Embracing Prophecy: Partnering with God in Discipleship
Summary
### Summary
Today, we celebrated the vibrant diversity within our church community, reflecting the beauty and color of God's creation. We acknowledged the hard work of our volunteers and the generosity of individuals like Paul Reese Thomas, who contributed significantly to our recent Fiesta. As we transition into a new series on discipleship, we concluded our current series on the prophetic, emphasizing its profound importance in our spiritual lives.
The prophetic is a powerful tool for strengthening and encouraging the church. Paul, in Corinthians, highlights the significance of prophecy in building up the church. Prophecy is not just for a select few; it should be a normal part of our Christian walk. It is a direct communication from God, offering encouragement and guidance. We are encouraged to prophesy over one another, as it can profoundly impact our lives and help us fight the good fight of faith.
We also discussed the five-fold ministry from Ephesians 4, which includes apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. These roles are not about elitism but about serving and equipping the church for works of service, leading to maturity and unity in faith. Each of these roles is essential for the church to grow and reach the fullness of Christ.
The ultimate goal of prophecy is to reveal Jesus. The book of Revelation is not just about end times but about the revelation of Jesus Christ. As we grow in our prophetic maturity, we should focus on knowing Jesus more intimately. This knowledge transforms us and aligns us with His purposes. We are called to be partners with God, taking responsibility for the prophetic words spoken over us and actively participating in their fulfillment.
In conclusion, we are reminded that the prophetic is not just about receiving words but about partnering with God in His plans. We are encouraged to seek Jesus, know Him better, and allow His revelation to transform our lives. This journey requires obedience, discipline, and responsibility, but it leads to a deeper relationship with Jesus and a more profound impact on the world around us.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Prophecy: Prophecy is a powerful tool for strengthening and encouraging the church. It is a direct communication from God that offers guidance and encouragement. When we prophesy over one another, we participate in God's plan to build up His church and help each other fight the good fight of faith. [01:16:59]
2. The Five-Fold Ministry: The five-fold ministry, consisting of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, is essential for equipping the church. These roles are not about elitism but about serving and building up the body of Christ. Each role contributes to the church's maturity and unity in faith. [01:20:09]
3. Responsibility in Prophetic Partnership: We are called to be responsible for the prophetic words spoken over us. This involves actively participating in their fulfillment through obedience, discipline, and responsibility. By partnering with God, we align ourselves with His purposes and see His plans come to fruition. [01:24:12]
4. The Revelation of Jesus: The ultimate goal of prophecy is to reveal Jesus. The book of Revelation is primarily about the revelation of Jesus Christ. As we grow in prophetic maturity, we should focus on knowing Jesus more intimately, which transforms us and aligns us with His purposes. [01:36:28]
5. Activation and Mobilization: The prophetic is not just about receiving words but about being activated and mobilized to fulfill God's purposes. We are encouraged to seek Jesus, know Him better, and allow His revelation to transform our lives. This journey requires a commitment to prayer, worship, and a deep relationship with God. [01:28:14]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:11:46] - Celebrating Diversity and Volunteers
[01:13:07] - Upcoming Travels and Prayer Requests
[01:14:30] - Humorous Church Announcements
[01:15:17] - Prophetic Series Conclusion
[01:16:03] - Importance of Prophecy
[01:16:59] - Power of Prophetic Words
[01:17:36] - Upcoming Prophetic Engagements
[01:18:10] - Prophetic Words and Encouragement
[01:18:38] - Summary of Prophetic Series
[01:19:08] - Prophecies as Anchors
[01:19:39] - Difference Between Prophecies and Five-Fold Ministry
[01:20:09] - Role of Five-Fold Ministry
[01:21:08] - Importance of All Five Ministries
[01:21:39] - Training and Mobilizing the Church
[01:22:09] - Fullness of Life in Christ
[01:23:10] - Prophetic Partnership and Responsibility
[01:24:12] - Obedience, Discipline, and Responsibility
[01:25:12] - Activation and Mobilization
[01:26:13] - Simple Prophetic Encouragement
[01:26:43] - Responsibility in Prophetic Words
[01:27:43] - Taking Responsibility for Revival
[01:28:14] - Personal and Corporate Responsibility
[01:29:14] - Stewarding Prophetic Words
[01:29:45] - Purpose of Prophetic Presence
[01:30:15] - Evangelistic Mobilization
[01:30:45] - Contending for Revelation
[01:31:19] - Importance of Prayer and Worship
[01:32:23] - Commissioning Angels Through Worship
[01:33:26] - Ultimate Sign of Prophetic Maturity
[01:34:26] - Calling Out Jesus in People
[01:35:28] - Revelation of Jesus in Prophecy
[01:35:58] - Book of Revelation and Jesus
[01:36:28] - Knowledge of Jesus as Master Key
[01:37:28] - Transformation Through Beholding Jesus
[01:38:29] - Yearning to Know Jesus Better
[01:39:00] - Seeing and Releasing Jesus
[01:39:30] - Vision of the Resurrected Jesus
[01:40:30] - Worship and Revelation of Jesus
[01:42:27] - Invitation to Receive Jesus
[01:43:22] - Prayer for Salvation
[01:43:52] - Celebration of New Believers
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 14:3-4 (NIV): "But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church."
