Understanding the Prophetic: Purpose, Humility, and Discernment

Devotional

Day 1: Prophecy as Divine Insight for Edification

Prophecy is a spiritual gift that involves God spontaneously bringing something to mind to be shared with others for their edification, encouragement, or warning. It is not about predicting the future but about being a vessel through which God communicates His insights to build up the church. This gift requires humility and discernment, as it is not about exalting oneself but about serving others by sharing what God has impressed upon one's heart. Prophecy should be approached with a sense of responsibility, recognizing the weight of speaking on behalf of God. [10:34]

1 Corinthians 14:3-4 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: Think of a time when you felt prompted to share a word of encouragement or insight with someone. How did you discern whether it was from God, and what was the outcome of sharing it?

Day 2: Scripture as the Ultimate Authority

Prophecy, while a valuable gift, is not equal to Scripture and should never be placed above it. Scripture remains the ultimate authority, and any prophetic word must align with it. This means that prophecy should be tested and discerned, ensuring it is not influenced by personal emotions or agendas. The prophetic word should be delivered with humility and reverence, recognizing the responsibility of speaking on behalf of God. It is crucial to remain grounded in Scripture to ensure that any prophetic insight is in harmony with God's revealed Word. [21:19]

2 Peter 1:20-21 (ESV): "Knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit."

Reflection: How do you ensure that the insights or words you feel led to share align with Scripture? What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of the Bible to better discern prophetic words?

Day 3: Humility in Delivering Prophetic Words

Delivering a prophetic word requires humility and reverence, recognizing the responsibility of speaking on behalf of God. It is not about exalting oneself but about being a humble vessel through which God can work. This humility involves acknowledging that the prophetic gift is not about personal glory but about serving others and building up the church. It is essential to approach prophecy with a heart of service, seeking to edify and encourage others rather than seeking recognition or praise. [30:43]

James 3:13 (ESV): "Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom."

Reflection: Reflect on a situation where you had to deliver a message or insight to someone. How did you ensure that your approach was humble and focused on serving the other person rather than seeking personal recognition?

Day 4: Prophecy as a Gift for All Believers

Prophecy is not limited to a select few; it is a gift that all believers can desire and seek. It involves being open to the Holy Spirit's leading and allowing God to use us to speak into the lives of others. This openness requires a willingness to listen to God's voice and to be available for His purposes. Prophecy can occur in various settings, from personal interactions to corporate gatherings, where the Holy Spirit moves powerfully. As believers, we are encouraged to desire this gift and to be ready to be used by God to edify and encourage others. [36:44]

1 Corinthians 14:1 (ESV): "Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy."

Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a greater openness to the Holy Spirit's leading in your life? How can you position yourself to be used by God to speak into the lives of others?

Day 5: The Importance of Testing and Discernment

Prophecy is to be tested and discerned, ensuring it aligns with Scripture and is not influenced by personal emotions or agendas. A prophetic word should be delivered with humility and reverence, recognizing the responsibility of speaking on behalf of God. This discernment involves seeking confirmation from Scripture and the counsel of mature believers to ensure that the prophetic word is truly from God. It is essential to approach prophecy with a discerning heart, being mindful of the potential for personal biases to influence the message. [46:49]

1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 (ESV): "Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good."

Reflection: How do you currently test and discern prophetic words or insights you receive? What role do trusted mentors or spiritual leaders play in helping you discern the authenticity of a prophetic message?

Sermon Summary

In today's exploration of the prophetic, we delve into the often misunderstood and sometimes controversial realm of prophecy within the church. The prophetic ministry, as outlined in 1 Corinthians 12, is a gift from the Holy Spirit meant to edify and build up the church. However, it is frequently either scorned, ridiculed, or misused. Prophecy is not merely about predicting the future; rather, it involves God spontaneously bringing something to mind that is meant to be shared with others for their edification, encouragement, or warning. This gift is not about powerful preaching or proclaiming a word from the Lord but is about sharing what God has impressed upon one's heart.

