"And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues."
1 Corinthians 12:28
As we begin this new year of 2009, there are many churches that will have prophets to prophecy about coming events. As believers, we need to be able to distinguish whether or not the prophecy is of God. The Bible gives us wisdom to discern prophecy.
First, is “By their fruits ye shall know them.” Jesus warned us against false prophets, saying, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves” (Matthew 7:15). Paul and Peter, in their writing to the Early Church, also warned again false prophets. (2 Corinthians 11:13, “For such are false prophets….”
Secondly, “Does it glorify Christ”. Jesus, speaking of the Holy Spirit, said, “He shall glorify me…” (John 16:14). If the prophesy does not testify of Jesus, but attracts attention to man, it is wrong. Revelation 19:10 states, “….for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”
Thirdly, “Does the prophecy agree with Scriptures?” True prophecy will be according to the Word of God, because the Spirit and the Word agree. The Holy Spirit is not going to tell you one thing and something else by prophecy.
Fourthly, “Are the prophecies fulfilled?” Deuteronomy 18:22 states, “…if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath spoken, but the prophet hath spoken is presumptuously…”
Fifthly, we must realize that not all prophecies are of God, even though they may come to pass. Does this prophecy lead you to God or away from Him? Does it cause you to become more reverent of God?
Sixthly, “Does the prophecy set you free or does it produce bondage?" It is not God’s will to bind or hold His people. “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father”. Romans 8:15
Lastly, did you receive unction from the Holy Spirit? “But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things…But the anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him”. I John 2:20, 27
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For many years I have had various people to prophesy many things regarding my life. Often they were the same messages. Some have come to pass and a few have yet to transpire. Nevertheless; I thank you for teaching me early on to look for the signs of a true prophesy v. a true propheLIE. It is imperative that believers know the difference in the two so that we may avoid spiritual catastrophe. God is faithful and God is true.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing.