Living a Prophetic Life: Hearing God's Voice
Summary
### Summary
This morning, we delved into the profound topic of living a prophetic life. We began by acknowledging the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that God is always speaking to us. As believers, we are all called to live prophetically, which means being attuned to God's voice and allowing His Spirit to guide us. The tearing of the veil signifies our direct access to the Holy of Holies, enabling us to hear God's voice and follow His lead.
We explored the significance of prophecy in the church, highlighting that it is meant to edify, encourage, and comfort the body of Christ. Prophecy involves both foretelling future events and forth-telling, which is declaring God's truth into our present circumstances. We discussed the importance of stewarding prophetic words well, ensuring they align with Scripture and are delivered with humility and love.
The role of prophecy is not for personal gain or manipulation but to build up the church and bring unity and purpose. We must eagerly desire and cultivate the gift of prophecy, understanding that it requires accountability and discernment. Prophetic maturity involves not just the ability to prophesy but also the wisdom to test and evaluate prophetic words.
We also touched on the various ways God communicates with us, including through dreams, nature, and even everyday activities. The prophetic is about calling out the real person God sees, not the persona we present to the world. It is about revealing Jesus in ourselves and others, and ultimately, it is an act of love.
As we concluded, we invited everyone to open their hearts to the Spirit's leading and to practice prophesying over themselves. We prayed for a fresh activation of the prophetic in our lives, asking God to align us with His purposes and to use us as instruments of His peace and comfort.
### Key Takeaways
1. God is Always Speaking: We are called to live prophetically, which means being constantly attuned to God's voice. The tearing of the veil signifies our direct access to God's presence, allowing us to hear and follow His guidance. This access is a profound privilege that transforms our spiritual journey. [01:01:53]
2. The Purpose of Prophecy: Prophecy is meant to edify, encourage, and comfort the church. It involves both foretelling future events and forth-telling God's truth into our present circumstances. Prophetic words should align with Scripture and be delivered with humility and love, aiming to build up the body of Christ. [01:04:42]
3. Stewarding Prophetic Words: Prophetic words require careful stewardship. They should be tested and held lightly, prayed into, and not accepted as a fait accompli. This discernment ensures that we align with God's will and avoid the misuse of prophecy, which can lead to confusion and harm. [01:10:28]
4. Prophetic Accountability: Prophetic maturity involves not just the ability to prophesy but also the wisdom to test and evaluate prophetic words. Accountability within a prophetic community is crucial to ensure that prophetic words are accurate and edifying. This builds trust and safety within the church. [01:24:09]
5. Revealing Jesus Through Prophecy: The ultimate goal of prophecy is to reveal Jesus in ourselves and others. It is an act of love that calls out the real person God sees, not the persona we present. Prophecy should create worlds with our words, bringing comfort, strength, and alignment with God's purposes. [01:34:08]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[57:57] - Opening Prayer and Introduction
[58:54] - Living a Prophetic Life
[01:00:08] - The Value of the Prophetic
[01:01:53] - The Tearing of the Veil
[01:02:51] - Prayer Releases Power
[01:03:49] - Importance of Prophecy
[01:04:42] - Foretelling and Forth-telling
[01:05:43] - Believing for Revival
[01:07:23] - Equipping for Revival
[01:07:56] - Edification of the Church
[01:08:42] - Praying in Tongues
[01:09:44] - Testing Prophetic Words
[01:11:05] - Personal Testimony
[01:13:45] - Prophetic Words and Impact
[01:14:33] - Unity and Purpose
[01:15:17] - Misuse of Prophecy
[01:16:43] - Prophesying into the Future
[01:18:06] - Stewarding Prophetic Words
[01:19:08] - Different Ways God Speaks
[01:20:18] - God Knows the Real You
[01:21:13] - Personal Prophetic Experience
[01:23:27] - Humility and Love in Prophecy
[01:24:09] - Building a Prophetic Community
[01:25:59] - Walking Worthy of the Calling
[01:26:18] - Practicing Prophecy
[01:27:03] - School of the Prophets
[01:27:30] - Activation Exercise
[01:32:53] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 14:1-5 (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. Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.
2. John 10:27 (NIV)
> My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
3. 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.
### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Corinthians 14:1-5, what are the purposes of prophecy within the church?
2. In John 10:27, what does Jesus say about His sheep and His voice?
3. What roles are mentioned in Ephesians 4:11-13, and what is their purpose in the church?
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the tearing of the veil, as mentioned in the sermon, relate to our ability to hear God's voice according to John 10:27?
