The What
Disclosure of sin/ evangelism – But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you. 1 Corinthians 14.24-25 ESV
Foretelling the future: famine (Acts 11) and imprisonment (Acts 21).
Impressions that were correct and yet “inaccurate” – “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’” Acts 21.11 ESV Then the tribune came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. Acts 21.33 ESV
Normal, encouraging, tested and corrected – Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. If a revelation is made to another sitting there, let the first be silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged, and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. 1 Corinthians 14.29-32 ESV
Merely human words… “telling something that God has spontaneously brought to mind.” – Wayne Grudem.
Paul is simply referring to something that God may suddenly bring to mind, or something that God may impress on someone’s consciousness in such a way that the person has a sense that it is from God. It may be that the thought brought to mind is surprisingly distinct from the person’s own train of thought, or that it is accompanied by a sense of vividness or urgency or persistence, or in some other way gives the person a rather clear sense that it is from the Lord. – Wayne Grudem.
Spontaneous, direct edification that is subject to scrutiny and motivated by love.
The Why
Greatness (greater gifts) is defined by edification… love… service.
On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. 1 Corinthians 14.3 ESV
edification, exhortation, consolation NASB
strengthening, encouragement, comfort NIV
For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged… 1 Corinthians 14.31 ESV
The How
...the character of one’s deity is reflected in the character of one’s worship. – Gordon Fee
Peace not quiet. Love not a library. Sober not somber.
We are to test prophecy:
Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. If a revelation is made to another sitting there, let the first be silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged, and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. 1 Corinthians 14.29-32 ESV
Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. 1 Thessalonians 5.20-21 ESV
...only that the responsibility for evaluation is not permitted to rest with the prophets, but is extended to the broader community. – D.A. Carson.
No criteria are suggested here for distinguishing genuine prophecy from false… it is especially necessary that those in positions of responsibility should be able to exercise this kind of discernment (referencing/commenting on 1 Corinthians 14.29). – F.F. Bruce.
Caregroup Application Questions
Do you come to Sunday morning and Wednesday evening ready to be used by God to bless others?
How can you better prepare your heart and mind to do so?
What does serving God by serving His people during these times look like for you?