The prophetic is not equal to Scripture and should never be placed above it. Scripture remains the ultimate authority, and any prophetic word must align with it. Prophecy is to be tested and discerned, ensuring it is not influenced by personal emotions or agendas. The prophetic word should be delivered with humility and reverence, recognizing the responsibility of speaking on behalf of God.

Prophecy is not limited to a select few; it is a gift that all believers can desire and seek. It is about being open to the Holy Spirit's leading and allowing God to use us to speak into the lives of others. This can happen in various settings, from personal interactions to corporate gatherings, where the Holy Spirit moves powerfully.

In conclusion, the prophetic is a vital part of the church's life, meant to build up and encourage believers. It requires discernment, humility, and a deep respect for God's Word. As we seek to understand and embrace this gift, we must remain grounded in Scripture and open to the Holy Spirit's leading.

Key Takeaways

1. Prophecy's True Purpose: Prophecy is not about predicting the future but about God spontaneously bringing something to mind to share with others for their edification, encouragement, or warning. It is a gift meant to build up the church and should be approached with humility and discernment. [10:34]
2. **Prophecy vs. Scripture**: Prophecy is not equal to Scripture and should never be placed above it. Scripture remains the ultimate authority, and any prophetic word must align with it. Prophecy should be tested and discerned, ensuring it is not influenced by personal emotions or agendas. [21:19]
3. The Role of Humility: Delivering a prophetic word requires humility and reverence, recognizing the responsibility of speaking on behalf of God. It is not about exalting oneself but about being a humble vessel through which God can work. [30:43]
4. Prophecy for All Believers: Prophecy is not limited to a select few; it is a gift that all believers can desire and seek. It involves being open to the Holy Spirit's leading and allowing God to use us to speak into the lives of others. [36:44]
5. Testing and Discernment: Prophecy is to be tested and discerned, ensuring it aligns with Scripture and is not influenced by personal emotions or agendas. A prophetic word should be delivered with humility and reverence, recognizing the responsibility of speaking on behalf of God. [46:49]
** [46:49]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:08] - Introduction to the Prophetic
[00:28] - The Importance of Prophecy
[01:10] - Defining Prophecy
[02:21] - Different Gifts in the Church
[03:21] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[04:34] - Understanding Prophecy
[06:18] - A Prophetic Example
[08:22] - Prophecy vs. Future Prediction
[10:34] - Prophecy's True Purpose
[21:19] - Prophecy vs. Scripture
[30:43] - The Role of Humility
[36:44] - Prophecy for All Believers
[46:49] - Testing and Discernment
[53:32] - Invitation to Embrace Christ

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Understanding the Prophetic

Bible Reading:

1 Corinthians 12:8-10
1 Corinthians 14:1
1 Thessalonians 5:20-21

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Observation Questions:

According to 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, what are some of the gifts given by the Holy Spirit, and how is prophecy described among them? [03:03]
How does the sermon define prophecy, and what is its primary purpose according to the pastor? [04:34]
What does 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 instruct believers to do with prophetic words? How does this align with the sermon’s message on testing prophecy? [46:49]
In the sermon, what example is given to illustrate how a prophetic word can impact someone's life? [06:18]

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Interpretation Questions:

How does the pastor differentiate between prophecy and Scripture, and why is it important to maintain this distinction? [21:19]
What role does humility play in delivering a prophetic word, and why is it emphasized in the sermon? [30:43]
The pastor mentions that prophecy is not limited to a select few. How does this understanding affect the way believers might approach the gift of prophecy? [36:44]
How does the sermon suggest believers should handle a prophetic word that does not come to pass? What does this reveal about the nature of prophecy? [47:01]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on a time when you felt God was speaking to you through someone else. How did you discern whether it was a prophetic word? What steps can you take to ensure you are open to receiving such words in the future? [04:34]
The sermon emphasizes the importance of testing prophecy. What practical steps can you take to test and discern prophetic words in your life? [46:49]
Consider the role of humility in delivering a prophetic word. How can you cultivate humility in your spiritual life to be a more effective vessel for God’s messages? [30:43]
The pastor shared a story about a prophetic word that seemed strange but was impactful. Have you ever received or given a word that seemed unusual at first? How did you respond, and what was the outcome? [06:18]
Prophecy is described as a gift available to all believers. How can you actively seek and desire this gift in your own life? What changes might you need to make to be more open to the Holy Spirit’s leading? [36:44]
The sermon warns against placing prophecy above Scripture. How can you ensure that your understanding and application of prophetic words remain grounded in biblical truth? [21:19]
Think about a situation where you might have been hesitant to share a word you felt was from God. What held you back, and how can you overcome such hesitations in the future? [06:31]

