Idea: Fan the gift of prophecy as expressed through preaching into flames by praying that God would bless the preaching of His word in your heart and life and in that of the congregation, or as Paul puts in the negative, do not quench the Spirit.
Intro: Someone once asked me if I believe in the continuing gift of prophecy. I said, Yes. I practice it. I practice it in the preaching of God's word. I don't give new revelation from God. Instead, through the working of Christ and His Spirit, I study the inspired words that He has already given and I proclaim and apply those words in preaching, with the commission and authority of Christ Himself.
Today the gift of prophecy is expressed through preaching. In it, God proclaims His gospel. With this in mind you can see how important it is to not quench the Spirit, to not show contempt for prophecy. Rather, God calls you to hold fast to His word especially in the preaching.
1. Prophecy defined broadly as proclaiming God's word.
2. Prophecy connected to preaching
3. Do not quench the Spirit
a. by devaluing preaching
b. by distraction
c. by contempt for the earthly messanger |
