You May All Prophesy: Embracing the Gift in Your Life:
Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, meticulously lists nine distinct gifts of the Holy Spirit, underscoring that their purpose is not for individual aggrandizement but for the collective advantage and spiritual growth of the entire body of Christ. This foundational principle establishes that the manifestations of the Spirit, including prophecy, are intended for the enrichment and benefit of every believer within the Corinthian church and, by extension, all believers throughout history.
[1Co 12:7-10 KJV] 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another [divers] kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
In the context of the Corinthian church, which was grappling with the proper use and understanding of spiritual gifts, Paul lays out this list to emphasize the unifying purpose behind their diversity. The inclusion of prophecy alongside other powerful manifestations like miracles and healing underscores its significance as a gift intended for the edification and benefit of the entire community. This passage serves as a foundational text for understanding that prophecy is not an isolated phenomenon but an integral part of the Spirit’s work to build up and equip the church.
The Prophetic Promise of Prosperity Through Belief
In a pivotal moment in 2 Chronicles, King Jehoshaphat rallies his people with a powerful declaration: faith in the Lord their God will establish them, and belief in His prophets will lead to prosperity. This Old Testament principle highlights the tangible benefits of heeding the prophetic voice, suggesting a divine connection between embracing prophetic guidance and experiencing God’s blessings in the kingdom of Judah during a time of impending conflict. This historical account serves as an encouragement, demonstrating that valuing and believing the words spoken by God’s messengers has tangible, positive outcomes for individuals and communities. This sets a precedent for the value and impact of the prophetic ministry throughout God’s relationship with humanity.
[2Ch 20:20 KJV] 20 And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.
Jehoshaphat’s exhortation to the people of Judah directly links their stability and success to their belief in both God and His prophets. In the face of overwhelming odds, his leadership emphasized the importance of trusting in divine communication. This verse, cited in the context of “You May All Prophesy,” underscores the potential for prosperity – both spiritual and practical – that comes from recognizing and heeding the prophetic voice within the community of faith, a principle that extends beyond the Old Testament narrative.
Jesus’ Reinstitution of the Prophetic Office in the New Covenant
The Apostle Paul, in Ephesians, reveals that Jesus, upon His ascension, strategically instituted the prophetic office as an integral part of the five-fold ministry. Alongside apostles, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, prophets were given to the Church for the express purpose of equipping believers, facilitating ministry, and building up the body of Christ. This deliberate act by Jesus underscores the enduring importance and necessity of the prophetic function within the New Covenant framework, ensuring the continued guidance and edification of the saints in Ephesus and the broader church.
[Eph 4:11-12 KJV] 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul details the gifts Christ bestowed upon the church to foster unity and maturity. The inclusion of prophets in this list signifies that this role is not a relic of the Old Testament but a vital component of the New Covenant church’s structure and function. This passage directly supports the theme of “You May All Prophesy” by establishing the prophetic office as a foundational element intended for the spiritual growth and development of all believers within the Ephesian community and beyond.
The Transformative Shift: From Old Covenant Judgment to New Covenant Grace
The question arises: if prophets existed in the Old Testament, why did Jesus find it necessary to reinstitute them as a distinct office in the New Covenant? The answer lies in a fundamental shift in the nature and expression of the prophetic ministry itself. The encounter in Luke 9 vividly illustrates this transition. James and John, witnessing the Samaritan rejection of Jesus, instinctively sought a judgment reminiscent of Elijah’s fiery confrontations. However, Jesus rebuked their spirit, declaring that His mission was one of salvation, not destruction. This pivotal moment reveals Jesus reconfiguring the prophetic ministry, moving it away from an Old Covenant paradigm often characterized by pronouncements of judgment towards a New Covenant paradigm rooted in grace, mercy, and the desire to see lives transformed rather than condemned within the villages of Samaria and ultimately the world. This aligns with Jesus’ own teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, where He repeatedly contrasted the “you have heard it said” of the Old Testament with His own “but I say to you,” ushering in a new era of divine interaction.
[Luk 9:51-56 KJV] 51 And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem, 52 And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. 53 And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem. 54 And when his disciples James and John saw [this], they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? 55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. 56 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save [them]. And they went to another village.
This episode in Luke’s Gospel, occurring during Jesus’ journey towards Jerusalem and his ultimate sacrifice, highlights a critical distinction in the spirit and purpose of ministry under the New Covenant. The disciples’ inclination towards judgment, reflecting the Old Testament prophetic actions, is directly corrected by Jesus’ emphasis on salvation. This contrast is crucial for understanding that the prophetic ministry in the New Testament, as it encourages all to prophesy, operates within this framework of grace and the desire to build up rather than tear down, a departure from some of the more severe pronouncements of Old Testament prophets.
