Understanding Prophetic Words and Spiritual Gifts Today

Devotional

Day 1: Prophetic Words Require Discernment

Prophetic words are a powerful tool for edification and encouragement, but they must always align with Scripture. Discernment is crucial to ensure that these words are genuinely from God and not contrary to biblical truth. When receiving or delivering a prophetic word, it is important to approach it with caution and humility, ensuring that it complements the Bible in specific situations. This requires a deep understanding of Scripture and a prayerful attitude to discern the true source of the message. [00:22]

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you received advice or a message that seemed prophetic. How did you discern whether it aligned with Scripture, and what steps can you take to improve your discernment in the future?

Day 2: Personal Prophetic Experiences Confirm God's Will

Personal experiences with prophetic words can serve as powerful confirmations of God's will and direction in our lives. These moments often resonate with what God has already been speaking to us, providing clarity and boldness. When a prophetic word aligns with the stirrings of our heart, it can embolden us to step into God's calling with confidence. However, it is essential to remain open yet cautious, understanding that not every word is from God. Discernment and prayer are key in recognizing when God is using others to confirm His will. [01:37]

"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful." (Colossians 3:15, ESV)

Reflection: Recall a time when a prophetic word confirmed something God was already speaking to you. How did it impact your actions, and how can you remain open to such confirmations in the future?

Day 3: Openness to the Holy Spirit's Leading

A church that is open to the Holy Spirit's leading can experience profound moves of God. This openness should be balanced with caution and grounded in Scripture to avoid disorder and ensure authenticity. When individuals within a church community are receptive and teachable, God can work powerfully through them to bring healing, encouragement, and direction. It is important to foster an environment where the Holy Spirit is welcomed, yet always tested against the truth of Scripture. [04:18]

"Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good." (1 Thessalonians 5:19-21, ESV)

Reflection: How can you contribute to creating an environment in your church that is open to the Holy Spirit's leading while ensuring that everything is tested against Scripture?

Day 4: Spiritual Gifts Are Relevant Today

The gifts of the Spirit, including prophecy, are not relics of the past but are still relevant and active today. They are meant to build up the church and should not be dismissed due to fear or misunderstanding. Embracing these gifts allows God to work in profound ways, confirming His will and guiding us in our spiritual journey. The challenge lies in overcoming fear and skepticism, often rooted in a lack of experience or understanding. By embracing these gifts, we open ourselves to the fullness of God's work in our lives. [07:59]

"To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." (1 Corinthians 12:7, ESV)

Reflection: What spiritual gift do you feel God has given you, and how can you use it to build up your church community today?

Day 5: Overcoming Fear and Skepticism of Spiritual Gifts

Fear and skepticism often stem from a lack of experience with spiritual gifts. Embracing these gifts allows God to work in profound ways, confirming His will and guiding us in our spiritual journey. It is important to approach spiritual gifts with an open heart, willing to learn and grow in understanding. By doing so, we can overcome the barriers of fear and skepticism, allowing God to use us in ways we may have never imagined. [08:26]

"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." (2 Timothy 1:7, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a specific fear or skepticism you have about spiritual gifts. What steps can you take to overcome this and embrace the gifts God has for you?

Sermon Summary

In today's message, we explored the often misunderstood and sometimes controversial topic of prophetic words and spiritual gifts within the church. We began by acknowledging the biblical foundation for these gifts, as outlined by Paul, and the importance of discernment when receiving or delivering a prophetic word. The essence of a prophetic word is to edify, encourage, or sometimes rebuke in love, aligning with the truth of Scripture. It's crucial to approach this with caution, ensuring that any word given does not contradict the Bible but rather complements it in specific situations.

I shared personal experiences where prophetic words have played a significant role in my life and ministry. For instance, a word of boldness spoken over me many years ago confirmed what God had already been stirring in my heart. Such experiences highlight how God can use others to confirm His will and direction for our lives. However, it's essential to remain open yet cautious, understanding that not every word is from God and that discernment is key.

We also discussed the importance of being open to the Holy Spirit's leading in our church community. When a church is receptive and teachable, God can work powerfully through individuals to bring healing, encouragement, and direction. This openness should not lead to chaos or disorder but should be grounded in Scripture and guided by love and humility.

The gifts of the Spirit, including prophecy, are meant to build up the church. They are not relics of the past but are still relevant and active today. The challenge lies in overcoming fear and skepticism, often rooted in a lack of experience or understanding. By embracing these gifts, we allow God to work in profound ways, confirming His will and guiding us in our spiritual journey.

Key Takeaways

1. Prophetic Words and Discernment: Prophetic words are meant to edify and encourage, aligning with Scripture. Discernment is crucial to ensure that these words are genuinely from God and not contrary to biblical truth. [00:22]
2. Personal Experience with Prophecy: Personal experiences with prophetic words can confirm God's will and direction in our lives. These moments often resonate with what God has already been speaking to us, providing clarity and boldness. [01:37]
3. Openness to the Holy Spirit: A church open to the Holy Spirit's leading can experience profound moves of God. This openness should be balanced with caution and grounded in Scripture to avoid disorder and ensure authenticity. [04:18]
4. Gifts of the Spirit Today: The gifts of the Spirit, including prophecy, are still relevant and active today. They are meant to build up the church and should not be dismissed due to fear or misunderstanding. [07:59]
5. Overcoming Fear and Skepticism: Fear and skepticism often stem from a lack of experience with spiritual gifts. Embracing these gifts allows God to work in profound ways, confirming His will and guiding us in our spiritual journey. [08:26]
** [08:26]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:22] - Prophetic Words as Comfort
[00:34] - Biblical Foundation for Prophecy
[00:56] - Discernment in Prophetic Words
[01:23] - Personal Experience with Prophecy
[02:00] - Caution and Openness
[02:26] - Seeking God's Confirmation
[03:14] - Misunderstandings in Prophecy
[04:18] - Openness to the Holy Spirit
[05:32] - Prophetic Words in Practice
[06:41] - Gifts to Edify the Church
[07:36] - The Relevance of Spiritual Gifts
[08:26] - Overcoming Fear and Skepticism
[09:08] - Personal Confirmation Stories
[10:18] - Seeking God's Guidance

