1. Have you been envious of others’ gifts? Which ones, and why?

2. Have you ever encountered a believer or congregation who spoke a different language? To what extent did you experience the Holy Spirit’s ability to overcome this particular barrier to connection?

3. Has sharing in the Holy Spirit ever helped you overcome a worldly barrier that otherwise might have gotten in the way of connection with another believer (culture, ethnicity, worship style, socioeconomic status, theological perspective, politics, etc.)?

4. Paul’s list of gifts is clearly not exhaustive. What gifts that are not listed have you come to appreciate in your church members more and more?

5. What gifts do you think are underappreciated in the body of Christ, but are essential to it?

6. The Greek word for gift, charisma (root for the English word “charismatic”), is a divinely given favor for the common good, not a personal possession. Our author points out that the mere presence of a gift is not a sign of spiritual superiority. In that light, how can a charisma be misused, or even amplify the harm a person could do?

7. Have you ever been in a church where there was clearly a competitive feel about gifts and ministries? What was that like? What effect did it have on the body of Christ?

8. The parable of the talents starkly teaches us that every single member has the ability to use God-given talents for the kingdom. How well does your local church do at calling forth everyone’s gifts? What change would bring forth more empowerment of everyone’s God-given gifts in your congregation?

9. Our author points out that there are different meanings of the word “prophet.” The word can mean “one who speaks for another,” or “one who speaks in advance.” Thus, a prophet may make future predictions, but also may be the person who shares the perspective of God speaking into a current situation as well. Do you think most of our church members understand both kinds of prophet? Which kind of prophet has been more helpful to you in your spiritual journey? Why?

10.      How would you describe the proper use of Ellen White’s writings? What assumptions, principles, or evidence guide your answer about both the value and the limits? 

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/6-discussion-starters-spiritual-gifts/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=6-discussion-starters-spiritual-gifts

Daily Lesson for Thursday 6th of August 2026

The gift of prophecy occupies a prominent place in Paul’s discussion on spiritual gifts. Interestingly, the gift of prophecy is usually mentioned before the gift of tongues (1 Corinthians 12:10,28; 1 Corinthians 13:8). When the gift of tongues is mentioned first, this is only to emphasize its relative unimportance compared to the gift of prophecy (1 Corinthians 14:4-6,22).

Image © Review & Herald Publishing at Goodsalt.com

The gift of prophecy is meant to provide edification, exhortation, and comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3; compare with Acts 15:32). This suggests that prophecy is not so much about predicting the future as it is about how to live in the present. The Greek verb prophēteuō can mean either “to say something in advance” or “to say something on behalf of someone else.” For instance, the first sense is seen in Acts 2:29-31 (compare with Amos 3:7), where the idea that David is a prophet is explained as “foreseeing.” The second sense is seen in Acts 15:32, where Judas and Silas are identified as prophets. Their “prophecy,” however, consisted in encouraging and strengthening “the brothers with many words” (ESV).

From Ephesians 4:11-13, we learn that the spiritual gifts did not cease in the apostolic era. They should remain until the end (Acts 2:39). However, if someone claims to be a prophet, he/she must be evaluated based on the Scriptures. Broadly speaking, four rules should be satisfied. First, the unconditional prophecies always come true (Deuteronomy 18:22; Jeremiah 28:8-9). Second, the message agrees with that of previous prophets (Deuteronomy 13:1-3, Isaiah 8:20). Third, the daily life demonstrates a commitment to Christ (1 John 4:1-3). Fourth, Jesus said false prophets would be known by their fruits (Matthew 7:15-20). This is also true concerning true prophets.

The book of Revelation indicates that the gift of prophecy is a distinctive characteristic of the remnant church (Revelation 12:17, Revelation 19:10). As Seventh-day Adventists, we believe that the gift of prophecy was bestowed upon Ellen G. White and is reflected in her writings.

<–Wednesday Friday–>

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/26c-06-the-gift-of-prophecy/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=26c-06-the-gift-of-prophecy