Prophecy in the Spirit of Christ: Edification, Exhortation, and Comfort
The essence of the New Testament prophetic ministry is further illuminated in Revelation 19:10, where the angel identifies himself as a fellow servant with those who hold to the testimony of Jesus, stating that “the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” This signifies that New Testament prophecy flows from and aligns with the very nature and character of Christ revealed to John on the island of Patmos. Paul’s instruction in 1 Corinthians 14:1-3 directly reflects this New Covenant dynamic, emphasizing that the primary purpose of prophecy is to speak to people for their edification (spiritual building up), exhortation (encouragement and motivation), and comfort (consolation and strengthening) within the Corinthian church. The “comfort” Paul speaks of extends to stimulating and incentivizing believers in their walk with God, addressing the common pastoral challenge of apathy and lack of motivation. Therefore, New Covenant prophecy, as experienced and encouraged in the early church, is characterized by its constructive and encouraging nature, aiming to uplift and empower the body of Christ.
[Rev 19:10 KJV] 10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See [thou do it] not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit11 of prophecy.
John’s encounter with the angel in Revelation underscores the central role of Jesus in all spiritual communication, including prophecy. The angel’s declaration that the “testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” links all true prophetic utterance to the person and work of Christ. This verse reinforces the idea that when believers in Corinth or elsewhere prophesy, their words should ultimately point to and reflect the nature of Jesus, aligning with Paul’s emphasis on edification, exhortation, and comfort – all characteristics of Christ’s ministry.
[1Co 14:1-3 KJV] 1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual [gifts], but rather that ye may prophesy. 2 For he that speaketh in an [unknown] tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth [him]; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. 3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men [to] edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
In this passage from his letter to the Corinthians, Paul directly encourages believers to prioritize prophecy among the spiritual gifts, highlighting its direct benefit to others through edification, exhortation, and comfort. This instruction reinforces the theme that prophecy in the New Covenant is primarily for the building up of the church, contrasting with the private nature of speaking in tongues without interpretation. Paul’s emphasis here lays the groundwork for the idea that prophecy is a gift that all can and should desire to participate in for the mutual benefit of the community in Corinth.
The Purpose of Prophecy: Leading to Repentance Through God’s Goodness
The emphasis on edification, exhortation, and comfort in New Testament prophecy stands in stark contrast to a ministry focused on condemnation. This shift is intentional, aligning with the understanding that true repentance is not elicited through harsh judgment but through the gentle persuasion of God’s goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, as Paul explains in his letter to the Romans. The prophetic voice in the New Covenant serves as a conduit of this divine goodness, drawing hearts towards repentance through encouragement and building up rather than tearing down the believers in Rome and beyond.
[Rom 2:4 KJV] 4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
Paul’s rhetorical question to the Roman believers challenges them not to despise God’s abundant kindness, patience, and tolerance, emphasizing that these very attributes are what lead people to a change of heart. This verse, when connected to the nature of New Testament prophecy, highlights that the prophetic utterances encouraged among believers are meant to reflect this same goodness of God, fostering an environment of grace that encourages repentance and spiritual growth, rather than condemnation that might lead to despair.
Embracing the Prophetic: Receiving and Giving
Two fundamental truths emerge from this understanding of the prophetic ministry: firstly, God desires every believer to both receive and give prophetic utterances within their respective church communities; and secondly, God intends for each individual to recognize the prophetic voice specifically appointed to their life for personal guidance and direction.
Recognizing the Prophet in Your Life: An Essential Element of Growth
Just as Jesus provided pastors for the shepherding and guidance of the flock in Ephesus, Ephesians 4:11-12 clearly states that He also gave prophets as part of the essential five-fold ministry. While believers typically recognize their pastors, the prophetic voice in their lives may be less apparent. This lack of recognition can hinder their spiritual prosperity and the full realization of God’s purpose within the local church and their individual walks with God. If pastoral ministry is considered a non-optional aspect of Christian experience for nurture and guidance, then prophetic ministry, with its unique contribution of edification, exhortation, and comfort rooted in divine insight, is equally vital for believers to “grow up in the full measure and stature of Christ” within the Ephesian context and the broader church. The presence and recognition of the prophetic ministry in one’s life is therefore not a luxury but a necessity for holistic spiritual development and the attainment of God’s intended blessings.
The Prophet as a Model: Cultivating Your Own Ability to Hear God
It is crucial to understand that a prophet’s role is not to become an intermediary upon whom believers solely rely for divine communication within the Colossian church or any other body of believers. Instead, a true New Testament prophet serves as a model, demonstrating and teaching others how to personally hear from God. The ultimate goal of prophetic ministry is not to foster dependence on the prophet but to empower individuals to cultivate their own direct relationship and communication with the divine.