2. Ephesians 4:11-13 (NIV): "So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."
3. Revelation 1:12-16 (NIV): "I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man, dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Corinthians 14:3-4, what are the purposes of prophecy within the church?
2. What roles are mentioned in Ephesians 4:11-13, and what is their purpose in the church?
3. Describe the vision of Jesus in Revelation 1:12-16. What are some of the key characteristics mentioned?
4. In the sermon, what did the pastor say about the importance of prophecy in our daily Christian walk? [01:16:03]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does prophecy strengthen and encourage the church according to 1 Corinthians 14:3-4? Why is this important for the church community?
2. What does it mean for the church to reach "unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God" as stated in Ephesians 4:13? How do the five-fold ministry roles contribute to this goal?
3. The pastor mentioned that the ultimate goal of prophecy is to reveal Jesus. How does the vision of Jesus in Revelation 1:12-16 help us understand this goal? [01:36:28]
4. What responsibilities do we have when we receive a prophetic word, according to the sermon? [01:24:12]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you received a prophetic word. How did it strengthen or encourage you? How can you actively seek and give prophetic words in your daily life? [01:16:59]
2. The five-fold ministry is meant to equip the church for works of service. Which of these roles do you feel most connected to, and how can you develop in that area to serve your church community better? [01:20:09]
3. The pastor emphasized the importance of taking responsibility for the prophetic words spoken over us. What steps can you take to actively participate in the fulfillment of a prophetic word you have received? [01:24:12]
4. Knowing Jesus more intimately is a key aspect of growing in prophetic maturity. What specific practices can you incorporate into your daily routine to deepen your relationship with Jesus? [01:36:28]
5. The sermon highlighted the need for activation and mobilization in fulfilling God's purposes. What are some practical ways you can be more active in your faith and contribute to the church's mission? [01:28:14]
6. How can you create a "secret place" in your life for prayer and worship to hear from God more clearly? What changes might you need to make in your schedule or environment to prioritize this time? [01:31:19]
7. The pastor mentioned the importance of community in prophetic growth. How can you engage more with your small group or church community to encourage and be encouraged in the prophetic? [01:28:43]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Prophecy
Prophecy is a powerful tool for strengthening and encouraging the church. It is a direct communication from God that offers guidance and encouragement. When we prophesy over one another, we participate in God's plan to build up His church and help each other fight the good fight of faith. Prophecy is not just for a select few; it should be a normal part of our Christian walk. It can profoundly impact our lives and help us stay aligned with God's purposes. By embracing the prophetic, we open ourselves to divine encouragement and direction, which can be pivotal in our spiritual journey. [01:16:59]
1 Corinthians 14:3-4 (ESV): "On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church."
Reflection: Think of a time when you received a word of encouragement or guidance from someone. How did it impact your faith journey? Can you ask God to use you to speak His words of encouragement to someone today?
Day 2: The Five-Fold Ministry
The five-fold ministry, consisting of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, is essential for equipping the church. These roles are not about elitism but about serving and building up the body of Christ. Each role contributes to the church's maturity and unity in faith. The purpose of these ministries is to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God. This leads to maturity, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. [01:20:09]
Ephesians 4:11-13 (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, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ."
Reflection: Reflect on which of the five-fold ministry roles you feel most connected to. How can you use your unique gifts to serve and build up your church community?
