Scripture

Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said. Hold onto what is good.

Observation

We must honour those who lead in the Lord’s work. We should show them respect and love.

We should rejoice always, pray constantly, and give thanks in all circumstances. We must not stifle the Holy Spirit nor scoff at prophecies. Instead we must test what is said and hold onto what is good.

Application

There are people who, with no scriptural foundation at all, assert that the spiritual gifts ended when the New Testament was completed.

Here Paul tells us to not stifle the Holy Spirit nor scoff off at prophecies. This means that we should welcome all the works of the Holy Spirit, including those that make us feel uncomfortable.

We, that is leaders in the church, must work at making people feel comfortable in using the gifts of the Holy Spirit listed in 1 Corinthians 12. If we hem these gifts in with too many rules and regulations, or criticise people, then we are stifling or quenching the Holy Spirit.

When a person prophesies, they are claiming to speak God’s word. We need to listen carefully, swallowing the meat and spitting out of the bones. When a person is speaking by their own spirit, or worse still, an evil spirit, then the church needs to be ready to correct what is wrong.

All of this does not mean we should abandon prophecy. No, we need to hear and discern the words of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer

Holy Spirit, please forgive us for rejecting your gifts when they do not come in the package we expect. Help us to grow in your gifts and facilitate them in our meetings. Amen.