War a good warfare using prophecies

This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare  (1 Timothy 1:18 KJV)

War a good warfare using prophecies! They will strengthen you to overcome.

Paul reminds his spiritual son Timothy to use the prophecies spoken to him to fight his battles. Prophetic words are, therefore, a weapon we can use in spiritual warfare. Timothy probably received prophecies regarding his life and ministry. Prophecy here refers to specific spoken messages which the Lord gave directly to Timothy through prophets. Paul was not referring to prophetic utterances recorded in the scriptures, and therefore established the truth that God can still speak to us through inspired prophetic messages using prophets.

But these prophetic utterances come to us for a purpose. In Timothy’s case, Paul urged him to use the messages to war a good warfare. He wanted Timothy to remember what God spoke to him and use those words to face and overcome the multiple oppositions and obstacles in ministry. As a minister, we sometimes face enormous challenges that can cause discouragement and fear. However, when we remember what God told us, especially regarding the ministry He gave us to fulfill and any associated prophetic utterances, new strength, courage, and hope emerge.

These edifying and encouraging effects of prophetic utterances are not unique to prophecy but are a property of the Word of God. Therefore, every believer can use the Word of God in the scriptures to war a good warfare in their daily Christian lives or ministry to deal with the pressures of everyday life. 

Read more: Why art thou cast down, O my soul?

Have you received a specific prophetic word about your life or ministry? Do you believe God uses prophets today to speak words that you will use as weapons many years down to the road to fight your battles?

Remember God’s words spoken over you. Even if you do not have a prophetic word addressed to you, scripture is a sure prophetic word you should always use  When things get tough, remember His words, be encouraged, and keep pressing on.

Ask the Father to help you learn to use His words to encourage and strengthen yourself.

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• Two dimensions of the prophetic in the New Testament
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• We do not war after the flesh
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