If you haven’t read Part I, you can quickly skim through here!
Now let’s get to the main meat! 1 Corinthians 14:29 – Let two or three prophets speak [as inspired by the Holy Spirit], while the rest pay attention and weigh carefully what is said. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good’ – 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21.
QUESTION IS: HOW?
1. By the Word of God
Psalm 138:2 – Thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. No prophecy can or should go contrary to God’s Word.
2. Your own spirit
Acts 16:16 – Paul became troubled in his spirit about the girl who had been following them for days and said ‘Come out of her…’.
Acts 27:10 – ‘Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster’
Litmus test: Does it sit right with your spirit?
If you’re not sure what that means, I’m simply asking, are your heart and mind at peace with the decision you’re taking based on the prophecy received? Is there any inexplicable unease about your decision? That’s the voice of the spirit in you. Listen to it! What you refer to as your gut/instincts is what Proverbs 20:27 talks about – “The spirit [conscience] of man is the lamp of the Lord, searching all the innermost parts of his being.”
3. Check the Source of the Prophecy!
It’s not about the grammar or how smoothly he sways while he speaks. Don’t be quick to be swept away by a prophet who uses artistic words and beautiful description but lacks depth in Scripture! Every prophecy runs through the prophet’s filter; the purpose of the Word of God is to align what the prophet receives with what is the written Word of God! Sooooooo:
Litmus Test: How Grounded Is This Source in the Word?
4. Who takes the Glory?
It should be easy to identify a prophecy that is given merely for the prophet to feel good about himself. It edifies nobody, and has no purpose except to enhance the image of the prophet. Every prophet’s approach to praise should be Revelation 22:9.
5. Purpose
The one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. – 1 Corinthians 14:3.
Let’s conclude.
I HAVE RECEIVED A PROPHECY. WHAT DO I DO WITH IT?
1. The impact of a prophecy on your life depends largely on the state of your heart, and your reaction to the prophecy! Let’s use David and Saul as an example:
When Samuel confronted Saul about his foolishness in making a sacrifice when he was specifically supposed to wait on Samuel, this was his response in 1 Samuel 13:11 –
When I saw that the men were scattering, and that you did not come at the set time, and that the Philistines were assembling at Mikmash, I thought, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the Lord’s favor.’ So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering.
This is David when Nathan confronts him about his sin with Bathsheba and murder of Uriah in 2 Samuel 12:13 –
“I have sinned against the Lord.”
And immediately Nathan replies, “The Lord has taken away your sin.”
While Saul justified his sin, blamed everyone else and could not bear to admit his error, David did not hesitate to admit his wrong and ask for pardon. So what do you do? First:
FIX THE STATE OF YOUR HEART!
Apathy, indignation, self defence are the first weapons that will fight against the word of the Lord bearing fruit in your life!
2. 2 Chronicles 17
When God blessed David, he –
– Prayed. Pray!
– Made declarations. Confess the Word or promise over your life.
– Kept the prophecy at heart, and most importantly
– He got into action and started purchasing items for Solomon to build the temple God had said He would have him build!
GO INTO PREPARATION!
★ RAD ★
