barak would not go to war without her.

4 Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, was judging Israel at that time. 5 And she would sit under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the mountains of Ephraim. And the children of Israel came up to her for judgment. 6 Then she sent and called for Barak the son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali, and said to him, “Has not the Lord God of Israel commanded, ‘Go and deploy troops at Mount Tabor. Take with you ten thousand men of the sons of Naphtali and of the sons of Zebulun; 7 and against you I will deploy Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s army, with his chariots and his multitude at the River Kishon, and I will deliver him into your hand’?” 8 And Barak said to her, “If you will go with me, then I will go. But if you will not go with me, I will not go!” (Judges 4:4-8)

Other Israelite leaders came to Huldah as well, asking for a clear word from the Lord.

14 So Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Achbor, Shaphan, and Asaiah went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe. (She dwelt in Jerusalem in the Second Quarter.) And they spoke with her. 15 Then she said to them, “Thus says the Lord God of Israel, ‘Tell the man who sent you to Me, 16 “Thus says the Lord: ‘Behold, I will bring calamity on this place and on its inhabitants—all the words of the book which the king of Judah has read— 17 because they have forsaken Me and burned incense to other gods, that they might provoke Me to anger with all the works of their hands. Therefore My wrath shall be aroused against this place and shall not be quenched.’”’ 18 But as for the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the Lord, in this manner you shall speak to him, ‘Thus says the Lord God of Israel: “Concerning the words which you have heard— 19 because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I spoke against this place and against its inhabitants, that they would become a desolation and a curse, and you tore your clothes and wept before Me, I also have heard you,” says the Lord. 20 “Surely, therefore, I will gather you to your fathers, and you shall be gathered to your grave in peace; and your eyes shall not see all the calamity which I will bring on this place.”’” So they brought back word to the king. (2 Kings 22:14-20)

They also sometimes served as wives of male prophets, greatly strengthening their husband's prophetic gift. Isaiah and his wife, whom he referred to simply as "the prophetess," raised no less than two sons according to scripture, and they were undoubtably raised up in how to operate in the prophetic as a result.

Moreover the Lord said to me, “Take a large scroll, and write on it with a man’s pen concerning Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz... Then I went in (i.e. made love) to the prophetess, and she conceived and gave birth to a son. And the Lord said to me, ‘Name him Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz. (destruction is imminent)’” (Isaiah 8:1, 3)

These women all served as examples of what a Christian wife can and should be, and how they are especially helpful to powerful men of God and those in authority. Those who claim that they have no place of importance in the leadership of Christianity are mistaken. Their role is usually a supporting one, but they are no less warriors and leaders in their own right, and true soldiers of the Lord Jesus Christ.


Questions & Applications

1. Do you think the role of the prophetess was intended to be rare or more common? Keep in mind what was promised in Joel 2:28, and what Paul said to the Corinthians, telling them that the wives were to prophesy with their heads covered, and adding, "For you may all prophesy one by one" in 1 Corinthians 14:31.

2. What is it that you believe helps develop the prophetic gifts?

3. If you are a husband and have an example, name a time when your wife spoke to you about a dream she had that protected you or guided you on the right path to take from God. If you are a wife and have an example, describe an instance when God used you to do something similar for your husband.

 

[RandyK]

1. Do you think the role of the prophetess was intended to be rare or more common? Keep in mind what was promised in Joel 2:28, and what Paul said to the Corinthians, telling them that the wives were to prophesy with their heads covered, and adding, "For you may all prophesy one but one" in 1 Corinthians 14:31.

There is a difference between being "prophetic" and being a "prophet." Some women are "prophets," but all women can be "prophetic" in the way they serve others.

2. What is it that you believe helps develop the prophetic gifts?

1st, a true gift of prophecy comes by choice of the Holy Spirit. Pretending this gift will lead to error.

2nd, if a person is to use and develop his or her gift properly, it's important to not be like Balaam, who put his own interests ahead of God's interests. Saying what God wants to say, instead of what is popular, is essential.

