SPIRITUAL GIFTS (23)
The gifts we are discussing in this series are the Spiritual Gifts from Romans 12:3-8:
- Rom 12:3-8
- 4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body , and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. NIV
- The word “Prophecy” can bring about many different reactions in people. The main reason is because it is misunderstood. Some of the misunderstandings include the belief that prophecy passed away after Jesus came. Others just simply believe that prophecy is not necessary today.
- The dictionary gives us a couple of different definitions: 1) A statement of something that will happen in the future; 2) The power or ability to know what will happen in the future; 3) An inspired utterance of a prophet; 4) the function of a prophet; specifically: the inspired declaration of divine will and purpose. (Merriam-Webster)
Inspiration is a technical term for the Holy Spirit’s supernatural guidance of those who received special revelation from God . . .
The end result . . . the truths which God wants His people to know (from Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary).
Definition – PROPHECY, PROPHESY, PROPHESYING
Propheteia ^4394^ signifies “the speaking forth of the mind and counsel of God”
- • “Though much of OT prophecy was purely predictive, see <Micah 5:2>, prophecy is not necessarily, nor even primarily, fore-telling.
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- •It is the declaration of that which cannot be known by natural means, <Matt. 26:68>
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- •It is the forth-telling of the will of God, whether with reference to the past, the present, or the future, see <Gen. 20:7; Deut. 18:18; Rev. 10:11; 11:3>….
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- •(from Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words)
- . . . But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. (2 Pet 2:1) (KJV)
- •
- •The difference is that, whereas the message of the prophet was a direct revelation of the mind of God for the occasion, the message of the teacher is gathered from the completed revelation contained in the Scriptures.”
- •
- •(from Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words)
More characteristics of the Motivational Gift of Prophecy:
They can sometimes “see” something going on in someone else’s life
They are able to discern and foresee the consequences of that decision
They are interested in correcting the decision – NOT their feelings -NOT their attitude
They are NOT interested in whether they accept him/her or not. . .Just in getting that thing corrected in your life before you really blow it!
They are NOT interested in the details – they want to keep you from making a mistake
According to Strongs and Brown, Driver, Briggs “Discern” means:
- To know
- To perceive
- To perceive and to see
- To discriminate, to distinguish
- To know by experience
- To recognize
- To have knowledge, to be wise
The person with the gift of Prophecy has a very strong sense of discernment. God teaches them how to discern truth. He uses His Word from Scripture to teach this discernment. The better a person knows the Word of God, the sharper their discernment will become.
They have:
- The capacity to identify, define and hate evil – Romans 12:9, I Timonty 3:7
- The willingness to experience brokenness to prompt brokenness.
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The dependence on Scriptural truth to validate their authority.
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A desire for outward evidence to demonstrate inward conviction – I Peter 4:11
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They look at outward expressions or verbal responses. – I Corinthians 14:25
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They have a directness, frankness and persuasiveness in speaking.
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They are honest and want others to be honest. (Titus 2:8)
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They have a concern for the reputation and program of God
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They have an inward weeping and personal identification with the sins of others.
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They care for others.
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They have a real love for the lost.
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They have an eagerness to have others point out their blind spot(s).
•(from Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words)
In addition to my own material I have included quotes from the following:
- C. Peter Wagner “Your Spiritural Gifts”
- Gordon Lindsay “All About the Gifts of the Spirit”
- Adult Education and Discipleship Ministries – FBC – Garland “Gifts are for Giving”
- Biblesoft Libraries
- Sandy Trice
- David Francis
Today's Word From God 
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