Introduction: God has clothed his church with powerful and beautiful gifts, talents, and ministries. About them we must be instructed and learn to glorify God with what he himself has given us.
There are many things to study and learn about prophecy, because we are also in the end times. We must not dismiss prophecy but train ourselves to judge it correctly, for the Bible itself tells us: “Do not despise prophecy. Examine everything, hold fast what is good” (1 Thess. 5:20-21). So let’s study the subject of the gift of prophecy…
1) THE PROPHECY: 1 Corinthians 12:7-10.
a) Definition: The word prophecy is translated from the Greek “prophetia”, which also means: “Proclamation of the mind and counsel of God”.
Note: This meaning allows us to see several very important things:
1st) Prophecy is not primarily prediction (We see this for example in John the Baptist, his ministry was primarily announcing Christ. In the New Testament it is primarily proclamation of God’s will).
2nd) The Scripture itself is a prophecy, since it was written by men inspired by the Holy Spirit and in it we find the advice of God, that is why it says: “we have the most certain prophetic word” 2 Peter 1:19-21.
3rd) In both the OT and NT we are taught the importance of discerning these messages (like the Berean believers, who after hearing the teaching went home to study the Bible to see if these things were so).
b) The gift of prophecy must be distinguished from the ministry of a prophet.
Note: When studying the Gift of Prophecy, the difference between the Gift itself and the Ministry of the prophet must be clearly distinguished, which in the Scripture appear well differentiated, let’s see:
1st) This gift (the prophetic gift) is new and particular to the New Testament given to the church for its edification.
2nd) Preaching should not be confused with prophecy, since the supernatural nature of the prophetic gift is removed (preaching proclaims, exposes the Scripture, teaches the truth of God, while prophecy says what God is saying).
3rd) Anyone can possess the Gift of prophecy and be used by the Lord, but this does not mean that they truly fulfill the ministry of Prophet, for example in Acts 21:8-11, we see a prophet named Agabus (this is a ministry of prophet) while the daughters of Philip flowed in the place of prophecy.
The writer of Acts (Luke) tells us that they “prophesied” (they could do it because of the gift) but Agabus was a prophet, this was his ministry, his office (and it is through this that God speaks to Paul).
The writer of Acts (Luke) tells us that they “prophesied” (they could do it because of the gift) but Agabus was a prophet, this was his ministry, his office (and it is through this that God speaks to Paul).
4th) Benefits and cares with the gift of prophecy: 1 Corinthians 14:3-4
a. To speak to men supernaturally.
b. So that all may be taught (1 Corinthians 14:31)
c. To convince the unconverted and reveal the secrets of his heart (1 Corinthians 14:21-25).
d. Paul indicates that the one who prophesies is responsible for the use of the gift and has control over it, and that everything is done in order, 1 Cor. 2:32-33, 39-40.
two) THE PROPHETIC PROTOCOL (PRINCIPLES TO KEEP IN MIND):
a) Prophecy is to edify, exhort, and comfort, 1 Corinthians 14:3.
1st) Edification: This indicates that it is a message that produces growth.
2nd) Exhortation: urge, drive to follow a course of conduct, Example Hch. 2:22 p.m.
3rd) Consolation: indicates relief, encouragement, consolation in an endearing way, consolation for the broken and weary.
b) Prophecy must be judged, 1 Cor. 2:29 p.m.
Note 1: In 1 Cor. 13:9, we see that the prophecy is not complete, and according to 1 Thessal. 5:20-21, not belittle, but judge, this word means: discern, examine. In the NIV it says: “do not despise the prophecies, put everything to the test”.
Visions, dreams or prophetic messages must be examined and verified by the word of God and by the testimony of the Holy Spirit who dwells in each of us.
Visions, dreams or prophetic messages must be examined and verified by the word of God and by the testimony of the Holy Spirit who dwells in each of us.
Note 2: In the Corinthian church there was disorder, and therefore, an order is established, 1 Cor. 14:30-32,40, the Bible tells us “decently”, the term indicates: honesty, with grace, proper manner, noble, well-formed, honesty (in contrast to the life of the Gentiles).
c) The prophecy comes for confirmation (of what God has already been saying to the spirit or heart of the believer).
d) The prophecy or message of God preserves the Divine nature, 1 Cor. 2:33 p.m.
Note: God’s message (prophecy) contains the elements of the essence of God himself, such as his love, his peace, his truth, his purity, etc. The prophecy does not give ministries, or Spiritual gifts (it confirms them), nor does it “reveal” the lottery number, nor does it command you to disobey the Word of the Lord, the prophetic word does not confuse, it brings light because it comes from God.
(I invite you to read: Sermons written to preach).
(I invite you to read: Sermons written to preach).
Conclusion: God has poured out on his church ministries, gifts and talents for blessing, edification and as equipment so that it advances in victory, and guided by his Spirit we always give glory to God.
(Written by Pastor Gonzalo Sanabria)