How to discern if prophetic words is true?

The discernment and testing of prophecy and spirits are essential practices intended to ensure that individuals are aligning with God’s will and not being misled by false teachings or deceivers. This concept is rooted in biblical instructions and has been an integral part of God teaching in the word.

Biblical Foundation for Testing Prophecy and Spirits

1. 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 – "Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good."
2. 1 John 4:1 – "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."

These verses underline the importance of testing both prophecies and the spirits behind them to determine their authenticity and alignment with God's truth.

How to Test a Prophecy

1. Alignment with Scripture: A true prophecy will always accord with the Bible's teachings and the character of God as revealed in Scripture. It ensures that any prophetic declaration complements and does not contradict the established Word of God.

2. Confirmation within the Community: Prophecies should be evaluated and confirmed within the community of believers. This community discernment process helps safeguard against personal misinterpretations and ensures that the prophecy is consistent with Christian faith and communal wisdom.

3. Conditional Fulfillment of the Prophecy: While the ultimate fulfillment of a prophecy is a strong indicator of its divine origin, it's important to recognize that some prophecies are conditional. They may depend on human responses, such as repentance or obedience. Examples include Jonah’s prophecy to Nineveh or God’s promise to Hezekiah. A prophecy’s fulfillment may therefore change if the conditions under which it was given change, reflecting God's responsiveness to human actions.

4. Edification and Encouragement: Prophecies are meant to edify, exhort, and comfort the church (1 Corinthians 14:3). A true prophecy will contribute to the spiritual growth and encouragement of believers, fostering a sense of hope, unity, and spiritual development within the community.

How to Test the Spirit

Testing the spirit behind a prophecy or message involves discerning whether it originates from the Holy Spirit, human imagination, or a deceiving spirit. The following are steps to undertake:

1. Check for Confession of Christ: 1 John 4:2-3 states, "Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God..." A true spirit of God acknowledges the full divinity and humanity of Jesus Christ.

2. Examine the Fruit: Matthew 7:16 says, "Ye shall know them by their fruits." The behavior and actions of the person delivering the prophecy should exhibit the fruits of the Spirit as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23 (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control).

3. Consistency with God's Nature: Any message or spirit must be consistent with God’s nature and the overall narrative of redemption and love as expressed in the Bible.

Practical Application

In practical terms, this means continually engaging with the Scripture, praying for wisdom and discernment, and involving other mature believers when discerning prophecies or spiritual messages. As Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

This blend of scriptural engagement, communal wisdom, prayerful discernment, and a deep relationship with God will guide believers to walk in alignment with His will and understand His perspective better.