3. If you are a husband and have an example, name a time when your wife spoke to you about a dream she had that protected you or guided you on the right path to take from God. If you are a wife and have an example, describe an instance when God used you to do something similar for your husband.

Like all circumstances that guide my life, my wife gets fixated on certain things that orient me in God's direction. Her interests are important, as are her concerns about God's will. Listening to counselors is wise. Listening to a wife it important not just for the marriage, but also in serving God.

God fuses the interests of 2 people in a marriage. The product will work out well if both give up some things to make the other happy. If both give up some of their interests to do what pleases God, God will enter more deeply into the family, and make it happiest of all.

 

[RandyK]

If they are still applicable, what is the role of the Christian wife in the spiritual war?

The wife has the same calling as the husband, to be "soldiers" in God's war, as you suggest. We resist carnal impulses, apologize when we get rude, and display a loving relationship in the family and elsewhere. This "testimony" in the world is what God seeks.

The apostle Peter's teachings in our next passage apply today in my opinion, and for one simple reason: The Christian marriage is intended to reflect the relationship between Christ and His bride, the church.

Absolutely. Though both members of the marriage have different roles, in terms of bearing children, and in terms of representing Christ and the Church, both are displaying Christ in these different roles. Though the husband presents himself as 1st in leading the family, he does not pretend superiority.

A wife calling her husband "Lord" is almost abhorrent to 21st century ears.

This is why we don't use terms that would be misconstrued in our time as an expression of "superiority." The one who plants seeds may seem inferior to the one who harvests the crop, but both are actually equal. One simply goes 1st.

If we are to properly witness to our culture, repugnant though it be, we need to use terms that help it understand as best they can. We should not demand that our wives call us "lord!" ;) I think wives would do well to support their husbands even in their weaknesses, just as I think husbands would do well to run to help their wives in anything they may need.

... that both might arrive at full knowledge and full sanctification, and their prayers ascend to God in unity and love as if praying as one. But there was clearly a line of authority.

We shouldn't expect to work as a team if we don't pray together. If we're hostile to one another we shouldn't expect success or fulfillment either.

34 Let your wives keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak, but are to be submissive, even as the law also says.

I find this difficult, perhaps because it reflects something historical that I'm not familiar with. The order of early church meetings may have been formal, dominated by men, with less formal ministry following, allowing women to speak?

If women spoke with authority during the formal part, it may be an insult when a woman made demands of another woman's husband? For someone else's wife to exercise some kind of discipline or strict exhortation over another woman's husband might be insulting to that other woman?

What law was Paul referring to here? He was likely referring to the judgement God pronounced in Genesis 3:

I agree. The excessive "rule" God gave Adam over Eve seemed to be a punishment, indicating that there is a spiritual DNA imparted to women, due to Eve's capitulation to Satan's deceptions. Women can be helped by their husbands if they are aware of their weaknesses, though similar things can happen to men, just as they originally happened to Eve.

Women still experience pain during childbirth, so there seems little to suggest that a husband's headship over the wife in marriage has been done away with...

Yes, but I think that the association of women with "childbirth" is only stating the difference between men and women generally--not that women have to give birth to children to be saved! ;) I know you're not even suggesting this, but the verse can certainly sound strange.

If women carry out their role as *women,* and not merely as those given to bear children, they will be saved when they do so, single or married, in a godly way.

The Wife As A Prophetess

My wife certainly has some kind of prophetic gift. Numerous times she has noticed problems with our houses or cars when it just seemed she was "paranoid." In the end, she was proven right, and they became emergencies I had to deal with, even if I didn't want to hear it! ;)

She also has a bent towards the mystical and supernatural, as I do. We are always wanting to hear from God's prophetic word, whether to us or from others.

Thank you for dealing with a big and important subject, even though there will be those who argue every little point. I may seem to do that at times, but certainly not here. I have loads of agreement with you, brother. And your words are indeed prophetic quite often.

 

[Hidden In Him]

1st, a true gift of prophecy comes by choice of the Holy Spirit. Pretending this gift will lead to error.

2nd, if a person is to use and develop his or her gift properly, it's important to not be like Balaam, who put his own interests ahead of God's interests. Saying what God wants to say, instead of what is popular, is essential.

