Discerning or judging prophecies: 7 tests (P1), Scripture, the model of CHRIST, inner witness, and fruit

Salamatsyzby queen! Hyvää huomenta prophet! Spend time with those who inspire you, edify you, are happy to see you flourish, do not impose themselves on you, and share your values and faith. They have the right to judge your words. Give them your attention, your consideration, and the freedom to correct your words. "Whoever deserves reproach and is stubborn will suddenly be broken beyond remedy." (Proverbs 29:1) "Many seek the favor of a ruler, but it is the LORD who judges everyone." (Proverbs 29:26) "Let us remember once again that GOD's greatest gift to the world was JESUS CHRIST, His Son. JESUS' greatest gift to His Church was the HOLY SPIRIT. And the HOLY SPIRIT's greatest gift to each believer was his or her own spiritual language." Dr. Bill Hamon

❖ Dear friends, do not believe everyone who says, "We have the Holy Spirit." But test them carefully to see if they really have the Spirit of GOD. For many false prophets have come into the world. (1 John 4:1, PDV2017)

❖ "Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. But examine all things; hold fast what is good." (1 Thessalonians 5:19-21, NKJV)

❖ " But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. (1 Corinthians 14:3, NKJV)

If you haven't read the previous article yet, I strongly advise you to read it before this one. As we have understood, prophesying is conveying a message from GOD. It is saying what GOD says, what GOD has said, or interpreting what GOD shows (vision, dream). Either we announce an event or a future fact on behalf of GOD, or we indicate a specific will of GOD. In short, it is conveying a message from GOD. GOD is the one who inspires the message, sends the messenger, confirms the message, and fulfills the message.🙂  The purpose of prophecy is neither to predict the future nor to give us information.  It is to help us manage the present well and reach GOD's future. More precisely, it is to help us make the right decisions, have the right preparation and attitude, and avoid the devil's traps.

GOD asks us not to despise prophecies, but to examine them and retain only what is good. (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21, 1 John 4:1, 1 Corinthians 14:3). That which edifies, enlightens, exhorts, comforts, and leads to repentance.  For not all prophecies are inspired by GOD. There are false prophecies. The person conveying the message may be mistaken and may not convey the message faithfully. They may add their own words.

The fact that a person has a title (prophet, apostle, etc.), good intentions, or a good reputation does not automatically mean that all the words they speak are inspired by GOD. Even if this were the case, it does not mean that the recipients are the same. We are prophets of our own lives (1 Peter 2:9, Revelation 1:6). But even when we prophesy about ourselves, there is no such thing as zero risk. We can be wrong, and others can be wrong.

There are people who prophesy their desires, their lusts, and their opinions. There are people who indiscriminately repeat what they have heard others say. There are those who say what they have been asked to say. They get paid to prophesy and impress the crowd. There are people who do not know the difference between prayer and prophecy. There are people who prophesy under demonic inspiration (divination and witchcraft).

Discerning a true prophecy from a false one means recognizing whether it is from GOD and whether it is for oneself or for someone else. There is not one way, but many ways to discern prophecies. I summarize them in seven tests. The first three are the most important.

1. The test of conformity to Scripture and the model of CHRIST

2. The test of the inner witness of the Holy Spirit and sometimes, associated with discernment by the spirit

3. The test of fruit

4. The test of time and reasoning or the test of inner examination

5. The test of one or more external confirmations

6. The test of supernatural signs and manifestations

7. The test of time and fulfillment

🙂  The prophet conveys a message. His role is not to convince the recipient. When we receive letters, the mail carriers do not read them. They simply drop the mail into the mailbox. Sometimes we have to sign a receipt. But signing for a letter does not mean we agree with its contents. If we have questions or disagreements, we call the sender of the letter, our lawyer, or a loved one. The mail carrier may have the wrong address. People (individuals and companies) may write to us to introduce themselves and offer their services (sales pitches). Some offers will be immediately rejected or accepted. Others will be read and then rejected. Others will be read, studied, and then rejected or kept. Others will be read, studied, and then discussed with loved ones. It's a bit like that with prophecies.

