Category Archives: Prophecy

Decorative text reading 'Gifts from God' with a cross and wings and the quote 'Every blessing comes from above James 1:17'
Bible, Gifts, Grace, Prophecy, Romans, Scripture

THE GIFTS LIST – PROPHECY

ROMANS 12:6

“However, since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them properly: if prophecy, in proportion to one’s faith;”

Whatever your talents and abilities are, you need to use them correctly. We will be looking at a list of several gifts that Paul mentions over the next few days. God-given gifts are not the same as one’s talents or abilities. I have heard way too many people say, “Boy, that guy is sure talented. If God could get ahold of him, he could really be used.” That is not necessarily true. You may be the most gifted singer, and God may have a totally different plan for your life. Don’t equate talents with gifts.

Paul begins this list of gifts, and we find a phrase that is not in the original text. The phrase “each of us is to use them properly” is not there. The NASB, which is what I use mostly, throws that in to add some clarity to what Paul is about to say. It’s an implied thought, but not in the original. That’s why it’s in italics. This is another reason to always go back to the original language if possible. Paul says that we all have different “grace gifts” that are different according to the “grace” given to us. These gifts are gifts given by God for a specific purpose. Let’s jump into the first one.

APPLICATION

The first “grace gift” Paul mentions is prophecy. The Topical Lexicon says this about this gift. “Unlike ecstatic tongues, prophecy is immediately intelligible, convicting unbelievers and strengthening believers.” In 1 Corinthians 14:22 we are told, “prophecy is for a sign, not to unbelievers but to those who believe.” Some will argue that this “grace gift” is not present in the modern church, but I would argue if you hold to this strict definition of prophecy, it still has a place to help strengthen believers.

Ellicott’s Commentary this gift “was a kind of powerful and inspired preaching which, unlike the gift of tongues, was strictly within the control of the person who possessed it.” I’ve known people with this gift and have learned to listen closely when they speak forth from the Lord. These individuals have always been very humble and slow to speak unless they knew and had confirmed what they were about to share.

This “grace gift” when properly exercised is always meant to build up the body of Christ, never cause a division. It can mean to “declare the divine will; to interpret the purposes of God; or to make known in any way the truth of God.” (Barnes) Why would the Lord not use that gift in today’s church. Don’t we need that more than every? Sure, we do. I pray we have more believers making known the truth of God. Don’t you?

Lord, whatever our gifts, let us exercise them with humility knowing they from You and for You.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Manifested, Messiah, Prophecy, Revelation, Righteousness, Salvation, Scripture

MANIFESTED RIGHTEOUSNESS

ROMANS 3:21

“But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets,”

Have you ever witnessed an incredible sunrise? I love sunrises. I am usually out walking in the mornings as the sun rises, so I get to see a lot of them. Now, I know the sun is going to rise. I expect it to rise in the eastern sky, but I can’t make it appear. No amount of begging and cajoling will make it appear one second sooner than it’s supposed to appear. But when it does appear and blows up the sky with the colors of the day, it has manifested what I knew to be true all along – that it would appear.

Oh, listen! That is what Paul is saying in today’s verse as he prepares us for the next couple of verses. He says God’s righteousness “has been revealed.” The Greek word there is phaneroó, meaning to “make manifest, show.” It’s in the Perfect tense which means it happened at a time in the past but has lasting results. Don’t miss that. God did this back then so that we could see it today. Wow! We are so blessed to see that even now in the 21st century.

APPLICATION

All through the Law and prophets, the righteousness of God through the promise of a Messiah is talked about. I have a book on my bookshelf entitled, All the Messianic Prophecies of the Bible, by Herbert Lockyer. It shows how Jesus fulfilled over 300 prophecies which the Law and the prophets foretold. God chose to manifest His righteousness through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Jesus was always the Father’s plan for us. As mentioned in an earlier blog, the law wasn’t plan A that failed thus rendering Jesus’ death as a backup plan. No, God laid out in Scripture our need for a Savior, One Who was and is worthy of our praise. Jesus’ righteousness became our available righteousness when He died and rose again. All we have to do is claim that and follow Him.

That’s where the problem is. We want the salvation and the righteousness without the obedience. Christ’s righteousness may be free, but it’s not cheap. It will cost you everything. You have to abandon your old way of thinking and living and strive to live holy before Him. You can never “earn” this righteousness. It is truly freely given. But you do have to surrender to His will. I read the other day a quote by Spurgeon which said, “When you make His will your will, you will always get your will.” Try it.

Father God, I praise You for the manifestation of Your righteousness through Jesus Christ, Your Son.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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