How can we discern true prophets today, as the widow did with Elijah? A Moment of Recognition—1 Kings 17:24 “Then the woman said to Elijah, ‘Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the LORD from your mouth is truth.’” What the Widow Saw • The miracle matched the word Elijah had spoken (her son raised, vv. 22-23). • Elijah’s life and message pointed her to the LORD, not to himself. • Truth was confirmed by both deed and doctrine. Why This Matters for Us We meet many voices that claim to speak for God. Scripture gives clear, practical tests so we can say, with confidence like the widow, “Now I know.” Biblical Tests for Discerning a True Prophet • Alignment with Written Scripture • Isaiah 8:20—“To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, there is no light of dawn.” • Galatians 1:8—Even an angel is rejected if the message contradicts the gospel. • Accuracy of Predictive Word • Deuteronomy 18:21-22—If what a prophet proclaims “does not come to pass, that is a word the LORD has not spoken.” • Call to Exclusive Loyalty to the One True God • Deuteronomy 13:1-4—Miracles are never a license to lead people after other gods. • Exaltation of Jesus Christ • 1 John 4:2-3—Acknowledging “Jesus Christ has come in the flesh” is non-negotiable. • John 16:13-14—The Spirit of truth glorifies Christ, so will Christ’s spokespeople. • Holy Character and Fruit • Matthew 7:15-20—“By their fruit you will recognize them.” • 2 Peter 1:19-21—True prophecy originates with God as men “spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” • Edifying Effect on the Body • 1 Corinthians 14:3—Prophetic speech “speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement, and comfort.” • Witness of the Holy Spirit in Believers • John 10:27—“My sheep hear My voice.” • Romans 8:16—The Spirit bears witness with our spirit to truth. Putting the Tests to Work 1. Measure every message—blog, sermon, podcast, dream—against the clear teaching of Scripture. 2. Observe the messenger’s life over time; holiness cannot be faked for long. 3. Look for Christ-exalting content, not self-promotion or novelty. 4. Check fulfillment of any specific predictions; God’s timetable, not guesswork, prevails. 5. Ask, “Does this draw me into deeper obedience and love for God?” 6. Listen for the Spirit’s confirming peace that never contradicts the written Word. Living with Confidence When these biblical gauges are applied, we are protected from deception and freed to receive genuine prophetic encouragement. Like the widow of Zarephath, we can recognize a true messenger of God and rejoice that “the word of the LORD…is truth.” |
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