But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. - 1Corinthians 14: 3-4 (NIV)
They use these verses to directly imply that because we now live under grace and not law, that prophets are to only bring warm fuzzy words from God to strengthen, encourage, and comfort the church. There is so much wrong with this interpretation one does not know where to even start but let's start with the simple fact that the law does not disappear because of grace. Jesus said He came to fulfill the law and not a dot of it will disappear. It is only the cheap grace merchants that try and sell us on the notion that we can safely forget God's law because of God's grace. Perhaps the more insulting notion however is that the words brought forth from the Prophets of old were somehow not strengthening, encouraging, or comforting. David may not have wanted to hear what the Prophet Nathan had to say but he sure needed to hear it! If we are seeking to be strengthened it should be in the Lord. If we are seeking to be encouraged it should be in the Lord. If we are to be comforted it should be in the Lord. Not in the empty prattle of someone trying to make us feel good. The Gospel message of repentance may not seem encouraging to those that are perishing but it is life everlasting to those who embrace it! In her 2014 inaugural "prophetic" message Cindy Jacobs promised that 2014 will be a year of double blessing, anointing, portion, and prosperity. She claimed this because God allegedly told her so because 14 equals two sevens and everyone knows seven is the number of completion for God! Besides the stupidity of the notion that everyone who hears her message will have a year of double blessing and prosperity how in the world is this edifying at all? Because it feeds the flesh? Because it makes us greedy? Because it turns God into our own cosmic ATM? Please. If you want to move in the prophetic you need to move in the Word of God. You need to be pointing out Scriptures that apply to our current life situations. That is what will strengthen the body of Christ. That is what will edify believers. All comfort and encouragement is found in the Word of God. Still not sure? Let's look at the last key set of verses:
But if an unbeliever or an inquirer comes in while everyone is prophesying, they are convicted of sin and are brought under judgment by all, as the secrets of their hearts are laid bare. So they will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, "God is really among you!" - 1Corinthians 14: 24-25 (NIV)
What convicts us of sin beloved? The Holy Spirit by leading us into all truth. It is the Holy Spirit who takes what is spiritual and makes it known to us. Here is Jesus explaining it. Look for the prophetic culture He speaks of:
"I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you. - John 16: 12-15 (NKJV)
He will tell you things to come. From where? From the Word of God; not some dime store charlatan. He will glorify God! He will take what is of God, namely His Word, and declare it to you! What lays bare the secrets of our hearts? The Word of God which is sharper than a two edged sword! What will cause us to fall down and worship? A revelation of God provided through His Word!
Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. For God is not a God of disorder but of peace--as in all the congregations of the Lord's people. - 1Corinthians 14: 29-33 (NIV)
What is being weighed carefully? Scripture! Does the Prophet speak what sayeth the Lord or not? Prophesy is not some deep dark mystical experience. These verses say we all can take turns prophesying so that everyone is instructed and encouraged! Not with numerological nonsense and false predictions meant to tickle our ears but with solid Biblical truths meant to edify us, encourage us, strengthen us, and comfort us. I do not need a new revelation when God has already given me His! I do not need a new word when God has already given me His! We have the Spirit of the greatest prophet who ever lived inside of us and we are chasing men and women who promote themselves instead of God? I can guarantee you this. A true prophet of God is too busy telling you what God said to care whether you call him or her a prophet. The Apostle Paul never introduced himself as "The Apostle Paul." How do I know this? Because the Bible tells me he always viewed himself as the least of the apostles because he once persecuted the church. I leave you with the concluding words of this chapter we have examined today regarding prophets and prophecies:
