18. Purpose of prophecy.

‘In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways but in this last days he has spoken to us by his Son…’ – (Hebrews 1:1-2) Moreover, with ‘the revelation of Jesus Christ … to his servant John’ – (Revelation 1:1), all ‘prophecy of Scripture’ – (2 Peter 1:20) has been written down and there is nothing more that needs to be added to Scriptures. What then is the purpose of prophecy in the new testament Church? Yet Paul encouraged the Church to prophesy because:-

1. It edifies the Church: Paul encouraged the Church to prophesy. ‘He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the Church. I would like every one to speak in tongues but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the Church may be edified.’ – (1 Corinthians 14:4-5) For instance, ‘Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers’ – (Acts 15:32) when they were sent by the Apostles to Antioch.

2. It is a sign for believers: Prophecy is like a sign post that gives us the direction in which we must head and also warns us of the dangers ahead. For instance, the Holy Spirit spoke through the prophets at the Church in Antioch, to set apart Barnabas and Saul for the work ( Acts 13:1-3) and in another instance was warned by Agabus, the prophet about the danger in Jerusalem – (Acts 21:11). ‘Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; Prophesy, however, is (a sign) for believers, not for unbelievers.’– (1 Corinthians 14:22)

3. It exposes hearts: Prophecy can lay bare the heart of the wicked. For instance, when Simon the sorcerer saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the Apostles’ hands and probably heard them prophesying, he asked for this ability but Peter speaking by the Spirit said, “I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.” – (Acts 8:18-24) ‘If an unbeliever comes in while everyone is prophesying, he will be convinced by all that he is a sinner …. the secrets of his heart will be laid bare. So he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, “God is really among you “‘ – (1 Corinthians 14:24-25)

‘Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy … Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that builds up the Church.’ – (1 Corinthians 14: 1,12) Amen.