Evaluating the Word of Prophecy

Gift of Prophecy Characteristics

It was a special gift to discern whether those who prophesied were speaking from God.

The gift was given to distinguish between the Holy Spirit and the working of evil spirits.

There is also the view that the gift incorporated these abilities and many others.

Those who are in the Charismatic churches are familiar with prophetic words. We are told not to believe but to evaluate words of prophecy.

Since discernment of spirits is mentioned after the gift of prophecy, it provides an immediate clue as to its function. It is the ability to determine between what was a genuine revelation from God and what is false.

Personal Prophecy

(1 Timothy 4:14-15, HCSB) Do not neglect the gift in you; it was given to you through prophecy, with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. Practice these things; be committed to them so your progress may be evident to all.

The Bible warns believers about Satan’s deceptions. So, how should we treat prophetic words or personal prophecy? Take it to the Lord. 

• Try to record the prophetic word. 
• Transcribe the word of prophecy.
• Meditate on the Word
• Check if it aligns with God's Word, or does it go outside the Bible?
• Take it to an elder if unclear for them to pray about it with you.

Words of Prophecy

Prophetic words can be instant fulfillment and, often, in the distant future of maturity. To properly bear witness to a prophetic word, we must be able to discern between our human soul and our spirit.

The soul is where emotions, reasoning, imagination, physical senses, and feelings are.

When God's Spirit bears witness to our spirit that a personal prophetic word of God is correct and according to His divine will and purpose, our spirit reacts with the fruits of the Spirit.

Prophecy can be a new revelation or, often, confirmation of what the Lord has shown you. God will speak through prophecy to confirm things He has already spoken to you in your spirit. If the prophecy is of God, it will all come to pass, and we will fulfill God's will.

With the help of the Holy Spirit, Being Connected to God:

• He will direct your path to stay on the right path
• He will give you discernment about others' intent
• He will let you know if there is danger. 

Operating in the prophetic evangelism. When I was in New Orleans doing outreach for the lost during Mardi Gras, we were going to go down a specific street, and I heard the Lord say, "Don't that it is a dangerous street." We didn't go down the street. The Lord will protect you. 

Through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, He will give you insight into His word. 

Next, teaching coming up: how do we operate in the prophetic anointing? How do we grow our gift in God's way?

Traci Morin, speaker, minister, anxiety coach, teacher of deliverance, Who's Who of America
Touch of God International Ministries of Healing and Deliverance - Setting the Captives Free. Need deliverance but need clarification? Watch this video to get a simplified version of the deliverance ministry process.