The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: - Vital Christianity
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: - Vital Christianity
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: - Vital Christianity
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• Although all prophets did prophesy, yet not all believers were prophets, even<br />
though <strong>the</strong>y were all exhorted to prophesy (I Cor. 14:1,5,24,31,39). From Acts<br />
2:17, 18 it appears that prophecy is potentially a gift available to all Christians as a<br />
sign <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> “age <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Spirit</strong>” which began on <strong>the</strong> day <strong>of</strong> Pentecost.<br />
• Prophecy in <strong>the</strong> New Testament is to be a sign to believers, not to unbelievers<br />
(unbelieving Jews—I Cor. 14:22). For o<strong>the</strong>r unbelievers or people “who do not<br />
understand” (enquirers—I Cor. 14:24) it brings conviction <strong>of</strong> sin which leads to<br />
repentance (I Cor. 14:24-25).<br />
• <strong>The</strong> purpose <strong>of</strong> prophecy for believers is that <strong>the</strong>y might be “instructed and<br />
encouraged” (I Cor. 14:31) or for “streng<strong>the</strong>ning, encouragement and comfort”<br />
(I Cor. 14:3).<br />
• Prophecy was considered to be one <strong>of</strong>, if not <strong>the</strong>, greatest <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> gifts (I Cor.<br />
14:1,5,39;12:31).<br />
• We are warned not to treat prophecies with “contempt” (I <strong>The</strong>ss. 5:20).<br />
• Although prophecy is “revelation” in that it makes <strong>the</strong> mind or will <strong>of</strong> God clear, it<br />
should never be exalted to <strong>the</strong> level <strong>of</strong> biblical revelation. While prophecy may<br />
illuminate <strong>the</strong> meaning <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Scriptures; it can never replace <strong>the</strong>m. <strong>The</strong>refore<br />
prophetic utterances are to be tested by <strong>the</strong> Word <strong>of</strong> God (I <strong>The</strong>ss. 5:21; Acts 17:11)<br />
and by o<strong>the</strong>r prophets (I Cor. 14:29).<br />
• Prophecy must also be done decently and in order. Simultaneous prophesying is<br />
forbidden by Paul (I Cor. 14:29-31) for such prophesying is ecstatic and uncontrolled<br />
manifesting extreme emotionalism.<br />
• Prophecy is to be given one by one or “in turn” so that everyone may be “instructed<br />
and encouraged” (I Cor. 14:31). O<strong>the</strong>rwise confusion and chaos results.<br />
Guidelines (specific limitations) in <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> gift <strong>of</strong> prophecy:<br />
1. Prophecy was not intended to be used as a means <strong>of</strong> governing <strong>the</strong> church. When<br />
pastors and deacons are removed or installed on <strong>the</strong> basis <strong>of</strong> prophetic utterance, chaos results. In<br />
such cases prophecy has usurped <strong>the</strong> gift <strong>of</strong> administration and perhaps also that <strong>of</strong> speaking with<br />
wisdom. No one gift is to dominate all gifts.
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