Discernment in Prophetic Ministry: Truth vs. Deception

Summary

In these days when so many voices are speaking and so much information is coming at us, it’s vital to know how to recognize what is genuine—especially when it comes to prophecy and prophetic ministry. Scripture warns us that there have always been false prophets and teachers, not just in the Old Testament but also in our time. The difference between an honest mistake and a truly false prophet is intent: the false prophets of old were egregious imposters, deliberately deceiving people, not simply making errors in understanding. Today, we must be careful not to label someone as false just because they miss it or because we don’t like their style or delivery. We are all growing, and none of us has perfect revelation.

The early church modeled a healthy way to handle differences in understanding. When Apollos preached with zeal but incomplete knowledge, Aquila and Priscilla didn’t publicly shame him—they took him aside and helped him grow. The Bereans, too, were commended for searching the Scriptures to see if what they heard was true, rather than reacting in criticism. We need to be people who can discern, who can “chew the meat and spit out the bones,” and who don’t get swept up in the mayhem of online criticism and division.

To discern the genuine, we must hold fast to the basic, non-negotiable tenets of the faith: the Trinity, the deity and incarnation of Jesus, His death and resurrection, salvation by grace through faith, the authority of Scripture, the reality of heaven and hell, and the second coming of Christ. When someone denies these, that’s a red flag. But beyond doctrine, we must look at character. True prophetic ministry is marked by integrity, humility, and a willingness to be accountable. Accountability is not just about oversight; it’s about being part of a community, open to correction, and willing to let others judge our words.

Prophetic words should be uplifting, strengthening, and comforting. The spirit in which we minister matters as much as the content. We are called to be well-mannered, polite, and orderly, not abrasive or weird. And while accuracy is important—prophecies should generally come to pass—it is not the only measure. Even Balaam was accurate but not genuine. Character and accuracy together are the marks of the true. In all things, we are called to discern, not to be suspicious or critical, and to stay united as the body of Christ, so that the world sees our love and not our division.

Key Takeaways

- Discernment Requires Humility and Growth
None of us has perfect revelation or understanding. Like Apollos, we may need others to help us see more clearly, and like the Bereans, we should search the Scriptures rather than react in criticism. Humility allows us to grow and keeps us from labeling others as false simply because they differ from us or make honest mistakes. [08:52]

- Hold Fast to the Core Tenets of the Faith
The foundation for discernment is knowing the non-negotiable truths: the Trinity, the deity and incarnation of Christ, His resurrection, salvation by grace, the authority of Scripture, and the reality of heaven and hell. When someone denies these, it is a sign of falsehood. But we must also be careful not to divide over secondary issues or personal preferences. [19:04]

- Character and Accountability Are Essential
True prophetic ministry is not just about accuracy but about the integrity and character of the messenger. Accountability—being open to correction and part of a community—is a safeguard against deception and pride. Those who resist accountability or operate as “lone rangers” are to be approached with caution. [39:26]

- Prophetic Words Should Uplift and Encourage
The primary purpose of prophecy is to strengthen, encourage, and comfort. Even when correction is needed, it should be delivered with grace and in a way that brings hope, not condemnation. The spirit of the message matters as much as the content, and we should avoid using prophecy to control or embarrass others. [48:53]

- Accuracy Alone Is Not Enough—Discernment Is Key
While genuine prophetic words should generally come to pass, accuracy by itself does not guarantee authenticity. There are those who may be accurate but lack godly character. We must discern by both the fruit of a person’s life and the consistency of their message, always seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit rather than being swept up in suspicion or criticism. [58:29]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Introduction: The Need for Discernment
[02:45] - False Prophets: Old and New Testament Context
[04:47] - The 2020 Election and Prophetic Controversy
[08:52] - The Example of Apollos and the Bereans
[10:22] - The Dangers of Criticism and Division
[12:01] - Revelation Beyond Scripture and Human Limitation
[19:04] - The Eight Non-Negotiable Tenets of the Faith
[24:39] - The Importance of Unity in the Body of Christ
[27:58] - Character: The True Measure of Ministry
[30:13] - Consistency and Reliability in Leaders
[33:09] - Integrity and Handling of Resources
[39:26] - Accountability and Community
[42:19] - The Dangers of Manipulation and Lack of Oversight
[46:13] - Submission, Scrutiny, and Healthy Correction
[48:53] - Prophecy That Uplifts and Encourages
[53:45] - Well-Mannered Ministry and Order
[56:13] - The Role of Accuracy in Prophetic Ministry
[58:29] - Final Thoughts: Discernment vs. Suspicion and Staying United

