How to Test a Prophetic Word
7/27
Speaker: Josh Lewis
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22; 2 Peter 2:1; Micah 3:8, Heb 13:17, Deu 18:22, Rom 16:17-18, 1 Cor 14:29, 37-39, I Cor 4:6
1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 Do not quench the Spirit. Vs. 20 Do not despise prophecies, vs.21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. Vs. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.
We can quench the spirit by despising the gift of prophecy.
Why would someone despise the gift of prophecy? It sometimes can be used in such a way that can cause harm. 2 Peter 2:1 – Peter warned the church that false teachers would emerge from "among you". In the early church, the Nicene Creed was recited every Sunday so believers could detect when false doctrine began to emerge.
When is it acceptable to call false teachers out? When it crosses the line of what the historic faith is. This is how to test a prophetic word:
Test the Prophet
1) Is the Prophet Doctrinally Orthodox?
2 Peter 2:1 (ESV): "But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction."
2) Is the Prophet Morally Bankrupt?
Matthew 7:15-20 (ESV)“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.”
Micah 3:5-8 (ESV) Thus says the Lord concerning the prophets who lead my people astray, who cry “Peace” when they have something to eat, but declare war against him who puts nothing into their mouths. Therefore it shall be night to you, without vision, and darkness to you, without divination. The sun shall go down on the prophets, and the day shall be black over them; the seers shall be disgraced, and the diviners put to shame; they shall all cover their lips, for there is no answer from God. But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the Lord, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression and to Israel his sin.
3) Is the Prophet Under Authority?
Hebrews 13:17 (ESV) Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
4) Does the Prophet Have a Track Record?
Deut 18:22 when a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously. You need not be afraid of him.
If a “prophet” has never given a prophetic word that has “landed” you should not be expecting that their words are from the Lord.
Romans 16:17-18 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
Test the Word
1) Is the word contradicting the teaching of Scripture?
1 Cor 14:29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said.
1 Cor 14:37-39 If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord. 38 If anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized. 39 So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.
2) Is the word overextending its authority?
1 Corinthians 4:6... “not to go beyond what is written...” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV): "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."
3) Is the source of the revelation congruent with Scripture?
Test with Counsel (within the community of faith)
1 Corinthians 14:29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said.
1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil. (context is the whole church)