Prophecy Without Love

"If I have the gift of prophecy . . . but do not have love, I am nothing" (1 Cor. 13:2).

Love motivated God to communicate with fallen humanity. That must be your motivation too.

The word prophecy as used in 1 Corinthians 13:2 is the ability to publicly proclaim God's truth accurately and authoritatively. It's a greater gift than tongues because tongues were given as a sign to unbelieving Israel in the first century (1 Cor. 14:21-22), whereas prophecy instructs and edifies believers throughout the centuries. Paul said, "one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation [and] edifies the church (1 Cor. 14:3-4).

Prophecy has two aspects: revelation and reiteration. When an Old or New Testament prophet received new information directly from God, that was revelation. Whenever that information was repeated through preaching or teaching, it was reiteration. For example, the sermons of Peter and Paul combine new revelation with a reiteration of Old Testament truth. That's a common element in New Testament preaching.

With the close of the New Testament canon, direct revelation from God ceased. All preaching and teaching today is reiteration. New Testament prophets policed one another to ensure that every prophecy was truly from God (1 Cor. 14:32). Today, Scripture itself is the standard by which we test someone's message. As the prophet Isaiah said, "To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because they have no [light]" (Isa. 8:20).

Paul is saying 1 Corinthians 13:2, "If I have the ability to speak direct revelation from God, or to reiterate divine truth forcefully and dramatically, but lack love, my ministry is meaningless." In its broadest sense, that principle applies to every believer because we all are proclaimers of God's Word. You might not teach a class or preach a sermon, but whenever you tell someone about Christ or share a biblical principle, you're reiterating divine truth. That's why you must always speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15). Then the Holy Spirit can empower your words to minister to others.

Ask God to help you guard your words so that everything you say will be clothed in His love.

What tests did Moses give for determining false prophets? What punishment did false prophets receive?

That is not correct. For instance, there is the principle (let’s call it Prov 3:6, “...in all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.”, i.e., the scripture and the Holy Spirit); and then, there is a subset of that principle (the actual, particular, guidance, e.g. “Father, it is raining very hard, in sheets. Should I take the freeway ahead, or stay on surface streets?”, i.e., the specific instructions aspect) That is where learning to hear the voice of the Lord looms very large (as little Samuel had to; and as some say is not possible today because it has ceased). Because in praying that way, even “on-the-fly”, I am acknowledging His higher thoughts and ways and asking to be let in on enough of it to be of very down-to-earth, practical value — particular wisdom in an enigmatic situation, where I in my own devices might choose wrongly.
And, since we know He is there, and since He encourages us to ask, and He cares what happens to us, why not? Plus, it’s exhilarating and fascinating to communicate with God and to hear from Him. It’s addictive, in fact. But it does require some practice (Hebrews 5:14, for instance, speaks to this).

Thanks for your list but apparently God felt there was no benefit for us to know what Gad the seer or the prophecy of Ahijah had to say. Otherwise they would be contained in the Holy Scriptures. God tends to be very succinct.

What prophet told you this? [sic: "There is nothing more that one needs to know."] Because God never said it.

I know my former statement to be true based upon what 2 Tim 3-4 states. Everything in scripture is given for our correction, reprove, etc. so that we may repent, turn to Christ and live a righteous life. What else is there?

But how do you know I didn't have a revelation from God that told me this? What makes you so sure God didn't speak to me in a dream or vision telling me this? Seems to me that if you believe in prophesy, then what exactly is your criteria in knowing who God speaks to and when He speaks?

Your statement above contradicts your overall premise. If we have all that we need and it's all correct, how can they reveal anything to anyone?

The Pharisees of Christ's day had the writings of Isaiah and they still misread the signs. God doesn't reveal everything including some things in His scriptures. And some simply refuse to listen.

(the actual, particular, guidance, e.g. “Father, it is raining very hard, in sheets. Should I take the freeway ahead, or stay on surface streets?”, i.e., the specific instructions aspect)

Why do one needs driving lessons from God? Isn't it enough to trust God to lead you in whatever path you choose knowing that whatever happens, for good or for ill, God is going to work it all out for your good?

That is where learning to hear the voice of the Lord looms very large ...Because in praying that way, even “on-the-fly”, I am acknowledging His higher thoughts and ways and asking to be let in on enough of it to be of very down-to-earth, practical value — particular wisdom in an enigmatic situation, where I in my own devices might choose wrongly.

This is a form of Gnosticism, those who believe they are more in tuned with "the voice of the Lord" than others-reaching for a higher level of knowledge. "It's exhilarating." "It's fascinating to communicate with God." I mean this kindly but this is poppycock.

Truth is our Lord Jesus has revealed everything we need for a holy life to everybody in His scriptures. We simply need to pray the Holy Spirit will open our eyes and hearts to hear His calling and be obedient to His will. Command what you will and may He grant to us the power to do what He so commands. We trust that He will do the rest for our benefit-good or ill-to make us perfect and complete in His Son to the praise of His glorious name.

Thanks for your list but apparently God felt...

God felt or man blundered?

2 Tim 3
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

The list of writings I posted to you were from God and are scripture. God never said, "throw away my words that you don't like or don't understand."

Freedom to choose is paramount in God's plan. He allows men to do good or evil. Men can create churches, make up doctrine, choose scripture, or outright reject Him. However, God rejects all of those things and all men will be judged for their works. But in this life, he allows them free agency. This what being tried and tested is all about.

The Pharisees rejected the prophets so they had none. They relied solely on their own understanding of the scriptures. That lead them to reject the very savior they claimed to be waiting for. And they will face judgement regardless of how pious they claimed to be.

God always works through prophets first.

Amos 3
7 Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.

Rev 11 is undeniable proof that true prophets exist in our time. But to rely solely on your own understanding of scripture vs seeking out the true prophets sounds like history repeating itself.

No prophet compiled the Bible. Therefore, the list of writings contained was not given by God. It was decided on solely by men. But God, seeing all things, would know that man would create this list of some of his words and reject almost all the rest. Therefore, it makes sense that if God knows this, He would send a prophet with writings to correct the confusion created by these corrupt men.

Freedom to choose is paramount in God's plan. He allows men to do good or evil.

Ahhh...that old chestnut. If God gives you "freedom", as a Christian do you deliberately choose to do evil? Why not choose to be righteous? Personally I would love to give up any "freedom" I had to be like Christ.

Therefore, the list of writings contained was not given by God. It was decided on solely by men. ... He would send a prophet with writings to correct the confusion created by these corrupt men.

That sounds a bit like Joseph Smith talking. I give God a bit more credit that He guides and directs our paths.

Pro 20:24 A man's steps are from the LORD; how then can man understand his way?

God knows what He's doing and the (Protestant) Bible came out just the way He wanted it.

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