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Just as we need to pay attention to our physical needs, we must also pay attention to our souls. We need environments that fan the flame of God's gifting in our lives. But do you know what your spiritual gifts are? Do you know if someone is truly speaking from the Lord when they address you?

The Spectrum of Spiritual Gifts in Churches

In my years as a pastor, I've noticed two extremes when it comes to spiritual gifts:

 

  • Those who believe in "the Father, the Son, and the Holy Bible" - no Holy Spirit, no gifting at all
  • Those who believe in "the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit and half of the gifts"
  • Those who believe in "the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit and all gifts"
  • Those who believe in "the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit and gifts they make up themselves"

 

You may have experienced churches that were either the wildest or deadest experiences possible. Or perhaps you've been in a Spirit-filled church that believes gifts are operable today but should be used correctly, not abused.

Some churches avoid discussing gifts because they've been misused. Paul wrote First Corinthians to address a gifted church that was abusing their gifts - it had become a "me circus." We believe gifts are active but should be used according to their scriptural purpose.

What Is the Gift of Prophecy?

In 1 Corinthians 14:3, we learn that prophecy serves three positive purposes:

 

  • Edification - building up
  • Exhortation - stirring up, encouraging action
  • Consolation - comforting, lifting up during difficult times

 

The Lord gives this gift to certain members of the body who can share confirming words with others about what God is doing in their lives, what He's setting them up for, or decisions they need to make.

Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 14:19-25 that prophecy is a sign for believers, not unbelievers. When properly exercised, this gift can be so powerful that even unbelievers who witness it may fall on their face and worship God, declaring "God is certainly among you."

What Spiritual Gifts Are Mentioned in Scripture?

The Bible mentions various spiritual gifts in different passages:

 

  • Romans: Prophecy, service, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading, and mercy
  • Ephesians 4: Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers
  • 1 Corinthians 12: Word of knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, working miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, diverse kinds of tongues, interpretation of tongues, helps, and administration

 

You have gifts you have yet to unwrap - gifts that can only be used by the power of the Holy Spirit to edify others and evangelize.

Personal Examples of Prophecy in Action

Let me share some prophetic words that changed my life:

 

  • My aunt, while in a diabetic coma, suddenly perked up when I visited her. After hearing my salvation testimony, she prophesied: "Salvador, one day soon you'll be standing before people with a Bible in one hand and pointing to heaven with the other." I had no idea I would become a preacher, but God did.

 

  • While hunting with my mentor Keith in November 2022, he told me: "This time next year, you'll be back pastoring a church." In November 2023, I came to this church.

 

  • A pastor here told me earlier in the spring that I wasn't just here for this congregation but for something more in my ministry.

 

  • A good friend recently told me: "Sal, your name means savior... As incredible as your experiences have been to this day, know that his plan for you going forward is even more glorious, more powerful, more exciting than you could hope or imagine."

 

 

How Do Prophetic Words Work in Church Life?

These prophetic experiences happen when you're in fellowship with other believers, walking in the Spirit, and trying to follow the Lord. That's why I encourage people to get into groups. In our large congregation, we don't have time for everyone to prophesy to one another during service. The early church met in homes where they could take time to minister to each other.

While strangers can give prophetic words, those from people you've been doing life with are more meaningful and easier to believe. The Bible says to "hold on to that which is good" - not every prophetic word is from the Lord.

How Can I Discern True Prophecy from False?

True prophecy:

 

  • Never contradicts God's Word
  • Never condemns
  • Never seeks to dominate you
  • Never advances the prophet's personal agenda
  • Is never devoid of love
  • Never destroys peace

 

Pastor Steve Riggle suggests three ways to handle prophetic words:

 

  • Trash it - if it's clearly not from God
  • File it away - meditate and seek the Lord about it
  • Embrace it - when you immediately recognize God's truth for you

 

What Does It Mean to Be Sanctified by the Spirit?

"May the God of Peace himself sanctify you entirely." Sanctification means to make you holy. But holiness isn't about losing all fun - it's about God keeping you from blowing up your life.

Sanctification is the process between your salvation (when God seated you in heavenly places, forgave all your sins, sealed you with the Holy Spirit, gave you the mind of Christ, transferred you from darkness to light, and adopted you) and your perfection in heaven.

How do you know you're being sanctified? Check the rearview mirror. Are you different than you used to be? God himself does this work in you. It's not what you constantly try to do to be holy, but what you submit to that makes you holy.

Who Keeps Us in Faith Until the End?

From before you were born, God knew you and had a plan for you. As Jeremiah 1:5 says, "Before I formed you in your mother's womb, I knew you and ordained you."

Jesus said that all the Father has given Him is in His hand, and no one can snatch them away. Jude 24 reminds us that God "is able to keep you from stumbling and make you stand in the presence of his glory, blameless with great joy."

When we get to heaven, we won't hang our heads in shame. We'll be blameless because of what Jesus did for us. We'll stand before Him with great joy, not condemnation.

Life Application

This week, I challenge you to take these steps toward spiritual growth:

 

  • Identify your spiritual gifts: Ask trusted believers what gifts they see in you. Study the passages in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, and Ephesians 4 to understand the various gifts.

 

  • Create space for the Spirit to work: Set aside time daily to pray and listen. Ask God to reveal how He wants to use you to minister to others.

 

  • Test prophetic words: When someone shares a "word from God" with you, test it against Scripture. Does it align with God's character and Word? Does it bring peace or confusion?

 

  • Look for sanctification evidence: Take inventory of your spiritual growth. How has God changed you over the past year? What areas still need transformation?

 

  • Pray for others: Just as Paul asked, "Pray for us," find someone this week who needs your prayers. The Holy Spirit might prompt you to pray for someone specific, as I was prompted to pray for my stepmother with cancer.

 

 

Ask yourself:

 

  • Am I quenching the Spirit in any area of my life?
  • Which spiritual gifts has God given me that I'm not fully using?
  • Who needs me to exercise my spiritual gifts for their benefit this week?
  • What prophetic words or encouragement has God given me that I need to revisit and act upon?

 

Remember, God is faithful. He who calls you will bring it to pass.