How To Test Prophecy

One of the blaring deficiencies in the prophetic movement has been the under-emphasis and lack of training on testing prophecy. So many Jesus-followers have embraced big-picture prophetic words about their lives that are only partially accurate, or worse, false. The long-term affects of our deficiency have left well-meaning believers disgruntled, discouraged and filled with doubt. As well, the honor of Jesus' prophetic grace has suffered disrepute. 

In this video I want to share (5) Questions for Testing Prophecy. These questions are designed to lead you on a journey with God to process the words you’ve received and enter into a place of clarity and conviction about the word of the Lord.  

#1 Does it contradict the clear teaching of scripture? (2 Pt. 1:19—21) 

Everything we receive in listening prayer is to be pushed through the filter of scripture. Scripture is the sure prophetic word. God will not speak something to us today that contradicts what He has already said in scripture.  

#2 Does your spirit bear witness? (Rom. 8:12—17) 

The Holy Spirit is resident within every Jesus-follower. He is bears witness with our human spirit of the truth of God’s word. When the true word of the Lord comes to us there is an inner witness or agreement from the Holy Spirit—this inward experience is Heaven’s “amen” to what was received. 

#3 Does it glorify Jesus? (Jn. 16:14) 

One of the primary purposes of the prophetic is to glorify Jesus (Jn. 16:14). Prophetic ministry that draws more attention to itself rather than Christ is missing the mark of the spirit of prophecy—the testimony of Jesus (Rev. 19:10). As well, if what you received in listening prayer challenges the character and nature of Jesus, it’s a sure sign that the word is false.

#4 Are there signs of manipulation or control? 

Manipulation flows from the heart of man, not the heart of God. God will judge those who use the prophetic anointing for selfish gain. We should take care to never come under another yoke than the yoke of Jesus. 

#5 Do leaders to whom you are accountable agree? (Eph. 4:11—16) 

We receive God’s grace through the leader(s) He has established in our

lives. When we involve these people in our processing of big-picture words about our lives, we gain God’s wisdom. Take care that you don’t walk an independent road in the prophetic—you’ll miss out on God’s wisdom for you! 

Now that I’ve given you (5) questions for testing prophecy I need to say that these are not 100% bullet-proof. Let me explain.

It’s possible that the word is true and your understanding of scripture needs an upgrade. 

It's possible that you don’t sense an inner witness of the spirit because your preferences and opinions about the matter take precedence in your heart before the Lord. 

It’s possible for high-level prophetic people to struggle with strongholds of control/manipulation but still deliver accurate words. In these cases we further scrutinize the word to receive only what is from God. 

It’s possible that your leaders don’t affirm decisions you feel you need to make with God. In these cases, obey God but do so in a way that is filled with honor, love and respect with those who might disagree. 

Testing prophecy is a process you take with God. He wants to use this process to build connection with Him. That’s why I’ve given you questions, not answers!

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