“You shall receive Power” Spiritual gifts
Prophecy of Joel fulfilled Context The Holy Spirit Promise of the Father Pentecost Prophecy of Joel fulfilled Empower us to live victoriously and to manifest His Presence in the world
Spiritual gifts Given by the Holy Spirit To build up the Body of Christ Do not neglect the gift Billy Graham
God’s grace to others exercised through the gifts
Natural Talents different from Spiritual Gifts
Gift of Tongues Prized by the Corinthian Church Everyone wanted to speak – disorder in Service No one understood
For personal edification (without interpretation) For edification of Body (with interpretation)
Use the gift for personal edification Desire it, ask God for it.
Gift of interpretation of tongues Complements the gift of tongues Given to either the tongue speaker or to another
Gift of Prophecy OT prophets – God’s messengers. Claim to speak the very words from God & with God’s authority. Often spoke in the first person e.g. 1 Kings 20:13; Isa. 45:5
“Prophet” in NT context. NT counterparts – Apostles Range of meanings Do not claim to speak the very words of God or with divine authority Speak in human words what the Holy Spirit impressed upon them Weigh what the prophet said
With the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, anyone can prophecy since everyone could be filled with the Holy Spirit
Levels of prophetic gifting Simple prophecy Prophetic gifting Prophetic ministry Prophetic office
Prophecy is: Spontaneous Spirit-filled message delivered in a public meeting Intended for the edification or encouragement of the church.
3 fold process involved in giving prophecy: Receiving the revelation Interpreting it accurately Application
Embrace the prophetic “…desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy” (1 Cor. 14:1); “Desire earnestly to prophecy” (1 Cor. 14:39a) “Do not despise prophesy” (1 Thess. 5:20)
Pursue the things of the Spirit Ask for spiritual sight Stay spiritually alert “Don’t settle for the ordinary life that lacks power, joy and meaning….” (Charles F. Stanley)