I am currently teaching through the Gifts of the Spirit, found in 1 Corinthians 12 and 14 in our mid-week Bible study.  Last night our topic was prophesy.  I am struck by how much Paul desired to see the church used by God with the gift of prophesy.  He states that he would like everyone to speak in tongues, but he would rather see them prophesy (1 Cor. 14:5).  I don’t see much prophesy happening these days, at least in the circles I run in. 

I fear that we have seen prophesy so misused and abused that we are now tempted to quickly reject any word of prophesy that may come forth.  It seems that we rarely see the gift displayed in a way that is biblical, God-honoring, and encouraging to the body of Christ.  Most of us are wary of those who constantly go around saying, ”Thus Saith the Lord.”  But we need to be reminded that Paul said we should desire spiritual gifts, even the gift of prophesy (1 Cor. 14:1).

In our Bible study I shared 7 ways to test prophesy.  I’m sure there are more, but this will get us started.

1. Is the prophesy scriptural?  Does it line up with the “whole” of scripture?

2. Have you prayed about the prophesy?  What is God saying to you personally?

3. Do you have peace from God about the prophesy?  Make sure your motives are right.  Sometimes we don’t have a peace about something God has spoken to us because we don’t want to do what he is asking of us.  However, if your motives are right, the peace of God can be a great indicator of his will.

4. What is the fruit of the prophesy?  Does the word spoken inspire you towards repentace?  Does it cause you to love God more deeply?  Does it lead you to step out into evangelism?  Does it draw you into a deeper relationship with Christ?

5. Does the person prophesying display the fruit of the Spirit?  Take note of his/her personal life.  Matthew 7:15-21 gives a great caution about false prophets.

6. Does the person prophesying exalt God or themselves?  The proper use of the gifts should always bring glory to God.  They should also cause us to be filled with humility and be honored that God would use us.

7. If a prophesy given predicts future events/situations, do their prophesies come true?  All of them?  This is the ultimate test.