08Apr
The assumption, based on several biblical passages, is that God “speaks to” believers today. I’m not addressing the mode of “speech” (voice, dream, vision, etc.) The question is, “How do I know if a thought or inclination (prophecy) is God and not my imagination?”
Although not everyone has the gift of prophecy (Romans 12:6), Paul explains that, on occasion, everyone can prophesy (1 Corinthians 14:31). It would be inaccurate to limit the definition of “prophesy” to predictive revelation. The following five tests affirm whether our “ideas” and “inclinations” are of God or our imagination.
1) Is my idea or inclination consistent with the Word of God? (1 Corinthians 11:2)
2) Will my idea or inclination exalt God? (Titus 2:10)
3) Is my idea or inclination the result of a disciplined, logical thought process? (1 Corinthians 14:32)
4) After careful consideration, will a panel of mature Christians agree with your ideas and inclinations? (1 Corinthians 14:29)
5) Will my ideas and inclinations build up other Christians? (1 Corinthians 14:3, 24-25)
This discussion is extremely brief, but it will serve as a place to start as we seek to affirm the voice of God.
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