Judging Prophecy - Part 1

.... In our previous posting we introduced the concept of a 'check and balance' system for receiving and judging New Testament prophecy. Through this, God is likely to speak the same prophetic message to at least two or three persons (1 Corinthians 14:29). This planned redundancy allows the message to be compared, fine tuned, and confirmed before it is announced (Acts 13:1-3; 20:22-24; 21:4; 21:10-14). It must also be checked against the Scriptures for its basic truthfulness (2 Peter 1:19). So let’s combine that understanding with the rest of this module and discuss the whole process of bringing forth prophecy, and having it judged, in the New Testament sense:

.

.... To begin with, let’s say that God has given you the ministry of a prophet, having made you a 'furnace of earth' within your church (Psalm 12:6). He speaks to you in terms of direction for your own congregation. He wants your church to understand His intentions in some matter so they can prepare themselves to cooperate and participate:

.... "This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare"

(1 Timothy 1:18)

.... As the process begins, you'll feel a disturbance deeply within yourself. This is not simply a reflection of some personal matter, but you'll perceive the hand of the Lord reaching out to you -- it comes in the form of a deep groaning that cannot be uttered. As we have previously discussed, this mode of communication means that new information is being revealed, the meaning of which you have not yet grasped (Romans 8:26).
.

.... Nor is this impression fleeting, for it weighs on your heart for an extended period of time. So as soon as you can, you need to get alone with the Lord to pursue it further. "What are you saying to me?" you may begin by asking; or, "What matter of time are you indicating to me?" (1 Peter 1:10-11). And over the days that follow, the impression will return repeatedly so you can explore it further.
.

.... Finding definition for this deep groaning, and turning it into an actionable message for the church, is your task, and it can be daunting. So here’s a clue to think about. Have you ever heard something that suddenly made you angry? That mood matched your understanding perfectly. Or maybe you heard something that suddenly delighted you? Again, your mood was a spontaneous reflection of that thought. Essentially, in discerning the deep groaning you’ve received, you must reverse that process. From the Lord you have perceived the mood, but what are the thoughts that would match it perfectly?

.... "These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual."

(1 Corinthians 2:13)

.... In order to define this impression, you will have to begin a process of spiritual comparisons. How might this impression be similar to some other impressions you’ve had in the past, especially when reading different passages from the Bible?

.... "I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times. I call to remembrance my song in the night; I meditate within my heart, and my spirit makes diligent search."

(Psalm 77:5-6)

.... When you find an impression in this way, and it matches some part of the revelation you've received, you will obtain a clue. In concept, part of the mystery you’ve perceived from God is similar to this impression, and through making the association you’ve gained that much more definition. The process will continue through a spectrum of other comparisons as further aspects of the prophecy are defined. In the end, the mystery will be revealed through a ‘patchwork’ of these impressions, working together in a new, cohesive form. And don’t be too surprised if your own, human knowledge of a situation helps define the impression further, especially in regard to its application:

.... "For we know in part and we prophesy in part."

(1 Corinthians 13:9)

.... Through a kaleidoscope of matching impressions and a great deal of searching in prayer, the whole body of the prophetic message will begin to emerge and find a cohesive form of its own. You must verify the result through the Scriptures as best you can (2 Peter 1:19). Probably, even so, some parts of the message will elude your understanding. But once you’ve done your best you’re ready to have it judged. We will continue this discussion in the next posting.

To proceed to the next lesson, click here

Daily Bible Reading: Acts 12