11 And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth. Acts 17:11
As a pastor I have a huge concern that I want to address briefly. My concern is this: that believers in Jesus Christ take "prophetic words", "utterances", and "teachings" at face value and never measure them against Scripture or the wisdom and discernment of fellow believers. Others claim to "hear God" and never test their prophetic impressions or inner voices against the standard of Scripture. I've seen so much devastation connected to false discernment. It is a big problem in the church. Usually, those who cling to their personal judgment have elevated their own discernment above Scripture or wise counsel.
Personal discernment was never intended to operate apart from Scripture and the fellowship of the local church – simply because there is no believer in the New Testament who was not part of a local church - committed to others and committed to the Scriptures. The Holy Spirit inspired the Scriptures. He doesn't disagree with the clear teaching of inspired Holy Scriptures. He will not "tell" you to do something which is clearly contrary to Scripture.
Please don’t make major decisions solely on the basis of a “word” or a “dream” or a “vision” without praying, submitting it to your pastors, and measuring it against Scripture. This is why God gives gifts to the leadership of local church – Ephesians 4:11-12 is clear on this:
“It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”
Beloved beware of “lone ranger” individual groups that exist to “tickle the ears” and tell you what you want to hear. They appeal to the flesh. They love to criticize the church and pastors. They promise true “freedom” but what they actual deliver is bondage and confusion.
Be a Berean. “Receive (prophetic) messages with great eagerness and a examine the Scriptures!” It’s never “either/or” – but “both/and.” Believe AND Examine.
I am a firm believer in extra-Biblical revelation. I love the prophetic. I firmly believe the Spirit speaks to individual believers – but when you are “led” to make major decisions – take the matter to the Lord in prayer, search the Scriptures, and seek the wisdom of other mature believers and pastors in the local church. Listen to what the Apostle John lovingly tells his congregations:
“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1)
I say the same to you “test the spirits” – test those inner voices. It might be God, it might be the flesh, or it might be something else. These words are not just for the church 2,000 years ago. It is also for today – world is riddled with “false prophets” - more than ever before, the church of Jesus Christ needs careful discernment.
Grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.
