How can we apply 1 Corinthians 12:3 in evaluating teachings and prophecies? Setting the Foundation 1 Corinthians 12:3: “Therefore I inform you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, ‘Jesus be cursed,’ and no one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit.” What This Verse Tells Us About Discernment • A genuine work of the Holy Spirit will always exalt Jesus as Lord. • Any utterance—teaching, prophecy, or “revelation”—that diminishes, denies, or blasphemes Christ cannot come from the Spirit of God. • The confession “Jesus is Lord” is not a mere phrase; it flows from a heart transformed and indwelt by the Spirit (Romans 10:9-10). A Simple Grid for Testing Teachings and Prophecies 1. Christology Check • Does the message affirm the full deity and lordship of Jesus? • Cross-reference: 1 John 4:2-3—“Every spirit that confesses Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God.” 2. Gospel Consistency • Is salvation presented by grace through faith in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9)? • Beware of added requirements or a different gospel (Galatians 1:8-9). 3. Scripture Alignment • Compare the content with clear biblical teaching (Acts 17:11). • The Spirit never contradicts what He has already inspired (2 Peter 1:20-21). 4. Fruit Inspection • Look at the character and conduct of the messenger (Matthew 7:15-20). • The Spirit’s work produces the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). 5. Spirit Witness • The indwelling Spirit gives inner assurance when truth is spoken (John 16:13; Romans 8:16). • Lack of peace or clarity is a God-given pause button. Red Flags to Watch For • Any slighting or cursing of Jesus’ name or work. • Elevating human experience or tradition above Scripture. • Promises of secret knowledge unavailable in the Bible. • Pressure to accept teaching without testing it. • Moral compromise defended as “new revelation.” Practical Walk-Through Examples Scenario A: A prophecy says, “Jesus was a good man, but not the only way to God.” → Fails the Christology Check. Reject. Scenario B: A popular teacher claims, “If you give money to my ministry, you’ll guarantee healing and salvation.” → Violates Gospel Consistency and Scripture Alignment. Reject. Scenario C: A small-group leader shares a word exalting Jesus as Lord, pointing to repentance and deeper obedience, matching Scripture. → Passes all checks. Receive with gratitude. Keeping Our Hearts Ready • Stay rooted in daily Scripture intake (Psalm 119:11). • Pray continually for discernment (Philippians 1:9-10). • Remain in vibrant fellowship so others can help test words (1 Thessalonians 5:19-21). • Humbly submit to church leadership God has provided (Hebrews 13:17). Closing Encouragement The Spirit who inspired 1 Corinthians 12:3 still guards Christ’s glory today. As we cling to the plain meaning of Scripture and keep Jesus central, we can confidently sift every teaching and prophecy, holding fast to what is good and letting the rest fall away. |
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