Sermon Clips

Prophecy is in a nutshell when God spontaneously brings something to mind that we are often to share with other people or it might be something spontaneously to your mind to give you wisdom or counselor insight on a certain situation. Now why would we think that's weird when God can create the universe? [00:04:34]

Prophecy isn't really about predicting the future. A lot of people think that is what our prophets saying, what are people saying about predicting the future. But looking at the New Testament, I like what Wayne Grudem said. He's got a great book on systematic theology. He said, although several definitions have been given for the gift of prophecy, a fresh examination of the New Testament teaching on this gift will show that it should be defined not as predicting the future, not as proclaiming a word from the Lord, nor as powerful preaching, but rather as telling someone something that God has spontaneously put on your mind. [00:08:22]

Prophecy is not equal to Scripture. I tell people all the time, they say, Shane, I got a prophetic word. Don't put it above Scripture. Don't live your life based on what others tell you. Don't live your life on what others say. Live it on what God says. I love godly counsel, but over the years, I've asked godly counsel and they've been opposed. Well, I think you should do this. I think you should. What am I supposed to trust? God's Word and he's him speaking to you. [00:21:19]

Prophecy today is not for a select few. You need to realize this. Prophecy today is not for a select few. Paul actually said earnestly desire to prophesy. Earnestly desire to prophesy. We believe that the church as a body, you, all of you, should desire that God would move in your hearts and spontaneously bring things to mind that you would prophesy to others. [00:36:44]

Prophecy is to be tested. I don't spend a lot of time on this, but you get the gist. Paul says to test everything. Let two or three prophets speak and let the others weigh in on what is being said. So if God put something on your heart, it needs to be tested. And if it doesn't come to pass, a person needs to repent and own it. [00:46:49]

There should be an element of reverence. There should be an element of reverence. What I mean by that is a holy respect for God's word. We're speaking on behalf of what we might believe God is putting in our hearts. There should be an awe and a fear of the Lord and in a reverence and respect for that. [00:47:39]

Prophecy is not about powerful preaching because many times will say, man, that was prophetic. Not necessarily. Powerful preaching is just coming from someone filled with the Spirit of God proclaiming God's Word. They could have been saturating on it all week and it's not necessarily something God has brought spontaneously. [00:31:19]

Prophecy has boundaries. If God brings something spontaneously to the mind of the person prophesying, they would report it in his/her own words. Paul would call this, as we're reading here, a revelation. So when Paul, God would give someone a revelation. Have you ever had that revelation? God has brought something. [00:27:19]

Prophecy is to rebuke or comfort, whereas knowledge is supernatural knowledge about a situation, and a word of wisdom is a supernatural counsel on what direction is best, what direction is wise. Now, of course, these could be mingled together. Whether they're all one, whether they're separate, really it's not an issue to divide over. [00:10:34]

Prophecy is not limited to a select few; it is a gift that all believers can desire and seek. It involves being open to the Holy Spirit's leading and allowing God to use us to speak into the lives of others. This can happen in various settings, from personal interactions to corporate gatherings, where the Holy Spirit moves powerfully. [00:36:44]

Prophecy is not equal to Scripture and should never be placed above it. Scripture remains the ultimate authority, and any prophetic word must align with it. Prophecy should be tested and discerned, ensuring it is not influenced by personal emotions or agendas. A prophetic word should be delivered with humility and reverence, recognizing the responsibility of speaking on behalf of God. [00:21:19]

Prophecy is not about predicting the future but about God spontaneously bringing something to mind to share with others for their edification, encouragement, or warning. It is a gift meant to build up the church and should be approached with humility and discernment. [00:10:34]

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