THE OTHERS SHOULD WEIGH CAREFULLY

2/3/2023

February 3-Start Your Day Right Devotion

1 Corinthians 14:29 Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said.

THE OTHERS SHOULD WEIGH CAREFULLY

All prophecy (or tongues with interpretation) must be evaluated according to what is said. That is to say, the people should not automatically accept a message without using discernment (godly wisdom and Spirit-guided understanding) and considering whether it is consistent with God’s Word and relevant to their situation. This does not mean that the message will always be pleasant, convenient or easy to apply; but those who are in right relationship with God should be able to discern whether the message is truly from the Lord. This shows that New Testament prophecy was not infallible (perfectly reliable and free from error) and at times might need to be corrected. It certainly was never meant to be accepted on the same level with Scripture (God’s written Word as recorded in the Bible).

At times, prophecy and speaking in tongues might not be an authentic, or true, message from God (1 John 4:1). People who are caught up in their emotions or sometimes misguided in their sense of direction from the Spirit may gibe a well-meaning message that is actually from their own mind and motivation. At times, even evil spirits, through the presence of false teachers or prophets, can work in a congregation. Prophesying, speaking in tongues or possessing any supernatural gift is no guarantee that one is a true prophet or even a true Christian because Satan can counterfeit and imitate spiritual gifts (Matthew 24:24; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12; Revelation 13:13-14). Even if one possesses legitimate spiritual gifts from God, there is not guarantee that the person will always exercise their gifts properly.
If the church has not established proper and orderly ways (1 Corinthians 14:40) to apply and evaluate prophecies, it has failed to follow Biblical guidelines. Notice also that prophecy was not considered an uncontrollable urge of the Spirit; the speaker could control the impulse because only one prophet could speak at a time (1 Corinthians 14:30-32).
What should be the church’s attitude toward prophetic messages? (a.) All prophecy must be tested according to the standard of Biblical truth (Deuteronomy 13:1-3). If the prophecy has to do with something in the future, believers should look for its fulfillment before passing final judgment (Deuteronomy 18:22). This includes preparing themselves for the possibility that the prophecy may or may not be fulfilled. (b) If the word of prophecy is an exhortation (a word of challenge or encouragement), the congregation needs to ask, “What must we do to obey the Spirit’s will and purpose?”.
In order to properly evaluate and guide the use of spiritual gifts and expressions, church leaders must pray for godly discernment (divine wisdom and Spirit-guided understanding). In addition, the people in the church should not take offense at times when leaders offer correction or guidance in a worship service or to individuals in private. Such interaction is to be expected at times. Believers must never be so proud as to assume that they know exactly how to use the gifts of the Spirit at all times without guidance and correction. This does not mean that God is displeased or that leaders are upset with the people. Keep in mind that many on the New Testament letters – such as this one to the Corinthians – contained large portions on guidance and correction about such issues. And these instructions came from leaders who loved the people deeply and respected the ministry God was doing among them.

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