1 Corinthians 12:4-11 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.
The term prophecy may be better translated as “preaching.” The tendency among today’s modern self-proclaimed prophets is to view prophecy as a type of clairvoyant foretelling the future of what is to come. All too often a passage of scripture is removed from context to accommodate the message for a set of intended results.
Biblical prophecy was far more forthtelling in nature with a dual purpose: (a) to bring God’s rebuke and warning, that is, to tell men their actions were not in accordance with God’s will; and (b) to bring advice, guidance, and counsel on returning to the ways of God.
1 Corinthians 14:3 But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort.
The gift of prophecy was never used biblically to promote the hidden agenda of any individual. Although the first stage of prophecy was used to convict one of sins, prophecy was never used to put one on a guilt trip for not accommodating its messenger as is common with today’s self-proclaimed prophets. The ultimate result of prophecy has always been and should always be to redirect one towards living a life that glorifies God and brings honor to his Name.
2 Chronicles 7:14 …if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
The Bible has much to say about those with self-proclaimed prophetic status:
Jeremiah 23:25-26, 30-32 “I have heard what the prophets say who prophesy lies in my name. The say, ‘I had a dream! I had a dream!’ How long will this continue in the hearts of these lying prophets, who prophesy the delusions of their own minds?” … “Therefore,” declares the LORD, “I am against the prophets who steal from one another words supposedly from me. Yes,” declares the LORD, “I am against the prophets who wag their own tongues and yet declare, ‘The LORD declares.’ Indeed, I am against those who prophesy false dreams,” declares the LORD. “They tell them and lead my people astray with their reckless lies, yet I did not send or appoint them. They do not benefit these people in the least,” declares the LORD.
Ezekiel 13:2-3, 6 Say to those who prophesy out of their own imagination: “Hear the word of the LORD! This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing! … Their visions are false and their divinations a lie. They say, ‘The LORD declares.’ when the LORD has not sent them; yet they expect their words to be fulfilled.”
Matthew 7:15, 22-23 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” … “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”
In Paul’s time the atmosphere was tense between Roman rule and Christian life. All kinds of manifestations were normal. It was important to distinguish between what came from God and that which came from evil. The very first litmus test should be “Does it point to the Truth of God?”
John 14:6-7 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”
John 15:26 and 16:13 When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me. … But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.
John 17:17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.
1 John 4:2-3 This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God.
Gracious Heavenly Father,
Your Word is Truth. Jesus is the way to your Truth. Thank you for preserving your written Word for thousands of years so that we might have a means of knowing your Truth and distinguishing that which is true from that which is false. Forgive us when we seek the enticing words of men and today’s self-proclaimed prophets rather than seeking truth in Your Word.
In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.
The devotional Prophecy and Distinguishing Between Spirits appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com
email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com
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