Facilitator: Pastor S.A Fatoye Jnr 

Month Theme: A New Filling 

Topic - The Gift of Prophecy.

18th July 2026

Introduction: The Holy Spirit’s Empowerment for This Generation

“Every Believer Is a Gifted Person”

In an age of information overload, moral confusion, social media noise, and spiritual hunger, God is pouring out His Spirit afresh (Joel 2:28-29; Acts 2:17-18). Prophecy, as a spiritual gift, is not outdated but vitally relevant. It equips believers to discern truth, confront sin gently yet boldly, encourage the weary, and build up the church so it shines as light in darkness.

Joel 2:28-29

28 "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions.

29 Even on the male and female servants I will pour out my Spirit in those days.

Every believer who has received Jesus has a spiritual gift—not a natural talent, but evidence of God’s grace (Ephesians 4:7-16; Romans 12:6-8). These gifts enable us to serve one another and grow together as Christ’s body. No one has all gifts; we need each other.

Key Verse for the Gift: “Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy” (1 Corinthians 14:1 ESV). Paul prioritizes prophecy because it builds the church.

What Is the Gift of Prophecy? (Old/New Testament Perspective)

Prophecy as a spiritual gift (one of the manifestations in 1 Corinthians 12:10) differs from:

Old Testament prophetic office (e.g., Isaiah, Jeremiah): Often authoritative, foretelling judgment/salvation, with high accountability (“Thus says the Lord”).

The office of prophet (Ephesians 4:11): A leadership calling/gift of Christ to the church for equipping saints, directional revelation, and governance. Not every prophet operates only in the gift, and not every gifted person holds the office.

Definition for the Gift: Speaking forth what God spontaneously brings to mind for the edification, exhortation, and comfort of others (1 Corinthians 14:3). It is not primarily future-telling (though it can include elements of insight or warning) but declaring God’s truth into a current situation discerning right/wrong, calling to repentance, encouraging faith, and revealing God’s heart.

It shines the light of Scripture and the Spirit on real-life circumstances. Prophets (in the gift sense) are often bold, articulate, and willing to confront sin, but mature ones do so in love, leading to conviction, repentance, and restoration (as Peter did in Acts 2:14-42).

Biblical Examples in the Early Church:

Peter’s sermon at Pentecost: Confronted sin and called thousands to salvation.

Agabus: Warned of famine (practical direction) and Paul’s bonds (Acts 11:27-30; 21:10-11).

Philip’s four daughters who prophesied (Acts 21:9).

Corporate prophecy in worship and gatherings (1 Corinthians 14:26-31).

Why Prophecy Matters for This Generation

Discernment in chaos: Helps distinguish truth from cultural lies, emotion from Spirit, and God’s voice from noise.

Edification and unity: Builds up the body rather than tearing it down (Ephesians 4:12-16). In divided times, it fosters encouragement and peace.

Evangelism: Convicts unbelievers, reveals heart secrets, and leads to worship (“God is really among you” – 1 Corinthians 14:24-25).

Direction and hope: Confirms seasons, warns lovingly, and points to Jesus amid uncertainty.

Revival catalyst: Aligns with Joel’s promise for the last days we will experience fresh outpouring producing prophetic people.

How to Identify, Develop, and Use the Gift

Do you have it? 

Ask: Do you quickly discern right/wrong? Feel compelled to speak truth that convicts or comforts? 

You want to see situations through a “God-perspective”? 

Test through prayer, feedback from mature believers, and opportunities to serve (Romans 12:6 – “in proportion to our faith”).

Development Steps (Practical for Today):

Pursue love first (1 Cor. 14:1) — Prophecy without love harms.

Immerse in Scripture — The written Word is the plumbline; prophecy never contradicts it.

Pray and listen — Ask the Spirit boldly. Practice in small groups or one-on-one (safer for growth).

Revelation → Interpretation → Application — Receive clearly, understand meaning, apply rightly (with counsel).

Submit to order and testing — “Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said” (1 Cor. 14:29). 

Test by: Does it edify/exhort/comfort? 

Does it agree with Scripture? 

Does it exalt Jesus or produce godly fruit? 

Does it brings liberty?

Common Pitfalls to Avoid:

Speaking from emotion, flesh, or visibility-seeking.

Lack of love or accountability.

Treating personal impressions as infallible “Thus says the Lord.”

Public delivery without wisdom (social media caution—context and community matter).

Mature use: Humility, submission, accuracy track record, and community discernment.

Note:  Integrity Matters

In conclusion

God calls the whole church to a “new filling” of the Spirit. Prophecy is not for superstars or elites but it is for every believer to strengthen the body so we can fulfill the Great Commission together. May you desire and receive this gift earnestly. Use it faithfully in love. Test everything. Hold fast to what is good. God bless us in Jesus name.

As the body of Christ, with diverse gifts functioning in harmony, we can accomplish far more than we imagine (Ephesians 4:12-16). Let the prophets (in gifting and office) arise not for spectacle, but for the glory of Jesus and the maturity of His church.

Let’s us pray.

Lord Jesus, we thank you for the teaching of today, please Lord, fill us afresh and stir up the gift of prophecy in the life of people for this generation. Teach us to hear Your voice, speak Your heart, and build Your church in Jesus name. Amen.