Eaglery Desire Spiritual Gifts

1 Corinthians 12:7–11 (ESV)

To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.

In the last few weeks I feel that the Lord has been dealing with me on the matter of Spiritual, Supernatural Gifts.

There are two main categories that churches fall into regarding spiritual gifts.

(1) Cessationists

Cessationists believe that spiritual gifts such as speaking in tongues, prophecy, and healing ceased with the Apostolic Age.

(2) Continuationists

Continuationists believe that the spiritual gifts such as tongues, prophecy, and healing will continue until the Lord returns.

Both positions fit within the framework of Christian orthodoxy. The doctrine of spiritual gifts is a secondary issue—though it is important.

Why do some Christians believe that the gifts have ceased?

(1) 1 Corinthians say that gifts—such as prophecy and tongues will cease.

1 Corinthians 13:8–10 (ESV)

Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.

Some cessationists claim that the phrase ‘when the perfect comes’ refers to the canon of Scripture.

In other words, the first century church didn’t have the completed New Testament, so they needed prophecy and the gifts. But know that we have the full Bible, there is no need for spiritual gifts.

BUT, is that what Paul is talking about? Let’s read the context.

1 Corinthians 13:12 (ESV)

For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.

The phrase ‘Face to Face’ is rooted in the OT Scriptures and references personally seeing God. In this verse, the phrase is in reference to Jesus Second Coming, in which we will see the Lord face to face. From then on, obviously, we will no longer need prophecy, tongues, healing, etc. But love will remain.

So, there is no reason to believe that these gifts have ceased.

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We, as a Pentecostal Church, believe that the gifts of the Spirit are still for today.

I don’t love the label ‘Pentecostal’ because it conjures up all kinds of images and stereotypes. It puts us in this category with people like Kenneth Copeland, Paula White, Rodney Howard Brown, Bill Johnson… and many others who I do NOT want to be associated with.

Many equate the term “pentecostal” with weird.

I call myself a “careful continuationist”

I use the word “careful” because I think spiritual gifts are often abused. They become a show and the gifts can be sought more than the Lord Himself. They can also become more important than the preached Word of God—which I think is a travesty.

Furthermore, spiritual gifts are often used in a way that is not Scriptural— which causes chaos. Many of you have likely been to a service like this. The misuse of gifts is actually what Paul is addressing in 1 Cor. 12-14. He gives clear instruction on how to properly use the gifts when Christians meet together. He says, “God is not the author of confusion.”

The other reason that I prefer not to use the term “Pentecostal” is because “Pentecostals” tend to focus on the gift of tongues. Many often assert that everyone can have the gift of tongues.

1 Corinthians 12:29–31 (ESV)

Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the higher gifts.

And I will show you a still more excellent way.

Clearly, Paul says that different believers are given different gifts as God deems fit.

Then he goes on to say that the gifts should be grounded in love. They shouldn’t be used—as they were being used in Corinth—as a means of bolstering ones own ego. They shouldn’t be used to hurt other believers or to make them feel inferior. They should be used to build up, to encourage, and to edify the church.

With all that being said, I believe that God has been dealing with me regarding spiritual gifts. Because of my fear of the abuse of the gifts (which has been my primary experience) I have refrained from the utilization of gifts.

So, I want to be faithful to allow our church to utilize the gifts, but to do so decently and in order.

Tonight, I want to concentrate on the gift of prophecy.

What is Prophecy?

I like the definition that Matt Chandler gives: He would describe prophecy as “Spirit-prompted, spontaneous, intelligible messages orally delivered to a person or community intended for edification and encouragement.”

When we think of prophecy, remember, we often think of foretelling the future. It is sometimes that in the Scripture, but, remember from our study in Revelation, that the majority of prophesy—even in the OT—is not predicting the future.

Furthermore, I think there is a bit of a difference between OT prophets and the NT gift of prophecy. In the OT, “Prophets” spoke “Thus Saith the Lord Statements.” These prophets words are recorded in the Scriptures as part of God’s infallible word.

Prophecy today is certainly not on the same level of God’s infallible word. It is a gift that is grounded in God’s Word.

I don’t like when people get up and say “thus saith the Lord.” I think that is dangerous as we can “miss God.” I prefer to say things like “I believe God (or the Holy Spirit) has laid this on my heart.”

1 Corinthians 14:29 (ESV)

Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said.

To me, it seems clear here that the NT prophesies are prone to fallibility. They should be weighed.

There are those who prophesy who are not of the Lord and who wish to lead people astray. Those are false prophets. But, perhaps, their are Christians who truly feel the Lord has laid something on their heart, but they miss the Lord.

If that happens, the person should repent and be slow to prophesy.

How should we weigh or test prophesy? I think the clearest way to do this is to weigh them according to the Scriptures.

Or, someone may share something that is not relevant to the church or person with whom they are sharing.

For instance, you might go to someone and say “I feel the Lord wants me to encourage you in your marriage.” And the person says… “I am not married.” So the prophecy misses the mark.

Examples of Prophecy

Last Sunday, as we were seeing “He knows my Name” I felt the Lord impress on me to share that those who feel forgotten because of relationship issues, financial problems, work issues, etc… and feel like God is not hearing their prayers, remember that He has not forgotten you. He knows your name.

Now, everything I said was grounded in the Scriptures.

I had someone come up after service and say to me that everything I mentioned pertained to her. She said it was extremely encouraging. That is the point of prophecy.

Notice I didn’t get weird and say “Thus Saith the Lord” in a weird voice. I didn’t try and draw attention to myself. I just had this word on my heart, sensed it was the Lord, weighed it, and shared it.

I think that is what prophecy looks like.

Matt Chandler—who is a Reformed, Baptist Preacher— shared a lady in his large church came down for prayer and his wife went to pray for her. Before praying, she felt the Lord revealed the specific disease that the woman was suffering from . It was something very rare (I can’t even remember what it was). After telling her this, the lady begin weeping. It was her exact diagnosis.

Those are two of the many examples of prophesy.

So, tonight, I want us to seek the Lord; let’s ask God to encourage us through prophecy—and any of the other gifts. It is not something we want to force.

Some ground rules

Only those who are truly walking with the Lord should speak.

Only those who are a regular part of our church community should speak.

If a word is shared and is not consistent with the Scriptures, then a gracious correction will be made.

All prophesies will be weighed.

Before utilizing any spiritual gift, reflect on the motivation of your heart. Is this for the edification of the church or is it so I can be seen.

If you need prayer tonight, feel free to reach out to others to pray for you.

If you need healing, our deacons and pastors will pray for you and will anoint you with oil.

1 Corinthians 14:1–4 (ESV)

Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church.