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In our transformative sermon series “Encounter,” Pastor Tyler Lynde invites us on a profound journey to experience God’s presence more intimately in our daily lives. This week, Tyler shares a compelling message titled “Hearing the Voice of God for Others,” where he delves into the ways God communicates through us to touch the lives of those around us.

Tyler begins by sharing a deeply personal story about the loss of his brother, an event that left an indelible mark on his heart and led his family through a challenging path of grief and questioning. The weight of this loss brought about moments of despair and doubt, causing them to wrestle with their faith. Amidst this turmoil, they discovered solace and healing through the spiritual gifts described in 1 Corinthians 12. These gifts acted as a beacon of hope, guiding them from the shadows of sorrow into the light of restoration.

He emphasizes that God doesn’t just desire to speak to us but also through us. Spiritual gifts are divine empowerments bestowed by the Holy Spirit, intended for the common good and the building up of the church community. Tyler reflects on the words of Paul to the Corinthians, highlighting that there are various gifts, ministries, and activities, but they all originate from the same Spirit, the same Lord, and the same God who works in all. This unity in diversity underscores the collaborative work of the Trinity in bestowing these gifts upon believers.

Delving deeper into the significance of these gifts, Tyler discusses the Word of Wisdom, the Word of Knowledge, and Prophecy. The Word of Wisdom is a supernatural revelation that provides divine guidance for present or future situations, offering insights beyond human understanding. Tyler recounts the story from Acts 13, where the Holy Spirit speaks to the church in Antioch during a time of worship and fasting, instructing them to set apart Barnabas and Saul for a special mission. This example illustrates how being attuned to God’s voice can lead to purposeful action that aligns with His will.

The Word of Knowledge involves receiving divine insight into facts about a person or situation that could not have been known through natural means. Tyler shares anecdotes where such words brought clarity and encouragement to individuals, serving as pivotal moments in their lives. One poignant story involves a mother grappling with the tragic loss of her child. Burdened by grief and compounded by religious misconceptions about the afterlife, she found comfort and understanding when someone, led by the Spirit, spoke directly to her unspoken pain. This encounter not only eased her suffering but also restored her faith.

Prophecy, as Tyler describes, is delivering a timely message from God in a language that the listener can understand. True prophecy serves to edify, exhort, and comfort others. He references 1 Corinthians 14:3, which states that those who prophesy speak to people for their strengthening, encouragement, and comfort. Tyler underscores that prophecy is a powerful tool for building up the church and guiding believers in their spiritual journeys.

Throughout his message, Tyler doesn’t shy away from emphasizing that love must be the foundational motive behind the use of spiritual gifts. He reminds us of the profound words in 1 Corinthians 13, where Paul declares that without love, even the most extraordinary gifts are rendered meaningless. Tyler illustrates that actions rooted in genuine love have the power to transform lives and communities, whereas actions devoid of love amount to nothing.

He also addresses the importance of humility and discernment when operating in spiritual gifts. Tyler encourages believers to involve mature Christians when interpreting and applying prophetic words or revelations. This practice ensures that the messages align with God’s will and are delivered appropriately. It fosters a supportive and accountable community where spiritual gifts can flourish responsibly and effectively. Tyler points out that the primary motivation of the Holy Spirit is to bring honor and glory to Jesus. Therefore, any exercise of spiritual gifts should ultimately point back to Christ and uplift His name.

Reflecting on the interconnected work of the Trinity in the distribution of spiritual gifts, Tyler notes that while there are different kinds of gifts, they all come from the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord, and different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all people. This highlights the harmonious operation of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in equipping the church for its mission.

He shares personal experiences and biblical examples to illustrate how these gifts function in real-life scenarios. Tyler recounts moments when prophetic words provided guidance during challenging times, reinforcing the importance of being open to the Holy Spirit’s leading. He discusses how Timothy was encouraged by Paul to recall the prophecies spoken over him to fight the good fight of faith. This demonstrates how prophetic words can serve as anchors during tumultuous seasons.

Tyler challenges the congregation to consider the incredible privilege and responsibility of being used by God to deliver His messages to others. He expresses awe at the thought that the Creator chooses to work through ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary purposes. This realization should inspire believers to be attentive to God’s voice and willing to step out in faith when prompted.

He encourages everyone to earnestly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy, as Paul instructs in 1 Corinthians 14:1. Tyler explains that by doing so, we open ourselves up to be instruments of God’s grace and truth in the lives of those we encounter. He reminds us that spiritual gifts are not about elevating ourselves but about serving others and glorifying Jesus.

As the message draws to a close, Tyler invites the congregation to reflect on how they might hear and share God’s voice in their own lives. He emphasizes that this opportunity is not reserved for a select few but is available to all who seek God earnestly and are willing to be used by Him. Tyler leads a heartfelt prayer, asking for God’s grace and favor as we embark on this shared journey of faith and spiritual enlightenment.

He leaves us with the thought that embracing the transformative power of spiritual gifts can lead to deeper connections with God and with each other. By operating in love, humility, and discernment, we can create a church community where spiritual growth and divine insight flourish. Tyler’s message is a call to action, urging us to be open vessels through which God’s voice can be heard in a world that desperately needs hope and encouragement.