Embracing Prophecy: Community, Discernment, and Encouragement
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered as a community to dedicate three children—Elijah, Malachi, and Samuel—to Jesus. This act of dedication is a commitment by their families to raise them in the Christian faith, providing them with the support and nurture they need to grow in their relationship with God. This morning, I continued our series on the prophetic, building on what Gideon and I have previously discussed. We explored the importance of prophecy in the Christian life, emphasizing that it is meant to encourage, strengthen, and comfort both individuals and the church.
We delved into several key questions about prophecy, such as its relevance today, the difference between the gift of prophecy and the office of a prophet, and how to discern God's voice from our own thoughts. Prophecy remains a vital part of the Christian experience, as it builds up the church and aligns with Scripture. Every believer is encouraged to prophesy, and we discussed practical ways to grow in this gift, including participating in prophetic training and practicing within a community.
We also addressed the importance of community and accountability in the prophetic. Prophecy should always be tested and weighed within a community of mature Christians to ensure it aligns with God's Word and brings clarity, not confusion. We concluded with a series of declarations over New Zealand, affirming our nation's prophetic calling and pioneering spirit. We decreed that New Zealand would lead in innovation, creativity, and godly influence, impacting the world for God's glory.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Role of Community in Prophecy: Prophecy should always be practiced within the context of a community. This ensures accountability and alignment with God's Word. Isolated prophetic words can lead to confusion and fear, but when tested and weighed within a mature community, they bring clarity and encouragement. [01:22:14]
2. Distinguishing God's Voice from Our Own Thoughts: God's voice can often sound like our own thoughts, but the more we know Scripture, the easier it is to discern His voice. Prophecy should be consistent with Scripture and confirmed by the community. It never replaces God's Word but complements it. [01:20:33]
3. The Difference Between the Gift of Prophecy and the Office of a Prophet: Every believer is encouraged to prophesy, but the office of a prophet is a specific calling from God. The gift of prophecy is something you do, while the office of a prophet is something you are. Prophets are part of the fivefold ministry and are recognized and affirmed by the community. [01:17:50]
4. Encouragement and Edification Through Prophecy: True prophecy strengthens, encourages, and comforts. It aligns with God's Word and brings clarity. Any word that leaves feelings of shame, fear, or darkness is likely not from God. Prophecy is about calling out the gold in others and empowering them with hope. [01:27:44]
5. Growing in Prophetic Accuracy and Discernment: To grow in prophetic accuracy, one must test and weigh prophecies within a community. Deepening one's relationship with God through prayer and Bible study is crucial. Practicing prophecy in a safe environment, like a life group, helps in developing this gift. [01:30:53]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[55:42] - Child Dedications
[01:06:19] - Introduction and Jokes
[01:07:14] - Importance of Prophecy
[01:08:03] - Practical Points on Prophecy
[01:09:04] - Encouragement and Activation
[01:10:09] - Reactivating Prophetic Gifts
[01:11:11] - Prophecy vs. Tongues
[01:12:22] - Prophecy Guide Introduction
[01:13:49] - Is Prophecy for Today?
[01:15:15] - Difference Between Prophet and Prophetic Gift
[01:17:05] - Can I Prophesy?
[01:19:34] - Hearing God's Voice
[01:20:33] - Discerning God's Voice
[01:22:14] - Community and Accountability
[01:23:28] - True vs. False Prophecy
[01:24:47] - Signs God is Speaking
[01:25:48] - Listening Actively
[01:27:44] - Encouragement Through Prophecy
[01:28:51] - Judging Prophetic Words
[01:30:08] - Improving Accuracy and Discernment
[01:30:53] - Practicing Prophecy in Life Groups
[01:31:40] - Prophetic Training
[01:32:19] - Spiritual Practices for Prophecy
[01:33:06] - Declarations Over New Zealand
[01:35:58] - Decree of Pioneering Leadership
[01:39:31] - Closing Prayer and Activation
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 14:3 - "But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort."
2. John 10:27 - "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."
3. 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 - "Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good."
### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Corinthians 14:3, what are the three main purposes of prophecy?
2. In John 10:27, what does Jesus say about His sheep and His voice?
3. How does 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 instruct us to handle prophecies?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important for prophecy to be practiced within a community, as mentioned in the sermon?
