The prophetic voice, when genuine, can be a powerful force in the church, offering encouragement, guidance, and even correction. But how do we know if a prophetic word is truly from God? Blindly accepting every claim can lead to confusion, error, and even deception. That’s why the Bible explicitly commands us to test everything (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Discernment isn’t merely optional; it’s essential.

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Why Test Prophecy? A Biblical Mandate

The need for testing prophecy isn’t a sign of distrust or disbelief, but rather an act of obedience. Scripture makes it clear that not every spirit is from God (1 John 4:1), and that false prophets will arise (Matthew 7:15). Testing safeguards the integrity of the church and protects the flock from harmful influences, ensuring that prophecy remains a source of encouragement and edification.

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Several passages (ESV) underscore the importance of testing:

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1 Thessalonians 5:19-22: “Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophetic utterances, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.” This passage highlights the balance: we shouldn’t dismiss prophecy altogether, but we must evaluate it.

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1 Corinthians 14:29: “Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said.” This emphasizes the role of the community in discerning prophetic words.

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1 John 4:1: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world” and Matthew 7:15: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves." These verses warn against gullibility and urge critical evaluation.

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Testing prophecy isn’t a solo endeavor; it’s a communal process that involves both individual discernment and collective wisdom. Here’s a framework for approaching it:

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‍Examine the Prophet’s Character: Jesus said, “You will recognize them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16). Is the prophet known for humility, integrity, and a consistent walk with God? Are they teachable and accountable to church leadership? Character issues should be evaluated.

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Does it Align with Scripture? This is the most fundamental test. Prophecy should never contradict the clear teachings of the Bible. It should affirm and build upon established doctrines, not introduce new or conflicting ones. If a prophecy goes against core biblical truths, it should be rejected.

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Weigh the Word in Community: 1 Corinthians 14:29 calls for “others to weigh what is said.” This means sharing the prophetic word with mature, discerning members of the church. Encourage them to prayerfully consider the message, its potential impact, and whether it resonates with their own understanding of God’s will.

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Be Patient: Don’t rush to judgment. Sometimes the meaning or application of a prophetic word may not be immediately clear. Allow time for the Lord to confirm the message through other means, such as Scripture, circumstances, or wise counsel.

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Embrace Accountability and Repentance: In a healthy prophetic culture, leaders are held accountable if their words do not come to pass. Local churches should consider recording prophetic words shared publicly and, with humility and grace, providing feedback to those exercising the gift. Repentance for missed prophecies should be viewed as an opportunity for growth and refinement, not as a cause for shame or dismissal. How can prophets learn to discern God’s voice more clearly if they are not subject to loving correction? (See our blog post on What is a False Prophet?)

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A Word on National/Global Prophecies:
While the Bible acknowledges prophetic words concerning nations and global issues (think of the Old Testament prophets), caution is warranted. When a prophetic word claims to unveil God’s plan for an entire country or the world, the stakes are incredibly high. Such pronouncements demand rigorous scrutiny as they can affect an entire people group. They should be offered with humility, a clear acknowledgement of the potential for error in interpretation or application, and a commitment to holding the prophet accountable if the word does not come to pass. Moreover, these grand-scale prophecies should ideally be tested within the local church and preferably released with the clear endorsement of respected elders.

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The Importance of Humility and Grace:
Testing prophecy requires both discernment and humility. We must be willing to acknowledge that we could be wrong in the interpretation or application of a prophetic word and to receive correction from others. The goal isn’t to stifle the prophetic voice, but to ensure that it’s used responsibly and for the glory of God. By embracing a culture of testing and accountability, we can create a safe and healthy environment for the prophetic to thrive within the church.

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For more on weighing and testing prophetic words, here is a playlist of review videos.

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