Filter & Safety Checks
FILTER CHECKS: HOW DO I KNOW IT’S REALLY GOD?
1) Is it consistent with God’s word? Not only actual verses but the underlying principles of the word and of God’s character? (2 Timothy 3:16)
2) Does it bring life? Does it heal? God’s word is more life giving than our words (John 10:10)
3) Do we experience His thoughts as higher than our thoughts? Does it bring different and better insight and quality, deeper clarity, understanding and revelation? (Isaiah 55:8)
4) Does it pass the peace/shalom test of Col 3:15? Do you feel greater peace?
5) Does it bear other fruit? (Galatians 5:22)
● Immediate: resolution, peace, love, excitement, awe, clarity
● Long-term: Attitudes and expectations are more God-centered.
6) God’s confrontations are gentle and caring (Romans 8:1, Matthew 11:29)
● Harsh condemnations are from our own background or the accuser
7) Do other Christians recognize it as coming from God and in line with God’s word and character? Check with your community (2-3 other Christians) for confirmation. Check with your church leaders, if it is an issue that impacts your life or your relationships in any significant way. If another Christian says it doesn’t sound like God to them, ask them why. Pray for discernment, as this could be an area of growth for either or both parties. There should be mutual “shalom” about any major issues that impact yours, or another’s life, before acting on them. (Prov. 27:17, Matthew 18:19).
8) Does it draw us nearer to God, and glorify God? (Ecclesiastes 5:1, James 4:8)
9) Is it supported by circumstances and reality? Does it come true over time
10) Does it ring true in your heart when you interact with God and the Holy Spirit in prayer? (Romans 8:1, John 14:26).
11) Does it line up with our past experience of hearing God? As we become more familiar with God’s heart through our own experience and through the ways His heart is revealed in Scripture, we recognize it better.
12) Does it bring joy to the heart? (Psalm 19:8).