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Recognizing Genuine Prophecy and Prophets

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### Bible Reading

1. 2 Peter 2:1 (ESV)
> But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.

2. Acts 17:10-12 (ESV)
> The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men.

3. 1 Corinthians 14:29-33 (ESV)
> Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. If a revelation is made to another sitting there, let the first be silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged, and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.

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### Observation Questions

1. According to 2 Peter 2:1, what is the main difference between false prophets and those who simply make mistakes in their teaching or prophecy? ([04:47])
2. How did Aquila and Priscilla respond to Apollos when he preached with incomplete knowledge, and what does this show about handling differences in understanding? ([08:52])
3. What did the Bereans do after hearing Paul’s teaching, and why were they called “more noble”? ([08:52])
4. In 1 Corinthians 14:29-33, what instructions are given for how prophecy should be handled in the church? What is the purpose of these instructions? ([46:13])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon distinguishes between honest mistakes and deliberate deception in prophecy. Why is intent so important when discerning between a genuine and a false prophet? ([04:47])
2. The Bereans were praised for searching the Scriptures daily. What does this teach about the role of personal responsibility and humility in discernment? ([08:52])
3. The sermon emphasizes that character and accountability are as important as accuracy in prophetic ministry. Why might accuracy alone not be enough to determine if someone is a true prophet? ([58:29])
4. According to the sermon, what are the dangers of labeling someone as a false prophet simply because of their style, delivery, or a single mistake? ([12:01])

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon warns against getting “swept up in the mayhem of online criticism and division.” Have you ever been tempted to criticize a preacher or prophetic voice online or in conversation? What would it look like to respond with humility and discernment instead? ([10:22])
2. The early church modeled taking someone aside privately to help them grow, rather than shaming them publicly. Is there someone in your life who needs gentle correction or encouragement? How can you approach them in a way that builds them up? ([08:52])
3. The sermon lists the core, non-negotiable tenets of the faith (Trinity, deity and incarnation of Jesus, resurrection, salvation by grace, authority of Scripture, reality of heaven and hell, second coming). Are you confident in your understanding of these basics? If not, which one would you like to study more deeply this month? ([19:04])
4. Think about a time when you heard a prophetic word or teaching that didn’t sit right with you. Did you take time to “chew the meat and spit out the bones,” or did you react in criticism? How can you practice discernment without becoming suspicious or critical? ([08:52])
5. The sermon says true prophetic ministry is marked by integrity, humility, and accountability. Are you part of a community where you are open to correction and willing to let others speak into your life? If not, what steps could you take to build that kind of accountability? ([39:26])
6. Prophetic words should uplift, strengthen, and comfort. When you speak into someone’s life—whether prophetically or just in conversation—do your words bring hope and encouragement, or do they tend to be critical or discouraging? What is one way you can be more intentional about building others up this week? ([48:53])
7. The sermon closes by saying, “There’s a difference between being discerning and suspicious.” How can you tell the difference in your own heart? What practical steps can you take to stay united with other believers, even when you disagree on secondary issues? ([58:29])

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
“Lord, help us to be people of discernment, humility, and love. Give us wisdom to recognize what is genuine, courage to stand for truth, and grace to build up your body. Use us as vessels for your purposes in this season. Amen.”

