Empowered Community: Transforming Through Spiritual Gifts and Prophecy

Devotional

Day 1: The Kingdom of God is Not a Matter of Talk, But of Power

The Christian life is not about simply hearing good teaching or gaining more information; it is about being transformed by the living God. We are called to move beyond passive listening and allow the Holy Spirit to work powerfully within us, changing us from the inside out. The church is not just a place for spiritual consumption, but a community where God’s power is made manifest as we worship, encourage, and spur one another on. When we gather, our goal is not to be spiritually “informed” but to be “transformed,” so that our lives reflect the reality of God’s presence and power. [07:40]

1 Corinthians 4:20 (ESV)
"For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power."

Reflection: In what area of your life have you settled for “talk” instead of seeking God’s transforming power? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to move in that area today?

Day 2: Spiritual Gifts Are God’s Good Gifts, Used in Love for Others

Spiritual gifts are not our own achievements or talents, but God’s good gifts given to us for the benefit of others. They are meant to be used in love, not for self-promotion or personal gain, but to build up the church and bless the world. Whether you prefer to serve behind the scenes or in the spotlight, your gifts are needed, and when you use them selflessly, everyone is strengthened. The body of Christ is incomplete without each person bringing their unique gifts, and love must always be the guiding principle in how we use them. [36:58]

1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (ESV)
"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good."

Reflection: What is one spiritual gift you sense God has given you? How can you intentionally use it in love to bless someone else this week?

Day 3: Prophecy Builds Up, Encourages, and Comforts the Church

Prophecy is a spiritual gift that is meant to edify, exhort, and console the church. It is not about the prophet’s ego, but about strengthening others, encouraging them to greater things, and bringing comfort in times of need. Prophecy reveals God’s will and brings clarity, sometimes even exposing hidden things for the sake of healing and restoration. When prophecy is practiced in love and humility, it becomes a powerful tool for transformation, drawing people closer to God and building up the entire community. [52:15]

1 Corinthians 14:1-3 (ESV)
"Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation."

Reflection: Who in your life could use encouragement or comfort right now? Ask God for a word or action that would build them up today.

Day 4: Prophecy Must Align with Scripture and Be Delivered in Humility

True prophecy is always inspired by God and will never contradict the Scriptures. It is important to test prophetic words, ensuring they align with God’s revealed truth and are delivered with humility, recognizing that we can sometimes get it wrong. Prophets and those receiving prophecy are both called to humility—prophets should offer words gently, and listeners should discern and test what is said. God gives us agency and expects us to steward prophetic words wisely, never using them to manipulate or control, but always to bless and restore. [01:04:31]

Numbers 23:19 (ESV)
"God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?"

Reflection: When you receive a word of encouragement or correction, do you test it against Scripture and seek God’s confirmation? How can you practice greater humility in both giving and receiving spiritual input?

Day 5: Practicing Prophecy in Community with Love and Courage

Prophecy is not just a concept to be learned, but a practice to be lived out in the context of Christian community. It requires us to step out in faith, listen for the Holy Spirit, and speak with love and clarity—even if we feel awkward or unsure. We are called to pray for one another, ask the Holy Spirit to come, and take risks in sharing what we sense God is saying, always with humility and a willingness to be corrected. As we do this together, the church is strengthened, and God’s presence is made known among us. [01:11:19]

Romans 12:6-8 (ESV)
"Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness."

Reflection: Is there someone in your church community you can pray for and encourage today? Take a step of faith—ask the Holy Spirit to guide you, and share what you sense God is saying, trusting Him with the outcome.

Sermon Summary

Tonight, we gathered to focus our hearts on Jesus, the King of kings, and to remember that all glory belongs to Him alone. As we journey together, God is gently shaping us, sometimes through painful pruning, but always with purpose and love. Our time together is not about simply receiving information or hearing a good talk; it’s about being transformed by the living God. Since Pentecost, the Holy Spirit has been poured out on us, making each of us a living temple. We don’t gather to access God—He is already with us—but to worship, encourage, and spur one another on as a communal people on mission.

The heart of our life together is not talk, but power—the power of God at work in and through us. We are called to be a movement, not just individuals, and our faith is worked out in community. Spiritual gifts are a vital part of this. They are not our own, but God’s good gifts, given to us to be used in love for the benefit of others. Whether you are naturally selfless or selfish, using your spiritual gifts blesses both you and the community. If you withhold your gifts, the whole body suffers; we need each other.

