Thoughts on NT study on prophecy
So, I just wanted to say I appreciated what we studied today on prophecy in the NT today. I thought it was very clear and well done, but it was also challenging to me and I’ll even admit I was rebuked about the amount of time in my life spent seeking the Lord through my own personal time in the Word and in prayer. I want to clarify though that it’s not that I feel guilty or accused, but that it was the Word speaking clearly to me about the fact that I just need to spend time in His Word again, getting to know what He said and how it applies to my life. It’s what would serve as the proper lens through which I would be able to view things like this prophecy about California that’s on the table right now, but also something that would serve to connect me more deeply with God. So, I’m really thankful for what we learned at church today and that the Lord spoke to me. Did anyone else feel blessed at church today?
September 14th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
Today was definitely a blessing for me – it was a great opportunity to sit and discuss what the Word says about prophecy. I was especially challenged to look at my own heart when weighing prophesy. Like Hanah, I want to spend more time connecting with the Lord, walking closely by Him, and knowing His heart.
September 14th, 2008 at 11:51 pm
Here is the content of the slides from today with references added and a few additional ones I thought of since this morning.
Three Arenas to Consider When Weighing a Prophetic Word:
1.)The Message
• Doctrine – is it consistent with the trajectory of Scripture (the voice of God, the commands of God, the nature of God, etc.)(2 Timothy 3:14-17)?
• Fruit – does it build me up and strengthen me (1 Corinthians 14:3-5)? Cause me to focus on Christ and love other people (1 John 4:1-3; Revelation 19:10; 1 Corinthians 13)? Is the message confirmed by others – those affected by the word and especially other prophetic people (examples in Acts 13 and 16; 1 Corinthians 14:29-33)?
2.) The Messenger
• Doctrine – is this person’s beliefs consistent with the trajectory of Scripture (the voice of God, the commands of God, the nature of God, etc.)(2 Timothy 3:14-17; 1 John 4:1-3; Revelation 19:10)?
• Fruit – is the fruit of this person’s life and ministry tested and solid (Matthew 7:15-23)? Is he /she solidly under the authority of Jesus and embedded in a church community (1 John 4:1-3; Revelation 19:10; 1 Corinthians 14:29-33)?
3.) The Audience
• Doctrine – Am I steeped in the word – looking to hear from God in it and obeying it (2 Timothy 3:14-17)?
• Lifestyle (1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 and 1 Corinthians 13-14)
– Am I steeped in prayer – looking to hear from God and obey Him?
– Do I live with joy and thankfulness?
– Do I see the moving of the Spirit in my life and seek to keep it going?
– Am I open to hearing from God in any way – including a prophetic word?
– Am I discerning?
– Do I cling to and act on what I know is true?
– Do I avoid evil in any form?
– Is love [for God and people] the driving motivation in my weighing?
– Is my heart for the church — seeking to encourage and strengthen my community?
September 20th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
I have something to add for the second point above: Don’t shoot the messenger.