Judging Prophecy: Navigating the Line Between Insight and Illusion Part 1
The purpose of this article is for the people of Most High God to distinguish spirits and discriminate between impurities and authenticity in spirit, especially regarding prophecy, the prophetic, and when prophets prophesy.
Part 1 is about setting a foundation of what “judging” is through the commonly known word “test” or “testing”. It contains Biblical evidence of what Jesus says we are to do with prophecies.
By the end of this four-part teaching, you will be equipped to:
- Evaluate truths through uncertainty.
- The power and perils of divine forecasts.
- Decode the truth behind the forecasts.
1 Thessalonians 5:21 NKJV
Test all things; hold fast what is good.
1 John 4:1 NKJV
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.
The Greek Word dokimazō
This word is used in both Paul’s address to the Thessalonians and John’s address to a church in 1 John 4.
It means to examine, prove, and scrutinize.
Examine
- The word “examine” comes from the Latin “examinare,” which means “to weigh, to test.” It traces back to “examen,” referring to the tongue of a balance scale.
- It means to inspect or study carefully in detail; to investigate the condition or qualities of something or someone.
Prove
- The word “prove” originates from the Latin “probare,” meaning “to test, approve, demonstrate.” It is derived from “probus,” meaning “good, honest.”
- It means to demonstrate the truth or validity of something by evidence or argument; to show something to be true or correct.
Scrutinize
- The word “scrutinize” comes from the Latin “scrutinium,” meaning “a search, inquiry.” It is based on “scrutari,” which means “to search, to examine.”
- It means to examine or inspect closely and thoroughly.
A Closer Look at dokimazō
It is commonly applied to the process of testing metals to verify their purity, but metaphorically, it also refers to evaluating individuals, teachings, or spiritual truths to assess their authenticity and worth, with the goal of verifying whether it meets a standard of worth or reliability.
If the metal survived the fire without impurity, it was considered dokimos (approved or genuine).
This type of testing isn’t about superficial judgment, but rather a deep examination to assess whether something aligns with divine truth, righteousness, or God’s will.
Furthermore…
Additionally, these words deal in authenticity, goodness, justice, and righteousness—character, and the character of the spirit of the prophet or person prophesying.
What the Spirit of God says to us today in these two Scriptures is to examine, prove, and scrutinize the spirit of the person not what is coming out of their mouths.
When we do it this way, we will know that what is coming forth is anti-authentic, anti-good, anti-just, and anti-righteous because the person’s heart—oftentimes interchangeable with the human spirit—had impurities.
1 Thessalonians 5:21 and 1 John 4:1 is about the person himself/herself meeting the required standards as one “worthy” of releasing prophecies. It is speaking of the spirit of the man.
The Logos of God
Logos is our English word for logic. Therefore, we are moving into the mind of God.
Since prophecy expresses God’s heart (emotions), mind, and will, when we give prophecies, when we hear them, and when we test them, we must consider from which dimension of God are they coming.
The words “examine,” “prove,” and “scrutinize” are more aligned with logic than with emotion. Here’s why:
- Examine: This word implies a methodical and detailed inspection or investigation, which requires objective observation and analysis.
- Prove: This involves demonstrating the truth or validity of something through evidence or logical argumentation.
- Scrutinize: This indicates a close and thorough examination, often to uncover detailed information, requiring an analytical and critical approach.
These words are typically associated with careful, reasoned, and rational processes rather than emotional responses. However, emotional aspects can play a role in what drives the need to examine, prove, or scrutinize, but the actions themselves are grounded in logic.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when engaging with prophecy—whether delivering, receiving, or testing it—it’s essential to understand that prophecy is not simply a matter of emotional expression but a profound communication of God’s heart, mind, and will. The word “Logos,” often translated as “logic,” reflects the rational and thoughtful nature of divine communication, guiding us to approach prophecy with clear reasoning and discernment. While emotion and subjectivity may influence our personal responses, they must be carefully examined, especially when assessing prophetic words.
Ultimately
In the process of testing prophecy, it is vital to scrutinize it with a logical and methodical approach, as the terms “examine,” “prove,” and “scrutinize” suggest. These actions require us to move beyond personal biases, preferences, and emotional reactions, instead anchoring our evaluations in the Spirit and Truth of God. This means exposing our own internal influences—whether they arise from emotions, preconceived notions, or personal opinions—and weighing them against the clear, objective standard of God’s Word.
Final Words
Ultimately, the testing of prophecy must be rooted in the logos of God—His divine logic and reason. By doing so, we ensure that our judgments align with His will, making us receptive to the truth He seeks to reveal. In this careful balance of reason, objectivity, and spiritual discernment, we can safeguard ourselves from error while remaining open to the authentic voice of God.