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading

1 Corinthians 12:4-11 - Discusses the variety of spiritual gifts and their purpose in the church.
1 Thessalonians 5:19-21 - Encourages believers not to quench the Spirit and to test everything, holding on to what is good.
1 Corinthians 14:1-5 - Highlights the importance of prophecy in building up the church.

Observation Questions

What are the purposes of prophetic words according to the sermon? [00:34]
How did the pastor describe his personal experience with prophetic words, and what impact did it have on his life? [01:37]
What does the sermon suggest about the role of the Holy Spirit in a church community? [04:18]
How does the sermon address the relevance of spiritual gifts today? [07:59]

Interpretation Questions

How does the sermon explain the balance between being open to the Holy Spirit and maintaining order within the church? [04:18]
In what ways does the sermon suggest that fear and skepticism can hinder the acceptance of spiritual gifts? [08:26]
How does the pastor's personal story illustrate the concept of God confirming His will through others? [09:08]
What does the sermon imply about the relationship between Scripture and prophetic words? [00:56]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt God was speaking to you through someone else. How did you discern whether it was truly from God? [01:37]
How can you cultivate an openness to the Holy Spirit's leading in your own life while ensuring it aligns with Scripture? [04:18]
What steps can you take to overcome fear or skepticism regarding spiritual gifts? Consider any past experiences that may have influenced your perspective. [08:26]
How can you encourage a culture of discernment and openness to spiritual gifts within your small group or church community? [05:32]
Identify a spiritual gift you believe God has given you. How can you use this gift to edify and build up your church community? [07:59]
Think of a situation where you might need confirmation from God. What practical steps can you take to seek His guidance and confirmation? [09:08]
How can you ensure that any prophetic word you receive or deliver is in alignment with biblical truth? [00:56]

Sermon Clips

"Well, the Bible, Paul says some he's given the gift to speak into people's lives and tell them something that will edify and encourage or maybe review. See, I don't have a problem with that when people are filled with the Spirit of God and God put something on somebody's heart and they go and they tell them something that helps them or rebukes them in love because it's a genuine word from the Lord. There's nothing wrong with that. It's in the Bible. It's in the New Testament." [00:32:22]

"Now we have to be careful, but there are people that will speak into your life something that God has put on their heart that you're not gonna find in John or Matthew. You'll find the truth there, and it doesn't go against the truth. It actually helps in a certain area. I'll just give you an example I've given many times before." [00:64:79]

"See, that's how God works when a church is open and teachable, when they're open to the things of God, not weird. The Lord, what do you want to speak to? Can you imagine that type of gifting on a person who is solid and on? They could speak life into people and actually a form of preaching. Some preaching is prophetic in that element." [00:258:40]

"God will use these things unless you want to cut out first Corinthians in that 12, 13, 14 area when it talks about when that which is perfect comes, that's which in part will be done away with. And people say, see, all those things are done away with. And we say, no, that which is perfect is Christ because Paul says we see dimly right now in a glass." [00:451:51]

"Many people have never experienced these things, and what they've never experienced, they're afraid of. So they will say that these things no longer happen, they no longer occur. The problem with that is you have a more difficult challenge trying to tell me how things that were good and in the Bible are no longer good and not applied." [00:504:67]

"I still need God sometimes to confirm things. I would have never planted this church had I not heard from about ten people right what we're praying about or praying about. A friend of mine in Hawaii calls me, have you ever thought about passing? I don't know, no thanks. And then somebody else ran into me." [00:536:05]

"Because, see, I can read the Bible all day, every day, and not know for sure if I should plant a church. Yes, it lines up with this word, yes, it makes sense, but I've had too many shame thoughts, right, of you and not God thoughts to know, okay, God, I need confirmation. I need to know because I'm not gonna fall flat on my face if I'm gonna try to do this." [00:563:95]

"People work, and then we went to an event 14 years ago, and the guy had me stand up, and he said, God's calling you, and he said, it's not arrogance, it's boldness, and you need to start being bold. God is stirring up this boldness in you, and you, and I'm like, oh my goodness, like he just nailed it." [00:585:91]

"See why it's not weird? It's relevant within because God knows we're broken. If people, Lord, I love your word, I know your word, I know it inside now, but please show me, is that really you before I move across the United States? Is that really you before we give up everything and plant a church? God, I need to know." [00:610:06]

"God says you seek me, you will find me." [00:628:30]

"Prophetic words are meant to edify and encourage, aligning with Scripture. Discernment is crucial to ensure that these words are genuinely from God and not contrary to biblical truth." [00:22:47]

"Personal experiences with prophetic words can confirm God's will and direction in our lives. These moments often resonate with what God has already been speaking to us, providing clarity and boldness." [00:97:38]

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