Tonight, we explored the gift of prophecy. Prophecy is a spoken message inspired by God, revealing His will and encouraging or strengthening the hearers. It must be acted upon, not just internalized. True prophecy always aligns with Scripture, reveals God’s will (not our own preferences), and is meant to benefit others, not the one delivering it. There are different types of prophecy: edification (strengthening), exhortation (encouraging to greater things), consolation (comfort), and revelation (bringing hidden things to light). Prophecy can be foretelling (about the future) or forth-telling (revealing what is hidden in the present).

The purpose of prophecy is not to shame or crush, but to draw people into worship and transformation. It builds up the church and can even convict outsiders, leading them to worship God. We must approach prophecy with humility, clarity, and love, always testing what we hear and being willing to admit when we might be wrong. The power of God is in the people of God, and as we step out in faith, listen, discern, and obey, we see the kingdom of God break out among us. Tonight, we practiced this together, praying for one another, listening for the Holy Spirit, and speaking words of encouragement and truth in faith.

Key Takeaways

1. Transformation, Not Information The goal of our gathering is not to become spiritually “fat” with knowledge, but to be transformed by the living God. The Holy Spirit dwells within us, making us living temples, and our faith is meant to be lived out in community, not isolation. When we gather, we are called to encourage, challenge, and spur one another on, so that together we become a movement empowered by God’s presence. [36:58]
2. Spiritual Gifts: God’s Good Gifts for Others Spiritual gifts are not possessions to boast about, but God’s good gifts entrusted to us for the benefit of others. They are meant to be used in love, and when we withhold them, the whole body suffers. Whether you are naturally inclined to serve quietly or enjoy being seen, using your gifts selflessly blesses both you and the community, fulfilling God’s purpose for His church. [48:37]
3. Prophecy: Speaking God’s Heart with Humility Prophecy is a spoken message inspired by God, meant to reveal His will and encourage, strengthen, or comfort others. It must always align with Scripture and be delivered with humility, recognizing that we are vessels, not the source. Prophecy is not about our ego or preferences, but about building up others and drawing them closer to God. [52:15]
4. The Power of Revelation: Foretelling and Forth-telling Prophecy can reveal the future (foretelling) or bring hidden things to light in the present (forth-telling). Both are meant to strengthen and purify the church, not to shame or destroy. When God reveals hidden things, it is to bring healing, restoration, and transformation, leading people to worship and deeper integrity in their walk with Him. [57:50]
5. Practicing Prophecy: Faith, Risk, and Community Moving in the prophetic requires faith, humility, and a willingness to take risks. We must test what we hear, seek clarity, and always offer words with love and humility, allowing others the freedom to discern. Practicing prophecy in community helps us grow, encourages others, and allows the power of God to be manifest among us—not just in talk, but in transformative action. [68:34]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:00] - Opening Prayer and Worship
[04:30] - Introduction: The Purpose of Gathering
[08:15] - The Kingdom: Not Talk, But Power
[13:00] - The Role of the Holy Spirit in Community
[17:45] - Spiritual Gifts: God’s Good Gifts
[22:30] - The Body of Christ: We Need Each Other
[27:10] - Love as the Guideline for Gifts
[32:00] - Defining Prophecy
[36:58] - Prophecy in Scripture and Practice
[48:37] - Four Subtypes of Prophecy
[52:15] - Edification, Exhortation, and Consolation
[55:12] - Revelation: Foretelling and Forth-telling
[57:50] - The Purpose and Power of Revelation
[61:40] - Prophecy vs. Tongues: Building Up the Church
[64:31] - Testing and Discerning Prophecy
[68:34] - How to Practice Prophecy Together
[71:19] - Practical Demonstration and Instructions
[73:58] - Group Practice and Ministry Time
[83:03] - Closing and Dismissal

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

1 Corinthians 12:4-7, 12-14 (ESV) — > Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. ... For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many.

1 Corinthians 14:1-5, 24-25 (ESV) — > Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. 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. Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up. ... But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you.