2. Why is it important for prophetic words to align with Scripture and be delivered with humility and love, as emphasized in 1 Corinthians 14:1-5?
3. How does the concept of prophetic accountability, as discussed in the sermon, help build trust and safety within the church community?
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God was speaking to you. How did you discern His voice among the many voices in your life?
2. How can you cultivate a greater desire for the gift of prophecy in your own spiritual journey, as encouraged in 1 Corinthians 14:1?
3. What steps can you take to ensure that any prophetic words you receive or share are tested and aligned with Scripture?
4. In what ways can you contribute to building a prophetic community that values accountability and discernment?
5. Think of someone in your life who could benefit from a word of encouragement or comfort. How can you practice forth-telling God's truth into their present circumstances this week?
6. How can you create a habit of listening to God's voice in your daily activities, such as through prayer, reading Scripture, or being attentive to the Holy Spirit's leading?
7. What specific actions can you take to reveal Jesus in your interactions with others, using the prophetic as an act of love and encouragement?
Devotional
Day 1: Attuning to God's Voice
Living prophetically means being constantly attuned to God's voice. The tearing of the veil signifies our direct access to God's presence, allowing us to hear and follow His guidance. This access is a profound privilege that transforms our spiritual journey. As believers, we are called to live in a state of spiritual sensitivity, always listening for the Holy Spirit's promptings. This requires a heart that is open and willing to be led by God in every aspect of our lives. By cultivating a lifestyle of prayer and meditation on God's Word, we can become more attuned to His voice and direction.
The tearing of the veil in the temple at the moment of Jesus' death symbolizes the removal of barriers between God and humanity. This act grants us direct access to the Holy of Holies, where we can commune with God without intermediaries. It is a call to live in constant awareness of His presence and to seek His guidance in all things. This profound truth should inspire us to deepen our relationship with God and to be more intentional in listening for His voice in our daily lives. [01:01:53]
Hebrews 10:19-22 (ESV): "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."
Reflection: How can you create space in your daily routine to listen for God's voice more intentionally?
Day 2: The Purpose of Prophecy
Prophecy is meant to edify, encourage, and comfort the church. It involves both foretelling future events and forth-telling God's truth into our present circumstances. Prophetic words should align with Scripture and be delivered with humility and love, aiming to build up the body of Christ. The role of prophecy is not for personal gain or manipulation but to bring unity and purpose to the church. By understanding the true purpose of prophecy, we can better appreciate its value and seek to cultivate this gift in a way that honors God and serves others.
Prophecy serves as a powerful tool for the edification of the church. It provides encouragement and comfort, helping believers to navigate their spiritual journeys with greater clarity and confidence. When delivered with humility and love, prophetic words can bring healing and restoration to individuals and communities. It is essential to ensure that prophetic messages align with Scripture, as this provides a safeguard against misuse and ensures that the words spoken are truly from God. [01:04:42]
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 a time when you received a word of encouragement or comfort. How did it impact your faith journey, and how can you offer similar encouragement to others?
Day 3: Stewarding Prophetic Words
Prophetic words require careful stewardship. They should be tested and held lightly, prayed into, and not accepted as a fait accompli. This discernment ensures that we align with God's will and avoid the misuse of prophecy, which can lead to confusion and harm. It is important to approach prophetic words with a heart of humility and a willingness to seek God's confirmation. By doing so, we can ensure that we are accurately hearing from God and not being led astray by our own desires or misunderstandings.
Stewarding prophetic words involves a process of testing and discernment. This means seeking confirmation through prayer, Scripture, and the counsel of trusted spiritual leaders. It is important to hold prophetic words lightly, recognizing that they are subject to human interpretation and can sometimes be misunderstood. By approaching prophecy with humility and a desire to align with God's will, we can avoid the pitfalls of misuse and ensure that prophetic words are used to build up the church and bring glory to God. [01:10:28]
1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 (ESV): "Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good."
Reflection: How can you practice discernment and seek confirmation when you receive a prophetic word?
Day 4: Prophetic Accountability
Prophetic maturity involves not just the ability to prophesy but also the wisdom to test and evaluate prophetic words. Accountability within a prophetic community is crucial to ensure that prophetic words are accurate and edifying. This builds trust and safety within the church. By fostering a culture of accountability, we can create an environment where prophetic gifts are nurtured and used responsibly. This involves being open to feedback and correction, as well as seeking the input of others when discerning the validity of a prophetic word.