Devotional

Day 1: Discernment Between True and False Prophets
In a world filled with many voices claiming to speak for God, it is crucial to discern between genuine prophetic ministry and those who are imposters. The Bible warns that false prophets and teachers will arise, not merely making honest mistakes, but often with deliberate intent to deceive and lead people astray. True discernment requires more than a quick reaction to something unfamiliar; it calls for careful examination, patience, and a willingness to search the Scriptures for truth. As believers, we must be alert, not easily swayed by sensational claims or outward appearances, but grounded in the Word and guided by the Holy Spirit. [04:47]

2 Peter 2:1 (ESV)
But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.

Reflection: When you hear a new teaching or prophecy, do you pause to examine it in light of Scripture, or do you react based on your initial feelings? How can you practice patient discernment this week before forming an opinion?

Day 2: The Importance of Foundational Christian Truths
The foundation of our faith rests on unchanging, non-negotiable truths—such as the divinity of Christ, His resurrection, salvation by grace, and the reality of heaven and hell. In an age where many challenge or water down these core doctrines, it is vital to know and hold fast to them. Any teaching or prophetic word that denies these basic tenets should be met with caution, for these truths are the bedrock of genuine Christianity. As you listen to various voices, measure them against these foundational beliefs to guard your faith and remain steadfast in the truth. [19:04]

1 John 4:1-2 (ESV)
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for 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 from God.

Reflection: Which foundational truth of the Christian faith do you find most challenged in your environment? How can you intentionally reinforce your understanding and commitment to it this week?

Day 3: Character and Accountability in Spiritual Leadership
Genuine prophetic voices and spiritual leaders are not only measured by the accuracy of their words, but by the consistency of their character and their willingness to be accountable. True ministers of God display integrity, humility, and a teachable spirit, allowing others to speak into their lives and being open to correction. Accountability is not a burden, but a safeguard that fosters growth and protects the community. As you follow spiritual leaders or prophetic voices, look for those who demonstrate Christlike character and are connected to a community of accountability, rather than operating as isolated individuals. [33:09]

1 Timothy 3:2 (ESV)
Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach.

Reflection: Who are the people in your life that you allow to hold you accountable? Is there an area where you need to invite more accountability or demonstrate greater integrity?

Day 4: The Uplifting and Encouraging Nature of Prophecy
The heart of genuine prophecy is to strengthen, encourage, and comfort God’s people. While there may be times for correction or warning, the primary purpose of prophetic words is to build up the body of Christ and inspire hope. Prophecy should never be used to control, embarrass, or tear down others, but rather to help them run with the wind at their back. As you seek to minister to others or receive prophetic words, focus on bringing encouragement and comfort, reflecting the loving heart of God. [48:53]

1 Corinthians 14:3 (ESV)
On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation.

Reflection: Think of someone who could use encouragement today. How can you speak a word of hope or comfort to them, either in person or through a message?

Day 5: The Balance of Accuracy and Christlike Attitude
While accuracy in prophecy and teaching is important, it must always be balanced with Christlike character and a spirit of unity. A person may be accurate in their words, but if they lack love, humility, and a desire for unity, their ministry falls short of God’s standard. The world is watching how believers treat one another, and our unity and graciousness are powerful witnesses. Strive to be both accurate and genuine, discerning without being suspicious, and always seeking to build up the body of Christ in love. [58:29]

Ephesians 4:15 (ESV)
Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.

Reflection: Is there a situation where you have prioritized being “right” over being loving? How can you pursue both truth and unity in your words and actions this week?

Quotes

When it comes to doctrine, when it comes to teaching, when it comes to truth and understanding the truth of the Bible, we, first of all, we have to get down the fact that not one of us knows it all. Aren't we glad we're growing? Aren't we glad we're all growing? Aren't we glad that we have the room and the ability through the Holy Spirit? [00:06:33]

They did not get on Facebook and say, oh my goodness, he preached that. I can't even believe he said that. They didn't do any of that. They didn't get all up in arms because he was preaching something that needed adjustment. He, they didn't get themselves all in a knot and start having, you know, letter wars. I don't know how they had, what was social media back then? I guess maybe, you know, they wrote each other notes. I can't believe you agreed with that guy. [00:08:19]