Day 3: Responsibility in Prophetic Partnership
We are called to be responsible for the prophetic words spoken over us. This involves actively participating in their fulfillment through obedience, discipline, and responsibility. By partnering with God, we align ourselves with His purposes and see His plans come to fruition. This partnership requires us to take action and not just passively wait for things to happen. It is about being proactive in our faith and taking steps towards the fulfillment of God's promises in our lives. [01:24:12]
1 Timothy 1:18-19 (ESV): "This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith."
Reflection: What prophetic words or promises have been spoken over your life? What steps can you take today to actively participate in their fulfillment?
Day 4: The Revelation of Jesus
The ultimate goal of prophecy is to reveal Jesus. The book of Revelation is primarily about the revelation of Jesus Christ. As we grow in prophetic maturity, we should focus on knowing Jesus more intimately, which transforms us and aligns us with His purposes. This knowledge of Jesus is the master key to our spiritual growth and transformation. By beholding Jesus, we are transformed into His likeness and our lives are aligned with His divine purposes. [01:36:28]
Revelation 1:1-2 (ESV): "The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw."
Reflection: How can you seek to know Jesus more intimately today? What practices can you incorporate into your daily routine to deepen your relationship with Him?
Day 5: Activation and Mobilization
The prophetic is not just about receiving words but about being activated and mobilized to fulfill God's purposes. We are encouraged to seek Jesus, know Him better, and allow His revelation to transform our lives. This journey requires a commitment to prayer, worship, and a deep relationship with God. By being activated in the prophetic, we are mobilized to take action and fulfill the divine assignments God has for us. This involves a commitment to living out our faith in practical ways and being a vessel for God's purposes in the world. [01:28:14]
James 1:22-25 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."
Reflection: In what ways can you be more active in fulfilling God's purposes in your life? What specific actions can you take today to live out your faith more fully?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Prophecy encourages, it strengthens, it builds people up. And that's why Paul says it's so important that we all learn. Last week I asked everybody here. If you had... If you had given or received a prophecy, there were not many, maybe 10%. Now, guys, this should be normal lifestyle everywhere you go." [01:16:03] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The cross was not only for forgiveness. There was only one bump in the road and Jesus took care of it. It's done. It's finished. He says it's finished. It's done. Now don't come back to it. It's finished. It's done. He pays for it once and for all. Your debt is paid, your sins are forgiven once and for all. The main purpose was fullness. He wanted us to have fullness." [01:22:09] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus says in John 10.10 that they might have abundance of life. The enemy comes to kill, steal and destroy. He says that you may have life and life to the full. He wants fullness and abundance in our lives so we can be sons and daughters of God to release the kingdom of God everywhere we go." [01:22:40] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "His presence was not poured out for a bless me club, but His presence was poured out at Pentecost to activate the church and to go into the world. He says, you'll be my witnesses. So let's be witnesses." [01:29:45] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "No eye has seen, no ear has heard. I'll tell it the last way. No mind is conceived. No, no, no, no ear has heard. Eye has seen, mind has conceived. The things that God has prepared for those who love Him, but by His Spirit He has revealed it, but also is revealing it." [01:30:15] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "One of the signs of maturity is prophetic partnership. And I've been talking about this already. That when He speaks, a prophecy is given, a word is given, then there is a partnership. Then we say yes to Jesus. Yes sir. And we take that word and we start to mobilize that word." [01:23:10] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The key thing in this whole matter is that often churches have been run by a pastor. And the thing is, though, that's not the only grace that we need to look after the children and to look after the people. It's not the main one. We need all five of them because we're going to be encouraged in the area of evangelism." [01:21:08] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Words can really shape your life. It's so strengthening. That's why Paul said, I'm doing a bit of a summary right now because I'm finishing the series. And then I'll finish great. Just wait for it. The only thing, the time is not with me today. Paul says in Timothy, I trust you with the commandment and keeping with the previous prophecies about you that by them you will fight the good fight." [01:18:38] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The greatest and the ultimate sign of prophetic maturity is the revelation of Jesus. And that's why it's so important that we have our time together in The Secret Place and also in times like this. The revelation of Jesus. It is all about Jesus. Always was, always will be. It's all about Jesus. Prophecy is about the revelation of Jesus." [01:33:26] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The greatest prophetic revelation and the greatest expression of prophetic maturity is who Jesus is and wants to be for us. See, Jesus wants to reveal himself to you and to me. Through scripture, but also right now, who does he want to be for you and for us as a community right now? Not last week, not next week, right now." [01:36:28] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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