1. Spiritual Gifts III

2. Rom 12:6-8 I Cor 12:4-11 I Cor 12:28-31 Eph 4:7-12 prophecyserviceteachingexhortationcontributionaidmercy word of wisdom wd of knowledge faithhealingsmiraclesprophecy discern spirits divers tongues interpret tongues apostlesprophetsteachers miracle workers healershelpersadministratorstonguesinterpretersapostlesprophetsevangelistspastorsteachers

3. Prophecy:  prophecy = speak forth/predict/on behalf of  OT prophet speaks God’s words to the people  God put words in men’s mouths (Jer 1:9)  rigorous tests of authenticity for OT prophets (Dt chap 13, 18)

4. OT vs NT PROPHECY Rev 19:10 the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. Prophecy is the continuing voice of Jesus to the church. Sender God the Father Jesus Christ Audience Israel, Judah & foreign nations Local church; church at large Messenger Stands apart from the community Christian; church office-holder Message Prediction, judgement, crisis- oriented Edification, exhortation, comfort

5.  NT has both “prophets” and those with the gift of prophecy  we can all prophesy, but only some are “prophets” (I Cor 14:31; Eph 4:11)  prophecy is to be the most desired gift (I Cor 14:1)  primarily for believers ; but it can also convict unbelievers of sin  repentance (I Cor 14 :22) I Cor 14:31 you may all prophesy one by one. Eph 4:11 he gave some prophets. I Cor 14:1 eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. I Cor 14:22 prophecy is not for unbelievers but for believers.

6.  Joel’s prediction: prophecy results from outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Joel 2:28)  prophecy brings revelation (I Cor 14:30)  prophetic revelation is not equivalent to Scripture (I Cor 13:9)  it is not a prepared message, although it may come over a period of seeking God Joel 2:28a I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Prophecy brings revelation – it’s not just an opportunity for someone to speak their ideas. I Cor 14:30 if revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. I Cor 13:9 we prophecy in part. Prophecy ≠ preaching. Joel 2:28a I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Prophecy brings revelation – it’s not just an opportunity for someone to speak their ideas. I Cor 14:30 if revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. I Cor 13:9 we prophecy in part. Prophecy ≠ preaching.

7.  while the concepts come from God, he uses our words (style, vocab, accent)  positive purpose (I Cor 14:3) ; specifically: strengthen (edify) – build up encourage (exhort) – stir up comfort (comfort) – cheer up  exhortation can include admonition/urging (I Cor 1:10) I Cor 14:3 edification, exhortation & comfort. I Cor 1:10 I exhort you … let there be no divisions among you.

8.  prophecy is rarely predictive  occult prophecy (horoscopes, astrology, fortune-telling) is predictive  prophecy is not normally directive  directive prophecy can undermine our personal relationship with God Predictive prophecy is a function of the office of prophet e.g. Agabus, Acts 11:28, predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. Prophecy should bring confirmation not new or contrary information. We shouldn’t rely on “getting a word” to know God’s will for us. Paul didn’t know which way to go when he was at Troas; Silas the prophet didn’t guide him – God gave Paul a vision of the Macedonian man asking him to preach in Greece (Acts 16:9).

9.  prophecy is both corporate & personal  personal prophecy is a feature of the experienced prophet, not the novice  all prophecy is to be weighed (I Cor 14:29)  weigh = ascertain relevance/significance  exposition of prophecy is useful