You Have Spiritual Gifts: Discover And Use them (5)

Sfmin

Review: Session 4 – Spiritual language There is a language of the Holy Spirit, who indwells every believer. (This language is in the reborn spirit, not the soul.) (1 Corinthians 14:14) Tongues (spiritual language) has a two-fold purpose: (A) the edification of the believer in private prayer (1 Corinthians 14:4; Jude 20) and (B) the expression of the gift with interpretation in the public assembly (1 Corinthians 14:13, 27) The manifestation of tongues will NOT be forced on you by the Lord. You must be desiring and will to receive. The purpose is greater intimacy with the Lord. In the assembled Church, the gift of tongues has guidelines for use. (See notes on Session 4) Prophecy: (1 Corinthians12:10; 1 Corinthians 14:1, 3; 1 Corinthians 14:24, 25; 1 Corinthians 14:29-33) The special ability to hear God’s voice and speak the contents of the message to others. Prophetic gifts can manifest without one being in a Prophetic office. The gift is to be desired (1 Corinthians 14:1) The Holy Spirit’s gift of prophecy edifies, exhorts, and comforts (1 Corinthians 14:3) The expression of the gift stimulates worship of God! (Prophetic ministers are NOT “Rock Stars” and their ministry must exalt the Lord. Believers should never seek and exalt prophets over the voice of the Holy Spirit as our Teacher, Guide, Minister of absolute Truth! (John 16:13, 14) Office-gifted prophets (Ephesians 4:11) also speak Godly Truth and warnings to the Church as it responds to Culture. “Guardrails” for the prophetic gift Prophetic words are NOT equal to Scripture’s authority and direction. Prophetic voices are NOT to be given the place of the Spirit of God, who is the Believers Teacher, Guide, and Source of Truth! (John 14 – John 16) What is the prophet’s track record? Tests For Trusting Prophecy Does the message line up with properly contexted Scripture? Does the message “bear witness” with the Holy Spirit’s witness in me? Does the message stand the test of time? Does the prophet walk in order, submission, accountability to spiritual oversight and order? (Will he/she listen to other’s “words”, admit it when mishearing, and stay in place of humble service? (1 Corinthians 14:29-32; 1 Corinthians 14:40) The Holy Spirit desires those who will hear a word or message from the Lord and deliver it to the right person/persons in the right manner, for the right motives!