What do I do with a prophecy?

CELL MATTERS

“What do I do with a prophecy?”

OPENING QUESTION

1. What is the toughest test that you have ever had to take?  Why was it so difficult? How did you do on it?

            On Sunday we learned about four tests that we can use to determine whether or not a message is from God.  We can use these tests when receiving any message, whether it be from a book, or from a speaker, or from a friend.  These tests help us to determine whether or not God is actually trying to speak to us.

A LOOK AT THE FOUR TESTS:

1. The first test…Does it come true?  READ Deuteronomy 18:21-22. 
2. Is there a time limit on this?  What if it takes 50 years for a prophecy to come true.  What are some things we can do as we wait for the message to become reality?
3. The second test…Does it point me to Jesus?  READ Deuteronomy 13:1-8.
4. Let’s say a message does come true, but the person delivering the message encourages us to turn away from God.  Do we keep the message and dismiss the messenger, or do we dismiss both?  What do you think?
5. The third test…Does the messenger demonstrate Christian fruit in their life?  READ Matthew 7:15-16.
6. What kinds of “fruit” is typical of a healthy Christian life?
7. The fourth test…Is the message consistent with scripture?  READ Isaiah 8:19-20. 

    

8. “To the law and to the testimony!” is Isaiah’s way of saying “to the bible!”  How well do you know the bible?  Do you know it well enough to discern a fake message from a true one?
9. If a person does not know the bible very well, what are some other things they can do to keep from getting duped by a false prophet?

1. Is there a message that you are testing right now in your life?  Share it with the group and allow us to help you with it.

1. Pray that the Holy Spirit brings the gift of prophecy to our church.  Ask God to make us receptive to this gift and give us wisdom in using it.
2. Pray for your friends who do not yet know Jesus. 

1. Our Holy Spirit Weekend is this week!  February 19-21.  Please invite your friends and plan on coming to part or all of it.