The Enduring Gift of Prophecy in the Church

In today's session, we explored the enduring relevance of the gift of prophecy and the role of prophets in the modern church. The gift of prophecy, as described in the New Testament, remains valid today, though it must be exercised with discernment and in accordance with biblical guidelines. While the foundational gift of perfectly receiving and transmitting God's word with universal authority ceased with the completion of the New Testament, the prophetic gift continues to serve the church by providing timely, Spirit-led insights that are not on par with Scripture but are valuable for edification.

The New Testament provides examples of prophecy being exercised in the early church, such as in Corinth and Rome, where believers spoke prophetic words that were not recorded as Scripture. This indicates that prophecy serves a different function than the authoritative words of the apostles. The prophetic gift should be judged and discerned within the community of believers, ensuring it aligns with biblical truth and does not detract from the authority and sufficiency of Scripture.

Regarding the recognition of prophets today, wisdom and common sense suggest caution. Labeling individuals as prophets can lead to unhealthy dynamics within the church, where either the individual or the community may develop an unhealthy focus on the title rather than the function. Instead, the focus should be on the exercise of the prophetic gift in a way that builds up the church and aligns with New Testament principles.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The gift of prophecy is still valid today, serving as a means for God to communicate timely insights to His people. However, it must be exercised with discernment and in accordance with biblical guidelines, ensuring it does not equate to the authority of Scripture. [04:26]
• 2. The foundational gift of perfectly receiving and transmitting God's word ceased with the completion of the New Testament. This foundational work, accomplished through the apostles and prophets, provided the Scriptures we have today. [06:53]
• 3. Prophecy in the New Testament was often exercised in a way that was not recorded as Scripture, indicating its role as a timely, Spirit-led insight rather than an authoritative declaration for all believers. [09:16]
• 4. Recognizing individuals as prophets today can lead to unhealthy dynamics within the church. It is more beneficial to focus on the exercise of the prophetic gift rather than titles, ensuring it aligns with biblical truth and builds up the church. [13:03]
• 5. The prophetic gift should be judged and discerned within the community of believers, ensuring it aligns with biblical truth and does not detract from the authority and sufficiency of Scripture. [11:20]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:16] - Introduction and Purpose
• [00:55] - About David Guzik
• [02:31] - Lead Question: Prophecy Today
• [03:11] - Clarifying Beliefs on Prophecy
• [04:26] - Is the Gift of Prophecy Still Valid?
• [06:53] - Foundational Work of Apostles and Prophets
• [08:00] - Cessationist Perspective
• [09:16] - Prophecy in the New Testament
• [11:20] - Judging Prophetic Words
• [12:45] - Recognizing Prophets Today
• [14:29] - Wisdom in Recognizing Prophets
• [15:36] - Transition to Audience Questions
• [16:09] - Saul and the Medium of Endor
• [18:42] - Balancing Work and Worship
• [21:09] - Concerns About Applied Kinesiology
• [23:38] - Walking in Unforgiveness
• [27:46] - Rhema and Logos
• [30:34] - Tithing and Generosity
• [34:52] - Israelites in the Wilderness
• [38:16] - Sharing the Gospel
• [40:11] - Attending Church Without Spouse
• [42:52] - Isaiah 66:17 and Dietary Laws
• [46:44] - David's Spiritual Decline
• [49:24] - Predestination and Salvation
• [51:44] - Lightning Round Questions
• [59:33] - Praying the Lord's Prayer
• [61:22] - Closing Remarks

1. Ephesians 2:20 - "having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone."
2. 1 Corinthians 14:29-33 - "Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said."
3. 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 - "Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good."

1. According to the sermon, what is the distinction between the foundational gift of prophecy and the ongoing gift of prophecy in the church today? ([06:53])
2. How does the sermon describe the role of prophecy in the early church, particularly in Corinth and Rome? ([09:16])
3. What are the potential dangers mentioned in the sermon of labeling individuals as prophets in the modern church? ([13:03])
4. How does the sermon suggest the prophetic gift should be exercised within the community of believers? ([11:20])

1. What does Ephesians 2:20 suggest about the role of apostles and prophets in the foundation of the church, and how does this relate to the cessation of the foundational gift of prophecy? ([06:53])
2. In 1 Corinthians 14:29-33, Paul instructs the church to weigh what is said by prophets. How might this practice look in a modern church setting, and why is it important?
3. The sermon mentions that prophecy should not detract from the authority and sufficiency of Scripture. How can the church ensure that prophetic words are aligned with biblical truth? ([11:20])
4. How does the sermon suggest that wisdom and common sense should guide the recognition of prophets today, and what might be the consequences of failing to do so? ([13:03])

1. Reflect on a time when you received a word of prophecy or spiritual insight. How did you discern its validity, and what steps did you take to ensure it aligned with Scripture? ([11:20])
2. The sermon warns against the unhealthy dynamics that can arise from labeling individuals as prophets. How can your church community focus on the function of the prophetic gift rather than titles? ([13:03])
3. In what ways can you contribute to a culture of discernment in your church, ensuring that prophetic words are tested and aligned with biblical truth? ([11:20])
4. Consider the role of prophecy in your personal spiritual journey. How can you remain open to Spirit-led insights while maintaining a commitment to the authority of Scripture? ([04:26])
5. How can you encourage others in your church to exercise their spiritual gifts, including prophecy, in a way that builds up the community and honors New Testament principles? ([12:29])
6. The sermon emphasizes the importance of not equating prophetic words with Scripture. How can you communicate this distinction to others who may be new to the concept of prophecy? ([04:26])
7. Identify a specific way you can support your church leadership in fostering a healthy environment for the exercise of spiritual gifts, including prophecy. What practical steps can you take this week? ([13:03])