Please read related paragraphs carefully!

DO NOT DESPISE THE WORDS OF THE PROPHETS (1Thess 5:20)

Knowing when God is speaking to us is a vital discipleship skill. When faced with something purporting to be a prophesy many Christians simply flounder. Some will take on board almost anything while others reject almost everything out of hand.

Here are some simple questions to ask to get you started to sift the pure gold from the probably well-meaning but nonetheless spurious.

1. Are there any accompanying authenticating signs or fulfilled predictive elements (Dt 18:22)?

2. Is it in clear harmony with both the spirit and content of scripture?
3. Does the prophesier have an established record of good fruit (Matt 7:16)?
4. Does the prophesier display godly character and lifestyle?
5. Have mature and spiritually discerning leaders accepted it?

It may be that God considers the content to be self-evidently from him without a sign or predictive element, or our understanding of scripture may be flawed, or it may be the prophesier’s first prophesy, or the prophesier may be an new Christian, or it may be that you are one of the first to weigh it, so I would suggest a score of 4 out of 5 a reasonable standard.

Here are some questions that might be asked that are simply not relevant:

• Is the prophesy eloquent/poetic/polished/artistic (1Cor 2:1)?
• Is the content desirable (2Tim 4:3)?
• Is the prophesier impressive/expert/charismatic (Is 53:2)?
• Have a large number of people accepted it?

SOME FINAL COMMENTS

          If it is personal and important God will speak to you directly (Jn 10:3) (possibly using a prophesy to confirm).

          God will usually use appropriate channels (usually a loving and respected one).

          His purpose is to guide not confuse.

          If the above tests are inconclusive ask the Lord to confirm his word and wait until he does before acting.