Questions on Prophecy
By Stefan Maslen - Upper Coomera Campus Pastor
I hope you have been encouraged by and growing through our series on the Holy Spirit.
Last week we looked at (and scratched the surface of) the mammoth topic of one of the gifts from the Holy Spirit: prophecy. This gift above all others Paul encourages us to earnestly desire (1 Corinthians 14:1). No doubt because this gift is one which builds up, encourages and comforts the family of God (14:3). And so, I encourage you: seek and desire this gift!
I had a couple of great conversations with people after who had some questions around this gift. You may have others and if you do, please email me or chat to me. Here are some with short answers (so to get you thinking and keep this short!).
Is prophecy different to the gift of discernment? While there can be overlap, yes I think so as in 1 Cor 12:10 Paul distinguishes between the two. Prophecy generally speaking is a revelation from God which is then told by they receiver (specific words, passages, etc.). Discernment has to do with perception - a sense of knowing truth from falsehood.
What if God gives a revelation of something that is negative in nature (revealing of sin, judgment etc.)? This can certainly happen (hinted at in 1 Cor 14:24). I would encourage you to speak to one of the elders and weigh it with them. In some cases, it may be that you leave it with them. In other cases, test it with them before sharing.
If you have other questions or want to talk more - please do so! Keep on seeking God....
Last week we looked at (and scratched the surface of) the mammoth topic of one of the gifts from the Holy Spirit: prophecy. This gift above all others Paul encourages us to earnestly desire (1 Corinthians 14:1). No doubt because this gift is one which builds up, encourages and comforts the family of God (14:3). And so, I encourage you: seek and desire this gift!
I had a couple of great conversations with people after who had some questions around this gift. You may have others and if you do, please email me or chat to me. Here are some with short answers (so to get you thinking and keep this short!).
Is prophecy different to the gift of discernment? While there can be overlap, yes I think so as in 1 Cor 12:10 Paul distinguishes between the two. Prophecy generally speaking is a revelation from God which is then told by they receiver (specific words, passages, etc.). Discernment has to do with perception - a sense of knowing truth from falsehood.
What if God gives a revelation of something that is negative in nature (revealing of sin, judgment etc.)? This can certainly happen (hinted at in 1 Cor 14:24). I would encourage you to speak to one of the elders and weigh it with them. In some cases, it may be that you leave it with them. In other cases, test it with them before sharing.
If you have other questions or want to talk more - please do so! Keep on seeking God....
Do you have a question? Leave it in comment section!
Recent
Archive
2023
2022
June
July
August
September
October
1 Comment
Hi Stefan,
I am a member of the Helensvale Cross Life church but have not had an opportunity to meet with one of the pastors. I am 78 years old and a retired civil consulting engineer. During my Christian life ( I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Saviour at a Billy Graham crusade in Brisbane in 1959 ) I have joined various Christian churches. I undertook a study into eschatology ( end time prophesy) and held a discussion group at a Christian high school Palm Beach many years ago. If there is sufficient interest, I would be prepared in running such a group either at the church or at a local home. My phone no. Is 0419702992 and I look forward to hear from you.
Kind regards, Des Heiner.