Observation Questions

According to 1 Corinthians 12, what is the purpose of spiritual gifts in the church?
In 1 Corinthians 14, what are the three main purposes of prophecy as described by Paul?
The sermon described prophecy as having different subtypes: edification, exhortation, consolation, and revelation. What does each of these mean in your own words? ([52:15])
What is the difference between “foretelling” and “forth-telling” in prophecy, as explained in the sermon? ([55:12])

Interpretation Questions

The sermon said, “If you withhold your gifts, the whole body suffers; we need each other.” Why is it so important for everyone to use their spiritual gifts, even if they feel unqualified or nervous? ([36:58])
Prophecy is meant to align with Scripture and be delivered with humility. What are some dangers if prophecy is used without humility or without being tested against Scripture? ([57:50])
The sermon emphasized that prophecy is not about the prophet’s ego or preferences, but about building up others. How can someone check their own motives before sharing a prophetic word? ([52:15])
When prophecy reveals hidden things (forth-telling), the goal is not to shame but to bring healing and transformation. How might this look in a real church community? ([57:50])

Application Questions

The sermon said, “The goal of our gathering is not to become spiritually ‘fat’ with knowledge, but to be transformed by the living God.” In what ways do you tend to focus more on information than transformation? How could you shift your focus this week? ([36:58])
Think about your own spiritual gifts. Are there any gifts you have been hesitant to use? What is one step you could take to use your gifts for the benefit of others in the church this month? ([36:58])
The sermon described prophecy as “a spoken message inspired by God, meant to reveal His will and encourage, strengthen, or comfort others.” Have you ever received a word of encouragement or comfort that felt like it was from God? How did it impact you? ([52:15])
When you sense God might be speaking to you for someone else, what practical steps can you take to ensure you share it with humility and clarity? ([01:04:31])
The sermon encouraged practicing prophecy in community, even if it feels risky or awkward. What fears or hesitations do you have about stepping out in faith in this way? How could you overcome them? ([01:08:34])
The pastor suggested, “If you are praying and you feel you’re receiving a prophetic word that is less encouraging, just sit on that for a minute longer… check back in with the Lord.” How can you discern when to share a word and when to wait? ([01:04:31])
The sermon ended with a practical exercise: praying for one another, listening for the Holy Spirit, and speaking words of encouragement. Would you be willing to try this in your group tonight? What would help you feel more comfortable doing this? ([01:08:34])

Sermon Clips

We don't gather at church so we can have access to God. We don't gather at church because this is the temple. We gather at church so that we can corporately worship, encourage, spur one another on to love and good deeds. We come to church so that together we can become a movement because Christians are never individual—personal, yes; individual, no. [00:39:23] (22 seconds) #TogetherInFaithMovement

God in his grace has decided that human beings are the vehicles and vessels for his mission. That's crazy. Why would he do that? I've been around human beings my whole life—we're terrible. But God has decided that this is how he wants to see his mission lived out. [00:46:12] (16 seconds) #FlawedVesselsForMission

There is nothing helpful about Christians half-heartedly living out a life of faith. In fact, it's really damaging. We need to be way more integrous with the way we live our lives. The purpose of Revelation, friends, is not to crush or kill, but to draw people into worship. That is the purpose. [01:00:02] (17 seconds) #LiveFaithWithIntegrity

You only open up a wound to heal a wound. You clean it up. Chuck an antiseptic on a wound does not feel very good, but it's good for the wound. That's what God is doing. That is the point. Prophecy in the church body is meant to transform hearts and turn them back to God. [01:02:40] (18 seconds) #HealingThroughProphecy

If a prophet is bringing a prophetic word, if you're bringing a prophetic word to somebody, and you think God's speaking to you, say, I think God might be saying this. Don't say, God says. Because when you come down like this, you're telling people they're rejecting God, not you. And that's not true. They might be rejecting God. Or you might be wrong. You need to give people the same agency that, in fact, God gives them. God has given people free will, so you'd better do the same thing. [01:06:12] (28 seconds) #SpeakWithHumility

Take a risk that God is speaking to you and speak it out in faith. Say what you think God is saying. If you get a picture, faithfully say that. Don't over-explain it. You might get a, yesterday I was praying for some people at Hope Valley and had a weird picture of like a black vortex and I was like, okay, that's what the picture is. And then God revealed like a second part of it. I was like, oh, okay. And then to the person, here's how I see you. And I was like, that's it. It's all very well for me to go, the black vortex represents your childhood and the faster it spins, the more you're dwelling. But I'm making that up. Do you know why I would make that up? Because I feel awkward about the picture. I'm like, I don't understand the picture. But guess what? I don't have to. It's God's picture for the other person. I'm just the communicator here. I'm just telling them what I'm seeing. [01:11:06] (56 seconds) #FaithfulToSpeakGodsWord

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

What is the primary purpose of spiritual gifts?

How does prophecy reveal God's will effectively?

What are the key subtypes of prophecy in Scripture?