12. Prophecy : Lifting Others - 9 Spiritual Gifts

1 Cor 12:8-10 NIV

8.To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9.to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10.to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues (languages) and to still another the interpretation of tongues (languages). 

The Old Testament

Moses, Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah etc

Num 12:6-8 NIV

“When there is a prophet among you, I, the Lord, reveal myself to them in visions,  I speak to them in dreams.

7.But this is not true of my servant Moses; he is faithful in all my house.8. With him I speak face to face, clearly and not in riddles;  he sees the form of the Lord. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?”

John the Baptist : last of the OT prophets

Mat 11:11-15 NIV

Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence (forcefully advancing) and violent people have been raiding it. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. 15 Whoever has ears, let them hear.

New Testament prophets

Speaking to people from God for their edification. (FYI - Tongues is speaking to God for my edification).

1 Cor 14:1-5 NIV

Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. 2 For anyone who speaks in a tongue[a] does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit. 3 But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. 4 Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I would like every one of you to speak in tongues,[b] but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues,[c] unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.

1 Cor 14:29-33 NIV

Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. 30 And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. 31 For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. 32 The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. 33 For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.

1 Cor 14:39-40 NIV

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.