Canaan Fellowship

The Nature and Purpose of Prophecy: 1 Corinthians 14

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Canaan Fellowship
Canaan Fellowship
The Nature and Purpose of Prophecy: 1 Corinthians 14
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Bill Teubl teaches on 1 Corinthians 14, focusing on the nature and purpose of prophecy within the church. He explains that prophecy is God speaking to individuals so they can share His word with others for their upbuilding, encouragement, and consolation. The sermon contrasts prophecy with speaking in tongues, emphasizing that prophecy is for the corporate benefit of the church and should be pursued within the foundational context of love.

  • [00:00:00] The sermon is based on 1 Corinthians 14:1-19, which contrasts speaking in tongues and prophecy.
  • [00:02:54] Bill notes two controversial parts in the chapter regarding women prophesying and outsiders’ reactions but clarifies that both men and women can prophesy.
  • [00:03:17] The main burden is to explore what prophecy is and how it can be nurtured in the church.
  • [00:03:47] The Corinthian church was messy but had remarkable spiritual manifestations, requiring careful attention to gifts like prophecy and tongues.
  • [00:05:13] The discussion on spiritual gifts finds its beginning in 1 Corinthians 12, and chapter 13 on love sets the stage for the practical discussion in chapter 14.
  • [00:06:48] The fundamental context is that believers are a gifted people and are to be loving people, as God’s love reproduces love in them.
  • [00:08:55] Verse 1 commands to “pursue love and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you might prophesy.”
  • [00:10:20] Prophecy is singled out among the gifts because it involves speaking forth God’s word to others.
  • [00:11:34] Prophecy requires first that God speaks to you, and then that you share that word with others for their benefit.
  • [00:13:17] Prophetic work is already happening in the church through preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and personal encouragement.
  • [00:16:56] The effect of prophecy is outlined in verse 3: it speaks to people for their “upbuilding, encouragement, and consolation.”
  • [00:17:59] Encouragement helps someone step forward in faith when they feel daunted.
  • [00:19:39] Consolation comforts or soothes someone who is suffering or experiencing loss.
  • [00:21:08] Upbuilding involves growth in knowledge and faith.
  • [00:22:25] Speaking in tongues (verse 2) is directed Godward, speaking mysteries to God, and builds up the individual.
  • [00:24:34] Prophecy builds up the church because the word is spoken to others.
  • [00:26:21] The passage is set in the context of believers gathering and interacting.
  • [00:27:08] Using the analogy of musical instruments (verses 7-8), Bill explains that prophecy, to be effective, must be intelligible and clear so people can understand and respond.
  • [00:30:29] The key is to speak in a language or way that others can understand, considering their background and vocabulary.
  • [00:33:46] To nurture prophecy, believers must first learn to listen to the Lord and hear from Him.
  • [00:34:57] Second, believers should pray for God to speak to them things they can share with others to help them.
  • [00:35:31] The most important thing for the church is God’s people hearing from God and talking to one another about the things of God.

Scripture References

  • 1 Corinthians 14:1-19
  • 1 Corinthians 12
  • 1 Corinthians 13
  • 1 Corinthians 11
  • 1 John 3
  • 2 Corinthians 1
  • Romans 12

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See also: Prophecy with Love: Revisiting 1 Corinthians 14