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Aug 5, 2018

SPIRITUAL GIFTS:  PROPHECY

1 Corinthians 14:1-33, 39

 

YOU MAY HAVE THE GIFT OF PROPHECY IF . . .

You have a desire to serve God, empowered by His Spirit, to boldly and fearlessly proclaim God’s truth. 

You have a sense of discernment and a desire to make people aware of sin in their lives, so they will repent. 

You have the ability to easily spot what is wrong and often have to look to find something right.  

You have a strong burden over the brokenness of people that compels you to pray for and weep over them. 

You have a strong sense for justice and will speak out publicly regarding injustice or wrongdoing. 

You have a strong urge to speak up for what is right, regardless of criticism.

 

The gift of prophecy is not the gift of adding to the authoritative, inspired, inerrant and infallible word of God.  Rather it is speaking truth consistent with the word of God, influenced by the Spirit of God, for the building up of the people of God. 

 

“On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation . . . the one who prophesies builds up the church.”  1 Corinthians 14:3, 4b

 

BUILD UP THE BODY . . .

Seek to build up the church by speaking the truth of God’s word with much love and grace.

 

“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”  Colossians 4:2-6

 

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”  Ephesians 4:29

 

For helping others mature in their faith. (Ephesians 4:11-13)

For encouraging others practically.  (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

For speaking peace into their pain. 

 

 

Allow the Spirit of God and the word of God to affirm what you sense needs to be spoken in the name of God. 

 

“No prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”  2 Peter 1:21

Will what is spoken graciously point people to sin that needs to be confessed?

Will what is spoken call people to repentance of sin?

Will what is spoken lead people to authentic worship?

 

DON’T DESPISE PROPHECIES . . .

 

“Do not quench the Spirit.  Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast to what is good.  Abstain from every form of evil.”  1 Thessalonians 5:19-22

 

Test what you hear over and against the truth of Scripture. (spiritual discernment)

“ . . . but test everything;”  (does it conform to the teaching of Scripture?)

 

Embrace what is consistent with Scripture, God glorifying, and good for your building up.

 

Reject what is not biblically sound.