Big Idea

Prophetic words are a natural outgrowth of a supernatural relationship with Christ.

Scripture

Acts 2:17-18, 1 Corinthians 14:1-5

Icebreaker & Opening Thought

1. Tell about a time someone gave you an encouraging word. How did that make you feel?
2. Our topic today is prophecy which we are defining as “the loving supernatural ability to know and appropriately speak the mind of God on a specific subject at a specific time by the prompting and inspiration of the Holy Spirit.” Prophesy is meant to be a “loving” supernatural activity; it is not meant to shame or discourage. What do you think about this definition of prophecy?

Bible Discussion

3. Read 1 Corinthians 14:1-5. What do you notice about how Paul talks about the gift of prophecy?
4. Paul begins this passage with the statement, “Follow the way of love.” What is the way of love, and why is it important as we talk about the gift of prophecy?

Life Application

5. Has anyone ever shared a word of prophecy with you? What was your experience? How did you feel?
6. Take a few minutes to practice prophetic words. Encourage your group to move to a comfortable space and to try these steps. Remember, words of prophecy are shared in love and should be strengthening, encouraging, and comforting. Think of prophecy as highlighting the gold in someone’s life. (See below)
7. What was that experience like for you? Did anyone experience anything they’d like to share?
8. Let’s commit to listen for words from the Holy Spirit and then share our experience next week? Close the group with the prayer for the series: “God, expand my vision, embolden my heart and release your Kingdom; on Earth as it is in Heaven.

Challenge

This week, begin making time to practice the steps we practiced just now. Ask for words of prophecy, listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit, filter in love, share in faith, and release in humility.

Practical steps for practicing prophetic words

• Ask for words – Ask God to give you prophetic words. Let’s operate in faith that God wants to provide us with words to encourage our kids, neighbors, and coworkers. Paul encouraged the Corinthians to eagerly desire the gift of prophecy. Let’s ask!
• Listen silently – Listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit. This might take some practice because many of us are not used to being still and silent. Let’s create space in our lives for this. As you wait and listen, write down words, images, or phrases that come to mind. Even if at first they don’t make much sense, write them down.
• Filter in love – Remember, the motivation behind prophetic words is love. Take what you sense God is saying and ask yourself: Are these words strengthening, encouraging, or comforting? Filter everything through the lens of love.
• Share in faith – This is probably the most difficult one. Here is where we need to step out in faith, overcome the fear of looking foolish, sharing the word God has given us. We can do this by sending a text, making a phone call, or meeting in person.
• Release in humility – One way we release the word in humility is to frame the words with humility. Say something like, “I don’t know if this will resonate with you, so please pray about it but…” Or “In case this is something the Holy Spirit is giving me for you, I want to share…” Notice the language is not, “God said!” or, “God told me…” Let’s hold these words in humility