Empowered for Mission: Embracing Prophecy and Responsibility
Summary
### Summary
Today, we celebrated the commissioning of Andrew and Lily Garrett into our pastoral team. Their dedication and experience in ministry are a testament to God's provision and the fulfillment of His promises for our church. We are in a season of multiplication and acceleration, and God is bringing the right people to help shepherd and empower our community.
We also touched on the importance of prophecy within the church. Prophecy is not just for a select few but is a gift available to all believers. It is a means through which we can hear God's voice and speak His words of encouragement, comfort, and strength to others. The prophetic ministry is essential for building up the church and aligning us with God's purposes.
Furthermore, we discussed the fivefold ministry—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers—as outlined in Ephesians 4. These roles are given by Jesus to equip and mobilize the church for works of service. The goal is to build up the body of Christ until we reach unity in faith and maturity in Christ.
The core of today's message was about taking responsibility. God is calling us to be active participants in His mission, not mere spectators. This involves obedience, discipline, and a willingness to step out in faith. We are to take responsibility for the harvest, for revival, and for the Great Commission. This means being proactive in our spiritual growth, health, and the roles God has given us.
We concluded with a call to action: to get unstuck from whatever is holding us back—fear, unbelief, distractions—and to move forward in faith. As we partake in communion, let it be a symbolic act of stepping out of our comfort zones and into the responsibilities God has placed before us.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Prophecy: Prophecy is a gift available to all believers, not just a select few. It is a powerful tool for hearing God's voice and speaking His words of encouragement, comfort, and strength to others. This gift is essential for building up the church and aligning us with God's purposes. [01:09:15]
2. The Fivefold Ministry: The roles of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers are given by Jesus to equip and mobilize the church for works of service. These roles are crucial for building up the body of Christ until we reach unity in faith and maturity in Christ. [01:14:41]
3. Taking Responsibility: God is calling us to be active participants in His mission, not mere spectators. This involves obedience, discipline, and a willingness to step out in faith. We are to take responsibility for the harvest, for revival, and for the Great Commission. [01:26:26]
4. Getting Unstuck: Many of us are stuck in fear, unbelief, or distractions, which hinder our spiritual growth and effectiveness. We need to get unstuck by stepping out in faith and taking responsibility for the roles God has given us. [01:34:47]
5. Prophetic Partnership: God is looking for partners who will hear His word and activate it in their lives. Our breakthrough is often tied to our obedience. When we align ourselves with God's will and take responsibility for His call, we will see His kingdom come and His will be done in our lives and communities. [01:20:28]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[57:07] - Introduction of Andrew and Lily Garrett
[01:03:29] - Testimonies from Thailand
[01:04:04] - Upcoming AI Seminar
[01:07:07] - Series on the Prophetic
[01:09:59] - Importance of Prophecy
[01:14:41] - The Fivefold Ministry
[01:17:36] - Activation and Mobilization
[01:20:28] - Prophetic Partnership
[01:26:26] - Taking Responsibility
[01:34:47] - Getting Unstuck
[01:39:48] - Call to Salvation and Communion
[01:49:15] - Closing Remarks
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 14:1-3 (NIV)
> "Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit. But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort."
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. Joel 2:28-29 (NIV)
> "And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Corinthians 14:1-3, what is the primary purpose of prophecy within the church?
2. In Ephesians 4:11-13, what are the roles given by Christ meant to achieve within the church?
3. Joel 2:28-29 speaks of a future outpouring of the Spirit. What are the signs of this outpouring mentioned in the passage?
4. From the sermon, what are the key responsibilities that God is calling us to take on as active participants in His mission?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the gift of prophecy, as described in 1 Corinthians 14:1-3, contribute to the overall health and growth of the church community?
2. Ephesians 4:11-13 outlines the fivefold ministry. How do these roles work together to build up the body of Christ, and why is this unity and maturity important?
3. Joel 2:28-29 mentions that both men and women will prophesy. How does this inclusivity impact our understanding of who can participate in prophetic ministry?
4. The sermon emphasized taking responsibility for the harvest and revival. What does it mean to take responsibility in a spiritual context, and how can this be practically applied in our daily lives?
#### Application Questions
1. Prophecy in Practice: Have you ever experienced or given a prophetic word? How did it impact you or the person receiving it? What steps can you take to grow in this gift?
2. Fivefold Ministry: Reflect on your own spiritual gifts. Which of the fivefold ministry roles (apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, teacher) do you feel most aligned with, and how can you use this gift to serve your church community?
