Before Jesus ascended to heaven, He told His disciples
that He would send One who would teach and guide all those who believe in Him (Acts 1:5; John 14:26; John 16:7). Jesus' promise was fulfilled less than two weeks
later when the Holy Spirit came in power on the believers at Pentecost (Acts 2). Now, when a person believes in Christ, the Holy
Spirit immediately becomes a permanent part of his life (Romans 8:14; 1 Corinthians 12:13).
The Holy Spirit has many functions.
The Holy Spirit has many functions.
Not only does the Spirit distribute spiritual gifts
at will (1 Corinthians 12:7-11), but the Spirit also comforts us (John 14:16), teaches us (John 14:26), and remains as a seal of promise upon our
hearts until the day of Jesus' return (Ephesians 1:13; 4:30). The Holy Spirit also takes on the role of Guide and
Counselor, leading us in the way we should go and revealing to us GOD's truth (Luke 12:12; 1 Corinthians 2:6-10).
But how do we recognize the Spirit's guidance?
But how do we recognize the Spirit's guidance?
How do we discern between our
own thoughts and the Spirit's leading? After all, the Holy Spirit does not speak with
audible words. Rather, the Spirit guides us through an inner voice (John 16:13), our own consciences (Romans 9:1), and other quiet, subtle ways.
One of the most important ways to recognize the Holy Spirit's guidance is to be familiar with GOD's Word. The Bible is the ultimate source of wisdom about how we should live (2 Timothy 3:16), and believers are to search the Scriptures, meditate on them, and commit them to memory (Ephesians 6:17). The Word is the "Sword of the Spirit" (Ephesians 6:17), and the Spirit will use it to speak to us (John 16:12-14) to reveal GOD's will for our lives; the Spirit will also bring specific Scriptures to mind at times when we need those Scriptures the most (John 14:26).
Knowledge of GOD's Word can help us to discern whether or not our desires come from the Holy Spirit. We must test our inner voice against Scripture, for the Holy Spirit will never prod us to do anything contrary to GOD's Word. If it conflicts with the Bible, then it is not from the Holy Spirit and should be ignored.
One of the most important ways to recognize the Holy Spirit's guidance is to be familiar with GOD's Word. The Bible is the ultimate source of wisdom about how we should live (2 Timothy 3:16), and believers are to search the Scriptures, meditate on them, and commit them to memory (Ephesians 6:17). The Word is the "Sword of the Spirit" (Ephesians 6:17), and the Spirit will use it to speak to us (John 16:12-14) to reveal GOD's will for our lives; the Spirit will also bring specific Scriptures to mind at times when we need those Scriptures the most (John 14:26).
Knowledge of GOD's Word can help us to discern whether or not our desires come from the Holy Spirit. We must test our inner voice against Scripture, for the Holy Spirit will never prod us to do anything contrary to GOD's Word. If it conflicts with the Bible, then it is not from the Holy Spirit and should be ignored.
Thank GOD for what you have,
Trust GOD for what you need.
- Marilyn Chaney
Trust GOD for what you need.
- Marilyn Chaney
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