1/2/25

1 Corinthians 14:3 NASB95 But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation.

We tend to look at prophets as someone who tells the future. This is definitely a portion of the meaning, but it is so much more. Especially in the New Testament language as a spiritual gift. One definition of the word prophesies mentioned in the New Testament is as follows. The prophets do not merely foretell events but are also authorities supporting the truth of the word and work of Jesus. They proclaim forgiveness to all believers in Christ’s name.

Paul points this out in our text. He says one who prophesies (a prophet) speaks to men for edification. This word, In Greek, means to build up a house. It is often referring to the house of God. To edify means to build up a disciple by encouraging growth. The house must be built on a solid foundation in Christ. Every layer must be solid to support the next. If you see a wall that is bowing and not plum or inline with God you must redo that wall before putting on the roof. You can not edify on an unstable foundation.

Paul continues, one who prophesies (a prophet) speaks to men for exhortation. To exhort is to speak in the power of the Spirit. It is to reveal the words of God. Sharing salvation in Christ through His mercy is part of exhortation. Giving an explanation of His word to men through the power of the Spirit is another. Paul's letters give exhortation to the churches to address their issues in their modern-day by the guidance and power of the Spirit sharing salvation in Christ. These are beautiful examples of exhortation.

Lastly, Paul says one who prophesies (a prophet) speaks to men for consolation. This word basically tells us a prophet does this out of caring and love. A prophet speaks out the word of God because he loves the people. Someone with hate can't prophesy. Because their goal is not to build up but to tear down. It is not to explain God's word for His desire but to accomplish theirs. It is not done out of caring and love but out of hate. Jesus is our perfect example. He showed several different ways to prophesy but each was done for edification, exhortation and consolation.

The gift of prophecy is not just, I know what will happen. As you can see it goes MUCH deeper than that.

Love Bro. Scott