It is Scriptural to Judge Prophecy. We judge so that we can discern which are true prophecies and which are false. We are told clearly in the bible that it is not our place to judge people, but we can judge what we hear and see come from them and their ministries. It is not only the words and actions of those that minister that need to be judged, but the words and actions of all of us that are part of the body of Christ.

John 7:24 - "Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment."

James 4:12 - "There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?"

1 Corinthians 2:15 - But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one.

If we profess to be spiritual, then we are to judge prophecy. You cannot blame the error in prophecy on the prophet or the prophetic person. You should follow biblical principals and judge the prophetic words that come forth.

We will look at ways to judge. These are only guidelines and I am sure not all there is to judging prophecy and prophetic words that come forth. By judging prophecy and prophetic utterances we are protecting our spirit. By following the following guidelines, we will be able to judge effectively and scriptural.

1. Does it agree with Scripture?

To be able to judge whether what we hear lines up with scripture or not, it is essential to have a good knowledge of the word of God. This does not mean that we need to go to Bible College. It means that we need to have knowledge of biblical principals. In this way we will find out if what we hear lines up with the word of God.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

To judge in this way we need to have some knowledge of the word. This takes time and discipline on our part. If we want to be trained by the Holy Spirit we need to take the time to study the word of God.

1 Timothy 4:13 - "Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine."

2 Timothy 2:15 - "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

We are responsible for our own spiritual walk. We need to study the word so we can discern what we listen to, the books we read and the prophecies we receive and listen to. In this day and age we have the internet where we get exposure to many things. Articles, teachings and even prophecy.

We need to ask ourselves - "Does it agree with scripture"? If it is a true prophecy, then it will be scripturally true and not against or contrary to scripture.

If the word that you hear does not line up with scriptures, that does not necessarily mean it is of the devil. It could be the result of human reasoning, or the influence of an evil spirit. Even Peter the Apostle was under the influence of an evil spirit concerning the death of Jesus on the cross. He spoke to Jesus from his flesh, the first thoughts that came to him. They were not very spiritual and Jesus rebuked him for that.

Matthew 16:22-23 - Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, "Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!" But He turned and said to Peter, "Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offence to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men."

What Peter spoke out was contrary to scripture. Jesus was not speaking to Peter, but to the spirit behind the words that were influencing Peter in this instance. Others that know a bit more of the word can always help us. So if we are not sure of something, we can ask.

2. Does it Glorify Christ?

If the prophecy is correct it will bring glory to Christ. The words that come forth should bring us closer in our walk with Christ. The words should not draw attention away from Him to the person bringing the words. The prophetic words should not lift up man but Jesus only. Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would testify of Him and glorify Him. So Jesus is the one that will be lifted up. When Jesus is lifted up, then the prophecy will make people see Jesus, even though His name is not mentioned in the prophetic word. People will be drawn to Christ and feel closer to Him.

John 12:32 - "And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself."

We are told quite clearly to test the spirit.

1 John 4:1-2 - 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,

God will work through everyone that has the Holy Spirit and desires to operate in the Gifts. The prophet that speaks in authority causes people to take note. Satan will try His best to discredit any prophetic person and the prophetic words they speak out. He will come immediately to steal the word that was sown in the hearts of the hearers.

Mark 4:15 - And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts.

3. You shall know them by their fruit.

We will be able to judge false prophecy and false prophets by their fruit, the fruit of their lives and the fruit of their work, also by the fruit of their words. We may not be able to see the fruit of all of these, but will notice and hear of some of the fruit. Were people upset by the prophecies? Did the prophecies cause people to backslide? This is the fruit that you should be judging.

We cannot get close enough to some of them to see how they live. And on the internet it is even more difficult but we must trust and rely and lean upon the Holy Spirit within us.

Matthew 7:15 - "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.

Only God can see on the inside of the false prophet. He will help and guide us to know the difference, by the Holy Spirit within us.

4. Do the Prophecies produce liberty or bring bondage?

God does not want us in the darkness of "bondage". God is concerned about bringing us into liberty, setting us free. Jesus promised that we shall know the truth and that it would make us free

John 8:32 - "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

We have the same spirit of faith by the same Holy Spirit. If there is one in our midst who does not have the same spirit of faith in God, we will know by the spirit within us.

2 Corinthians 4:13 - And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, "I believed and therefore I spoke," we also believe and therefore speak,

5. The Anointing abides within us.

The Holy Spirit is within us. His desire is to guide us and to warn us of all things. The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are one, If we have Jesus in our heart we have the Holy Spirit within us. We are able to hear the voice of God.

1 John 2:20 - But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things.

1 John 2:27 - But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.

The anointing is the ability, which God gave us to do the work that He has called us to do. The anointing is not a feeling or any other "something" which none of us can have or understand. The Holy Spirit lives within us, to lead and guide us in a way only He can. And the way to function in the way God wants is by way of the anointing.

6. Do we have peace in our hearts?

An inner peace in our heart is a very excellent guide. Jesus promised us His peace. He lived in total peace. He left it with us when He ascended into heaven. When we receive this peace it is ours, it is within. When peace rules in our hearts, it bypasses our mind. This peace will rule and settle in our hearts. It is a promise. Take this promise by faith.

Colossians 3:15 - And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.