1 Corinthians 14:1-5
14 Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. 2 For anyone who speaks in a tongue[a] does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit.3 But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. 4 Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I would like every one of you to speak in tongues,[b] but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues,[c] unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.
In the Old Testament there were prophets who would hear God’s voice , perform miracles and speak on His behalf. Moses stood up to Pharaoh, Jonah preached to Nineveh and Elijah battled against Baal’s servants. However, in the New Testament, the Holy Spirit is poured upon the whole church and the landscape changes completely. No longer is God using unique individuals but the whole community. So, Paul says that we can all be given the gift of prophecy, should we ask for it.
This gift has a purpose, it is to speak to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. It is not to bring judgment and it is not to try to manipulate people into behaving a certain way or following a certain path. I have heard so many stories of people who have spoken in the name of the Lord and have caused immense pain and damage.
However, that is not to put you off. Prophecy is one of the gifts that every believer can be given and it makes such an impact if other people’s lives. For example, just last Sunday at church someone had a feeling in their shoulder and shared that someone may have pain there and offered prayer. someone responded and was healed.
The biggest barrier is fear of getting it wrong, so the best way to step into prophecy is softly. I never use language like ‘God says’ but instead will say ‘I was praying andI had a thought I would like to share.’ This empowers them to make the decision as to whether it came from God or not and what to do with it.
Prophecy is an amazing resource for the church and a great way to love others with your gifts. Let’s pause and ask God to speak to us right now. What might he want to say to someone else through you.
Drop them a message. I was praying for you and I had this thought…
