Sermon Tone Analysis

THE GIFT OF PROPHECY

WHEN I COME TO PREACH I ASK THE LORD FILL ME SO THAT I CAN SPEAK TI YOUR PEOPLE

EVER FELT LIKE SOMEONE WAS IN YOUR HEAD , HEART BY WHAT THEY SAID?

DISTINGUISH BETWEEN PROPHECY IN THE OLD AND NET TESTAMENT

OLD TESTAMENT PROPHETS WROTE AND SPOKE THE WORD OF GOD - “THUS SAYS THE LORD”

NEW TESTAMENT: APOSTLES (NT PROPHETS)

HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO WRITE THE WORD OF GOD

NO APOSTLES:

PROPHET IN THE NT TOOK ON A DIFFERENT MEANING

PROPHECY IN THE NT IS NOT:

1. predicting the future

2. a direct word from the Lord

3. Preaching or teaching

THE GIFT OF PROPHECY IN THE NT IS THIS:

TELLING SOMEONE SOMETHING THAT THE LORD HAS SPONTANEOUSLY BROUGHT TO YOUR MIND WITH A CORRESPONDING SENSE OF URGENCY AND PERSISTENCE

NT PROPHETS DID NOT SPEAK WITH ABSOLUTE AUTHORITY BUT REPORTED SOMETHING THE LORD LAID OR IMPRESSED ON THEIR HEARTS

On the contrary, he is relating to things that are presently occurring.

The one who is prophesying is speaking to the people for the purpose of “their upbuidling and encouragement and consolation” not telling them what will happen.

the express purpose of “reproving and admonishing the wicked” but also “comforting the afflicted”

1 Corinthians 14:24–25 (ESV)

But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you.

ILLUSTRATION

AT A CONFERENCE WITH A FRIEND

MAN SAID YOU BELIEVE THE LORD HAS CALLED YOU TO PREACH BUT HE HAS NOT.

I SENSE THAT THE LORD WANTS YOU TO BE IN SALES INDUSTRY

SCARY - AT A PREACHER’S CONFERENCE

HE WAS IN ENGINEERING - SO HE ASSUMED IT WAS WRONG

NOT VERY SUCCESSFUL IN REAL ESTATE

ALL PROPHECIES MUST BE TESTED

PREDICTION ALMOST RIGHT

PAUL WAS BOUND BY THE ROMANS NOT THE JEWS AND THE JEWS TRIED TO KILL HIM NOT DELIVER HIM

WE MUST TEST EVERY WORD OF PROPHECY

WE TEST BY THE WORD

THREE WAYS TO EVALUATE A PROPHETIC WORD:

1.

It must conform the Spirit of the teaching of the New Testament

2. It must move a person to a deeper trust and dependance on the Lord.

3. It must promote biblical Holiness: a more Christ-like way of thinking and behaving

PAUL TEACHES US ABOUT THE PRIORITY OF THIS GIFT

HOW YOU CAN USE THIS GIFT?

If you believe the Lord is putting something on your heart, say so and express it

REASONS TO GIVE SPACE FOR THE GIFT OF PROPHECY

1. IT BUILDS UP AND OR REPROVES THE SAINTS WITH THE MANIFEST PRESENCE OF GOD IN SHOWING THEIR HEARTS

FRIEND AT WORK - PSALM 46-

GOD IS SEEN A BEING MANIFESTLY AMONG THEM AND AT WORK IN THEIR CHURCH

2. IT PROVIDES THE SPACE FOR ALL TO BE INCLUDED

THE INACTIVE - SPECTATOR ASPECT OF THE CHURCH IS CURED

HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU HAVE THIS GIFT

1. YOU HAVE CONSISTENT EVIDENCE OF HAVING BE USED BY THE LORD IN THIS WAY IN THE PAST

2. YOU HAVE A BURDEN TO BUILD UP OTHERS IN THEIR FAITH

3. YOU ARE ABIDING IN THE WORD AND BEING SHAPED BY IT

HOW DO YOU PURSUE THIS GIFT?

_HEART POSTURE

1. Humility In Not Seeking the Gift Over the Giver

2. Pray for the Purifying of Your Character with the Gift

3. Practice Consistent Confession

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A CHURCH EXPLODES WITH THIS GIFT?