The Holy Spirit, His Gifts, Gift of Prophecy, (1Cor.12:7-11) Part1:

The Holy Spirit, His Gifts, Gift of Prophecy, (1Cor.12:7-11) Part1: In this lesson, we will begin our discussion of the three gifts of inspiration. Of these three gifts, prophecy is the most important. the reason behind this is that it takes the other two gifts, divers kind of tongues and the interpretation of tongues to equal this one gift. The Bible says in 1Cor.14:5... greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret... This infers that to speak with tongues and to interpret the tongues is equivalent to prophesy. Therefore prophecy is really the most important of these three gifts of inspiration because it does not require another gift to complete it. The Hebrew meaning of the phrase, "to prophesy" is to flow forth like a fountain, to let drop, to lift up, to tumble forth, and to spring forth. The Greek word that is translated "prophecy" can mean to speak for God or to be His spokeman. In First Corinthians 14:1 we read, "Follow after charity[Love], and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may PROPHESY." We are told to desire spiritual gifts, but especially that we might prophesy. that doesn't mean we to not desire the other gifts, but we are to especially desire prophesy. At the end of 1Cor chapter 14, Paul repeats, "Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy. We could say it like this, God through Paul spoke to the church to desire spiritual gifts, but rather that we may prophesy (1Cor. 14:1,39). The simple gift of prophesy should not be confused with the prophetic office or with prophetic utterance that may come forth in the prophets ministry. Paul said, "But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to EDIFICATION, and EXHORTATION, and COMFORT" (1COR.14:3). In the office of the prophet we often find that revelation or forthtelling (speaking future events) does come forth, even through the vehicle of prophesy. Part two tomorrow. Be bless and Amen