Testing & Weighing the Prophetic
Testing & Weighing the Prophetic
Watch the full sermon here
Daily Devotions
Week of October 5, 2025
Day 1: The Character of Christ Reading: Philippians 2:5-11
Devotional: As we reflect on Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, we're reminded of His humility and servant leadership. Christ, though divine, chose to empty Himself and take on human form. This radical act of love challenges our worldly notions of power and success. Today, consider how you can embody Christ's humility in your own life. Are there areas where you're seeking worldly power or recognition instead of serving others? Ask God to help you align your heart with Christ's example of selfless love and service.
Day 2: Forgiveness and Reconciliation Reading: Matthew 5:43-48
Devotional: The story of forgiveness shared in the sermon is a powerful reminder of Christ's call to love our enemies. This teaching often feels impossible, yet it's at the core of Christ's message. Reflect on relationships in your life where forgiveness seems difficult. How might God be calling you to take a step towards reconciliation, even if it feels painful? Remember, forgiveness is not about excusing wrongdoing, but about freeing yourself from bitterness and allowing God's love to flow through you. Pray for the strength to forgive as Christ forgives us.
Day 3: Prophetic Discernment Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22
Devotional: In a world full of voices claiming to speak for God, how do we discern true prophecy? Today's reading reminds us to "test everything" while holding onto what is good. This requires wisdom, humility, and a deep knowledge of Christ's character. As you navigate spiritual messages, whether from others or your own impressions, always measure them against the person of Jesus. Does the message align with His love, grace, and truth? Ask God for discernment and the courage to speak truth in love when necessary.
Day 4: Dying to Self Reading: Luke 9:23-26
Devotional: Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane - "not my will, but yours be done" - exemplifies the heart of true prophecy and discipleship. It's about surrendering our own desires and agendas to God's perfect will. This "dying to self" is a daily choice that often feels uncomfortable. What areas of your life are you struggling to surrender to God? Reflect on how letting go of control might actually lead to greater freedom and alignment with God's purposes. Pray for the strength to pick up your cross daily and follow Christ.
Day 5: God's Power in Weakness Reading: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Devotional: The image of the colander filled with rocks reminds us that God uses imperfect vessels to carry His message. Our weaknesses and past hurts don't disqualify us from being used by God - in fact, they often become the very channels through which His grace flows. Today, instead of being ashamed of your imperfections, offer them to God. How might He use your unique experiences, even the painful ones, to minister to others? Thank God that His power is made perfect in our weakness, and ask Him to work through you despite (and because of) your flaws.
Small Group Guide: The Prophetic Gift - Testing and Weighing
Opening Prayer
Key Takeaways:
Discussion Questions:
Practical Applications:
Closing Prayer: Thank God for the gift of prophecy and ask for wisdom in stewarding it well. Pray for humility, discernment, and a deeper understanding of Jesus' character.
Watch the full sermon here
Daily Devotions
Week of October 5, 2025
Day 1: The Character of Christ Reading: Philippians 2:5-11
Devotional: As we reflect on Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, we're reminded of His humility and servant leadership. Christ, though divine, chose to empty Himself and take on human form. This radical act of love challenges our worldly notions of power and success. Today, consider how you can embody Christ's humility in your own life. Are there areas where you're seeking worldly power or recognition instead of serving others? Ask God to help you align your heart with Christ's example of selfless love and service.
Day 2: Forgiveness and Reconciliation Reading: Matthew 5:43-48
Devotional: The story of forgiveness shared in the sermon is a powerful reminder of Christ's call to love our enemies. This teaching often feels impossible, yet it's at the core of Christ's message. Reflect on relationships in your life where forgiveness seems difficult. How might God be calling you to take a step towards reconciliation, even if it feels painful? Remember, forgiveness is not about excusing wrongdoing, but about freeing yourself from bitterness and allowing God's love to flow through you. Pray for the strength to forgive as Christ forgives us.
Day 3: Prophetic Discernment Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22
Devotional: In a world full of voices claiming to speak for God, how do we discern true prophecy? Today's reading reminds us to "test everything" while holding onto what is good. This requires wisdom, humility, and a deep knowledge of Christ's character. As you navigate spiritual messages, whether from others or your own impressions, always measure them against the person of Jesus. Does the message align with His love, grace, and truth? Ask God for discernment and the courage to speak truth in love when necessary.
Day 4: Dying to Self Reading: Luke 9:23-26
Devotional: Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane - "not my will, but yours be done" - exemplifies the heart of true prophecy and discipleship. It's about surrendering our own desires and agendas to God's perfect will. This "dying to self" is a daily choice that often feels uncomfortable. What areas of your life are you struggling to surrender to God? Reflect on how letting go of control might actually lead to greater freedom and alignment with God's purposes. Pray for the strength to pick up your cross daily and follow Christ.
Day 5: God's Power in Weakness Reading: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Devotional: The image of the colander filled with rocks reminds us that God uses imperfect vessels to carry His message. Our weaknesses and past hurts don't disqualify us from being used by God - in fact, they often become the very channels through which His grace flows. Today, instead of being ashamed of your imperfections, offer them to God. How might He use your unique experiences, even the painful ones, to minister to others? Thank God that His power is made perfect in our weakness, and ask Him to work through you despite (and because of) your flaws.
Small Group Guide: The Prophetic Gift - Testing and Weighing
Opening Prayer
Key Takeaways:
- The prophetic gift is often misunderstood in modern Christianity.
- Jesus is the ultimate test and measure for any prophetic word.
- Our personal experiences and biases can filter prophetic messages.
- True prophecy comes from a surrendered will, not manipulation or personal gain.
Discussion Questions:
- What was your initial understanding of the prophetic gift before this sermon? How has it changed?
- The speaker emphasizes Jesus as the ultimate test for prophecy. How can we practically apply this when discerning prophetic messages?
- Discuss the story of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey. How does this challenge our understanding of power and God's ways?
- The speaker shared a personal story about forgiving someone who hurt her. How does this relate to the prophetic gift and hearing from God?
- How do you think our personal experiences and biases (the "rocks in our soul") affect how we hear from God or deliver messages to others?
- What's the difference between prophetic gifting and fortune-telling, according to the sermon? Why is this distinction important?
- How can we cultivate a spirit of humility and surrender when it comes to hearing from God and sharing with others?
Practical Applications:
- This week, practice pausing before sharing a "word from God" with someone. Take time to examine your motives and ask if it aligns with Jesus' character.
- Reflect on any "rocks in your soul" that might be filtering how you hear from God. Journal about these and pray for healing and clarity.
- Choose one area of your life where you need to surrender your will to God, inspired by Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane.
- Practice "testing and weighing" prophetic messages you hear this week, whether in church, media, or conversation. Use Jesus as your measuring stick.
Closing Prayer: Thank God for the gift of prophecy and ask for wisdom in stewarding it well. Pray for humility, discernment, and a deeper understanding of Jesus' character.
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