I. The Warning (Matthew 7:15-20)
The don’t speak for God (but claim to)
They can’t pass the OT test of a prophet (prophecies don’t come true)
They are proactive and come to you
The appear to be legitimate
They are devourers (wolves)
II. Types of God’s will
1. Sovereign will
2. Moral will
3. Individual will
III. General principles of discerning God’s will
1. Confess that you are not above being deceived
2 Corinthians 11:3-4
2. When God speaks, you will know it
3. The scripture overrules any perceived word from God
Galatians 1:6-8
4. Use your community as a sounding board
Proverbs 20:18
Proverbs 15:22
5. Don’t ask for a sign
Matthew 12:39
Colossians 3:9
6. Consider the test of a prophet
Deuteronomy 18:18-24
7. Sometimes God is silent
2 Samuel 5:22-24
1 Samuel 23:4
8. When He is silent, do all you can and then rest in His peace
Proverbs 16:9