Embracing the Power of Prophecy in Community
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone! What a joy it is to see you all here today. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers who made last night's fiesta a grand success. We celebrated the beautiful diversity of our church, which includes about 30 different cultures. Special thanks to Paul for his generous contributions and to the entire team for their hard work.
Today, we conclude our series on the prophetic, which evolved from our discussions on the power of prayer. The prophetic is crucial because it strengthens, encourages, and comforts the church. Paul emphasizes in Corinthians that prophecy builds up the entire church, unlike speaking in tongues, which edifies the individual. Last week, I noticed that only about 10% of you had given or received a prophecy. This should be a normal part of our Christian life. Prophetic words are powerful because they are direct communications from God, encouraging us and guiding us in our spiritual journey.
Catherine recently highlighted the difference between the gift of prophecy, which everyone can exercise, and the office of a prophet, which is one of the fivefold ministries given by Jesus to equip the church. These fivefold ministries—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers—are essential for the church's growth and maturity. They are not about elitism but about serving and equipping the body of Christ.
We must take responsibility for the prophetic words spoken over us. These words help us fight the good fight, as Paul advised Timothy. They serve as anchors for our souls, especially during challenging times. We need to be proactive in our spiritual lives, seeking God in our secret places, and being part of a community that encourages and builds us up.
The ultimate purpose of prophecy is the revelation of Jesus. The book of Revelation is not just about end times but about revealing who Jesus is. As we grow in our knowledge of Him, we are transformed from glory to glory. This transformation is not automatic; it requires contending and positioning ourselves to hear from God.
In conclusion, the prophetic is not just about foretelling the future but about revealing Jesus and His plans for us. Let's be partners with God, taking responsibility for the prophetic words spoken over us, and striving to know Him better every day.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Prophecy: Prophecy is a powerful tool that strengthens, encourages, and comforts the church. It is a direct communication from God, providing guidance and encouragement. We should strive to make prophecy a normal part of our Christian life, as it builds up the entire church. [41:16]
2. Fivefold Ministry: The fivefold ministries—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers—are essential for the church's growth and maturity. These roles are not about elitism but about serving and equipping the body of Christ. Each ministry has a unique role in building up the church. [45:00]
3. Responsibility in Prophecy: We must take responsibility for the prophetic words spoken over us. These words serve as anchors for our souls, especially during challenging times. By partnering with God and being proactive in our spiritual lives, we can move forward in His purposes. [43:51]
4. Revelation of Jesus: The ultimate purpose of prophecy is the revelation of Jesus. The book of Revelation is not just about end times but about revealing who Jesus is. As we grow in our knowledge of Him, we are transformed from glory to glory, aligning ourselves with His plans. [01:01:20]
5. Contending for Prophetic Words: Receiving prophetic words requires contending and positioning ourselves to hear from God. This involves spending time in our secret places, being part of a community, and being proactive in our spiritual lives. The transformation is not automatic; it requires effort and dedication. [55:38]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[36:35] - Celebrating Diversity
[37:59] - Upcoming Travels and Prayer Requests
[40:32] - Series on the Prophetic
[41:16] - The Power of Prophecy
[43:51] - Prophecies as Anchors
[45:00] - Fivefold Ministry
[47:14] - Fullness in Christ
[49:01] - Partnership with God
[51:42] - Responsibility in Prophecy
[55:38] - Contending for Prophetic Words
[01:01:20] - Revelation of Jesus
[01:06:52] - Invitation to Accept Jesus
[01:08:43] - Closing Prayer and Celebration
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. 1 Timothy 1:18-19 (NIV): "Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well, holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith."
#### 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. In 1 Timothy 1:18-19, what does Paul advise Timothy to do with the prophecies spoken over him?
4. The sermon mentioned that prophecy should be a normal part of our Christian life. How many people in the congregation had given or received a prophecy according to the pastor? [41:50]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the role of prophecy differ from speaking in tongues according to 1 Corinthians 14:3-4? Why might prophecy be more beneficial for the church as a whole?
