In most communities of believers the concept of "spiritual gifts" is misunderstood. In 1 Corinthians, Paul tells the church at Corinth (and us) that he doesn't want them to be unaware on this topic. So today I wanted to clarify on one gift in particular-- prophecy. The Bible is full of prophecy starting from the Old Testament, but what is the point? The purpose behind prophecy isn't to mystify and confound us, but actually to do the opposite.
Prophecy is meant to light the way and to stir a fire in our hearts. It always points to Jesus and the work He is doing, and not to any person's ability to "know" things supernaturally. When practiced properly, prophecy is something that builds up the entire church. It allows us to catch a vision of where Jesus is taking us, and that will never fail to give us hope and strength to keep moving forward in the right direction. That being said, we are all to eagerly desire all spiritual gifts and especially that gift of insight into the Lord's mind. All so that we might be a vessel for Him to use to encourage and uplift His Holy church.
1 Corinthians 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. (ESV)
1 Peter 1:19-21 We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 14:1-4 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. (NIV)
Prophecy is meant to light the way and to stir a fire in our hearts. It always points to Jesus and the work He is doing, and not to any person's ability to "know" things supernaturally. When practiced properly, prophecy is something that builds up the entire church. It allows us to catch a vision of where Jesus is taking us, and that will never fail to give us hope and strength to keep moving forward in the right direction. That being said, we are all to eagerly desire all spiritual gifts and especially that gift of insight into the Lord's mind. All so that we might be a vessel for Him to use to encourage and uplift His Holy church.
1 Corinthians 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. (ESV)
1 Peter 1:19-21 We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 14:1-4 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. (NIV)
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