Quenching the Spirit Part 2: Understanding Prophetic Words

Hearing God's Voice: Understanding Biblical Prophecy in Today's Church

The desire to know what's coming in our future is deeply human. While we can't control the future, God has given us ways to hear from Him through prophecy. However, it's crucial to understand what biblical prophecy truly means and how to test prophetic words.

What is Biblical Prophecy?

Biblical prophecy serves two main purposes:

1. To strengthen, encourage and comfort the church

2. To convict people of sin and lead them to repentance

3. To provide divine insight about future events so God's people can do His work

What Prophecy is NOT

Prophecy is not:

1. Special new revelation about God that contradicts scripture

2. Personal predictions without testing or accountability

3. A replacement for scripture or prayer

4. Something that brings glory to the prophet rather than God

How Should We Handle Prophetic Words?

Paul gives clear guidance in 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22:

1. Don't quench the Spirit or treat prophecies with contempt

2. Test everything carefully

3. Hold onto what is good

4. Reject what is evil

Testing Prophecy: A Biblical Framework

When someone shares a prophetic word:

1. Compare it to scripture - does it align with God's Word?

2. Pray and seek God's peace about it

3. Consult with other mature believers

4. Test it practically when possible

5. Hold it loosely while remaining open to God's leading

Life Application

This week, consider:

1. Are you open to hearing God speak through unlikely sources?

2. Have you been too quick to dismiss possible prophetic words?

3. Are you properly testing prophetic words against scripture?

4. What might God be trying to say to you that you've been resistant to hear?

Questions for reflection:

1. What makes you skeptical about modern prophecy?

2. How can you better balance openness to God's voice while testing everything?

3. Is there a prophetic word you need to revisit and test more thoroughly?

The key is finding the balance between being open to God's voice while wisely testing everything against scripture and through prayer. Don't let fear or skepticism quench the Spirit, but also don't accept everything without careful examination.

Quenching the Spirit: Be Joyful Always - 1st Thessalonians

Finding Joy Through the Holy Spirit: Understanding God's Will for Constant Rejoicing

Many Christians struggle with three seemingly simple but challenging commands from Scripture: rejoice ALWAYS, pray CONTINUALLY, and give thanks in ALL circumstances. While these directives can feel overwhelming, understanding God's provision through the Holy Spirit is what allows them to be attainable for us.

The Challenge of Constant Rejoicing and Prayer

Even seasoned Christians often find it difficult to maintain constant prayer and rejoicing. The command to "pray continually" can feel particularly daunting - how can we keep God at the forefront of our minds at all times? The key lies not in mechanical change through sheer willpower, but in organic transformation through the Holy Spirit.

How Does the Holy Spirit Enable Rejoicing?

The Holy Spirit is characterized by:

1. Being a spirit of rejoicing

2. Constantly praying and interceding

3. Giving thanks in all circumstances

When we receive Christ, we receive this Spirit who naturally tends toward joy, prayer, and thanksgiving. Rather than striving through our own effort, we can tap into the Spirit's power.

What Prevents Us from Experiencing Constant Joy?

Several factors can "quench" the Spirit's work in our lives:

1. Anxiety and fear

2. Suffering and trials

3. Unresolved sin

4. Distractions and idols

The solution isn't to try harder but to lean into the Spirit when facing these challenges. Let anxiety drive you to prayer rather than away from God. Allow suffering to deepen your dependence on Him.

How Can We Stay Connected to the Spirit?

To maintain connection with the Spirit:

1. Focus on what the Spirit is rejoicing about in your life

2. Join in the Spirit's prayers of intercession

3. Give thanks alongside the Spirit

4. Keep in step with the Spirit's leading

Life Application

This week, ask yourself these questions:

1. What do you think the Holy Spirit is rejoicing about in your life right now?

2. What is the Spirit praying for on your behalf?

3. What is the Spirit giving thanks for in your circumstances?

Challenge: Instead of trying to manufacture joy and prayer through willpower, practice "keeping in step with the Spirit." When you identify what the Spirit is doing, join in - rejoice when He rejoices, pray what He's praying, give thanks for what He's thankful for.

Remember: You are who you spend time with. The more you lean into fellowship with the Holy Spirit, the more His characteristics of joy, prayer, and thanksgiving will naturally flow through your life.