This is what is so important in discerning, whether it be the prophetic, whether it be preaching, whether it be a message you heard online, whether it be somebody's book that you read to understand the genuine is you take the word and you pull it. It's like Brother Hagin used to say, sometimes you're going to have to pull the meat off and spit some bones. It's going to be like that. But that doesn't make the delivery person a false minister or a false prophet or a false teacher. There's so much more that goes into it. [00:09:26]

If we're going to make it in the last days, we have to know how to navigate. Now, I'm going to give you the stuff that'll help put your guard up when you need to. But I think some of the things I'll say in Christentom, we get way too. And this is why the world capitalizes on our divisions. Because we're so busy and ready to go and crucify somebody because we didn't like something they said. [00:10:39]

There are revelations and things that we see. The Bible says in first Corinthians 13, we now, whether you be a prophet, a teacher, a revelator, an intercessor, a person with the gift of the word of knowledge, whatever. Ever.gifting of the holy spirit you might carry all of us see the bible says through a glass darkly that's why sometimes prophets will get up you know the apostle john we still don't know what in the world he saw he thought it was grasshoppers i've heard the best scholars say i'm sure it was helicopters well we don't know that we don't know that but what we do know is as people revelate more than just the word itself you cannot judge false except under certain circumstances which i am going to cover tonight. [00:12:05]

Just because I didn't like him I was ready to call him out as an error and we have to be so careful and now of course I know I harp all the time on social media but social media has enabled so much bad behavior it has just enabled us it has enabled us to criticize speak out post things and write things and all of this that sometimes we don't take the time to first of all get counsel we're going to talk about that we don't take the time to get other input we don't take the time to be like the bereans and search the scriptures daily and sometimes we don't just wait and let things marinate come on because you didn't agree with somebody does that really mean i mean seriously you think the whole body of christ is going to go to hell over that one person that you have just got to get out your statement. [00:13:58]

If a pastor gets up and I try to separate, I try to be careful, you know, um, and, and are they saying that out of just a lack of knowledge or is there an underlying intent to break the basic tenants of the faith? So it's so important. And I would just say this, I think it's really important for the body of Christ Christ to be up in arms, but not up in arms. Can I say that? Because if we're too up in arms, we become critics, you know, and sadly there are many. And now with the internet, there are so many people that can sit home like armchair pastors and, um, just criticize everything. [00:23:58]

We need to be united. We need to be on one front. We need to have one mind. Come on. The scripture says one accord. We need to be united together. And there are, and I have found out, listen, I've served God for 40 years. There was very few people I've had to just walk away from because they were so egregiously erroneous. They started denying fact, pastor and I years ago got connected to one minister that somebody had recommended. And in the early, early years, we even had them in the church. And then they started knocking on the door of hell is hell. Hell is just a place where maybe you don't get to talk to God every day. I'm like, check. So I listened for those things. [00:24:53]

The first and I think the foremost important thing thing on any preacher, minister, prophesier, it's important.in the church. Let's just say, um, not just people that are in the pulpits or have a YouTube channel, but I'm talking about, as you know, one another, that the most important thing is knowing people's character. Now this does not get said. I know ministers that have been flogged online and yet they have better character than the people that flogged them more Christlike behavior. Come on, things that nobody thinks about more forgiveness, more love, more kind words, you know, and of course our love is going to be one of the things that's going to get us in big trouble if we don't have it. [00:27:35]

Their genuineness is measured by their character. Now here's the thing. We can't always know everybody's character. Come on. You don't know everybody's darkest secrets. You don't know everything about everybody. You probably could look around this room and don't even know what flavor toothpaste most people like. You, you probably, you think people that you think, you know, well, you probably, there's lots of things about them. You don't know that well, but there are certain character traits that do start to come out as you build acquaintances. [00:28:54]

As you listen to different preachers, as you listen to people, um, look for the consistency and reliability of their character. Character issues, if they're in there, will eventually come out. Jesus said out of the abundance of a person's heart, their mouth is eventually going to talk or they're going to do things. You're going to start to see things right. That are going to come out in a person's character. [00:31:59]