Yeah. These two answers remind me a little of the problems I had with NRA (the New Apostolic Movement). There was a forced feel to operating in the gifts which I'm not at all in favor with. At the same time I do get a little torn, because I was recently involved in a group discussion with a sister and she was encouraging three men to experiment with operating in receiving word of knowledge. I didn't attempt it all that hard because I move in something similar already, but one brother had not yet, and he really took OFF with it. Granted, he receives prophetic dreams already so he was no stranger to receiving through gifts, but it was just kind of amazing watching him take off in it. And I know he was genuinely receiving too, cuz the stuff he received about me was a little astonishing.

But taking believers who are cold as a stone and simply telling them, "Here. Operate in this gift." It gives me a bad feeling as well. There is a spiritual responsibility that comes with doing so, which I think is the primary stumbling block, and Balaam was a prime example of why there needs to be. He sold out for money to attempt to "prophesy" whatever he was being paid to prophesy. He was getting turned through corruption, and some people will, sad as it is to say.

 

[Hidden In Him]

Like all circumstances that guide my life, my wife gets fixated on certain things that orient me in God's direction. Her interests are important, as are her concerns about God's will. Listening to counselors is wise. Listening to a wife it important not just for the marriage, but also in serving God.

They know you.

Mine tends to withhold her opinion unless I ask for it, but I often like to cuz she's so... I'm gonna get the opinion of someone who knows, LoL, and in some ways better than I know myself. But she also receives prophetic dreams that have warned me about things, or informed me about information the Lord needed me to know. So wives are immensely valuable to a man of God.

Now I would add this: I have many I can receive prophetic dreams through now, not just her, so He often uses other people. And she's not always into the blood and guts of the spiritual war. Some of the things I receive from others is too intense for her comfort on a daily basis, especially given some of the subject matter. But she is there should she ever be called upon for it, and I value her very highly for it.

 

[RandyK]

Yeah. These two answers remind me a little of the problems I had with NRA (the New Apostolic Movement). There was a forced feel to operating in the gifts which I'm not at all in favor with. At the same time I do get a little torn, because I was recently involved in a group discussion with a sister and she was encouraging three men to experiment with operating in receiving word of knowledge. I didn't attempt it all that hard because I move in something similar already, but one brother had not yet, and he really took OFF with it. Granted, he receives prophetic dreams already so he was no stranger to receiving through gifts, but it was just kind of amazing watching him take off in it. And I know he was genuinely receiving too, cuz the stuff he received about me was a little astonishing.

But taking believers who are cold as a stone and simply telling them, "Here. Operate in this gift." It gives me a bad feeling as well. There is a spiritual responsibility that comes with doing so, which I think is the primary stumbling block, and Balaam was a prime example of why there needs to be. He sold out for money to attempt to "prophesy" whatever he was being paid to prophesy. He was getting turned through corruption, and some people will, sad as it is to say.

Over the decades I've witnessed the operation of prophecy, and I've noted that some people simply are given that gift, as opposed to others who aren't given that particular gift. However, we all have gifts, and should be encouraged to use them.

When Paul said, "you can all prophesy," he was, I believe, simply calling attention to those who have that gift, requiring that each one with that gift should operate in it. We may have to have us "stir up that gift," since we can certainly put our own interests--even idols, in front of our responsibilities before God.

I know a female friend who was fascinated with the gifts, and seemed to have a genuine gift of prophecy. But she and her husband were wayward, and always drifted towards Christian cults and flambuoyant ministers who focused on supernatural phenomena.

She really did seem to have a gift of prophecy, and what she shared with me seemed to have been true. However, she and her husband ultimately split up and fell into compromise. Later, she eplained that she knew she could abuse her gift, directing her "prophecies" for personal use. I'm not sure how she did that, if it was truly God's word. But I suppose she could, just like Balaam had been used to doing?

Dick Mills is a person who operated in the gift of knowledge, and was known for giving Christians "words" for their lives. He came into our area, and not only did he choose to give me a word, but I also knew, in the Spirit, who he would call to the front from the back at one point while my eyes were closed in prayer--I knew the person personally. So I felt led to believe in his words.

