Uses and Sources of Prophecy

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 12

“To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will,” 1 Corinthians 12:10–11.

Uses and Sources of Prophecy

The sources of prophecy are the Spirit of God transmitted through the prophets, and the written Word of God. But it is always necessary to check to be sure that prophecy is genuine. The children of God need to be very careful. First, check to see if the prophecy agrees with the living Word of God. Does the prophecy exalt Jesus or does it merely exalt the personality of the prophet?

Is there an inward witness when you are receiving the prophecy? I call the inward witness the “ding dong principle.” When someone is speaking to me prophetically, that is the “ding,” like the sound of a bell. As I hear the ding and they continue speaking, when there is a “dong” in my inner-spirit man receiving the prophecy, that inward witness is from my God. Judge also the prophesy by the conduct of the prophet. If the prophet is one who mingles with all kinds of spirits, some of what he has to say may agree with what you anticipate; yet because his conduct is in error there must also be error in some of the things he says. It is important to judge the conduct of the prophet when trying to discern the truth. When someone tells you that a man of God says this or that and you do not know the man’s character or origin, you must ask the person relaying the information: How did you determine he was a man of God? Judge the prophet’s character: know who is prophesying to you.

Also judge the prophecy by the kind of words in it. Does the prophecy have the Word in it or is it just manipulative? If the prophecy is contrary, divisive and manipulative without redemption, do not receive it. You have to find the scriptural basis for this kind of prophecy. Check the conduct of the prophet, check the word deposit, and finally check for confirmation by a fulfillment of the Word.

People are hungry for information and in this information age, any information is considered better than none, even if it is false. The Bible says in Proverbs 4:23 to guard your heart with all diligence for out of it are the issues of life. By listening to false prophets, many are diverted from their blessings and from people who are meant to encourage and empower them.

Judge prophecies and when they come to pass, know that God has sent the person. I hold onto a prophecy and when it is fulfilled, that is when I judge it. Instead of going to one church and then another, from one prophet to another, talk to God.

Go to the source so that you will learn exactly what is on God’s mind. I pray that God will take us back to that place of intimacy with Him where we will manifest what is written in 1 Corinthians 2:9–10: “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.”

I pray that you will be wise in the area of the prophetic. Prophecy will bless you; it will cause you to be encouraged and to look forward with expectation because it is God’s good intention. I pray that you will be convicted and convinced to repent; you will receive counsel; you will be edified, comforted, and exhorted through the prophetic ministry in the name of Jesus.

Prayer Points:

If you are not born again, you are extremely prone to confusion by false prophets, occultists, those who worship angels, and all kinds of unspeakable things. Take hold of your shield today; surrender your life to Jesus. Hold the Word of God as your walking stick and let no man deceive or trouble you again because you bear on your body the marks of the Lord Jesus Christ. If you are ready to be born again, pray with me now, “Dear Lord Jesus, I surrender my life to you. Write my name in the book of life in Jesus’ name I pray.” Amen.