The Prophetic Voice for Today
In a world where every conversation feels like a competition and disagreement leads to dehumanization, believers are called to live differently. The cultural climate is not merely political or social; it is spiritual. What many sense as unease or tension is actually a spiritual discernment: “You are uncomfortable because you are sensing that something is deeply wrong. The Bible calls this the gift of discerning of spirits.” This societal division and manipulation of righteousness is the work of what the Bible calls the spirit of the antichrist. It twists the language of righteousness, hijacks the name of Jesus, and produces rotten fruit in people who claim to speak for God.
Galatians 5 presents a clear contrast between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. The flesh is not about the body being evil but refers to the deep inner drive toward selfishness, sin, and pride. Paul lists the deeds of the flesh such as sexual immorality, jealousy, and selfish ambition, and warns, “those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:21). For those led by the Spirit, the result is a life marked by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
This generation needs clear prophetic voices. These voices must speak truth in love, correct the false spirit of prophecy, and confront lies that are preached in the name of Jesus. The church must be able to discern, to see the fruit, and to point people to the real Jesus who is full of grace and truth.
As you reflect on this message this week, consider the following:
- You were called to freedom, but not the freedom to do whatever you want.
Paul describes true freedom as the ability to stop doing the destructive things that once controlled us. Reflect on areas where your desires may be pulling you away from the Spirit. How might God be calling you to walk in true freedom this week? - The kind of anger, pride, and division seen in society today is the opposite of what salvation is meant to produce.
Take inventory of your reactions and words in the public square and in private conversations. Are they producing peace, kindness, and self-control, or something else? - Not every spiritual voice is speaking for God.
Discernment is needed to identify what spirit is behind a message. Jesus said you will know them by their fruit. Are the voices influencing you bearing the fruit of the Spirit, or feeding the flesh?