February 19, 2023 · Pastor Matt Stokes
Pastor Matt Stokes
Prophecy
Spiritual Gifts
Encouragement
Prayer
1 Thessalonians 2:20-22
π Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:20-22
Berean Barometer
What is the degree of receptivity we give to the written & the spoken Word of God?
New Testament Prophesying (Forth telling)
The Holy Spirit gifting believers to encourage, comfort, and/or edify other believers with words.
π Jesus answered, it is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.”
- Matthew 4:4
π Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives — especially the ability to prophesy.
- 1 Corinthians 14:1
π The testimony of Jesus Christ is the Spirit of prophecy.
- Revelation 19:10
The Holy Spirit still speaks to and through His people, words of encouragement for His people!
What is the Apostle Paul saying about prophecies?
Don’t despise them.
If a church doesn’t do its due diligence to remain healthy, people have a tendency to misapply this principle of prophecy.
What are the remedies to not despise prophecies?
π Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak,
be patient toward all men.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:14
π See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:15
π Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
π Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22
What are the remedies to not despise prophecies?
π [But] The one that prophesieth speaketh onto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
- 1 Corinthians 14:3
π But [on the other hand] the one who prophesies speaks to people for edification [to promote their spiritual
growth] and [speaks words of] encouragement [to uphold and advise them concerning the matters of God] and [speaks words of] consolation [to compassionately comfort them].
- 1 Corinthians 14:3
What are the remedies to not despise prophecies?
Prove all things
Hold fast that which is good.
Abstain from all appearance of evil.
Has God ever spoken to you through someone and you didn’t listen?
From the beginning of church history deceptions have found their way into churches, unchecked.
We need to know why the Word of God is authoritative and how to use the Word of God in ways to further the work of the Holy Spirit.
Discussion questione Printable copy
1 Thessalonians 5:20–22
The Proper Use of Prophecy
1) Please read 1 Thessalonians 5:20–22. What has been your understanding of prophecy? Prophesying? What do you see as the predominant difference between the Old Testament context and the New Testament context of prophesying?
2) Can you explain the difference between "foretelling" and "forth telling"? Can you explain the difference between having the office of a prophet and The New Testament spiritual gifting of prophecy? Why is it important for the New Testament believer to understand the differences between these concepts?
3) When we are told to "despise not prophesyings," has there been seasons in your life where you despised, rejected, or dismissed words that someone spoke to you, although you were convinced that those words were led by the Lord to be spoken to you? How did you handle that? How would you handle that now?
4) Pastor Matt mentioned "the remedies to not despise prophecies." Please read verses 19 through 22 and discuss how we, as believers, should be handling these moments when someone has "a word from the Lord," or someone feels "pressed to share the truth," or someone feels "led to share a scripture passage with you."
5) Not everyone in our fellowship is as receptive to this spiritual gift as others might be. What's the healthiest way for our fellowship to dwell together in unity, regardless of our theological persuasion regarding the spiritual gift of New Testament prophesying?
