The Benefits of Obedience

Chapter 4: Discerning Prophetic Words with Wisdom and the Word

Good morning to all our Daily Word family members! We love you and are so grateful to be with you today. God has blessed us with another day of life, and I don’t take that for granted—thank You, Father, for the opportunity to give You glory again.

We’re diving back into The Benefits of Obedience, and today is Part Four. I’m excited to explore an important topic: how to respond when someone gives you what they believe is a prophetic word from God. Let’s pray.

Heavenly Father, I ask Your forgiveness for any sin. As I share this word with Your people, let every listener be edified and every heart open to receive. I give You all glory, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Understanding Prophetic Words

In the Christian faith, when someone claims to have received a message from God to deliver to another person, this is referred to as a prophetic word. Typically, it is shared for guidance, instruction, encouragement, or confirmation. These messages are often received during prayer, worship, or meditation, and may be shared based on a personal revelation or biblical insight.

The person delivering the word believes they are acting as a vessel through which God’s message is conveyed. However, as believers, we are instructed to be discerning when receiving such messages.

Biblical Instruction on Discernment

Let’s examine what the Word of God says. In 1 John 4:1–6 (KJV), Scripture gives us a clear instruction:

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.
We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.”

This passage tells us not to accept every spirit or prophetic message blindly. We must test the spirits—measure what we hear against the truth of God’s Word. A true prophetic word will always align with Scripture and point people to Jesus Christ as Lord in the flesh.

Testing Prophetic Words

There are typically three responses when someone shares a prophetic word with you:

Confirmation – It confirms something God has already spoken to you.
Rejection – You know with certainty that the message is not from God.
Uncertainty – You’re unsure and must seek the Lord for clarity.

Remember, just because someone says, “I have a word from the Lord for you,” doesn’t mean it’s accurate or from God. We are given the right and responsibility to evaluate all things through the Word and prayer.

A Personal Testimony

Let me share a personal story about a prophetic word I received. In 1978, shortly after the birth of our youngest son Kevin—a strong, healthy 10-pounder—my wife and I decided we were done having children. That was it. The “baby factory” was officially closed.

One evening after a worship service, a young man approached us and said, “I have a word from God for you.” He told us we would have another son. Naturally, my wife and I looked at each other and laughed—we were certain our family was complete!

Fast forward 20 years, our daughter gave birth to a son, and the Lord began dealing with both my wife and me about raising him. She was young and not fully prepared for the responsibility. I had a vision where I saw myself at an abandoned mine shaft. In the darkness, I noticed cartoon-like eyes staring up at me. As I walked over fragile boards, I reached down and pulled up a small hand. It was my grandson, Elijah.

Elijah was born on my birthday, February 3rd—just as the Lord had shown me. I told others he would be born that day, and people laughed. But he came into the world exactly as God had revealed. When I held him for the first time, I felt a tangible spiritual impartation.

Later, the Lord told me, “He is your replacement.” At first, I didn’t understand—did that mean I was going to die? But God clarified: Elijah would carry the same anointing and purpose I walked in. Just as I was a worship leader in my 20s for the late Dr. Frederick K.C. Price, Elijah now leads worship at a large church in his 20s. God’s word was fulfilled—not immediately, but in His perfect timing.

Delays Don’t Deny the Word

Some prophetic words may take years—even decades—to come to pass. A delay doesn’t mean denial. That’s why obedience is vital. We must remain faithful to God’s Word and promises, trusting Him even when the vision tarries.

Habakkuk 2:3 (KJV) says:

“For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”

Just as Elijah’s birth and purpose were foretold and fulfilled, so will God’s word come to pass in your life when it is truly from Him.

Conclusion

Be cautious, be prayerful, and always test what you hear by the Word. A true prophetic word will always glorify Jesus and align with God’s truth.

Key Takeaways

Test every prophetic word by the Scriptures (1 John 4:1).
Prophetic words must align with the truth that Jesus came in the flesh.
You have a right and responsibility to discern and seek confirmation from God.
Not every “word from God” is actually from Him—beware of false prophecy.
Prophecies may take time to manifest—be patient and stay obedient.
God confirms His Word through signs, Scripture, and spiritual peace.

Obedience and discernment keep us in alignment with God’s perfect will—trust His timing and test all things by His Word.

From The Daily Word with Pastor KBN: The BenefitsOf Obedience (Part 4), Mar 20, 2025
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-daily-word-with-pastor-kbn/id1800872165?i=1000700058553&r=572
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The Benefits of Obedience (Part 4)