3. Taking Responsibility: Identify one area in your spiritual life where you feel called to take more responsibility. What practical steps can you take this week to be more proactive in this area?
4. Getting Unstuck: What are some fears, unbeliefs, or distractions that are currently holding you back in your spiritual journey? How can you address these obstacles and move forward in faith?
5. Prophetic Partnership: Think of a time when you felt God was calling you to partner with Him in a specific task or mission. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? How can you be more attentive and obedient to God's call in the future?
6. Communion as Commitment: During the sermon, communion was presented as a symbolic act of stepping out of comfort zones. How can you use the act of communion to renew your commitment to the responsibilities God has placed before you?
7. Encouraging Others: Who in your life could benefit from a word of encouragement, comfort, or strength? How can you intentionally reach out to them this week with a prophetic word or act of kindness?
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the themes of prophecy, the fivefold ministry, and taking responsibility as active participants in God's mission. Use these questions to foster meaningful discussion and personal growth.
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Prophecy
Prophecy is a gift available to all believers, not just a select few. It is a powerful tool for hearing God's voice and speaking His words of encouragement, comfort, and strength to others. This gift is essential for building up the church and aligning us with God's purposes. Prophecy allows us to be conduits of God's love and wisdom, providing timely words that can uplift and guide those around us. It is a means through which God communicates His heart and intentions, making it a vital aspect of our spiritual lives.
In the church, prophecy should be embraced and practiced with humility and discernment. It is not about predicting the future but about revealing God's will and encouraging others in their faith journey. As believers, we are encouraged to seek this gift and use it to edify the body of Christ. By doing so, we become active participants in God's mission, helping to build a community that is attuned to His voice and aligned with His purposes. [01:09:15]
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: Think of a time when you felt God speaking to you through someone else. How did it impact you, and how can you seek to be a vessel of God's prophetic words to others today?
Day 2: The Fivefold Ministry
The roles of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers are given by Jesus to equip and mobilize the church for works of service. These roles are crucial for building up the body of Christ until we reach unity in faith and maturity in Christ. Each role has a unique function and purpose, contributing to the overall health and growth of the church. Apostles pioneer new works and establish foundations, prophets provide direction and insight, evangelists spread the gospel, pastors shepherd and care for the flock, and teachers impart knowledge and understanding.
Understanding and embracing the fivefold ministry helps the church operate more effectively and cohesively. It ensures that all aspects of spiritual growth and development are addressed, leading to a well-rounded and mature body of believers. By recognizing and honoring these roles, we can better support and encourage those who are called to these ministries, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive and fulfill their God-given purpose. [01:14:41]
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 ministry roles do you feel most drawn to or resonate with? How can you support and encourage those in your church who are called to these roles?
Day 3: Taking Responsibility
God is calling us to be active participants in His mission, not mere spectators. This involves obedience, discipline, and a willingness to step out in faith. We are to take responsibility for the harvest, for revival, and for the Great Commission. This means being proactive in our spiritual growth, health, and the roles God has given us. Taking responsibility requires us to move beyond complacency and engage fully in the work God has set before us.
Being responsible in our faith journey means recognizing the importance of our actions and decisions. It means understanding that we have a role to play in God's plan and that our obedience can have a significant impact on those around us. By taking responsibility, we align ourselves with God's purposes and become effective instruments in His hands, contributing to the advancement of His kingdom. [01:26:26]
Matthew 9:37-38 (ESV): "Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.'"
Reflection: What specific area of your life is God calling you to take more responsibility in? How can you step out in faith and obedience to fulfill this call?
Day 4: Getting Unstuck
Many of us are stuck in fear, unbelief, or distractions, which hinder our spiritual growth and effectiveness. We need to get unstuck by stepping out in faith and taking responsibility for the roles God has given us. Being stuck can manifest in various ways, such as procrastination, doubt, or being overwhelmed by life's challenges. It is essential to identify these barriers and seek God's help to overcome them.
Getting unstuck involves a conscious decision to trust God and move forward despite our fears and uncertainties. It requires us to let go of the things that hold us back and embrace the new opportunities and responsibilities God has for us. By doing so, we can experience spiritual growth and become more effective in our service to God and others. [01:34:47]
Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you feel stuck. What steps can you take today to move forward in faith and overcome this obstacle?
Day 5: Prophetic Partnership
God is looking for partners who will hear His word and activate it in their lives. Our breakthrough is often tied to our obedience. When we align ourselves with God's will and take responsibility for His call, we will see His kingdom come and His will be done in our lives and communities. Prophetic partnership involves a deep relationship with God, where we are attuned to His voice and willing to act on His instructions.