2. Ephesians 4:11-13 speaks about the fivefold ministry. How do these roles contribute to the maturity and unity of the church? [45:00]
3. Paul tells Timothy to use the prophecies spoken over him to "fight the good fight." How can prophetic words serve as anchors during challenging times? [43:51]
4. The sermon emphasized the ultimate purpose of prophecy as the revelation of Jesus. How does this align with the description of Jesus in the book of Revelation? [01:01:20]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you received a prophetic word. How did it impact your faith and actions? If you haven't received one, how do you feel about the idea of prophecy in your spiritual life? [41:50]
2. The sermon mentioned the importance of taking responsibility for prophetic words. What steps can you take to actively contend for and position yourself to hear from God? [55:38]
3. How can you incorporate the practice of prophecy into your daily Christian life to strengthen and encourage others in your community? [41:16]
4. The fivefold ministry is essential for the church's growth. Which of these roles do you feel most drawn to, and how can you develop in that area to serve the body of Christ? [45:00]
5. The pastor mentioned the need for a proactive spiritual life, including seeking God in secret places and being part of a community. What specific actions can you take this week to deepen your relationship with God and engage with your church community? [53:04]
6. The sermon highlighted the revelation of Jesus as the ultimate purpose of prophecy. How can you focus more on knowing Jesus better in your daily life, and what changes might you need to make to prioritize this? [01:01:20]
7. Consider the idea of prophetic partnership mentioned in the sermon. How can you partner with God and others in your church to fulfill the prophetic words spoken over your life and community? [48:24]
Devotional
### Day 1: The Power of Prophecy
Prophecy is a powerful tool that strengthens, encourages, and comforts the church. It is a direct communication from God, providing guidance and encouragement. We should strive to make prophecy a normal part of our Christian life, as it builds up the entire church. [41:16]
Prophecy is not just about predicting the future; it is about hearing from God and sharing His heart with others. When we receive a prophetic word, it can bring clarity, direction, and encouragement to our lives. It is a way for God to speak directly to us, providing guidance and comfort in times of need. The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of prophecy in 1 Corinthians, stating that it builds up the entire church, unlike speaking in tongues, which edifies the individual. This means that prophecy has a communal aspect, strengthening the body of Christ as a whole.
In our daily lives, we should be open to receiving and giving prophetic words. This requires us to be attentive to God's voice and willing to share what we hear with others. By doing so, we can help build up our church community and support one another in our spiritual journeys. Prophecy should be a normal part of our Christian life, not something reserved for a select few. It is a gift that God has given to all believers, and we should use it to encourage and strengthen one another.
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 from someone. How did it impact your life? Can you ask God to use you to encourage someone else today through a prophetic word?
### Day 2: Fivefold Ministry
The fivefold ministries—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers—are essential for the church's growth and maturity. These roles are not about elitism but about serving and equipping the body of Christ. Each ministry has a unique role in building up the church. [45:00]
The fivefold ministry is a concept found in Ephesians 4:11-13, where Paul outlines the roles of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. These roles are given by Jesus to equip the saints for the work of ministry and to build up the body of Christ. Each of these ministries has a unique function and is essential for the growth and maturity of the church. Apostles are sent to establish and oversee churches, prophets provide direction and encouragement, evangelists spread the gospel, pastors shepherd the flock, and teachers instruct in the Word of God.
These roles are not about creating a hierarchy or promoting elitism within the church. Instead, they are about serving and equipping the body of Christ. Each ministry works together to help believers grow in their faith and become more like Jesus. When all five ministries are functioning properly, the church can reach its full potential and fulfill its mission in the world.
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: Which of the fivefold ministries do you feel most drawn to or equipped for? How can you use your gifts to serve and build up your church community?
### Day 3: Responsibility in Prophecy
We must take responsibility for the prophetic words spoken over us. These words serve as anchors for our souls, especially during challenging times. By partnering with God and being proactive in our spiritual lives, we can move forward in His purposes. [43:51]
When we receive a prophetic word, it is important to take responsibility for it. This means not just hearing the word but also acting on it and allowing it to guide our lives. Prophetic words can serve as anchors for our souls, providing stability and direction during challenging times. They remind us of God's promises and help us stay focused on His purposes for our lives.
Taking responsibility for prophetic words involves partnering with God and being proactive in our spiritual lives. This means seeking God in our secret places, spending time in prayer and worship, and being part of a community that encourages and builds us up. It also means contending for the prophetic words spoken over us, not just passively waiting for them to come to pass. We must actively pursue God's will and align our lives with His plans.
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: Think of a prophetic word that has been spoken over you. How can you take responsibility for it and actively pursue God's will in your life today?
### Day 4: Revelation of Jesus
The ultimate purpose of prophecy is the revelation of Jesus. The book of Revelation is not just about end times but about revealing who Jesus is. As we grow in our knowledge of Him, we are transformed from glory to glory, aligning ourselves with His plans. [01:01:20]
Prophecy is ultimately about revealing Jesus and His plans for us. The book of Revelation, often associated with end times, is actually a revelation of Jesus Christ. It shows us who He is, His character, and His purposes for the world. As we grow in our knowledge of Jesus, we are transformed from glory to glory, becoming more like Him and aligning ourselves with His plans.
This transformation is not automatic; it requires us to contend and position ourselves to hear from God. We must spend time in our secret places, seeking His presence and listening to His voice. As we do so, we will gain a deeper understanding of who Jesus is and what He desires for our lives. This revelation will guide us and help us navigate the challenges and opportunities we face.
