Jan 8th -2009
Whenever a prophetic word is uttered, apart from the witness of the Spirit we can exercise discernment by proper application of scripture to it. This comes from knowing and understanding scripture and God’s nature (as revealed through His word).
From the word of God, we can glean several important guidelines that will help us in judging prophecy. This type of discernment as such might not be immediate but usually requires a careful study of scripture and understanding of God’s nature. However, as the foundations are built-in and as we mature in the exercise of God’s word we will be able to discern sooner and with precision [Heb 5:14].
We will be looking into these guidelines in detail in the coming articles. Let’s outline them first.
1) Is the prophetic word in line with scripture or does it contradict scripture?
2) Does the prophetic word violate scriptural patterns?
3) Is the word in contradiction to God’s nature?
Is the prophetic word in line with scripture or does it contradict scripture?
In order for us to discern whether a prophetic word contradicts scripture or not firstly, we must know the word of God. We must always honor God’s word above all else. Understanding the word of God is also crucial in this respect.
Get to know and honor the Word of God:
In New Testament times there were several that strayed away from the word-giving place to doctrines of men and demons. Our times are no different either. Several sects have risen as a result of not adhering to the word of God. Some have been birthed out of prophecies and writings that are clearly contrary to Scripture. When these (error-filled) prophecies and teachings arose many were misled by them. One of the main reason being a lack of understanding of scripture in themselves and an unhealthy inclination towards those who led them. Before long deception had taken root and these writings and prophecies were made equal to scripture.
In charismatic circles [ not all] it is common knowledge that there is a genuine lack of the word of God. This is one of the reasons why many times prophecies that aren’t accurate go by unnoticed. Not only that we have this unhealthy tendency of worshiping people God uses or whom we think God is using that we fail to see their fragility at times, even when they are in grave error.
We need to know the word first and then hold on to the word of God as the standard above any man or his teachings. We need to view what he or she says in light of scripture, no matter how well known or anointed they might be or seem to be. This will help us discern in case of error and apply ourselves accordingly.
God used a certain prophet in the early ’30s-’50s powerfully but towards the end, his error-filled prophetic teachings mislead many. It could be said that some ignorant of the Word had grown to worship him and he could do no wrong in their eyes. Therefore when he taught wrong doctrines contrary to scripture they could not discern. Even though a few maintain that this prophet repented towards the end, we see the tragic fruit of his errors even today.
In the ’80s and ’90s, there were some who claimed that the second coming of Christ was going to be on a particular day and year. For those who were led astray by those claims, it would have been helpful to have known that it stood in direct contradiction to what Jesus had to say about the event. He stated that nobody knows the hour and the day of His coming not even Him but only the Father (Matthew 24:36). This is not to imply that we cannot know and understand the times.
Prophecies as such that are an addition (in a wrong sense) to or a contradiction to God’s word need to be speedily confronted and exposed. A lot of them carry demonic influences and are subtle in nature. That is why a proper understanding and knowledge of scripture is a must for every believer.
As we approach the days ahead we will be seeing more and more false teachings and prophecies. Jesus warned of false prophets several times when talking about the end times. An important way of determining who they are is by properly applying the Word to their prophecies and to their lifestyles. If anyone’s prophecies or lifestyles are in contradiction to scripture without genuine repentance coming forth, we should be very careful in allowing their influence over our lives.
Properly understand the Word of God:
This is vitally important for us today. In a time where people’s desires are not under the Lordship of Christ, prophecies have come from the human spirit and the imaginations of men. They appeal to the flesh and to our unbridled desires. Some of those can be easily discerned if we have a proper understanding of God’s word.
In understanding, God’s word one of the main things to know (and it very much relates today) is the differences between the Old and the New Testaments, what has changed, and what has not between the time periods. As simple as that statement might seem, many are in the dark in that area.
Errors have been left unchecked mainly due to the failure to (see) understand the similarities and differences between the two periods. These excesses have also found their way into the prophetic streams. We will look to address the main concerns in this area.
The New Testament pattern and way of Life is centered on denying oneself and being willing to leave all for the sake of Christ. It is Christ-centered!
This is the spirit of prophecy and that which testifies to Christ through our lives.
However, with the self-being exalted in the society today and the church [not all] being too focused on “SELF” rather than Christ, it is not a surprise many prophecies have come from that. Those words need to be examined in light of the New Testament way of life as given in scripture. Here are some important questions to ponder in that regard. Though they might not bring clarity on every occasion they will offer some guidelines for discernment.
Is the prophecy centered on self rather than Christ? Is it self-exalting or Christ-exalting? Is it promoting selfishness in us further or is it bringing in a desire to sacrifice things for the sake of Christ?
If we say it is the former each time, then most likely those words are not from God. Now in saying this, we need to know that there is an aspect when God speaks through an individual, he can convey the message with immaturity. His selfishness or pride can be coupled with a word from the Lord.
In John 11:49 to 51 we see Caiaphas prophesying Christ’s death. It’s common knowledge that his motive and attitude was in no way right before God.
We need to differentiate between when a prophecy is totally wrong and when it is conveyed with immaturity. We can discern if we are humble ourselves and have denied self for Christ’s sake.
