What steps can we take to discern true prophecy in our lives today? Setting the Stage in Acts 21:10 “After we had been there several days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.” (Acts 21:10) Agabus brought a specific, verifiable word from God. His example helps us shape a biblical grid for recognizing genuine prophecy today. Why Discernment Matters • God still speaks, yet counterfeit voices abound (1 John 4:1). • Scripture commands us to “test all things” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). • True prophecy builds up the church and glorifies Christ (1 Corinthians 14:3). Step 1: Anchor Every Word to the Written Word • God never contradicts Himself. Compare any prophetic claim with the plain meaning of Scripture (Isaiah 8:20). • The Bereans were commended for daily checking Paul’s teaching against the Scriptures (Acts 17:11); we must do the same. Step 2: Evaluate the Messenger’s Fruit and Motive • Jesus said, “You will recognize them by their fruit” (Matthew 7:16). • Agabus had a consistent track record (Acts 11:28). Look for humility, holiness, and love in today’s messengers. Step 3: Confirm with the Community of Spirit-Filled Believers • Prophecy is weighed by others in the body (1 Corinthians 14:29). • Seek confirmation from mature believers and elders who are grounded in Scripture. Step 4: Watch for Christ-Exalting Focus • The Spirit’s testimony is “the testimony of Jesus” (Revelation 19:10). • Authentic prophecy points people to the Lord, not to the prophet’s platform or profit. Step 5: Observe Accuracy in Timing and Detail • Deuteronomy 18:22 sets a clear measure: if the word fails, the message is not from God. • Agabus’s prediction about Paul’s binding came true (Acts 21:11-14). Genuine prophecy will prove reliable over time. Step 6: Seek Inner Witness of the Spirit in Prayerful Humility • The Holy Spirit confirms truth in the believer’s heart (Romans 8:16). • Approach every claimed revelation with a yielded, prayerful spirit, asking God for clarity and peace (Philippians 4:6-7). Putting it All Together True prophecy aligns with Scripture, flows from a credible messenger, gains confirmation in community, exalts Christ, proves accurate, and resonates with the Spirit’s inner witness. By following these biblical steps, we can welcome God’s authentic voice while guarding against deception—just as the early church did when Agabus spoke in Acts 21. |
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