After you listen to somebody long enough, you can start to see their intention and their heart. And this is so necessary. Okay. This is important. I mean, that's, that's always our prayer here at Lord of hosts. So we want people to see the character of the Kunimans that we do things as, as uprightly as we know how to do, that we will get our heart right. If we have to, we will manage money correctly. In fact, that's one of the signs of the false prophets. They mishandle money. [00:33:09]

Christianity carries with it a sense of community. Okay. Where we need each other. We build off of each other. That's why the Bible says iron sharpens iron. We need one another. Where none of us can survive as these loners somewhere. Okay. You can't do it. I mean, you go through something, I watch how the body of Christ rallies behind people. [00:38:33]

Genuine prophets will not mind being scrutinized by people that have earned the right. This is important. Earned the right to scrutinize them. Okay. We don't scrutinize everybody. Okay. Pastor Hank doesn't go out and just scrutinize somebody and call them on the phone. They're minister. I've never met you, but I didn't like what you said on YouTube. You know, we don't do that. Okay. They've earned the right. Nathan, the prophet earned the right in David's life to say, you're the man. Okay. He earned it. David, he wasn't a stranger to David. He knew him. [00:45:14]

We need to be as submitted as we are critical. We need to be as teachable as we are big mouths. All of us, every single one of us. If we do, I'm telling you, we would grow. Amen. [00:48:04]

When you're prophesying really the majority of the prophetic is not to find out the skinny on people. It's not to get in their business and, oh, I had a dream and this happened and then there's negative in there. It's really that is not the front run of the prophetic. The front run of the prophetic is to strengthen somebody, not make them feel like, you know, they're worse than, you know, I mean, worse than everything. That's not the point. It's to strengthen and uplift people. [00:49:12]

People, if you're prophesying to one another, you should prophesy in such a way that it's there to make that person run with the wind at their back. Amen. Strengthen each other. And then it says, and encourages one another. Okay. You should be able to walk away with encouragement. [00:49:46]

The prophetic ought to give people hope. That's what I love about the way pastor, come on. He prophesied risky things up in here. He'll prophesy risky. He'll take risks to give people hope and to give them comfort so that they walk away going, come on, God, you're not done with this nation. You're not done with America. Come on. The body of Christ, we still have a harvest. There's a harvest that's coming. A harvest of souls. There's still something good happening. [00:51:23]

We should be the most well -behaved, well -mannered people on the face of the planet in the body of Christ. It ought to be the best place for people to come on any given time we gather. Come on, somebody. [00:55:26]

It discourages my heart a little bit when I watch the world who's got an evil, evil message. Okay, evil. Okay, and they are united on their message. Yeah, they get in killing each other. We know all those scriptures, but they're united on evil. Okay, I've watched them be one force to promote abortion. And yet Christians can't even get in alignment. I've watched them be one force to promote transgender ideology. And you've got Christians that will sit on the sideline and go, well, we shouldn't say anything. You know, we've got to get in agreement. [00:55:59]

Accuracy can't be the only judge because there's a lot of false prophet. Listen, Balaam was an accurate false prophet. Okay. So that cannot be the only judge. That's why God taught him. He said, he said, I'm closing my Bible now. He said, he told him, he said, the way you judge them, you better know, mix character with their accuracy because you need both. There's a lot of good preachers that can preach up a storm, but they have no character to speak of. Okay. They live dirty lives in secret and yet they could preach up a word. I mean, they can be just. So accuracy is not enough. It has to be mixed with the other areas. And if you get that and they are accurate, you probably got a good vessel. It's probably genuine and that's what we're looking for. [00:58:56]

There's a difference between being discerning and suspicious. And what I would do is I would avoid all the mayhem out there of all the people that want to take shots at other people and just hang back. Listen, the best thing I could do is know for myself if something's wrong or right. I don't need to prove that I think it's wrong or right to 18, 20, 30, 3000 other people. Okay. I've watched articles get written in recent times by the secular newspapers at the fighting of the body of Christ. Nothing is more grievous, but we can be accurate and genuine and still stay in the right spirit. And that's what I want because God is using prophets now. God is using it. We need the prophetic. God saves nations through the prophetic voice and we need it. [00:59:52]

Chatbot

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