Introduction: 1 Corinthians 12:7-10; 1 Corinthians 14:3 NKJV;
The Gift of Prophecy.
The simple gift of prophecy is given for edification, exhortation, and comfort. In the office of the prophet, however, we very often find that revelation or fore-telling does come forth, even utilizing the vehicle of prophecy.
It is also interesting to note the difference between prophecy in the Old Testament and prophecy in the New Testament. In the Old Testament, prophecy was essentially foretelling, but in the New Testament, we see that the gift of prophecy shifts strongly to forth-telling.”
Fore-telling = to predict the future
Forth-telling – to make known or to make public.
“Some people think that “to prophesy” means to preach. Of course, all inspired utterance is prophecy in some form or another, but the spiritual gift of prophecy isn’t preaching. Although, of course, there is an element of prophecy in preaching. For example, a person anointed by the Spirit becomes inspired to say things spontaneously from his Spirit rather than his head. But that is only one phase of the operation of the gift of prophecy.
Maybe you’ve been speaking to someone about the Lord and said things to them that were in line with the Word, but that was beyond your thinking. You didn’t think it, and it didn’t come out of your mind. Instead, the Holy Spirit inspired you to say it.
That is a part of the operation of this gift of prophecy because prophecy is an inspired utterance. Therefore, the gift of prophecy goes “beyond speaking by our reasoning processes and intellect.
“To preach” means to proclaim, to announce, to cry, or to tell. The scriptural purpose of the gift of prophecy is different from the purpose of preaching.
Jesus didn’t say that the foolishness of prophesying would save men, but by the foolishness of preaching (1 Cor. 1:21).
The supernatural gifts of the Spirit are given to get people’s attention, not to save them. On the Day of Pentecost when people were speaking in tongues, none of those standing by listening got saved until Peter got up and preached to them (Acts 2:14-41).”
The gift of prophecy should not be confused with the prophetic office. The simple gift of prophecy has no revelation in it. Instead, it speaks unto men for their edification, exhortation, and comfort (1 Cor. 14:3); it is to edify the Church (1 Cor. 14:4).
May you be lifted up. (2 Corinthians 13:10; Ephesians 4:12,16; 1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Edify – to build up, lift up, and construct.
We desire to give you a word from the Lord that will build up your life, lift your Spirit, and construct you into the Christian that Christ has called you to be.
As believers, it is our responsibility to build one another up. (Romans 14:19; Romans 15:2; 2 Corinthians 12:19)
You can build yourself up – 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the Church.
The gift is to build up the whole Church. Can you imagine a church that is built up, lifted, and constructed in power and the authority of Jesus Christ? (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 2:20-22; Mathew 5:14)
May you be encouraged! (Hebrews 10:25; 2 Timothy 4:2;
Exhortation – to embolden you in your belief and to encourage you. Romans 8:38-39
When you are in a place where you feel unworthy. (Romans 8:1; Isaiah 43:25-26; 1 John 1:9)
When I long for the way that it used to be. (Isaiah 43:18-19; Psalm 37:23-25; 2 Timothy 1:7)
When I need God to provide. (Psalm 37:25; 3rd John 2; Psalm 23:1; Malachi 3:10-12; Mark 10:28-31; Philippians 4:19)
When I need healing. (3rd John 2; Luke 6:19: James 5:14-16; Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24; Psalm 103:3; Psalm 118:17)
When I need to be lifted and encouraged. (Psalm 42:1-11; Psalm 34:18-22; Psalm 27:4-5; Psalm 27:11-14.
May you be comforted. (Isaiah 40:1;1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Hebrews 9:27; 1 Corinthians 15:51-58; Revelation 4:1-2; 2 Corinthians 4:8-9;
Comfort = the origin means to come alongside, to summon for assistance. It’s to bring encouragement and cheer or to console. You could say it like this; it’s the dispelling of grief by the imparting of strength.
Isaiah 40:1 Comfort Ye my people