Being in prophetic partnership with God means being open to His guidance and ready to respond to His promptings. It requires a heart of obedience and a willingness to step out in faith, even when it is challenging. As we partner with God in this way, we become agents of change and transformation, bringing His love, truth, and power to those around us. [01:20:28]
Amos 3:7 (ESV): "For the Lord God does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with God to better hear and respond to His voice? What steps can you take to become a more active partner in His mission?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "God is in the business of loving on people. God is in the business of encouraging people, comforting people, strengthening people. So the prophetic and any encouragement, really, that you can give to people, God is totally into that stuff because he wants to love on people and build his church. Can I have a good amen? So good." [01:08:31] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God wants us to take responsibility for everything he's told us and particularly the great commission he's given us. He wants us to take responsibility for the harvest. He wants us to take responsibility for revival. It's not going to be any revival without you and me." [01:26:26] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God honors obedience because it shows your trust in him. Obedience. Obedience. It shows your faith in him. Without faith, it's impossible to please God. And it shows why it actually releases the destiny in your life." [01:24:30] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God is looking for partners. He is looking for partners, you and me, who will activate, who will see His kingdom come and His will be done in our community. Those who want to create the future of God, those who want to shape the future that God sees for our world, that He wants partnership." [01:19:49] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The time of pew sitting is over. Now, it doesn't mean you don't sit in the pew like this because that's just the organization. We can also take away all these chairs and next week you stand for one and a half hours, but then people will start to complain. So, I know, it's like I said. But anyway, so it's not like this. And I'm not talking about you can't sit in the pew, but the thing is now, you can sit in the pew and then walk out again and that's your little religious thing for the week. That is not church. That is not church. Church is you are the church. Wherever you are, you are the church." [01:18:06] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "So I want to encourage you, particularly in life groups, that we can practice. You can't fail. No problem. Don't fail. Not don't fail. You can't fail. Because God always wants to use you to encourage people through you. So powerful in this way." [01:12:11] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I heard Jesus tell me, the other day, I heard Jesus saying very clearly to me, he says, the time of pew sitting is over. Now, it doesn't mean you don't sit in the pew like this because that's just the organization. We can also take away all these chairs and next week you stand for one and a half hours, but then people will start to complain. So, I know, it's like I said. But anyway, so it's not like this. And I'm not talking about you can't sit in the pew, but the thing is now, you can sit in the pew and then walk out again and that's your little religious thing for the week. That is not church. That is not church. Church is you are the church. Wherever you are, you are the church. But then you come to church. We are the church. We come to church and at church here, we have fellowship, teaching, worship, but we are encouraged, empowered in the Holy Spirit, inspired by the word of God and preaching and blah, blah, blah. And then you go out again because you're ready for the new week and you can see God move in your life and through your life. That's the purpose of getting together. Can I have a good amen? Amen." [01:18:06] (58 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So powerful in this way. Catherine started another School of the Prophets last week. Thirty people, five women, twelve are already on the waiting list. Because it's full, you can't do more than thirty really. It's just too many. Isn't it exciting? Now people are starting to ask us, outside of church, will you teach us? So we may do a citywide one for Catherine to teach people in this way. And we've been asked to do something in Kuching in May." [01:12:34] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God wants us to take responsibility for everything he's told us and particularly the great commission he's given us. He wants us to take responsibility for the harvest. He wants us to take responsibility for revival. It's not going to be any revival without you and me. That's why Andrew and Lindy come on board. Come on. More revival. They will stir you. The thing is though, we all need to be stirred. It's not about the pastors. It's about all of us. I've got a role. You've got a role in life to play. There's different roles. This is my role. That's your role. It's all good. But the thing is though, we need to encourage one another and take responsibility and partner with God in this way." [01:27:00] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God is looking for partners. He is looking for partners, you and me, who will activate, who will see His kingdom come and His will be done in our community. Those who want to create the future of God, those who want to shape the future that God sees for our world, that He wants partnership. That's why I preached two weeks ago about prophetic partnership. It is those who can hear the word of God, the prophecy that God is speaking both through His word but also right now by His Spirit and then say, yes, sir. Remember, yes, sir. And do the things that God wants us to do and activate that word. He wants partners who believe Him, who trust Him, who say yes we'll do this thing together. Fully abandoned to the purpose of God, fully aligned, surrendered and obedient to the call of God." [01:19:49] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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