TSP DAILY DEVOTIONAL
TEST OF PROPHECY
17th MARCH 2020
Dr. Phil Ransom-Bello
KEY SCRIPTURE/MEMORY VERSE: 1 Corinthians 14:3(AMPC)
But [on the other hand], the one who prophesies [who interprets the divine will and purpose in inspired preaching and teaching] speaks to men for their upbuilding and constructive spiritual progress and encouragement and consolation.
For many believers, prophecies are a phenomenon we don’t completely understand or are not sure how to respond.
How do we tell if a prophecy is genuine? Is it based on the prophet’s delivery or the accuracy? Should it inspire sober reflection or rejoicing?
A few days ago, we learned that the spirit or attitude of the new testament is different from the old. And in this new dispensation, what inspires prophecy is the perspective of the cross!
Revelations 19:10 says, “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”
So the spirit of prophesy must testify of Christ and the victory we now have in Him.
We see from our text today how to rightly test the genuineness of a word of prophecy;
▪First, it builds up: Any word of prophecy must edify the body of Christ. It shouldn’t make you feel or see less of who you are in Christ. It doesn’t matter if the prophet was able to identify the location of your great grand father’s village or know the name of the school you attended when you were five, if the prophecy doesn’t help you grow or build you up in your revelation of Christ, it is not genuine.
▪It exhorts: A true word of prophecy should leave you inspired in your spirit and hopeful for the future. Any word of prophecy that attempts to bring your spirit down or condemn you should be super-imposed with the truth of God’s acceptance and love and good plans for your life. (Jeremiah 29:11)
▪It comforts: Any word that comes to you and instills fear, panic and worry is not a prophecy. Please, refuse to accept it. God has given us His Holy Spirit, who is our comforter, advocate, intercessor, counselor, strengthener, standby (John 14:26). Any prophecy that is not consistent with the character of the Holy Spirit is not of God.
Friends, let your understanding and response to prophecy take dressing from this truth.
Pass every prophesy you receive through the test or meter of EDIFICATION, COMFORT & ENCOURAGEMENT.
Don’t just be carried away by the accuracy of a prophecy that speaks negativity to you and refuse to accept prophesies that are contrary to what God has said to you in the person of Jesus. (Hebrews 1:1).
Prophecies are for your benefit. You too can enjoy them.
REFLECTION
Has my understanding of prophecy gotten better? Do I anticipate prophecies or dread them?
DECLARATION
– I am born of God. God’s intentions towards me are always good.
– I am edified and lifted by prophesies.
– I silence every prophetic word that is contrary to the person of God.
– I leave no room for prophecy-induced fear because my heart is filled with the love of God.
– -The cross is my standpoint. Therefore, I am not carried away by prophecies that are contrary to the person of Christ and what He has said.
-I only give and receive prophecies that comfort, encourage and strengthen.
-Today, I enjoy daily benefits and testimonies abound for me because the Gospel works. Hallelujah!
HEARING BY THE WORD
(Recommended Listening)
Listen to The Believers Heart – Instruct Your Heart >> Dr. Phil by The StandPoint Church on #SoundCloud
