How to Respond to Personal Prophecy
By examining a prophetic word, we’re obeying God’s ordained process as revealed in Scripture.
One time I visited a new church. During the worship time, the man in front of me turned around, laid his hand on my shoulder and said God had a word for me. I was shocked. I wasn’t used to this type of thing. If God wanted to say something to me, why not just tell me Himself?
But I was curious, so I said to go ahead. Slowly he shared the word with me, and as he did, my mouth almost hit the floor. Everything he said was right on. How did he know this? He said things, secret things, that only God knew. Had he read my mind? He said intimate things I had written in my journal. Had he swiped my journal? I was dumbfounded.
In principle I knew God cared about me. In principle I knew God listened to me when I prayed. In principle I knew God was near. But suddenly this experience made these principles real. At that time in my life, I needed them to be real.
The gift of prophecy is the ability to receive a message from God for another person. Dr. Sam Storms calls is "a human report of a divine revelation."
The Bible says to eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially personal prophecy. This means that as the Church, we’re called to prophesy. But if people are prophesying, it also means something else—the Church needs to know how to respond to prophecy. I wonder how many of us know what to do when we receive a prophetic word.
In Thessalonians 1, the Apostle Paul gives the church some good advice on how to respond to prophetic words: 1) examine everything carefully; 2) hold fast to what is good; and 3) avoid every form of evil. This instruction wasn’t just for the first century Christians; it’s an injunction for today.
Committing to this three-fold process will help us to use prophecy in a healthy way. By examining a prophetic word, we’re not judging the person who gave it, or doubting the veracity of the word, but instead we’re obeying God’s ordained process as revealed in Scripture.
As a principle, we ought to wait for a confirmation of the word. Think of it as a safety net. If the word calls for a change in your life, it’s better to wait for God to confirm it.
First, examine everything carefully.
To examine is to “inspect or inquire closely” or to “test the condition.” This entails study and investigation. Before deciding a message is from God, run it through a series of tests. In The Beginner’s Guide to Spiritual Gifts, Dr. Sam Storms presents five tests:
Conformity to Scripture
Second Thessalonians 2.15 says to, “stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught.” The traditions are the teachings of the apostles—informed by the Old Testament scriptures and inspired by the Holy Spirit, and canonized in the New Testament. Therefore, prophetic words must agree with Scripture.
Encouragement
First Corinthians 14.3 says that “one who prophesies speaks to men for strengthening, encouragement, and comfort.” Unless it’s a corrective word by an ordained prophet preceded by an effort by God Himself, prophecy must encourage.
Love
First Corinthians 13.1 says, “If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or clanging symbol.” Prophesying without love brings disorder and chaos. Love is the foundation for speaking words from God. When prophecy is given without love, it will discourage, which is opposite of its intended purpose.
Community
Proverbs 15.22 says, “Without consultation, plans are frustrated, but with many counselors they succeed.” Bring the prophetic word before your community. The members can help examine the word with Scripture, and may have a different perspective that is helpful.
Personal Experience
God will not contradict Himself. If He has already spoken something to you, future experiences will support the prophetic word, not contradict it.
Second, hold fast to what is good.
Once you’re satisfied you believe the word is from God, Scripture says to hold fast to it. To hold fast is to “stick with determination.” According to Storms, we are to believe it, obey it, and preserve it.
Third, avoid all forms of evil.
Paul instructs the Church to avoid evil the same way he tells the Church to avoid sexual immorality (1 Thessalonians 4.3); it’s the same word. Evil can mean “contrary to Scripture.” So, Paul is saying to flee from messages that are contrary to Scripture just like you would flee from sexual sin.