The word that Mr. Mills gave me was supported by 3 Scriptures that he gave me on a piece of paper. I believe they all were true, and fit my then-current situation in a remarkable way.

I remember once where someone told the congregation that they had been given a word of prophecy to share, but for some reason refused to do so. The person said that then someone else proceeded to share the same word afterwards.

It may be that God is giving us each an opportunity to participate in His ministry. But if we don't want to step out we will lose a blessing. Thanks for sharing...

 

[JLB]

A husband and wife can be compared to two soldiers in the field.

Yes this is what I teach.

Let’s look at the first words God spoke to mankind, which teaches us something about our common purpose.

Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion…
Genesis 1:28

• and God said to them…have dominion

God gave THEM dominion.


This should resonate with anyone who has any spiritual intelligence that Satan’s primary attack is on marriages; especially Christian marriages.

The Enemy seeks to divide and therefore undermine their God given authority.


Godly marriages are the “vehicle” by which the Spirit of God expresses the dominion of the kingdom of God… to drive demons and unclean spirits from the home and the children.


Jesus demonstrated what it means to walk in Godly dominion.


Today, the King and His bride execute the dominion of God’s kingdom on the earth until….

The kingdoms of this world have become the Kingdoms of our LORD and His Christ…

And the knowledge of the glory of the LORD covers the earth as the waters cover the sea.


The final mopping up will be on the Day of the LORD when Jesus returns with His bride to put an end to all rule and authority.

 

[Hidden In Him]

Over the decades I've witnessed the operation of prophecy, and I've noted that some people simply are given that gift, as opposed to others who aren't given that particular gift. However, we all have gifts, and should be encouraged to use them.

Here would be my take, Randy, and good morning!

In 1st Corinthians 12, there is a suggestion that everyone in the congregation was moving in something; some supernatural gift, and that they all worked together to make a congregation manifest His Fullness in the gifts of the Spirit. I have a friend who is a Seer, and it is a much different gift than whatI walk in, but they can compliment each other very well at times, and I think that's true of all the gifts in different situations and scenarios.

I think the 21st century church is currently different, however, and not everyone operates in a supernatural gift, so the question becomes why, and is it the will of God or are we doing something wrong somewhere. I don't believe we are supposed to operate any differently today, so I tend to fall on the side of that we should all operate in a gift even though we currently don't.

 

[Hidden In Him]

Yes this is what I teach.

Let’s look at the first words God spoke to mankind, which teaches us something about our common purpose.

Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion…
Genesis 1:28

• and God said to them…have dominion

God gave THEM dominion.

Excellent point. I think both should walk in tremendous authority in Christ, and supernatural authority at that. I think my application of the 1st century principle of headship in the marriage is a type of military application to the problem of who is in charge in any given situations, because militaries all run on line of authority - not just who is Commander in Chief, but who is the commanding officer in the field when communication is shut down - hence the way I tailored this study, and the cover image I chose.

It's an interesting question for 21st century believers and those who operate in the gifts to mull over IMO.

 

[JLB]

Excellent point. I think both should walk in tremendous authority in Christ, and supernatural authority at that. I think my application of the 1st century principle of headship in the marriage is a type of military application to the problem of who is in charge in any given situations, because militaries all run on line of authority - not just who is Commander in Chief, but who is the commanding officer in the field when communication is shut down - hence the way I tailored this study, and the cover image I chose.

It's an interesting question for 21st century believers and those who operate in the gifts to mull over IMO.

Of course the scripture teaches us the husband is the head of the wife.

However we are to serve our wife and family, laying aside our carnal desires to serve our family as Christ laid down His life for us.

 

[JLB]

Excellent point. I think both should walk in tremendous authority in Christ, and supernatural authority at that. I think my application of the 1st century principle of headship in the marriage is a type of military application to the problem of who is in charge in any given situations, because militaries all run on line of authority - not just who is Commander in Chief, but who is the commanding officer in the field when communication is shut down - hence the way I tailored this study, and the cover image I chose.

