Church in the City – 1 Corinthians 14
The Gift of Prophecy
November 17, 2024
Acts 2:16-18 NIV
“No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17 "'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams. 18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.”
1 Thessalonians 5:19-21 (NIV)
“Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good.”
1 Corinthians 14:1, 3 (NIV)
“Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. (3) But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort.”
1. Prophecy is inspiring.
What can I say that would help them to keep going? (Strengthening)
What has God spoken to them that I can confirm? (Encouragement)
What pain have they experienced that God wants to comfort? (Comfort)
2. Prophecy is miraculous.
1 Corinthians 14:24-25 (NIV)
“But if an unbeliever or someone who does not understand comes in while everyone is prophesying, he will be convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be judged by all, and the secrets of his heart will be laid bare. So he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, “God is really among you!”
3. Prophecy is listening.
John 10:27 NIV
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
Listening is relational and God has always wanted relationship.
The people we love and trust the most are the ones we listen to most intently.
Story of Pam calling me on a landline.
Proverbs 20:12 NIV
“Ears that hear and eyes that see — the LORD has made them both.”
Eyes to see
Ears to hear
A mind to understand
A heart to believe