1. The test of conformity to Scripture and the model of CHRIST

❖ (Deuteronomy 13:2-5, 2 Timothy 3:16, Galatians 1:8, Psalms 119:160, 1 Peter 1:25, John 14:6, John 17:17, Psalms 119:105, John 16:13-14, Acts 17:11, Hebrews 4:12).

GOD is His Word. Any prophecy contrary to Scripture and the pattern of CHRIST is not inspired by GOD. No prophecy can change GOD, His will, His Word, His methods, His laws, or His principles. No prophecy has the authority to establish a new commandment, a new doctrine, or to replace GOD in our lives. Any prophecy that points to a redeemer other than JESUS, that does not glorify GOD, or that encourages acts or a lifestyle that the word condemns is to be rejected. GOD does not need to use the devil's methods.

We have no prophecies to receive from those who do not honor GOD. GOD may speak to them, but that does not mean they are prophesying. GOD gave Pharaoh a dream, but it was Joseph who prophesied. It was Joseph to whom GOD gave the interpretation of the dream and the recommendations to follow (Genesis 41:14-39). GOD gave Nebuchadnezzar a dream, but it was Daniel who prophesied. It was Daniel to whom He gave the explanation of the dream (Daniel 2:1-47). I would like to take this opportunity to say to someone: Those who prophesy (including women) are not those who have dreams, but those to whom GOD gives the interpretation of dreams. The dream is only the channel for transmitting one or more pieces of information. There are those who have dreams, visions, and supernatural experiences. There are those who do not.

We have no prophecy to receive from those who dishonor the word of GOD and treat others unworthily. There are no prophecies to receive from someone who asks for money, sex, food, or anything else in exchange for a prophecy. There is no prophecy to receive from someone who practices idolatry, homosexuality, ancestor worship, necromancy, demon worship, divination, and the like. There is no prophecy to receive from a person who constantly needs the congregation to tell him, "Prophesy!" I don't care about that person's title, age, fame, or charitable works. You cannot be a messenger for someone you dishonor. You cannot edify, exhort, and comfort those you treat unworthily.

2. The test of the inner witness of the HOLY SPIRIT and sometimes, associated with discernment by the spirit

❖ (John 14:17, John 16:12-13, Psalms 84:4-6, Psalms 119:105, 1 John 4:1-3, 2 Peter 1:21, 1 Corinthians 12:10, John 16:8, Romans 8:16, 1 Corinthians 13:9, Proverbs 16:2, Proverbs 16:7)

We are under no obligation to say amen every time someone prophesies. We are under no obligation to listen to everyone who prophesies. Don't say amen just to please someone. This is your life.

The inner witness lets you know if a prophecy is really for you. The inner witness approves (inner peace) or disapproves (absence of peace) of a decision, direction, word, or proposal. Inner witness is not always instantaneous. You need to give yourself time and pray. The Holy Spirit will bear witness at the right time. He will give you inner peace despite appearances, circumstances, and contrary opinions. The assurance that despite obstacles or the unknown, the goal will be achieved. The assurance that despite circumstances and appearances, this word is not for you. Until then, you must be calm, neutral, and patient. The inner witness does not replace the Scriptures. You should not ask for an inner witness for things that are clearly condemned in the Word.

Sometimes the recipients of a prophecy do not recognize the inner witness. Often because they:

• They do not have a real relationship with GOD. They do not yet know how to listen to GOD or recognize the inner witness.

• They evaluate themselves instead of asking GOD. They reject the prophecy because they think it is impossible for it to come true. They feel incapable. They do not understand that GOD gives prophecy to initiate a process of preparation. Because of the passage of time, failures, trials, or the absence of precedent, they fear further disappointment.

• They are not neutral. The prophecy goes against their plans or against something they desire or covet. They presume that the prophecy is true or false without asking GOD.