It's an interesting question for 21st century believers and those who operate in the gifts to mull over IMO.

It seems He is raising up some mighty women of God as leaders in this hour.

Sarah Huckabee Sanders is an amazing leader.

Amy Coney Barret

Christy Noem; Governor of SD

… and many more.

Now the White House Chief of staff first female COS.

The LORD is raising up many “Esther’s” in this hour.

 

[Hidden In Him]

It seems He is raising up some mighty women of God as leaders in this hour.

Sarah Huckabee Sanders is an amazing leader.

Amy Coney Barret

Christy Noem; Governor of SD

… and many more.

Now the White House Chief of staff first female COS.

The LORD is raising up many “Esther’s” in this hour.

I've heard it prophesied that the "Time of the Lioness" is coming, and that everything the serpent did to the woman in the garden will be turned on his head; that women of Christ in particular will take it out on him for what he did to them. Granted it will be only in Christ, for we can do nothing apart from Him, but Satan is about to get his head handed to him by those he thought he could deceive and get away with it.

 

[RandyK]

Here would be my take, Randy, and good morning!

In 1st Corinthians 12, there is a suggestion that everyone in the congregation was moving in something; some supernatural gift, and that they all worked together to make a congregation manifest His Fullness in the gifts of the Spirit. I have a friend who is a Seer, and it is a much different gift than whatI walk in, but they can compliment each other very well at times, and I think that's true of all the gifts in different situations and scenarios.

I think the 21st century church is currently different, however, and not everyone operates in a supernatural gift, so the question becomes why, and is it the will of God or are we doing something wrong somewhere. I don't believe we are supposed to operate any differently today, so I tend to fall on the side of that we should all operate in a gift even though we currently don't.

That's what I believe, that all Christians should recognize that they are a different part of the body, whether an eye, ear, finger, or big toe. We have different functions, but should function as a part of Christ's body.

As such, if we are indeed part of Christ's body, we should function in a supernatural way, because Jesus did. Why don't we all? Well, there are a number of reasons for this--not just one.

The people in Jesus' home town were not very spiritual, and it manifested by their unbelief in who Jesus was. Because of their poor spirituality, they had poor insight, and therefore did not function as members of who Jesus was.

In other places, the Disciples lacked faith in the storm or with the demon-possessed child. They were simply immature, and had yet to develop strength and character. As such, they had not grown into who they were, as yet.

In our day, Christian Civilization has fallen upon hard times, just as ancient Israel did over time. Their leaders died out, and the leaven leavened the whole society. As such, the reality of Christian life was lost to naturalism, or to today's scientific materialism. We only believe what we can put into a test tube.

Or there is simply a lack of knowledge--a lack of knowing the Bible, having Christians to fellowship with, or perhaps live in a place with less resources near to us. This does not give us access to things that would come more naturally if there weren't so many distractions, or interference with spiritual realities.

But those of us who know and experience the supernatural power of God need to share it with like-minded individuals who have not yet sold their souls to materialistic addictions. There is time yet!

 

[Hidden In Him]

Of course the scripture teaches us the husband is the head of the wife.

However we are to serve our wife and family, laying aside our carnal desires to serve our family as Christ laid down His life for us.

Exactly. Not everyone understands the context today, but Christian husbands in New Testament times were sometimes risking their lives to teach their wives the word, and raise them up in His fulness, in the gifts and in wisdom and in the fruit of the Spirit, walking in power in Him. The husbands could be reported to authorities by their wife's unsaved parents or relatives and all sorts of evil could be done to them. But this is why the command was for husbands to love their wives, and lay down their lives for them if necessary.

 

[JLB]

the "Time of the Lioness" is coming

Amen.

 

[myangelsb4u]

1. Do you think the role of the prophetess was intended to be rare or more common?

I think God chose prophets/prophetesse's well beforehand because they were his mouth piece and represented him during those times. For instance, If God only wanted men as prophets, why did he not choose Deborahs husband rather then herself. There is also no evidence that her husband stopped her going about her responsibily of judging both men and women of Israel. Nor is there evidence the patriarchal leaders of that time, ever disputed her position.

