Introduction

These notes are a summary of the main points in a sermon preached on May 2, 2021 by Pastor Daniel Wallace of Harmony Community Church in Ormond, Ontario (near Winchester).

Priority of Love

If we are going to operate properly in any spiritual gift we need to build on a foundation of love. 1 Corinthians 13:1-2

Prophetic powers that are not governed by love are of no value and may even do significant harm.

We are to pursue love. 1 Corinthians 14:1

Spiritual gifts are good and should be sought and desired

Eagerly desire spiritual gifts. 1 Corinthians 14:1

Prophecy is a higher gift

Prophecy is especially valuable because it has the capacity to build up, encourage and comfort our fellow believers. This is a practical expression of the love of God. 1 Corinthians 14:3-4

Potential Impact of Prophecy

Prophecy has the potential to call people to account, reveal the secrets of their hearts and thus bring unbelieving people to repentance as they recognize the power and presence of God in His people. 1 Corinthians 14:24-25

Prophecy must be weighed

Prophecy is subordinate to the written Word of God in authority. A valid prophetic word is a word from God, and therefore carries genuine authority to address the human heart with lifegiving truth, but it is never equal to the written Scriptures in authority.

Paul says that all prophecies spoken in the the assembly of believers are to be weighed. 1 Corinthians 14:29, see also 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21

Summing up

A good safeguard which will ensure safe and effective prophecy is to fix our hearts on everything that is good.  Philippians 4:8-9.  Jesus said if we make the tree good, its fruit will be good. He said this in reference to the human heart.  Matthew 12:33, see also Luke 6:43.