2. How can believers distinguish between God's voice and their own thoughts, based on the sermon and John 10:27?
3. What is the difference between the gift of prophecy and the office of a prophet, and why is this distinction significant?
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt encouraged, strengthened, or comforted by a prophetic word. How did it impact your faith journey?
2. How can you actively participate in a community to test and weigh prophetic words, ensuring they align with God's Word?
3. What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with God and improve your ability to discern His voice?
4. Have you ever felt hesitant to share a prophetic word? What can you do to overcome this fear and step out in faith?
5. Think of a specific way you can encourage someone in your life through a prophetic word this week. How will you ensure it aligns with Scripture and brings clarity?
6. How can your life group create a safe environment for practicing and growing in the gift of prophecy?
7. What declarations can you make over your own life, family, or community to align with God's purposes and bring about positive change?
Devotional
Day 1: The Role of Community in Prophecy
Prophecy should always be practiced within the context of a community. This ensures accountability and alignment with God's Word. Isolated prophetic words can lead to confusion and fear, but when tested and weighed within a mature community, they bring clarity and encouragement. The community acts as a safeguard, ensuring that prophetic words are not misinterpreted or misused. It is within this collective discernment that the true purpose of prophecy—to build up, encourage, and comfort—is realized.
In a community, mature Christians can help discern whether a prophetic word aligns with Scripture and God's character. This collective wisdom prevents the potential harm that can come from isolated or unchecked prophetic utterances. By fostering a culture of accountability, the church can ensure that prophecy remains a source of strength and encouragement for all.
1 Thessalonians 5:19-21 (ESV): "Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good."
Reflection: Think of a time when you received a word of prophecy. How did the community help you discern its validity and application in your life? How can you contribute to this process for others?
Day 2: Distinguishing God's Voice from Our Own Thoughts
God's voice can often sound like our own thoughts, but the more we know Scripture, the easier it is to discern His voice. Prophecy should be consistent with Scripture and confirmed by the community. It never replaces God's Word but complements it. As believers grow in their understanding of the Bible, they become more attuned to recognizing when God is speaking to them. This discernment is crucial for ensuring that prophetic words are truly from God and not merely human thoughts or desires.
To distinguish God's voice, one must immerse themselves in Scripture and seek the counsel of mature Christians. This practice helps in identifying the characteristics of God's voice—peace, clarity, and alignment with His Word. By doing so, believers can confidently step out in faith, knowing that they are hearing from God.
John 10:27 (ESV): "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."
Reflection: Reflect on your daily routine. How can you incorporate more time for Scripture reading and prayer to better discern God's voice in your life?
Day 3: The Difference Between the Gift of Prophecy and the Office of a Prophet
Every believer is encouraged to prophesy, but the office of a prophet is a specific calling from God. The gift of prophecy is something you do, while the office of a prophet is something you are. Prophets are part of the fivefold ministry and are recognized and affirmed by the community. This distinction is important because it helps believers understand their role within the body of Christ and the unique ways God may use them.
While all believers can operate in the gift of prophecy to edify the church, those called to the office of a prophet have a distinct responsibility and authority. They are often given a broader vision for the church and are instrumental in guiding and directing the body of Christ. Recognizing this difference helps maintain order and clarity within the church.
Ephesians 4:11-12 (ESV): "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ."
Reflection: Consider your own spiritual gifts. How can you use them to build up the church? Do you feel a specific calling that you need to explore further with your community?
Day 4: Encouragement and Edification Through Prophecy
True prophecy strengthens, encourages, and comforts. It aligns with God's Word and brings clarity. Any word that leaves feelings of shame, fear, or darkness is likely not from God. Prophecy is about calling out the gold in others and empowering them with hope. When delivered correctly, prophetic words can uplift and inspire individuals, helping them see God's perspective and purpose for their lives.
Prophecy should always aim to build up the church and its members. It should never be used to manipulate or control but to bring God's love and truth into people's lives. By focusing on encouragement and edification, believers can ensure that their prophetic words are a source of life and hope.
1 Corinthians 14:3 (ESV): "On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who needs encouragement. How can you use your words to speak life and hope into their situation today?
Day 5: Growing in Prophetic Accuracy and Discernment
To grow in prophetic accuracy, one must test and weigh prophecies within a community. Deepening one's relationship with God through prayer and Bible study is crucial. Practicing prophecy in a safe environment, like a life group, helps in developing this gift. As believers practice and receive feedback, they become more accurate and discerning in their prophetic words.