Keep in mind what was promised in Joel 2:28, and what Paul said to the Corinthians, telling them that the wives were to prophesy with their heads covered, and adding, "For you may all prophesy one but one" in 1 Corinthians 14:31.

There was disorder in that particular church at the time and Paul was addressing issues that related to women's new found freedoms. . I believe the prophesy with their head covered had to do with divine order. God had given authority to the man (Adam) who is the glory of God and the woman is the glory of man. 1 Corin: 11:10 says: "That is why a wife ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. (ESV)

2. What is it that you believe helps develop the prophetic gifts?

I believe that prophetic gifts need to be exercised so if you and a group of friends can get together and practice using these gifts within a safe environment...where It has been clearly established that this is just practice and we are not always going to get things right. Practice is good because you can hone in sharper and with more clarity with what the spirit of the lord is saying to you about others there. You can also get feedback from your friends to determine accuracy. This is also beneficial as it allows you to flow and also does not offend anyone if it were a real situation.

3. If you are a wife and have an example, describe an instance when God used you to do something similar for your husband.

I am not a wife nor have I ever been a wife so I don't have anything to offer here except perhaps, as a single women of God, I follow the word of God as my basis of belief and the leading of the Holy Spirit, since I have no responsibilty in regards to a husband. However, when I am part of a church, ministry or outreach, I submit to whoever the leader is of that ministry....

 

[Hidden In Him]

As such, if we are indeed part of Christ's body, we should function in a supernatural way, because Jesus did. Why don't we all? Well, there are a number of reasons for this--not just one.

The people in Jesus' home town were not very spiritual, and it manifested by their unbelief in who Jesus was. Because of their poor spirituality, they had poor insight, and therefore did not function as members of who Jesus was.

In other places, the Disciples lacked faith in the storm or with the demon-possessed child. They were simply immature, and had yet to develop strength and character. As such, they had not grown into who they were, as yet.

In our day, Christian Civilization has fallen upon hard times, just as ancient Israel did over time. Their leaders died out, and the leaven leavened the whole society. As such, the reality of Christian life was lost to naturalism, or to today's scientific materialism. We only believe what we can put into a test tube.

Or there is simply a lack of knowledge--a lack of knowing the Bible, having Christians to fellowship with, or perhaps live in a place with less resources near to us. This does not give us access to things that would come more naturally if there weren't so many distractions, or interference with spiritual realities.

But those of us who know and experience the supernatural power of God need to share it with like-minded individuals who have not yet sold their souls to materialistic addictions. There is time yet!

Yep, and very well put again, Randy.

I think there are multiple reasons as well. One of them I think is their carnality has not been brought under enough. Sad to say, but I think the flesh reigns more than it should, and there are many who simply couldn't be trusted with greater gifts cuz they would stick out the hand and say, "Thus saith the Lord, Pay the man of God." This happened during the great healing revival of the 1950s. One by one they kept falling into sin, and several of their lives ended miserably because they forgot to walk in humility. We get to thinking WE are someone great now just because we can heal the sick or prophesy or even raise the dead, when in we are not the ones doing anything. We have simply been chosen by God to manifest His Power.

I think that may be the biggest problem although there are others. But it has also been prophesied (and this is widely known of course) that are living in the Laodicean Church Age, and that church believed they were "rich" and were in need of nothing, when in reality they were wretched and blind spiritually, and so materialistic that they couldn't even see it.

Thanks again for the post.

 

[Hidden In Him]

I think God chose prophets/prophetesse's well beforehand because they were his mouth piece and represented him during those times. For instance, If God only wanted men as prophets, why did he not choose Deborahs husband rather then herself. There is also no evidence that her husband stopped her going about her responsibily of judging both men and women of Israel. Nor is there evidence the patriarchal leaders of that time, ever disputed her position.

Welcome to the study, sister, and thanks for participating!

