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Prophecy: God Speaks to People Through People

Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. 2 For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit. 3 But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. 4 Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. 1 CORINTHIANS 14:1-4 NIV

Prophecy is the ability to speak God’s timeless truth in a timely manner to another person.

PROPHECY IS A GIFT FOR EVERY BELIEVER

Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. 1 CORINTHIANS 14:1 NIV

Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke with him, and he took some of the power of the Spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy elders. When the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied—but did not do so again. NUMBERS 11:25 NIV

…I wish that all the LORD’s people were prophets and that the LORD would put his Spirit on them! NUMBERS 11:29 NIV

…I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and your daughters will prophesy,… 29 Even on my servants, both men and women,… JOEL 2:28-29 NIV

…he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” JOHN 20:22 NIV

PROPHECY IS FOR BUILDING OTHERS UP

…the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort.
1 CORINTHIANS 14:3 NIV

Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21 but test them all;… 1 THESSALONIANS 5:20-21 NIV

Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. 1 CORINTHIANS 14:29 NIV

Test prophecy with:

HOW DO WE PRACTICE PROPHECY?

DESIRE AND ASK FOR THE GIFT

ENCOURAGE OTHERS

TAKE THE RISK IN FAITH

I’d rather feel the sting of a risk than the ache of missing a moment God invited me into.

https://sandalschurch.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Same-Spirit-%E2%80%94-Sandals-Church-Position-Paper-on-the-Holy-Spirit.pdf

My Notes

Discussion Questions

Choose a couple questions from each section to discuss and reflect on the sermon as a group:

  1. START HERE: Think of a time someone said something you really needed to hear. What did they say and how did it affect you?
  2. START HERE: Are you someone who naturally speaks up to encourage others or do you tend to keep to yourself? What makes saying something easier or harder for you?
  3. KEEP GOING: Read 1 Corinthians 14:1-4 NIV. What is prophecy meant to do? How has learning that prophecy is a way to strengthen, encourage, and comfort others change how you think about it?
  4. KEEP GOING: Prophecy is “the ability to speak God’s timeless truth in a timely manner to another person.” When has someone spoken a truth you needed at just the right time? Why do you believe God used that person to reach you?
  5. KEEP GOING: Read 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 NIV. The Bible tells us not to dismiss prophecy, but to test what is said. How could turning to Jesus, scripture or your community help you better discern when a message truly reflects God’s heart?
  6. KEEP GOING: Re-read 1 Corinthians 14:1-4 NIV. Paul encourages believers to especially desire the gift of prophecy because it blesses others and edifies the church. What about practicing prophecy feels either risky or rewarding to you? What would you need to believe about yourself, God or others to pursue growing in this gift?
  7. LIVE IT OUT: Who in your life do you sense needs strength, encouragement, or comfort? What is one way you’re willing and able to do that? Pray and invite the Holy Spirit to use and guide you, then take the risk in faith to reach them.