THE NEED TO TEST PROPHECY
Main Text: 2 Peter 2:1-3
In modern day Pentecostal worship, prophetic utterances come forth from different categories of the congregation, i.e., young, old, men, women, clergy, and laity all purporting to come from God. In some instances these utterances give instruction and direction to the church and individuals to pursue certain lines of action. To avoid confusion in the house of God, there is a need to examine these prophetic utterances before the individual or Church takes any action.
What is the Meaning of “Testing Prophecy?”
This means to examine the content of the prophesy if they are of God. This is important because the Bible teaches that prophecy can originate from three sources.
a. First Source: God through the Holy Spirit. (2 Pet 1:21)
b. Second Source: the Human spirit or soul, or mind. (Jer 23:16)
c. Third Source: Satanic or Demonic spirits. (Jer. 23:13)
It is also important to test prophecy because
· There are less mature members who need to be protected from prophetic error.
· Many false prophets are in the world operating with false spirits
· There is a spirit of error that may seek to lead the people of God astray by manipulating prophecy
Points for Discussion
1. What are the sources of prophecy?
2. Why is it important to test prophecy?
3. Why would a person prophesy from his mind?
We thank God for speaking through His people these days when some do not even believe in prophecy. A woman once said that if she leads worship, she does not need anybody to prophecy since she herself is a prophetess. What a shame. However, we need to guard against false prophecies. When the Spirit of God moves among people with clean hearts, the enemy is already defeated and God reigns.
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