Small Group Question #2
Small Group Question #2:
How do we discern if a prophetic word is true or false? There have been more prophetic words spoken these past two weeks.
When we look at prophecy, we make the error if we ONLY look at the future. Old Testament prophecy looked into the future and oftentimes was regarding judgement.
In the New Testament, we learn that prophecy is one of the 9 gifts of the Spirit and is as the Spirit wills…meaning we can’t conjure it up but if we are open and available He will use us as we prove ourselves faithful and humble.
We also learn in 1 Cor 14:3 that he that prophesies speaks edification, exhortation and comfort to men. And then in verse 4, it says that he that prophesies edifies the church.
These are some questions I ask regarding a prophetic word:
1. Does it agree with God’s word or contradict it?
2. Does it align with the character of God?
3. Does is agree with other prophets or others who have solid prophetic discernment?
Paul tells us in 1 Cor 14: 29 that in a church setting, let 2 or 3 prophets speak and then let the others judge that prophecy…whether it is of God. We are all human and subject to miss it and not hear God clearly. When I sense that God might be saying something to me that I am to share with the church or someone privately, I always lead with, “I feel like the Lord is saying…”. I am always cautious of people that state: “Thus sayeth the Lord…”. We are human and oftentimes, it might be our own mind that is conjuring up something or possibly Satan. He does come as an angel of light. I’ve heard people prophesy over people condemnation and judgement and it brought fear, anxiety, confusion not joy, edification, encouragement. Again, I go to scripture on these matters:
1 Cor 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion but of peace.
1 Cor 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
We are to encourage and welcome prophesy as Paul tells us here:
1 Thes 5:19-21 Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good.
I realize that nowadays there a lot of so called prophets that are prophesying the future and what God is going to do. So we ask….
1. Does it agree with God’s word?
2. Does it align with the character of God?
3. Does is agree with other prophets or others who have solid prophetic discernment?
Another good thing to ask…is this person in a local church submitted to leadership? God expects all of us to be part of a local church and under the covering and submission of a pastor. It’s His way of setting up accountability, protection, covering and His plan for growth and spirituality.
If you look at the 5 fold ministry office of a prophet, although they have a strong anointing to prophesy their main purpose is found in Eph 4:11-12 “and he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ”
There are some “prophets” today, who have no connection to a church and they are not equipping the saints nor are they building up the body of Christ…those I would be careful following and listening to.