The question of what Deborah's husband was up to is a very interesting one. It's actually possible that she didn't have one, based on the way Hebrew works. There's a Quora on this, and it states the following, and thank you again for bringing it up cuz the whole thing makes for rather interesting discussion:

The word ‘Lapidoth’ is usually assumed to be the name of her husband. A few people think ‘Lapidoth’ is an adjective describing Deborah - the word ‘lapidoth’ means ‘torches’. So perhaps Deborah (her name means ‘bee’) was a fiery woman - and her husband’s name was something else. Or maybe she didn’t have a husband. Or maybe her husband had the rather odd (VERY odd) name of ‘torches, feminine plural’. (The MASCULINE plural of torch would be Lapidim).

She was not, it appears, married to Barak. Deborah lived up around Ramah and Bethel. Barak came from Kedesh, in a different part of the country. There is no indication that they were married, in other words.

Also, if she WERE the wife of Barak, then that first sentence would DEFINITELY say ‘woman of Barak’, and since Barak appears in the story, we would not be needing to argue about whether or not he existed, and whether or not ‘Barak’ referred to a person named ‘Barak’, or to ‘lightning’. I do think ‘woman of lightning’ would be pretty impressive.

But she isn’t the woman of ‘lightning’. She is ‘the woman of torches’ - and ‘torches’ is - or can be - a man’s name. However - this is the first time it appears, so every other man named ‘Lapidoth’ is probably NAMED AFTER THIS APPEARANCE OF THE WORD. So the fact that ‘Lapidoth is a man’s name’ is no evidence at all, that THIS ‘Lapidoth’ was a person. It’’s just tradition.

Biblical Hebrew does not have a special word for ‘wife’. The word used for a wife is ‘woman of X’, just as a husband is ‘man of Y’. I lean toward ‘torches’ rather than a man NAMED ‘torches’, but that is based only on:

a) no male named Lapidoth has any role in the story, and b) the word ‘lapidoth’ is PLURAL, and is in fact FEMININE plural, which seems a bit odd for a guy’s name. The singular word for ‘torch’ is ‘lapid’. And the ending ‘ot’ is a plural feminine ending. Lapidim would be the masculine plural version.

I think she is ‘woman of torches’. From Judges chapter 4: At that time Deborah, a prophetess, wife of Lappidoth (or ‘woman of torches’), was judging Israel. She used to sit under the palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim; and the Israelites came up to her for judgement. She sent and summoned Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali, and said to him, ‘The Lord, the God of Israel, commands you, “Go, take position at Mount Tabor, bringing ten thousand from the tribe of Naphtali and the tribe of Zebulun. I will draw out Sisera, the general of Jabin’s army, to meet you by the Wadi Kishon with his chariots and his troops; and I will give him into your hand.” ’ Barak said to her, ‘If you will go with me, I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go.’ And she said, ‘I will surely go with you; nevertheless, the road on which you are going will not lead to your glory, for the Lord will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman.’ Then Deborah got up and went with Barak to Kedesh. Barak summoned Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh; and ten thousand warriors went up behind him; and Deborah went up with him.

I do note that she never seems to consult this Lapidoth fellow, if he is a fellow. Perhaps she is a widow.

 

[Hidden In Him]

I believe that prophetic gifts need to be exercised so if you and a group of friends can get together and practice using these gifts within a safe environment...where It has been clearly established that this is just practice and we are not always going to get things right. Pracice is good because you can hone in sharper and with more clarity with what the spirit of the lord is saying to you about others there. You can also get feedback from your friends to determine accuracy. This is also beneficial as it allows you to flow and also does not offend anyone if it were a real situation.

In was talking with Randy about this some. I was once of the opinion that this struck me as what I used to call "priming the pump" a little too much, but I'm not sure I'm of that opinion any more. I've seen this done with success with my own eyes. The caveat is that the brother who immediately began moving in word of knowledge had already been moving in other gifts, so I'm not sure if this would work for all believers.

Let me ask you this: Do you think all believers are in a place where they could begin operating in the supernatural if they had the courage to try in a safe environment, or are there some who are just deader than a stone and wouldn't manifest how much they tried? I'm curious what your experiences have been with trying to teach others this way in the past.