Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world. (1Jo 4:1-3 NKJ)
Let me just say that John regarded the Emporers Nero and Domitian as being Antichrist. Antichrist is anything or anybody that is opposed to the gospel or offers another parallel teaching.
The Bible gives us seven tests for ministry that I will apply to the ministry of the prophet. The first test we’re told is to test the spirit.
- He communicates as a still, quiet and gentle prompting, not loud, heavy and condemning.
1 Kings 19:12 NIV After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.
Elijah was beaten and downcast; he didn’t need a heavy word, he needed that still small voice.
- He brings supernatural peace
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such, there is no law. (Gal 5:22-23 NKJ). Peace is a fruit of the Spirit.
- His promptings are always in line with the Word of God
The Holy Spirit will always convey things that are in line with God’s Word and His will for us. Too many so-called prophets what to speak about judgment and destruction, but the gospel is about encouraging, building up and bringing comfort.
- He always glorifies God, not man
John 16:13-14 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.
Have a great weekend! Q��y��{
