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Prophetic Ministry Sunday

Prophets – everyone can prophesy to build up the church – this is speaking human words to report something that God brings to mind; it is a major outlet by which God communicates to local churches and individual believers.

The gift of prophecy is the only gift present in all three NT listings. That repetition alone suggests that God expected the gift of prophecy to be regularly employed in the ministry of local churches to build them up and show specific aspects of His will.

 

Prophecy is second in rank because it is such a widely available gifting. Men, women, and believing children can hear from God and responsibly report what they believe they have heard.

 

Prophecy is democratic.

 

Acts 2:17 “And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your  daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams.

Acts 2:18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy.

 

Prophecy is commanded and favored.

 

1 Cor 14:1 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.

 

The gift of prophecy is for the benefit of others.

 

1 Cor 14:3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men.

 

Prophecy helps the congregation to build up the church (itself).

 

1 Cor 14:26 How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.

 

Prophecy is limited in public to maintain order and reduce confusion.

 

1 Cor 14:29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge.

 

Prophecy can be done well.

 

1 Cor 14:31 For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged.

1 Cor 14:32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

1 Cor 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.

 

Prophecy is not on the same level as Scripture.

 

1 Cor 14:37 If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord.

 

Prophecy shall be governed.

 

1 Cor 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

 

From Michael Miller:

 

Prophecy is a time to hear from God for others.

 

State clearly – never make a decision about a direction to take in life based solely on a prophetic word.

 

  • A prophetic word can confirm something you have been thinking about or a leading you’ve already had.
  • A prophetic word can cause you to pray about something you have not yet considered.