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The Gift of Prophecy
THE POINT: The gift of Prophecy is one of the most commonly mentioned gifts in the New Testament
MENTIONED REPEATEDLY
“Prophecy” is used 14 times
“Prophesy” is used 15 times
“Prophet” is used 76 times
“Prophets” is used 89 times
THE FIVE-FOLD GIFTS
Ephesians 4:11-16 (NIV)
PROPHETIC PITFALLS
- Arrogance and lack of accountability
- Depression and feeling out of touch
- Prophesying your own opinions
- Good mood
- Bad mood
- Wishful thinking
- Prophesying your theology (healing)
- Trying to interpret / Saying more or less than you’re told
MEN AND WOMEN PROPHESY
Acts 2:17 (NIV)
"'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.
1 Corinthians 11:4-5 (NIV)
Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head--
PAUL TALKS ABOUT PROPHECY
1 Corinthians 14:1 (NIV)
Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.
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1 Corinthians 14:3-5 (NIV)
But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort.
He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy.
1 Corinthians 14:29-31 (NIV)
Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged.
THIS IS HOW IT WORKS
Acts 11:27-30 (NIV)
During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch.
One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.)
The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea.
This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.
Acts 13:1-3 (NIV)
In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul.
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Have you ever had a prophetic experience?
How does the prophetic fit in with the other gifts?
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