Light of The World Today
"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognise them." Matthew 7:15 and 16 NIV
Prophetic words now travel across the world in seconds through videos and messages. Some are genuinely from God and bring comfort and direction. Others are mistaken, and some are plainly false. Scripture does not tell us to reject prophecy, and it does not tell us to swallow everything. First Thessalonians 5:20 and 21 says do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all. Here is how.
A Warning From Jeremiah's Day
In Jeremiah 28 a prophet named Hananiah stood in the temple and announced that within two years God would break the power of Babylon. It was exactly what the people wanted to hear. Jeremiah answered that a prophet who promises peace is only recognised as truly sent by the Lord if the prediction comes true. In verses 15 to 17 God told Jeremiah that Hananiah had made the people trust in lies, and Hananiah died that same year. God had warned in Jeremiah 23:16 that such prophets fill you with false hopes and speak visions from their own minds.
"Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said."
1 Corinthians 14:29 NIV
Four Tests Scripture Gives
1. Does it agree with Scripture? Galatians 1:8 says that even an angel from heaven who preaches a different gospel is under God's curse. A true word never contradicts the Bible.
2. What is its fruit? Jesus said you will recognise them by their fruit. Look at the character of the person and where the message leads. Does it draw people to Jesus, holiness and love, or toward money, fame and fear?
3. Does it come true, and does it lead you to God? Deuteronomy 18:22 says that if a prophet speaks and the word does not come true, the Lord has not spoken. Deuteronomy 13:1 to 3 adds that even a fulfilled sign must be rejected if it leads you away from the Lord.
4. Do mature believers confirm it? First Corinthians 14:29 says others should weigh carefully what is said. Share it with trusted, Bible loving believers before acting on it.
How to Apply This Today
Pause before you pass it on: Do not share a prophetic message simply because it is exciting. Check it first.
Be wary of words that only flatter: A true word may comfort, and it may also call for repentance.
Do not make major decisions on a prophecy alone: Pray, read Scripture and seek wise counsel.
Conclusion
Test every word by Scripture, by fruit, by fulfilment and by wise counsel. Hold on to what is good, and let go of the rest.
Memory Verse
"Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good."
1 Thessalonians 5:20 and 21 NIV
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Key scriptures: Matthew 7:15 and 16 NIV, 1 Thessalonians 5:20 and 21 NIV, Jeremiah 28 and 23:16 NIV, 1 Corinthians 14:29 NIV, Galatians 1:8 NIV, Deuteronomy 18:22 and 13:1 to 3, Psalm 119:105 NLT.