[Col 1:27 KJV] 27 To whom God would make known what [is] the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
In his letter to the Colossians, Paul reveals the profound mystery of the Gospel: Christ living within believers, offering the hope of glory. This indwelling presence of Christ within each believer in Colossae and beyond is the very “hope of glory” and the primary avenue through which God desires to communicate. While Christ in one believer signifies brotherhood, Christ in you, as an individual, represents your personal access to the Father and the wellspring of divine resources. Philippians 4:19 assures that God meets your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus – this indwelling Christ. Therefore, the prophetic ministry plays a vital role in acquainting believers with this inner voice of God, helping them to recognize and respond to His direct guidance within their own lives and the community in Colossae. This aligns perfectly with the exhortation in 1 Corinthians 14:1 to earnestly desire the gift of prophecy.
[1Co 14:1 KJV] 1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual [gifts], but rather that ye may prophesy.
In the context of addressing the Corinthian church’s use of spiritual gifts, Paul again emphasizes the importance of desiring prophecy. This direct instruction to the believers in Corinth underscores the accessibility and desirability of this gift for all members of the church. It reinforces the idea that prophecy is not reserved for a select few but is a capacity that all should cultivate for the benefit of the entire community.
[1Co 14:1, 31 KJV] 1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual [gifts], but rather that ye may prophesy. … 31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
Continuing his instruction to the Corinthians, Paul further clarifies that the purpose of encouraging all to prophesy is so that “all may learn, and all may be comforted.” This highlights the mutual benefit and edification that arises when multiple members of the church are actively participating in the prophetic gift. It underscores that prophecy in the New Testament is intended to be a communal experience, fostering growth and encouragement throughout the body of Christ in Corinth.
The repeated encouragement for all to prophesy underscores the potential for widespread prophetic expression within the church in Thessalonica and every local assembly. If believers are not taught, trained, and activated in this gift, vital needs within the community may remain unmet, despite God’s willingness and readiness to address them through the prophetic voice of His people. The scriptures encourage every believer to both receive (1 Thessalonians 5:20) and give (1 Corinthians 14:31) prophetic utterances, highlighting the participatory nature of this gift within the body of Christ in Thessalonica and beyond.
Stirring Up the Gift Within: Activation and Cultivation
Paul’s exhortation to Timothy in Ephesus to “stir up the gift of God” emphasizes the active role believers play in cultivating the spiritual gifts residing within them. The laying on of hands, as practiced by Paul when he ministered in Ephesus, is one means through which gifts can be imparted, alongside prayer and other expressions of faith. The inherent gifts of the Holy Spirit are not meant to lie dormant but require conscious effort to be kindled, enflamed, brought to life, vivified, kept alive, and cultivated by Timothy and all believers in Ephesus. This active participation in stirring up one’s gifts is an act of obedience that unlocks the potential for greater spiritual impact, including the exercise of prophecy within the Ephesian church.
[2Ti 1:6 KJV] 6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
Paul’s personal encouragement to Timothy reminds all believers that the gifts of the Spirit are not passive endowments but require intentional effort to activate and develop. The specific mention of the gift being imparted through the laying on of hands highlights one of the ways spiritual gifts, including prophecy, can be received and subsequently nurtured within the church in Ephesus and beyond. This underscores the responsibility of each believer to cultivate the gifts they have received for the benefit of the whole body.
The Universality of Spiritual Gifts: Prophecy as an Accessible Expression
Revisiting the initial list of the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12:7-10 reveals a crucial principle for the Corinthian church: what is true for one gift can be true for another, according to the measure of one’s faith.
[1Co 12:7-10 KJV] 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another [divers] kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
Within Pentecostal heritage, tongues have often been delineated in a way that creates a perceived distinction not explicitly supported by scripture in its original context for the Corinthian believers. The reality is that the dynamic of growth and volitional use observed in the gift of tongues can apply to other gifts, including prophecy, within the Corinthian church and beyond. Just as one may initially not speak in tongues but later develop the ability to do so at will, the same potential exists for moving in prophecy. While Paul’s question “Do all prophesy?” implies a present reality where not all were actively prophesying in Corinth, his subsequent statements in 1 Corinthians 14:30 that “ye may all prophesy” and in verse 1 that all should “desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy” reveal God’s intention and the accessibility of this gift to all believers in Corinth and every local assembly who earnestly seek it. Exempting oneself from desiring or operating in prophecy lacks biblical basis within the context of Paul’s teaching to the Corinthians.
In conclusion, God’s desire is for prophetic ministry to be a vibrant and active part of every believer’s life within their local church community.
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