7. GUIDANCE BY CONFIRMING SCRIPTURE

The Scriptures are the sure and safest means of guidance for leading. They confirm all other direction that we receive. In the Word we find HIS WILL for our knowing HIS WAY for our going HIS PURPOSES for our fulfilling.

Romans 12:6 "... let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; " (KJV)

This advice is intended to keep the one who prophesies from going beyond the limits of faith. It may also remind that prophecy should not go beyond the bonds of "the faith" as revealed in the Word of God. (Jude 3 ). Prophecy is never to contradict the Word. Do not be led into anything that is not in line with the Word of God.

The Bible is the reliable, infallible source for carefully weighing inspirational gifts. The original word for "proportion" is 'analogia' and has the definite article (the) preceding it. Old commentators say this means "according to the analogy of the faith" which limits all prophecy to personal faith that has its foundation in Scripture.

The Ryrie Study Bible comments on Romans 12:6 "The revelations that come through the prophet must be in agreement with the already revealed body of truth."

Yes. Paul found proof of the revelations he received, in the Scriptures.

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The revelation of justification by faith - Paul found expressed in Genesis 15:6, which he quoted in:

"Romans 4:3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness." (KJV)

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The revelation of the church and the plan of salvation - Paul affirmed, found its basis in Scripture.

Romans 16:25,26 "Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began 26 but now has been made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures has been made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith " (NKJV)

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The revelation for the operation of spiritual gifts - stating a standard for all manifestations of the Spirit, was given by Peter.

Acts 2:16,17 "But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; 17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, ..." (KJV)

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The Scripture anticipates the gifts of the Spirit, defines them and directs them. Even tongues have their anticipation in

Isaiah 28:11 "For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people." (KJV)

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Scriptures that form a basis for inspirational prophecy

1 Corinthians 14:3 "But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. " (KJV)

Proverbs 10:11 "The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked. " (KJV)

Proverbs 18:4 "The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook. " (KJV)

Fresh revelation that affects and directs our lives must stand to the test of Scripture, and have its roots in the Word. Any directive revelation that does not, is not only defective, it has to be rejected. Failure to do this could lead away from the straight paths intended for our walk.