How can we encourage young women to use their gifts like Philip's daughters? Remembering Philip’s Household: Acts 21 : 9 “Now this man had four unmarried daughters who prophesied.” • These sisters are introduced without fanfare, yet Scripture records their prophetic ministry as a simple, historical fact. • Luke’s mention highlights that God’s Spirit worked through young, single women right alongside apostles and evangelists. Recognizing the Gifts God Gives • The promise of spiritual gifting is universal: “I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy.” (Joel 2 : 28; cf. Acts 2 : 17) • “To each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” (1 Corinthians 12 : 7) • Gifts are not honorary titles; they are tools to build up the church and reach the lost. Raising Courageous Voices Today • Scripture never portrays Philip’s daughters as publicity-seekers; their focus was faithful ministry. • Encourage young women to treasure the Word so that, like Jeremiah, it becomes “fire shut up in my bones.” (Jeremiah 20 : 9) • Emphasize that spiritual authority flows from Scripture’s authority, not from personal charisma (2 Timothy 3 : 16-17). Practical Ways to Encourage Young Women • Model—Older women “teach what is good” by visible example (Titus 2 : 3-5). • Invite—Give young women meaningful roles: reading Scripture, leading worship teams, sharing testimonies. • Equip—Provide solid theological training: small-group studies, systematic reading plans, apologetics workshops. • Affirm—Call out observable fruit: wisdom, compassion, discernment. “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up.” (1 Thessalonians 5 : 11) • Mentor—Pair each young woman with a mature believer for prayer, accountability, and practical skill development. • Safeguard—Maintain purity and integrity in ministry settings; Philip’s daughters were “unmarried” and above reproach, protecting testimony. • Commission—Publicly acknowledge gifting under church leadership, laying on hands when appropriate (1 Timothy 4 : 14). Guarding Sound Doctrine and Humility • Every gift must submit to Scripture’s boundaries (1 Corinthians 14 : 32-33). • Teach servants’ hearts: “Whoever speaks, as one speaking the very words of God… so that in all things God may be glorified.” (1 Peter 4 : 10-11) • Spiritual fruit—love, joy, peace—validates spiritual gifts (Galatians 5 : 22-23). Examples Across Scripture • Miriam led Israel in praise (Exodus 15 : 20-21). • Deborah judged and prophesied with courage (Judges 4-5). • Huldah confirmed the rediscovered Law (2 Kings 22 : 14-20). • Mary of Bethany sat at Jesus’ feet, prioritizing doctrine (Luke 10 : 39). • Priscilla helped teach Apollos “the way of God more accurately.” (Acts 18 : 26) Walking Together as the Body • Gifts flourish in community, not isolation. • Varied callings—teaching, hospitality, evangelism, administration—complement one another (Romans 12 : 4-8). • When young women exercise Spirit-given abilities with humility and biblical fidelity, the church reflects Christ more clearly and the world witnesses living proof of Acts 21 : 9 repeating in every generation. |
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