How can we discern and support modern-day prophets within the church? The New Testament Picture of Prophetic Ministry - “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers” (Ephesians 4:11). - The New Testament treats prophecy as one of several Spirit-given gifts meant to build up the body (1 Corinthians 12:10; 14:3). - Prophets function alongside other leaders, not above Scripture, but always under Christ, the Head of the church (Colossians 1:18). A Close Look at Acts 15:32 - “Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers.” • Prophetic ministry centered on encouragement and strengthening, not self-exaltation. • Their words were welcomed because they aligned with the gospel decision just reached by the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:22-31). • Both prophets traveled in accountability with recognized church leaders. Biblical Tests for Discernment 1. Scriptural Fidelity - “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn” (Isaiah 8:20). - Any prophetic message must harmonize with the whole counsel of Scripture (Galatians 1:8-9). 2. Christ-Exalting Focus - “For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (Revelation 19:10). - True prophecy magnifies Christ’s person, work, and lordship (John 16:14). 3. Moral and Doctrinal Fruit - “You will recognize them by their fruit” (Matthew 7:16). - Look for holiness, humility, sound doctrine, and love (James 3:17). 4. Fulfillment and Accuracy - “When the word spoken by the prophet comes to pass, the prophet will be known as one the LORD has truly sent” (Jeremiah 28:9). - Consistent accuracy builds credibility; persistent error exposes presumption (Deuteronomy 18:21-22). 5. Witness of the Spirit and the Body - “Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said” (1 Corinthians 14:29). - Discernment is communal, aided by the Spirit’s inner witness (Romans 8:16) and the collective wisdom of mature believers. Practical Ways to Support True Prophets • Provide relational covering: pair them with elders or pastors for prayer and accountability (Acts 13:1-3). • Encourage responsible platforms: allow space to share, but within orderly settings that honor 1 Corinthians 14:40. • Offer material help when needed, following the pattern of supporting itinerant workers (3 John 5-8). • Protect them from isolation and burnout by integrating them into regular fellowship (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Celebrate fulfilled words and testimonies to build faith (Psalm 105:1-2). Guardrails Against False Prophecy - “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1). - Reject messages that drive fear, division, or self-promotion (2 Peter 2:1-3). - Confront error lovingly yet firmly; if unrepentant, withdraw endorsement (Romans 16:17). - Keep Scripture open and central whenever prophetic words are shared (Acts 17:11). Living This Out in Our Churches - Cultivate a culture of eager yet careful expectation: “Do not extinguish the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt, but test all things” (1 Thessalonians 5:19-21). - Train believers to know the Word thoroughly; the better we know the genuine, the quicker we spot the counterfeit. - Encourage every gift, including prophecy, to operate “for building up the church” (1 Corinthians 14:12). - When God raises modern-day prophets who meet biblical tests, honor them as gifts from Christ, just as Judas and Silas were, so that today’s church may likewise be “encouraged and strengthened.” |
    |