Accuracy in prophecy comes from a close relationship with God and a commitment to His Word. By continually seeking God's presence and studying Scripture, believers can sharpen their prophetic gift. Practicing within a community provides a safe space for growth and learning, ensuring that prophetic words are delivered with wisdom and love.
Hebrews 5:14 (ESV): "But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil."
Reflection: How can you create or join a safe environment for practicing and growing in your prophetic gift? What steps can you take this week to deepen your relationship with God and improve your discernment?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We are dedicating them to walk with Him. And we are committing to raising these children Christianly. So that they still need to make their own decision to follow Jesus as the time comes right. But the family are basically saying, we are gonna support them, surround them and give them all the nurture to help them start on that journey and to continue with God in their lives." [55:42] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The prophetic is such an important part of the Christian life. Now, why do I think that? It's true. It's true. But who doesn't need encouraging, strengthening and comforting? Is there anybody in here that doesn't need that? Man, I for sure need it. And I know that all of you do too." [01:09:04] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Prophecy remains a valid and essential part of today's Christian life. In 2 Peter it says, And then we go to Corinthians. It says, But when someone prophesies, he speaks to encourage people to build them up and to bring them comfort. So this is a, This is why it's important. Why it's still valid today that we need to be speaking into the encouragement of the body." [01:13:49] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So under the new covenant, all believers can prophesy. In the Old Testament, before the Holy Spirit was given to us, prophets were ordained, they were set apart, they were anointed to deliver God's Word to the people. But under the new covenant, as introduced in the New Testament, the gift of prophecy is for all believers. Say for all believers. For all. Not just a select few. It is for all. Prophecy is for the encouragement and edification of others." [01:19:34] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "True prophecy strengthens, encourages and comforts. It aligns with God's Word and brings clarity. You should feel encouraged and also release encouragement through prophecy because that is what the Scripture says it will do. Prophecy is calling out the gold in others. It will empower and give hope. Any word that leaves feelings of shame, fear or darkness is likely not from God." [01:27:44] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "I just want to encourage those of you. I feel that there's people in this room. And I just want to start with saying this. There's people who've got a real prophetic gift on their life. But for whatever reason, you've kind of decided to shut it down. And I just want to encourage those of you who are in that category this morning to, in the past, you've been very involved perhaps in bringing words. I just want to say this morning, I believe that God is wanting to reactivate you. And He's wanting to once again say, My call is on your life." [01:10:09] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The gift of prophecy is a spiritual gift. And the office of a prophet is a spiritual gift. It's actually a grace gift. But God distributes these gifts as He wills. And a prophet in the fivefold ministry will be a trainer and a quipper, recognised and affirmed by the community. So people ask this question all the time. So what's the difference between a prophet and someone who's prophetic? Ever thought, ever wondered about that? Yeah, I have too." [01:17:05] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Prophecy belongs in the community of faith. And amongst the other fivefold gifts, amongst the council of mature Christians. Now from time to time, I see situations and people go off on a goose chase and they get all excited about things. And this happened to me when I was in Youth With A Mission. And one of the young students decided that they were going to prophesy, this is in 1984, there was 18,000 of us gathered to outreach in LA. And one of the young prophets decided that there was going to be a massive earthquake while we were there and California was going to fall into the sea." [01:23:28] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We improve by testing and weighing the Word and do not take anything that is of the carnal nature on board. We continue to deepen our relationship with God through prayer and Bible study and actively practising within a community. And this is where a life group is a great place to practise. And I want to challenge all the life group leaders in here. Why don't you create a space sometime in your life group session where you can encourage people to practise prophesying over one another." [01:30:08] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I'm not training you to be a prophet. I'm training you to be prophetic and to grow in the prophetic. I'm not training you to be on the prayer team, although that might be a result of it. I'm training you to be encouraged to develop the encouragement, the strengthening and the comfort that God says the prophetic is. So, yeah, there's only two spots left really. So it starts this afternoon. It's seven weeks, not consecutive weeks. Starts here, four o'clock, four to six, for seven weeks. Because it's not just about growing in knowledge, it's about growing in understanding." [01:31:40] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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