Accountability is essential in the prophetic ministry to maintain integrity and avoid the potential for harm. It involves submitting prophetic words to the scrutiny of trusted spiritual leaders and the broader community. This process helps to ensure that prophetic messages are accurate and align with God's will. By fostering a culture of accountability, we can create a safe space for the prophetic to flourish, where individuals feel supported and encouraged to grow in their gifting. [01:24:09]
1 Corinthians 14:29 (ESV): "Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said."
Reflection: How can you contribute to a culture of accountability and support within your church's prophetic community?
Day 5: Revealing Jesus Through Prophecy
The ultimate goal of prophecy is to reveal Jesus in ourselves and others. It is an act of love that calls out the real person God sees, not the persona we present. Prophecy should create worlds with our words, bringing comfort, strength, and alignment with God's purposes. By focusing on revealing Jesus through prophecy, we can ensure that our words are life-giving and transformative. This involves speaking truth in love and seeking to build up others in their faith journey.
Prophecy is a powerful tool for revealing Jesus and calling out the true identity of individuals as seen by God. It goes beyond surface-level observations and speaks to the heart of who a person is in Christ. By prophesying with love and compassion, we can help others to see themselves through God's eyes and to step into their God-given purpose. This transformative power of prophecy can bring healing, encouragement, and a deeper understanding of God's love and grace. [01:34:08]
Ephesians 4:15 (ESV): "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ."
Reflection: How can you use your words to reveal Jesus and call out the true identity of those around you?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "God is always speaking. And one of our kingdom culture values is His Word is our foundation. And Jesus is the Word. How good is that? We're all believers are actually called to the prophetic life. And we are the people of the Spirit." (22 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Prayer releases power. It's another one of our kingdom culture values. We can hear His voice and we can follow it. In John 10, it says, My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. This morning, I just want to invite you to open your hearts to the Spirit's leading because we're going to ask God to do something of the extraordinary and something special to be released here and parted into this room this morning." (33 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Prophecy is about telling and also causing the future. It's having our eyes on and our ears open to see and to hear. Our spiritual journey of transformation is all about leaning into God and listening to His voice through His Spirit. And He has made this possible by coming and the veil being torn." (27 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Prophecy is not for our own promotion or platform. And it's not to be used, it's used to manipulate or control others. There's clearly been a misuse over decades of the prophetic, which has made people feel very nervous and anxious about it. And in fact, I've seen this in a church that we were part of. It was really flowing in the gifts of the spirit and the prophetic until one time somebody, somebody, somebody came up and they gave a prophetic word." (42 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The prophetic can spark revival and a renewed passion for God within the church and community. In Corinthians, it says, it is good that you are enthusiastic and passionate about spiritual gifts, especially prophecy. Cultivate, we need to cultivate a hunger for the prophetic, by spending time in prayer and scripture, and encourage everyone to eagerly desire and pray for the gift of prophecy." (30 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Prophecy is the act of receiving and communicating a message from God. It involves the revelation of divine insight or foresight. Often concerning future events, it can be guidance, it can be correction, it can be encouragement intended to edify and build up individuals or communities. In this sense, our community. It includes both foretelling and forth-telling." (29 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We are called to eagerly desire the gift of prophecy. And prophecy should be welcomed and tested, not dismissed, or taken lightly. Years ago, when I was in YWAM, I was praying to go on outreach. Georgia, you'd understand that. And when you come to the outreach phase of a discipleship training school, you're asked to pray about what location you're going to go to. And there'll be different options given." (40 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Prophetic words help to build up the church, bringing people together in unity and purpose. And they provide direction, clarity for the church's mission and vision. Prophecy is not for our own promotion or platform. And it's not to be used, it's used to manipulate or control others." (42 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The prophetic is also a form to look at prophesying into the future, prophesying what, is to come. And if we look at the recent revivals that have happened, so many of them have actually been prophesied. They've actually been prophesied. Oh, I talked about, and on Mother's Day, I talked about the revival at Asbury. Who's heard of the Asbury revival? Thousands and thousands of people have been impacted by that. And yet that was actually prophesied and prayed for, for 24-7, for 100 years." (44 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Prophetic words should be delivered with humility and love. They should align with Scripture and be open to testing and discernment from a prophetic community. So one of the reasons I'm training School of the Prophets, I'm not training you to be a prophet because to be a prophet that's a gift but everybody's called to be prophetic. Okay? So the thing with that is I'm building accountability in there." (32 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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