Gifts of the Spirit pt.8-Gift of Prophesy

The gift of prophesy is the first of the “say something” gifts of the Spirit.

The “say something” gifts are inspirational and primarily for the church. They are not earth-shaking like the working of miracles, for example, that can raise someone from the dead. These inspirational gifts are for the growth and maturity of the church.

Unfortunately, these “say something” gifts are misunderstood by many and therefore are quenched in some denominations. The misunderstanding is not only among the leaders but also by those that have given these gifts a bad rap due to the misuse of these precious gifts.

For instance, in the middle of a church’s worship service, a young man gave a “prophesy”. He chastised the congregation for their sin and coldness towards God and said that God was going to take His presence away and write “Michelob” on the wall! (I think he meant to say, “Ichabod” from 1 Samuel 4:21.)

The misuse and the quenching of the gift of prophesy is a tragedy because this is a very precious and very important gift!

How Important is the Gift of Prophesy?

The gift of prophesy is perhaps the most well-known of the nine gifts of the Spirit. In fact, it is mentioned more often in the New Testament than the other gifts—22 times in 1 Corinthians, chapters 11–14 alone!

The gift of prophesy is perhaps the most important and the greatest of all of the nine gifts! The gift of prophesy is God’s heart speaking to man’s heart with loving affection and edification. All churches should allow and encourage this gift to operate regularly! This is the best gift for the edification of the whole church.

While we are told to covet the gifts of the Spirit, the gift of prophesy is the only gift specifically mentioned that we are all told to desire! In other words, God wants all of us to have the gift of prophesy!

The Three-fold Purpose

The three-fold purpose of the gift of prophesy is defined in 1 Corinthians 14:3, “But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort…” These three purposes are combined solely for the edification of the church (v. 4b).

Edification/Strengthening. To edify means to build up. The gift of prophesy will build up the hearers in the faith. If a man has a particular weakness, this gift will help strengthen him in that area. If a woman feels she has no purpose in life, this gift will build up her sense of usefulness for the Lord.

All Christians need to be built up and strengthened. This is one reason why the gift of prophesy is so important.

Exhortation/Encouragement. The gift of prophesy is to encourage us and exhort us to grow in God and become more holy for His use. This gift uses a positive message. If any “prophesy” is spoken that discourages us or makes us feel disheartened, do not receive those words as they are not from the Holy Spirit.

Comfort. The Lord is well aware of how much His church needs comfort! And most of us are aware too!

Like a parent who tenderly speaking the child in need of comforting words, the Holy Spirit will do the same to the body of believers.

People who are in distress, or in sorrow, or are being persecuted, or are suffering are especially blessed by this gift of prophesy.

What the Gift of Prophesy is Not

The gift of prophesy does not overwhelm and control the person that is giving the message. 1 Corinthians 14:32 says, “The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets.” Anyone who says, “I couldn’t stop myself from giving that message!” is deceived or under the influence of an evil spirit.

The gift of prophesy cannot be used to tell us where to find the best parking space or what tie to wear to work that day. Such presumption is foolishness. We have things like eyeballs and brains to figure out minor daily details.

The gift of prophesy is not an indication that someone who has this gift is a prophet—a person with the gift of prophesy is not necessarily a prophet. The office of a prophet is one of the five ministry gifts that Jesus gave to His church. A prophet will have the gift of prophesy as well as some or all of the revelatory gifts (word of knowledge, word of wisdom, discerning of spirits).

Who is Called to Have This Gift?

Everyone! As previously mentioned, we are told to covet the gifts of the Spirit, but especially that we may prophesy. It’s as though God has said, “I have nine gifts of the Spirit that each of you can ask for and I will divide among you for the common good. But the gift of prophesy I want all of you to have!”

It is my prayer for you that Father will continue to help you to hear His voice, and more and more frequently.

With God’s grace and in His peace,

Gary

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Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.

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