Lent Day 20

In this passage, Paul is concerned that we might stifle the work of the Holy Spirit by despising prophesies. It’s not a new problem today to have people prophesy in the name of the Spirit inauthentically. It makes it feel like we can’t trust prophesy because it may not really be coming from God. Paul’s advice for this age-old problem is to test all things. Does the prophesy line up with scripture? Does it line up with God’s plan through redemptive history? An element of prudence is discerning what is from God and what is not. Knowing Christ through the scriptures and seeking God’s wisdom in prayer will produce this kind of discernment.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, give us wisdom by your Spirit to be able to discern what is truly from God and what is not. Forgive us for times when we have stifled the Holy Spirit by rejecting prophecy or other workings of God. Give us discernment by your Spirit and Word to see where you are at work in all things. Amen.