Revelation 1:1-3 (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. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near."
Reflection: How can you position yourself to receive a deeper revelation of Jesus today? What steps can you take to grow in your knowledge of Him and align your life with His plans?
### Day 5: Contending for Prophetic Words
Receiving prophetic words requires contending and positioning ourselves to hear from God. This involves spending time in our secret places, being part of a community, and being proactive in our spiritual lives. The transformation is not automatic; it requires effort and dedication. [55:38]
Receiving and acting on prophetic words is not a passive process. It requires us to contend and position ourselves to hear from God. This means spending time in our secret places, seeking His presence, and listening to His voice. It also involves being part of a community that encourages and builds us up, providing support and accountability as we pursue God's will.
Transformation through prophetic words is not automatic; it requires effort and dedication. We must be proactive in our spiritual lives, actively seeking God's guidance and aligning our actions with His purposes. This may involve making changes in our daily routines, setting aside time for prayer and worship, and being intentional about our spiritual growth. By contending for prophetic words, we can experience the fullness of God's plans for our lives.
Jeremiah 29:12-13 (ESV): "Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to contend for the prophetic words spoken over you? How can you position yourself to hear from God and actively pursue His will in your life?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "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. You paid for it. Once and for all. Your debt is paid. Your sins are forgiven. Once and for all. So that's not the main purpose was fullness. He wants us to fullness that Jesus says in John 10, 10, that they might have abundant of life." [47:14] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "No eye has seen, no ear has heard. I'll tell you the last way. No mind is conceived. No, no, no, no, um, no ears heard. I've seen, uh, mind is 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. It's one of my favorite scriptures in my life. This one, because I want to see with the eyes of Jesus. I want to hear with the ears of Jesus. I want to hear his heart. I want to hear his mind, the mind of Christ." [55:38] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus is coming. We're going to release a book very soon. A friend of mine wrote a book about Revelation, a whole bunch of books. He's going to be here releasing a book in September. I thought, man, you're daring. I said, well, somebody's got to talk about Jesus is coming back. Now, we don't know when exactly, right? But the thing is though, he's coming back, right? But the thing is though, there is a sense of revelation of Jesus in this way also as we, anyway, later about this kind of stuff in this way." [01:00:20] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "For God so loved the world that he gave his Son Jesus Christ, so that anybody who believes in him and receives him will have everlasting life. If you confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord and you believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Is there anybody in this hall, you said, Man, I need to be saved. I want to see Jesus. I want to receive Jesus. Put up your hand up right now. I'm going to pray with you in a second." [01:07:28] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "He says, you'll be my witnesses. So let's be witnesses. It's more like an evangelistic talk, isn't it? Pastor Luke, Pastor Luke very much got a call on evangelism on his life. And he, we're looking at training and evangelism, the whole, our whole church and blah, blah, blah. But the thing is though, he's got a call like this. Every time he talks, he talks about all these miracles and all these things happening. So he's like this, this mobilizer in the evangelistic thing and evangelism to get people to say, Hey, God is still seeking. Jesus is still seeking lost people, you know?" [54:28] (26 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 giving, 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. And that's why the prayer meetings are so important. That's why your secret place is so important. That's why this meeting is so important. That's what people talking over you prophet prophetically is so important because when we get the prophecies of God and the words of God, then we are able to be strengthened and then move forward in the purposes of God, knowing that he has spoken, which means that he is with us." [48:24] (38 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 and to do. It's not the main one. We need all five of them because we're going to be encouraged in the area of evangelism. The apostolic is able to see, build stuff and to be able to have faith, to break forth from the supernatural and build a culture like this. The prophetic can really hear the voice of God like the prophet is, so there's not a level that all of us, it's not a level, you know, and like this and can train the people like Catherine's doing with the school and then the pastors and then the teachers are trained, you know, by the stuff and train us. So it's a training. It's a mobilizing gifts, activation gifts. That's all there is. They're roles." [46:39] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "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 church. 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. The revelation of Jesus. And when you prophesy over people, you see the power of God in people." [01:05:19] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The greatest prophetic revelation and the greatest expression of prophetic maturity is those, is who Jesus is. It's about 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. Because there's an active movement of the Spirit. What is Jesus saying? What part of him is he showing to us right now? And we need to see him right now to unlock the things that God has for us for the future in this way." [01:01:20] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We need to take responsibility for revival. It's not just going to happen. I'll keep saying it, guys, until it happens. Because God has spoke about revival, about awakening, about abundance and about outpouring. So if he speaks, it is going to happen. But it's first going to happen with moi. Moi is French for me. Moi. It's going to happen with me first. So how are we going to be responsible in positioning our own heart, our own mind, our own life to be able to be encouraged and flamed? The outpouring of the Holy Spirit." [53:04] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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