Examples:

• A teenager, an unbeliever, or a new convert about whom a prophecy says that he will be a famous person, a servant of GOD, a head of state, a businessman, etc.

• A woman called to ministry who has not yet understood that GOD equips those He calls.

• Zachariah's attitude toward the angel Gabriel when the latter tells him that his wife Elizabeth will bear a son (Luke 1:13-20).

• An unbeliever who is told that Jesus will return soon.

The gift of discerning spirits is a spiritual gift. It is the ability to quickly, sometimes instantly, discern the spirit that inspires the person speaking. In addition, it allows one to know when it is an angel speaking, when it is the FATHER, JESUS, the HOLY SPIRIT, or their own spirit. This gift also allows one to discern and differentiate between the presence of an angel, JESUS, the HOLY SPIRIT, a demon, a demonic principality, Satan, or one of his workers.

3. The test of the fruit

❖ (Galatians 5:22-24, Matthew 7:15-16, Romans 8:15, Psalms 85:11-12, Corinthians 14:33, 2 Timothy 1:7)

GOD has not given anyone the right to replace Him in your life. He has not given anyone the responsibility to hear Him on your behalf. We know in part and we prophesy in part (1 Corinthians 13:9). We are the fruit of our choices, our words, and our feelings (Proverbs 18:4, Proverbs 18:20-21, Ecclesiastes 8:4, Proverbs 10:21). A person may not listen to their inner testimony, but the fruit does not lie.

The fruit is what the prophecy produces in you. Anything that gives rise to or sustains unhealthy desires, unhealthy plans, negative feelings (fear, hatred, pride, jealousy, covetousness, etc.) is not from GOD. Anything that implies or is accompanied by dependence on the person prophesying is not from GOD. It doesn't matter if the words are pleasant. If the fruit is not that of the HOLY SPIRIT (Galatians 5:22), that person is not sent by GOD to prophesy to you. A prophecy inspired by GOD will bring you closer to Him or warn you against sin. A prophecy inspired by GOD will encourage you to obey Him more, to trust Him more, to turn away from sin, etc.

A testimony

One day, during a prayer meeting, someone prophesied about me. This person had truly been inspired by GOD. She said things that I already knew. The prophecy included words of edification and specific direction. A few days later, someone called me to give me a similar prophecy. As soon as this person started talking, my heart grew cold. I was indifferent, annoyed, and uncomfortable listening to her words. Faced with my silence and lack of enthusiasm, she said that GOD would give me victory over my enemies. That He would respond to those who slandered me. People were indeed slandering me at the time. But her words annoyed me more and more. I felt tempted to curse certain people and wish misfortune upon them. Politely and calmly, I replied, "May only GOD's will be done. Excuse me, I have to leave you, I have something important to do." Offended by my attitude, this person began to compliment me. Then she said she was like me, called to be a prophetess. I interrupted her and wished her a good evening. Not once did I say amen to her words. I didn't give her the opportunity to pray for me. I hung up and continued doing what I was doing before her call.

Side note

I remind intercessors that God's only bias is His will. An intercessor prays for God's will to be done. Praying for Israel does not prevent us from praying for Palestine and Lebanon. Praying for Israel is not praying against Palestine and Lebanon. Praying for Israel is not limited to praying for Jews to recognize Jesus Christ. It also means praying for the leaders of that country to make good decisions. It also means praying for the bombs to stop killing innocent people. God said, "I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse those who curse you." (Genesis 1:3). He also said, "You shall not afflict the widow or the orphan. If you afflict them, and they cry out to me, I will hear their cry, and my anger will be kindled, and I will destroy you with the sword; your wives shall become widows, and your children orphans." Praying for one nation does not give us the right to despise another. Prophesying over one nation does not give us the right to declare the destruction of another. An intercessor must identify with the nation for which he prays. Therefore, he must be able to confess the sins of that nation. There is no such thing as a perfect nation.

** Salamatsyzby = Hello in Kyrgyz (Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, China)

** Hyvää huomenta = Hello in Finnish