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Monday, August 16, 2010
Episode 1 :: Question 1 on God's Voice
4:43 PM | Posted by
St. Burnish
 |
| Pastor Chris Oyakhilome |
Question 1 – Ann Marie (Cote d’Ivoire, Africa): How may I differentiate the voice of God from my own perception or imagination?
Answer 1: Now, there are several ways that the Bible shows us that we can do that. The first one is that that voice, that thought, [or] that idea – whatever it is - must line up with the Word of God; that means, with the will and purpose of God that’s already written for us in scripture. In other words, the voice of God to you in your heart will never contradict what God says – it’ll never contradict the scriptures [what is clear to us from the scriptures]. So that’s the number one way you compare what you are having in your heart to what God tells us.
Secondly, whatever that thing is…because sometimes, you may not have a definite scripture for that voice or the message that is coming into your heart. For example, if it has to do with…you want a particular - maybe a job, maybe a project, you know, something like that that may not be expressly written in the scripture; how can you then compare it? So, if you can’t find it definitely in the Word of God, the next thing is it must glorify Jesus. The voice of the Holy Spirit will always glorify Jesus. Now, in St. John’s gospel Chapter 16, when you read from verse 13 [Jesus said these words]:”Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” In the 14th verse, He says: “He shall glorify me, for he shall receive of mine and shall shew it unto you. [John 16:13-14]” So, when the Holy Spirit receives from Jesus - when he receives from Jesus - He shows it unto us. So, he can show us the will and purpose of the Father for our lives. But that means, whatever it is that He’s bringing to us will surely glorify Jesus. So, does that message glorify Jesus? Does that idea glorify Jesus? So, it’s got to glorify Jesus.
Now, the other thing is, it must be in love – the motive must be in love, that message must be in love. In other words, what that message or that word is causing you to do must be in love – the love of God. See, faith is ministered to us through the Word of God. The Bible says “…faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”[Romans 10:17] Now, when we hear that Word of God and faith is imparted unto us, the Bible says “…faith works by love.”[Galatians 5:6] See? The faith that comes to us through the Word of God is propelled by love; love makes it work. And so, when the Word that’s coming to our heart is subjected to the scrutiny of love, we can tell whether or not it is from God. It’s got to be in Love.
Then, lastly, the timing: timing also matters because sometimes something is right in itself, but the timing may be wrong. And so, you can know about the will and purpose of God with reference to timing as well. Now, how can you know that? Well, timing means that we’re going to have certain confirmations in our spirits. There are certain confirmations that God will give to us. Sometimes, that confirmation is given as an inspiration that comes to you when you are listening to God’s word being preached, or taught, or when you’re studying, or a counsel – the counsel of a Pastor. You see, the pastoral leadership helps us also to gain the knowledge of accurate timing in the things of God.
Now, these several ways can help you know whether or not the message that you’re getting, the idea that you’re getting, the voice that you’re hearing is from God, or your perception or your own imagination.
Labels:
hearing God
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